Guideline of Trade Associations

Corrosion Protection of Steel Structures

Duplex Systems
Hot-dip Galvanized Coating plus Paint Coating
- Selection, Execution, and Application -

Jointly published by

Foreword
The subsequent guideline for coating of hot-dip galvanized steel structure components by
liquid and powder coating materials is intended to summarise the current knowledge as far it
is confirmed for practical application. The guideline has been prepared to inform the user
with regard to important relationships but is not intended to replace current standards which it
may only supplement.
The guideline has been prepared by a common Working Group, consisting of experts of the
following trade associations:

Bundesverband Korrosionsschutz e. V.
Neukllner Strae 2
50676 Kln
GERMANY
E-Mail: info@bundesverband-korrosionsschutz.de
Internet: www.bundesverband-korrosionsschutz.de
Deutscher Stahlbauverband DSTV
Sohnstrae 65
40237 Dsseldorf
GERMANY
E-Mail: dstv@deutscherstahlbau.de
Internet: www.deutscherstahlbau.de
Industrieverband Feuerverzinken e. V.
Sohnstrae 70
40237 Dsseldorf
GERMANY
E-Mail: feuerverzinken@t-online.de
Internet: www.feuerverzinken.com
Verband der deutschen Lackindustrie e. V.
Karlstrae 21
60329 Frankfurt (Main)
GERMANY
E-Mail: vdl@vci.de
Internet: www.lackindustrie.de
This guideline should be used for steel structures within the field of application of EN ISO
12944 (Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems), but may also be
used analogously for further coating of other steel parts provided with zinc coatings.

Dsseldorf, in June 2000

Contents

Field of application

Page
4

Standards

Terms / Definitions

Field of application and purpose of duplex systems

Composition and properties of duplex systems

5.1

General

5.2

Hot-dip galvanizing

5.2.1

Thickness of zinc coatings

5.2.2

Properties of zinc coatings

5.2.3

Requirements in accordance with EN ISO 1461

5.3

Coating materials / Paint coatings for duplex systems

5.3.1

General notes: Liquid and powder coating materials

5.3.2

Special notes for liquid coating materials

12

5.3.3

Special notes for powder coating materials

13

Adhesion of the paint coating on the zinc coating

13

Condition and surface preparation / pretreatment of zinc coatings

13

7.1

Surface of unweathered zinc coating

13

7.2

Surface of weathered zinc coating

14

7.3

Methods of surface preparation and surface pretreatment

14

Test methods for paint coatings

17

8.1

General

17

8.2

Basic tests / Testing in the laboratory

18

Examples of paint systems for practical use

18

10

Use of duplex systems in steel construction

21

10.1

Application

21

10.2

Application in the shop

21

11

Particular notes

22

11.1

Determination of dry film thickness

22

11.2

Reference areas

22

11.3

Corrosion protection-proved design

23

11.4

Contractual agreements

23

12

Bibliography

24

4
1

Field of application

This guideline is intended to inform customers, planners, consultants, companies carrying

out hot-dip galvanizing and paint work as well as manufacturers of coating materials with
regard to corrosion protection of steel structures by hot-dip galvanizing plus paint coating
(duplex systems) in accordance with EN ISO 12944. Steel structures in accordance with
these guidelines are steel building components of material thickness 3 mm for which an
approved strength calculation is required. In the field of application of zinc coatings such
steel structures will normally be protected by hot-dip galvanizing in accordance with EN ISO
1461.
The subsequent guideline describes requirements and tests for duplex systems, consisting of
zinc coatings and coatings of liquid coating materials or powder coating materials
respectively.
This guideline is applicable with restrictions for steel structures consisting of parts which
have been zinc-coated by other hot-dip galvanizing methods (e.g. of continuously hot-dip
galvanized strip and sheet in accordance with EN 10142 and EN 10147).

