Repair Systems
Rebar primers & inhibitors
2-part epoxy zinc-rich rebar primer — technical reference for concrete spalling in Australian remedial building practice. Covers system selection, product comparisons, and brand equivalents.
What is rebar primers & inhibitors?
Rebar primers and corrosion inhibitors are specialist coatings applied to cleaned, exposed reinforcing steel before repair mortar is placed to re-cover it. After concrete is broken back to expose corroded rebar, the steel must be mechanically cleaned to remove all rust, scale, and contamination, then primed immediately to prevent new oxidation forming during the repair process. Epoxy zinc-rich primers provide a sacrificial electrochemical barrier while the mortar is placed and cures; migrating-type inhibitors may also be applied to adjacent unbroken concrete to address residual chloride contamination. The primer coat is a mandatory system component in all chloride-affected or carbonation-induced corrosion repair specifications — omitting it significantly reduces repair service life. Structural engineers specify these as part of a compliant EN 1504-7 reinforcement protection system.
Product Reference
Scroll right to see all brands. Use each card's TDS link for verified specifications before specifying on any project.
Sika Ferrogard-903+
migrating corrosion inhibitor applied to concrete surface, 5-20 L
System Description
Apply to cleaned, rust-free rebar before repair mortar. Critical in chloride-affected structures.
Technical Properties
- Creates a robust corrosion barrier between cleaned steel and repair mortar
- Zinc-rich formulations provide sacrificial cathodic protection of surrounding steel
Limitations
- Effectiveness entirely dependent on thorough steel preparation — ineffective on contamination
- Epoxy types have a limited pot life after mixing — typically 30–60 min
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
System Description
Apply to cleaned, rust-free rebar before repair mortar. Critical in chloride-affected structures.
Technical Properties
- Creates a robust corrosion barrier between cleaned steel and repair mortar
- Zinc-rich formulations provide sacrificial cathodic protection of surrounding steel
Limitations
- Effectiveness entirely dependent on thorough steel preparation — ineffective on contamination
- Epoxy types have a limited pot life after mixing — typically 30–60 min
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Fosroc Nitoprime Zincrich
2-part epoxy zinc-rich rebar primer, 1 L kit
System Description
Apply to cleaned, rust-free rebar before repair mortar. Critical in chloride-affected structures.
Technical Properties
- Creates a robust corrosion barrier between cleaned steel and repair mortar
- Zinc-rich formulations provide sacrificial cathodic protection of surrounding steel
Limitations
- Effectiveness entirely dependent on thorough steel preparation — ineffective on contamination
- Epoxy types have a limited pot life after mixing — typically 30–60 min
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
System Description
Apply to cleaned, rust-free rebar before repair mortar. Critical in chloride-affected structures.
Technical Properties
- Creates a robust corrosion barrier between cleaned steel and repair mortar
- Zinc-rich formulations provide sacrificial cathodic protection of surrounding steel
Limitations
- Effectiveness entirely dependent on thorough steel preparation — ineffective on contamination
- Epoxy types have a limited pot life after mixing — typically 30–60 min
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Tremco TREMcrete Zinc Rich Primer
epoxy zinc-rich rebar primer, 1 L kit
System Description
Apply to cleaned, rust-free rebar before repair mortar. Critical in chloride-affected structures.
Technical Properties
- Creates a robust corrosion barrier between cleaned steel and repair mortar
- Zinc-rich formulations provide sacrificial cathodic protection of surrounding steel
Limitations
- Effectiveness entirely dependent on thorough steel preparation — ineffective on contamination
- Epoxy types have a limited pot life after mixing — typically 30–60 min
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Brand Equivalents
Side-by-side view of equivalent products across all major brands.
| Material | Ardex | Sika | Fosroc | Tremco / Other | Parchem / Mapei |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinforcement primer (epoxy/zinc-rich) | Ardex BR 10 ZP | Sika Ferrogard-903+ | Fosroc Nitoprime Zincrich | Tremco TREMcrete Zinc Rich Primer | Parchem Zinc Primer |
Disclaimer
Information is general only. Product selection must be confirmed against project requirements, substrate condition, exposure class, manufacturer technical data sheets, NCC requirements, Australian Standards (including AS 3600), and consultant or structural engineer specifications. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional engineering advice.
Concrete & Structural Defects
Identify defect types, causes, and repair pathways before selecting a system.
Concrete & Structural Defects
Browse all concrete and structural defect subcategories.
Concrete spalling
Browse all product categories for concrete spalling.
Generate a Scope of Works
Use the AI Scope Builder to assemble a remedial scope.