ZERO RUST Paint. Application Mix well before using. For best results apply a minimum of two coats, using a crisscross pattern from one coat to the next to help preclude holidays (pin holes) and thin spots. To assure adequate coverage, an easy visual barometer is to use two different colors for the first and second coats; i.e., a coat of red oxide followed by enough of the final color to hide the red oxide. This two-coat, two-color method will preclude putting on too much product. For maximum protection, red oxide and black are the best for sealing, and we recommend using either of these colors as the first coat. Do not apply too heavily and allow adequate time for flash off between coats (20 to 30 minutes is the minimum flash off time between coats). This is extremely important! Because ZR is designed for impermeability, the surface of the film starts closing as solvents start flashing off. This in turn impedes the migration of solvents from the interior of the film. When a thick coat is applied or if adequate time is not allowed between coats, the paint takes much longer to dry thoroughly. When closing bulk containers for subsequent use, pour a 1/4 inch layer of thinner on top of the remaining ZR before closing the lid. This will stop skin from forming during storage and lengthen the life of your unused ZR. There is a possibility of color chalking or fading on exterior applications. If gloss and long-term color retention are important, we recommend top coating with Crystal Coat™, which is a non-yellowing clear acrylic topcoat that has been formulated as a color stabilizing, high gloss coating to be used over ZR. Drying Time Topcoats High-solids, acetone-free, two-component automotive urethanes can be used successfully as topcoats. Urethanes containing acetone, however, make top coating air-dry finishes more difficult. As acetone is now Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) exempt, it is increasingly being used in urethanes. Our testing shows that, because acetone is an aggressive paint stripper, it can soften and wrinkle or lift the undercoat, thus shortening the lift-free window. It requires more precise timing when top coating with low viscosity urethanes that contain acetone or that are thinned with acetone. A 4 mil wet film of ZR can be top coated within 3 to 6 hours with minimal solvent trap problems. If you are unable to apply the topcoat within this time frame, it is advisable to wait 24 hours before top coating. Additionally, applying a light bridge coat of the urethane before the flood coat will help stop solvent dive-in, which can cause lifting and wrinkling of the ZR. Thinning
Apply with spray, brush, or roller. ZR is a high solids product with 54% solids by volume. For practical purposes, 2 mils of wet film yields one mil of dry film after solvent evaporation. If ZR is thinned prior to application, additional wet film thickness must be applied to reach the same desired mileage.
ZR dries to touch in 30 minutes and is tack-free within one hour, depending on the relative humidity and temperature. Drying time can also be affected by film thickness, flash off time between coats, amount of thinning, air movement, and temperature.
Normally, commercial topcoats may be applied within 24 hours or after solvents have evaporated. ZR is compatible with a wide variety of commercial topcoats. As it is impossible to cover all topcoats or topcoat combinations here, you will need to do test panels to determine compatibility and dry time window for your selected topcoat/topcoats. For particular applications, contact your technical representative.
Cleanup and Waste Disposal
Use methyl ethylketone (MEK), xylene or lacquer thinner for cleanup. Dispose of wastes and residue in accordance with regulations applicable to the area of use.
Coverage
288 square feet per gallon for recommended 3 mils (.003 inch) dry film thickness.
Application with airless spray equipment requires no thinning and can be done directly from the can. Because of its high-solids content, ZR will require thinning for most siphon gun and gravity-feed applications. A reduction of 15-20% with xylene is typical. Recommended thinners are xylene, lacquer thinner, acetone, and acrylic enamel reducer. Do not use mineral spirits or VMP Naphtha for thinning. When using a brush or roller, thin to suit. If the container is open for an extended time, Zero Rust may start to thicken due to solvent evaporation. To maintain the desired consistency, add more thinners and mix well. NOTE: ZR meets the current Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) limits for Architectural Coatings (AIM) as published by the US Environmental Protection Agency on 9/11/98. For those customers who fall under the AIM category, thinning must be done with an EPA-approved exempt solvent such as Acetone or Oxsol 100.