Standards

In this guideline the following standards are referenced. These standards are to be used in
their actual version.
ISO 7253
Paints and varnishes Determination of resistance to neutral salt spray
DIN 50017
Climates and their technical application - Condensed water containing climates
DIN 50018
Testing in a saturated atmosphere in the presence of sulfur dioxide
DIN 50021
Spray tests with different sodium chloride solutions
DIN 53167
Paints, varnishes and similar coating materials Salt spray test on coatings
EN 10142
Continuously hot-dip zinc coated low carbon steel strip and sheet for cold forming - Technical
delivery conditions
EN 10147
Continuously hot-dip zinc coated structural steel strip and sheet -Technical delivery
conditions
EN 24624
Paints and varnishes Pull-off test for adhesion
EN ISO 1461
Hot-dip-galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles

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EN ISO 2360
Non-conductive coatings on non-magnetic basis metals Measurement of coating
thickness Eddy current method
EN ISO 2409
Paints and varnishes Cross-cut test
EN ISO 2808
Paints and varnishes Determination of film thickness
EN ISO 3231
Paints and varnishes Determination of resistance to humid atmospheres containing sulfur
dioxide
EN ISO 6270
Paints and varnishes Determination of resistance to humidity (continuous condensation)
EN ISO 12944-1 to 8
Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems
EN ISO 14713
Protection against corrosion of iron and steel in structures Zinc and aluminium
coatings Guidelines

Terms / Definitions

The following terms and definitions are of importance in connection with the subsequent
guideline. They are therefore defined or explained in the following. As far as available,
definitions given in existing standards have been used as the basis of the definitions.
Metallic coating/ paint coating:

Coats of metal are designated metallic coatings; coats of

coating materials (paints and related products) are
designated paint coatings (see DIN 50902)

Coating material:

Pigmented product in liquid or in paste or powder form,

which, when applied to a substrate, forms an opaque
film having protective, decorative or other specific
properties (see EN ISO 12944-1)

Protective paint system:

Sum total of the coats of paints or related products

which are to be applied or which have been applied to a
substrate to provide corrosion protection (see
EN ISO 12944-1)

Hydro coatings:

Paint coatings obtained by application of water-borne

coating materials

Protective coating system:

Sum total of coats of metal materials and/or paints or

related products which are to be applied or which have
been applied to a substrate to provide corrosion
protection (see EN ISO 12944-1)

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Duplex system:

Protective coating system, consisting of a zinc coating in

combination with one ore more subsequent paint
coatings (see EN ISO 12944-5)

White rust:

White to dark grey corrosion products on zinc-coated

surfaces (see EN ISO 12944-4)

Surface preparation:

Any removing method of preparing a surface (examples:

pickling, blast-cleaning) for coating (see EN ISO 129444)

Surface pretreatment:

Any method of preparing a surface by which conversion

layers are formed (example: phosphating) (see ISO
8044)

Sweep blast-cleaning:

Light blast-cleaning for the purpose of cleaning and

roughening surfaces (see EN ISO 12944-4)

Field of application and purpose of duplex systems

Duplex systems, consisting of a zinc coating obtained by hot-dip galvanizing + paint coating,
are used where the following points of view have to be particularly considered:
High durability:
The durability of duplex systems normally is significantly higher than the sum of the
individual durability of the zinc coating and that of the paint coating. One is talking
here about a synergism effect. The resulting factor of prolongation is between about
1,2 and 1,5, depending on the system.
Colour design:
In addition to the metallic zinc coating it is possible in the case of duplex systems to
utilize the full range of colours available by paint coatings.
Signalling/Camouflage/Adaptation:
For certain objects marking by colours for warning and identification purposes is
necessary. By the use of suitable coating materials an adaptation of objects to the
surrounding or a camouflage effect can also be achieved.
The duplex system meets the requirement of corrosion protection in the shop. It renders both
hot-dip galvanizing and paint work in the shop under defined and optimum conditions
possible. Work on site and influences of weather and temperature will be minimised.
The corrosive stress has been distinctly went down in Western Europe in the past years due
to the lowered pollutant content of the atmosphere. As an average value the removal of zinc
amounts to about 1 m/a. From this a considerable higher durability of zinc coatings results
which, in turn, makes in some cases the use of duplex systems for prolonging the
effectiveness of the protective coating system not absolutely necessary. An increasing
importance has, however, the architectural and colour design of steel building components.
In the case of zinc-coated steel this is only possible by additional paint coatings.
The application of suitable coating materials is also then appropriate if, in certain cases, the
delivery of zinc to the environment has to be avoided.

