Repair Systems
Epoxy zinc-rich primers
2-part epoxy zinc-rich rebar primer — technical reference for reinforcement corrosion in Australian remedial building practice. Covers system selection, product comparisons, and brand equivalents.
What is epoxy zinc-rich primers?
Epoxy zinc-rich primers are two-component coatings applied to blast-cleaned or mechanically prepared reinforcing steel to provide both a physical barrier and sacrificial cathodic protection. The zinc-rich pigment in the cured film acts sacrificially — the zinc oxidises preferentially, protecting exposed steel at coating defects or holidays. Applied to rebar exposed during concrete breakout in corrosion repair works, they form the first protective layer in the complete repair system before repair mortar is placed. The steel must be prepared to a minimum Sa 2.5 standard (near-white blast clean or mechanical equivalent) to achieve the adhesion required for long-term performance; application to contaminated or rusted steel is ineffective. Part of a system that includes a structural repair mortar and, where required, a migrating corrosion inhibitor applied to adjacent concrete.
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+
corrosion inhibitor and primer coat for cleaned rebar, 5 L
System Description
Apply to blast-cleaned rebar (Sa 2.5) before repair mortar. Zinc content min 85% dry film. Two coats.
Technical Properties
- Dual protection — barrier coating plus zinc sacrificial action on cleaned rebar
- Achieves good adhesion to blast-cleaned or mechanically prepared steel
Limitations
- Requires minimum Sa 2.5 (near-white blast) surface preparation — cannot be applied to rust
- Overcoating window must be strictly observed — too early or too late reduces adhesion
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
System Description
Apply to blast-cleaned rebar (Sa 2.5) before repair mortar. Zinc content min 85% dry film. Two coats.
Technical Properties
- Dual protection — barrier coating plus zinc sacrificial action on cleaned rebar
- Achieves good adhesion to blast-cleaned or mechanically prepared steel
Limitations
- Requires minimum Sa 2.5 (near-white blast) surface preparation — cannot be applied to rust
- Overcoating window must be strictly observed — too early or too late reduces adhesion
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Fosroc Nitoprime Zincrich
2-part epoxy zinc-rich rebar primer, 1 L kit
System Description
Apply to blast-cleaned rebar (Sa 2.5) before repair mortar. Zinc content min 85% dry film. Two coats.
Technical Properties
- Dual protection — barrier coating plus zinc sacrificial action on cleaned rebar
- Achieves good adhesion to blast-cleaned or mechanically prepared steel
Limitations
- Requires minimum Sa 2.5 (near-white blast) surface preparation — cannot be applied to rust
- Overcoating window must be strictly observed — too early or too late reduces adhesion
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
System Description
Apply to blast-cleaned rebar (Sa 2.5) before repair mortar. Zinc content min 85% dry film. Two coats.
Technical Properties
- Dual protection — barrier coating plus zinc sacrificial action on cleaned rebar
- Achieves good adhesion to blast-cleaned or mechanically prepared steel
Limitations
- Requires minimum Sa 2.5 (near-white blast) surface preparation — cannot be applied to rust
- Overcoating window must be strictly observed — too early or too late reduces adhesion
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Tremco TREMcrete Zinc Rich Primer
epoxy zinc-rich rebar primer, 1 L kit
System Description
Apply to blast-cleaned rebar (Sa 2.5) before repair mortar. Zinc content min 85% dry film. Two coats.
Technical Properties
- Dual protection — barrier coating plus zinc sacrificial action on cleaned rebar
- Achieves good adhesion to blast-cleaned or mechanically prepared steel
Limitations
- Requires minimum Sa 2.5 (near-white blast) surface preparation — cannot be applied to rust
- Overcoating window must be strictly observed — too early or too late reduces adhesion
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Brand Equivalents
Side-by-side view of equivalent products across all major brands.
| Material | Ardex | Sika | Fosroc | Tremco / Other | Parchem / Mapei |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy zinc-rich primer | Ardex BR 10 ZP | Sika Ferrogard-903+ | Fosroc Nitoprime Zincrich | Tremco TREMcrete Zinc Rich Primer | Fosroc Nitoprime Zincrich |
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.
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