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5

Composition and properties of duplex systems

5.1

General

The aim of duplex systems corrosion protection of high durability will be achieved if both
parties of the system fulfil their function and are optimally adapted to each other.
For this, the selection of suitable coating materials for the single or multi-coat paint coatings
is particularly important. These materials shall have certain application-related properties
such as UV resistance, resistance to chemicals, diffusion tightness etc.. Precondition for a
high durability is, however, an unobjectionable and long-lasting adhesion on the hot-dipgalvanized zinc coating. As a matter of principle, only those systems should be used which
have been proved in suitability tests as being suitable for use on hot-dip-galvanized zinc
coatings (see clause 8).
5.2

Hot-dip-galvanizing

Hot-dip galvanizing is a melt dipping method in which building components, workpieces or

sheets of steel are provided with a zinc or zinc alloy coating by dipping into a liquid zinc melt.
The requirements and the test methods for the zinc coating are specified in EN ISO 1461.
5.2.1

Thickness of zinc coatings

In accordance with EN ISO 1461 the minimum thickness of zinc coatings is between 45 m
and 85 m. In practice the zinc coatings are, however, distinctly thicker, depending on
composition of the steel, material thickness, time period of dipping and other parameters.
Minimum thicknesses are given in table 1. In practice higher coating thicknesses may be
agreed.
Table 1: Minimum thickness of zinc coatings (EN ISO 1461)
Material thickness
mm

Coating thickness
m

< 1,5

45

1,5 to < 3

55

3 to < 6

70

85

5.2.2 Properties of zinc coatings

Depending on the chemical composition of the steel to be zinc-coated and the mass of the
steel part the zinc coating is formed differently (Figure 1). Zinc coatings may consist of a
layer of an iron zinc alloy and a so-called pure-zinc layer above it (silvery appearance), but
also completely of iron zinc alloy layers. The latter show a grey appearance and are slightly
more rough than silvery zinc coatings. There are no differences with regard to corrosion
protection between these possible variations in the case of weathering by the atmosphere.
Both are suitable as substrate for a subsequent paint coating.

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In the course of weathering corrosion products are formed on the surface of zinc coatings,
predominantly consisting of zinc oxide and basic zinc carbonate. Depending on the chemical
composition of the zinc coating, the corrosive stress and its duration whitish to grey or also
brownish corrosion products may be formed in the course of time.

a)

b)
Figure 1:

5.2.3

Zinc coatings in accordance with EN ISO 1461 on steel with different silicon
content, metallographic transverse section with magnification 200:1, etched
a) with pronounced pure-zinc layer
b) with overalloyed iron-zinc-alloy layer

Requirements in accordance with EN ISO 1461

EN ISO 1461 contains the following statements regarding duplex systems:

Sub-clause 6.3 Renovation

Where a special requirement is advised by the purchaser, e.g. a paint coating to be applied
subsequently, the proposed renovation procedure shall be advised in advance to the
purchaser by the galvanizer.
Clause A.2 Additional information
The following information may be required for particular purposes and, if so, shall be supplied
or specified, as applicable, by the purchaser ... .
Any after-treatments or overcoating to be given to the galvanized coating ...
Clause C.4 After-treatment

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To retard the possible formation of wet storage stain on the surface, articles that are not to
be painted can be given a suitable surface treatment after hot dip galvanizing
If the articles are to be painted or powder coated after galvanizing, the purchaser should
inform the galvanizer before the article is galvanized.
In addition, in the National Supplement to EN ISO 1461 attention is drawn to the following:
Re: Annex A.2 - Abbreviations
Coating DIN EN ISO 1461 t Zn b as well as
Coating DIN EN ISO 1461 t Zn k.
The abbreviation t Zn b means Hot-dip galvanizing and paint coating, the abbreviation t
Zn k means hot-dip galvanizing and no after-treatment to be carried out.
Re: Clause C.4 After-treatment
Normally, no after-treatment of zinc coatings is carried out. In the absence of particular
agreements relating to this, it is up to the supplier whether and, if so, which type of aftertreament is chosen (abbreviation t Zn o). If hot-dip galvanized steel parts are intended to be
painted afterwards, the attention of the galvanizing shop is to be drawn to this fact in order to
avoid measures by the shop which adversely affect the adhesion and the properties of the
paint coating. In these cases the abbreviation t Zn k (no after-treatment) is to be used.
It is recommendable to order for duplex systems a zinc coating having the abbreviation t Zn
k so that no after-treatment is carried out in the galvanizing shop which adversely affects the
adhesion of subsequent paint coatings.
5.3

Coating materials / Paint coatings for duplex systems

5.3.1

General notes: Liquid and powder coating materials

Paint coatings for duplex systems are obtained from liquid coating materials and powder
coating materials of different binder basis. In the technical frame of selected binder basis
they can be adapted to the methods of surface preparation and application as well as to the
drying and curing conditions.
Liquid

Powder

Application

Brushing, roller coating,

spraying

Electrostatic
spraying

Drying,
curing

Depending on type
physically or
chemical reaction

Thermal
curing by
chemical reaction
at 150 to 220 C

Coating material

Coating
(solid and firmly
adhering)
Whilst liquid coating materials are drying or curing at normal environmental conditions,
powder coating materials are to be principally cured thermally.
Liquid coating materials for corrosion protection contain volatile matter (organic solvents and
water). Powder coating materials are applied in the form of a dry free-flowing powder and
practically contain no volatile matter.

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Properties of coatings such as thermoplasticity, hardness, mechanical resistance, UV

resistance, resistance to heat and chemicals etc. are essentially influenced by the binder.
Characterization of coating materials and coatings by statement of the binder basis is
therefore meaningful, both in practice and standardization, and is also common practice.
Decisive for the suitability in duplex systems is, however, the special formulation with
optimum adaptation of suitable binders from a large number of possibilities within the binder
classes and the pigment composition.
Depending on the application case, priming, intermediate and top coats will be used, or top
coats also directly.
Paint coatings on zinc coatings not normally require pigmentation with active pigments. The
use of such pigments is, however, possible and may be advantageous in special cases. The
coating materials for a coating system and their application are to be adapted to each other.
The materials should, if possible, originate from one and the same manufacturer.
For duplex systems only such coating materials must be used for which a confirmation of the
manufacturer on their suitability on a hot-dip galvanized zinc coating is available.
Coating materials with optimum formulation give coatings with good adhesion. The
requirements to the surface preparation/surface treatment depend on the coating material.
Liquid and powder coating materials are listed in tables 2 and 3.
Epoxy resin coatings with high mechanical resistance and good resistance to chemicals are
preferably used inside buildings because of their typical chalking under UV exposure, under
natural weathering conditions normally together with UV-resistant top coats.
The colour stability and the remaining properties will be influenced by the binder basis, but
exceptionally by the formulation of the products
Advice can be taken from the technical papers issued by the manufacturers.

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Table 2: Binder basis and film formation of the mainly used

liquid coating materials for duplex systems
Liquid coating materials
Binder basis

Volatile Type of film

matter formation

Symbol
1-pack (1K)
coating
materials
Acrylic resins

AY

organic
solvents

physically
drying

1)

Acrylic resins

AY

water 2)

physically
drying
(by
coalescence)

Vinyl chloride
copolymers

PVC

organic
solvents

physically
drying

organic
solvents

Curing by
chemical
reaction

organic
solvents

Curing by
chemical
reaction/physi
cally drying

organic
solvents

Curing by
chemical
reaction

1)

2-pack (2K)
coating
materials
Epoxy resins

EP

1)

EP +
Polyamino
compounds
Epoxy resin
combinations

EP/
comb

1)

EP/hydrocarbon resins
+ polyamino
compounds
Polyurethane
resins

PUR

1)

Acrylic
resins
+ aliphatic polyisocyanate
1)
2)

Different composition , adapted to binder, application and drying conditions

Low amounts of organic solvents technically required

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Table 3: Binder basis and film formation of the mainly used powder coating materials

Powder coating material

Basis of the binder
Epoxy resin
Epoxy/polyester resin
Polyester resin
Polyurethane-curing
polyester resin

Symbol
EP
EP/SP
SP
PUR

Volatile matter
none
none
none
none or only
small amounts
of caprolactam

Type of film formation

Chemical reaction by
thermal curing at 150 C
to 220 C (depending on
type)

5.3.2 Special notes for liquid coating materials

As can be seen from table 2, for duplex systems liquid coating materials with different binder
basis and film formation will be used.
1-pack (1K) coating materials:
These coating materials based on thermoplastic binders such as PVC and acrylic
resin are physically drying by evaporation of the volatile matter. Particularly at
elevated temperature the coatings obtained are more soft and more plastic than
the chemically cross-linked coatings from 2-pack reactive coating materials
In the case of the solvent-containing PVC and acrylic resin systems the film
formation is reversible, i.e. the solvent of the coating material will initiate the
dissolution of the coating.
When using coating materials based on water-dispersed acrylic resins, coatings
with very good adhesion and permanent elasticity will be obtained. These coating
materials contain essentially water as volatile matter so that no or only low
emissions of solvents will occur. The film formation takes place by evaporation of
the water and coalescence (fusion of the polymer particles) of the dispersed
binder and is not reversible.
2-pack (2K) coating materials:
In these reactive coating materials two different components react together, a socalled base component and a curing agent component (two-component coating
materials). The two components will be supplied separately and mixed short time
before use in the specified proportion. Application takes place within the pot life
indicated by the manufacturer. After evaporation of the volatile matter the two
components form the coating by chemical reaction.
Depending on the combined components, coatings with different cross-linking,
hardness, UV stability etc. result which, in contrast to physically drying binders,
are not soluble and not thermoplastic. Two-component coatings are therefore
more resistant to mechanical stresses.
The application of the coating material normally takes place by brushing, roller coating and
spraying. The mainly used spraying method is manual airless or air-mix spraying, in the case
of shop application also automatic plants are used.

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5.3.3 Special notes for powder coating materials
Duroplastic binders are almost used exclusively. Epoxy resin powder coating materials are
normally characterized by particularly good adhesion as well as resistance to chemicals and
corrosion. Epoxy polyester resin powder coating materials can often be used very
economically. Polyester resin powder coating materials are suitable for exterior weathering.
Less frequently polyurethane powder coating materials are used which are likewise resistant
to exterior weathering, as well as thermoplastics, e.g. PVC.
The adhesion of coatings from powder coating materials on hot-dip galvanized steel is
decisively determined by the condition of the surface, i.e. the surface preparation or surface
treatment respectively.
As powder coating materials have to be stoved at 150 C to 220 C for film formation and
curing, visual film defects such as blisters, craters etc. may occur due to gassing from the
zinc coating. Here the use of powder coating materials with appropriate additives has been
proved to minimise this problem. Partly, these additives will also be added by the applicator,
in accordance with information given by the manufacturer. The appearance can also be
improved by annealing at the stoving temperature or by application of two layers of the
powder coating material, in the case of gassing also by sweep blast-cleaning.
6

Adhesion of the paint coating on the zinc coating

An unobjectionable adhesion of the paint coating on the zinc coating is precondition for
duplex systems of high durability. If the state of the art is consequently observed by all
parties, outstanding results will be achieved. In the same way as zinc coating and paint
coating can supplement each other in an optimum manner when using suitable coating
materials and complying with the technical rules, they can, on the other hand, also adversely
influence each other distinctly.
Most of the defects due to insufficient adhesion, which occur again and again, can be
avoided very simply by adaptation of the surface of the zinc coating to the subsequent paint
system.
This can take place by:
Selection or modification of the coating material for a given (defined) zinc coating, or
Preparation of the required zinc surface by process engineering or surface preparation
for the intended paint system.
In particular in the case of hot-dip galvanizing it is appropriate to test the adhesion of the
paint coatings on the steel components or testplates with representative zinc coating surface.
This test is an essential part when selecting suitable coating materials.
7
7.1

Condition and preparation / pretreatment of zinc surfaces

Surface of unweathered zinc coating

When hot-dip galvanizing individual steel components, an exactly defined and uniform
surface condition will not be possible technically, even with the same composition of the melt
and under appropriate execution of the work The surface may show irregularities which may
adversely influence the application of subsequent coating materials.

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Examples of irregularities in the zinc coating are:

runs or areas with high coating thicknesses;
areas without zinc and areas with pores;
lack of adhesion between zinc and steel;
zinc peaks;
adhering zinc ash and hard zinc.
Before applying paint systems, the applicator has to convince itself by visual assessment of
the condition of the zinc coating and its suitability as substrate.
During storage after hot-dip galvanizing the fresh zinc surface reacts with the surrounding
atmosphere. Zinc oxides, zinc hydroxides and partly also zinc carbonates will be formed.
Because they can adversely effect the adhesion of paint coatings, at least in the case of
usual 2-pack liquid coating materials as well as generally before the application of a powder
coating material a complete and reliable removal of these surface layers is necessary. Zinc
surfaces intended for powder coating materials are to be treated by phosphating, chromating
or sweep blast-cleaning immediately before the application.
7.2

Surface of weathered zinc coating

In the course of storage the thickness of the formed surface layers (white rust) increases.
These layers may contain further reaction products, e.g. zinc sulfate, zinc hydroxide and zinc
chloride, depending on the environmental conditions and the duration of storage. As white
rust the totality of such layers is understood. White rust will be formed in particular under the
influence of condensed water and in the case of insufficient ventilation of hot-dip galvanized
steel components. On zinc coatings with overalloyed iron-zinc alloy layer a brown colouration
may occur, caused by oxidation of the ferrous constituents. All these zinc corrosion products
have to be removed, either largely or completely. The surface preparation methods used for
this purpose depend on the type and amount of the contaminants.
7.3 Methods of surface preparation/surface pretreatment of hot-dip galvanized steel
building components
As surface preparation those working procedures are designated which are used to remove
foreign contaminants, e.g. grease, fat, oil and other dirt, as well as characteristic layers, e.g.
thin oxide layers, white rust or other zinc corrosion products. To obtain a defined surface on
which a paint coating will adhere satisfactorily, normally a surface preparation of the zinc
coating is necessary.
The type and amount of work to be carried out in the individual case depend on
the condition of the surface,
the technical possibilities,
the coating material to be applied, and
the later corrosive stress.
Both reducing methods (surface preparation) and methods which, for example, provide a
conversion layer (surface pretreatment) are possible. The guidance given by the
manufacturer of the coating material is to be considered.
Methods of technical importance are:

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Surface preparation:
Washing
Degreasing
Brushing
Water jetting
Sweep blast-cleaning
Ammonia solution wash with wetting agent (ANW)
Surface treatment:
Chromating/Phosphating
A choice of methods can be taken from table 4.
Table 4:

Type and application of surface preparation/surface treatment methods

Surface
preparation/
treatment
method

Shop
Site
application application

Liquid
Powder
coating
coating
material EN material
ISO 12944
(shop)

Remarks

without

Washing
Degreasing
Brushing
Cleaning with
water

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

Water jetting

(x)

observe
conditions of
sweep blastcleaning

only for smaller

areas, observe
safety at work

x
x

Sweep blastcleaning

Ammonia
solution wash
with
wetting
agent (ANW)
Chromating
Phosphating
x:
(x):
- :

(x)

x
x

only for small

areas

suitable
suitable with restrictions
not suitable

It is only possible to refrain from a particular surface preparation if immediately after hot-dip
galvanizing the surface is coated with suitable coating materials, taking into account the later
corrosive stress.

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Washing:
The surface to be cleaned is to be washed down with fresh water by water cleaning or by
using a plastics fleece with abrasive embedding. To remove oil or fat, detergents (surface
active agents) can be added. Afterwards it is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water.
Degreasing:
Degreasing is normally carried out by use of organic solvents. Care is to be taken that the
cloth used is sufficiently often replaced to achieve a good degreasing result. The method is
generally used for small areas only.
Degreasing by use of alkaline industrial cleaning agents is to be carried out in stationary
plants in accordance with information given by the manufacturer. Afterwards it is to be rinsed
with fresh water until the surface is neutral.
Brushing:
Precondition for brushing are surfaces that are essentially free from grease. Brushing can
take place manually using brushes with brass wire or plastics bristles, trowel, scraper,
plastics fleece with embedded abrasive, abrasive paper as well as similar, mechanically
driven tools. During the work polishing of the surface is to be avoided as the adhesion of
paint coatings on such surfaces is insufficient.
Cleaning with water:
In this method the surface to be cleaned is washed down with fresh water to which a wetting
agent may have been added, if necessary. Afterwards, it is to be thoroughly rinsed with clean
water.
Water blast-cleaning:
High-pressure water cleaning (water jetting) is carried out using a pressure between 70 MPa
and 170 MPa. If detergents are added to the water, afterwards thorough rinsing with clean
water is necessary. The cleaned part should become dry without delay.
Sweep blast-cleaning:
The aim of sweep blast-cleaning is to clean and roughen paint coatings and metallic coatings
on the surface only. The required surface condition shall be agreed between the parties
concerned, together with the thickness of the zinc coating to remain. Sweep blast-cleaning is,
however, a strong mechanical stress for the zinc coating which, if not properly carried out,
may lead to defects in the coating (cracks, detachments). Important parameters are, for
example, hardness and density of the blast-cleaning abrasive, attack angle, distance
between nozzle (or rotating wheel) and surface, working pressure (throwing-off speed) and
particle size of abrasive (see, for example, EN ISO 12944-4).
Proved parameters for sweep blast-cleaning when using manual compressed-air blastcleaning are:
Abrasive:
Abrasive particle size:
Pressure at the nozzle:
Attack angle:

non-metallic slag abrasives,

corundum, glass beads
0,25 mm to 0,50 mm
2,5 bar to 3 bar
<30 (observe geometry of the building component)

If centrifugal blast-cleaning equipment is used, the throwing-off speed of the abrasive at the
rotating wheel is to be controlled so that no damage of the zinc coating occurs and that the
abrasive is completely removed again from the surface. Sweep blast-cleaned surfaces shall
appear mat.

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Ammonia solution wash with wetting agent (ANW):

This method is using an aqueous solution of ammonia (NH4OH). A mixture of about 1 litre
of ammonia solution, 10 % by mass, and 10 litres of water, with addition of 1 to 2 crown
corks of wetting agent has been proved suitable.
The surface to be cleaned is to be grinded with corundum inbedded plastics fleece and the
above mixture until a grey foam is formed which should be allowed to react for about 10
minutes. Afterwards it is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water.
Caution: Legislation regarding waste water is to be considered.
For protection of the skin rubber gloves during the grinding work are appropriate; in the case
of interior work good ventilation is to be provided. In no case steel wool shall be used for
grinding.
Chromating:
Chromating will normally be used in connection with the application of powder coating
materials. This method, to be carried out in shops or stationary plants only, comprises at
least the following process steps: Degreasing Rinsing Pickling - Rinsing Chromating
Rinsing Rinsing with deionised water Drying.
Phosphating:
Analogously to chromating also phosphating of hot-dip galvanized surfaces is possible, in
particular before application of powder coating materials. The process steps to be carried out
are similar, the measures with regard to protection at work are significantly less. Phosphating
is preferably to be carried out using zinc phosphating solutions.
Chromated and phosphated surfaces are to be provided with paint coatings immediately after
the pretreatment. Also in the case of preparation by sweep blast-cleaning a short time period
between preparation and application of the coating material is advantageous.
Valid legislation regarding health, safety, and protection of the environment must be
considered for all methods.
8

Test methods for paint coatings

8.1 General
Impairment of adhesion of paint coatings of duplex systems may normally occur after stress
by humidity, e. g. during natural weathering, by condensation etc.. Testing the adhesion of
paint coatings exclusively in dry or unstressed condition is therefore meaningful at most in
the case of interior applications without condensation conditions.
On site a paint coating on a hot-dip galvanized surface (zinc-coated article) can be tested as
follows:
Film thickness in accordance with EN ISO 2808 in connection with EN ISO 2360
Adhesion in accordance with EN ISO 2409 and EN 24624

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8.2

Basic tests / Testing in the laboratory

Besides the tests listed in 8.1 further tests are necessary. In EN ISO 12944-6 Corrosion
protection of steel structures by protective paint systems the adhesion of paint systems on
zinc-coated steel is tested after they have been aged in accordance with EN ISO 6270. The
time period of ageing is at least 240 h and is prolonged for high corrosive stress and high
durability to 720 h.
During the ageing the painted side of the test panels is exposed to condensed water vapour
from a water bath heated to 40 C, whilst the reverse side of the panels is in contact with a
standard atmosphere of 23 C. Due to the resulting temperature difference condensation at
the painted side and water transfer within the paint coating into the direction of the phase
boundary paint coating/zinc coating takes place which in turn leads to internal stresses in the
paint coating. The adhesion is evaluated in accordance with EN ISO 12944-6 at standard
atmosphere 24 h after the ageing. The test is passed if no more than classification 1 results
in the cross-cut test and no blisters, cracks, flaking or rust has become visible.
For certain fields of application the above tests are not sufficient. Therefore, further test
methods (e.g. ISO 7253 and EN ISO 3231), in particular for atmospheric stresses > C3, can
be agreed.
9

Examples of paint systems for practical use

For structures consisting of carbon or low-alloy steel of at least 3 mm thickness which are
designed using an approved strength calculation EN ISO 12944 deals with possible
corrosion protection measures, in particular those using liquid coating materials, also on hotdip galvanized substrates.
In Table 5 examples of paint systems consisting of liquid coating materials are given for use
on hot-dip galvanized surfaces (zinc-coated articles), in analogy to EN ISO 12944-5, likewise
in table 6 for powder coating materials, although there is not yet a standard dealing with such
systems.
The table indicates
the surface preparation method to be used for the coating material;
the composition of the coating system (priming coat/top coat);
the required number of coats to be applied;
the total nominal film thickness and
the durability which can be achieved, related to the respective corrosivity category.
low (l):
2 to 5 years
medium (m): 5 to 15 years and
high(h):
>15 years
This corresponds to the durability of the paint coating but not to the durability of the total
duplex system. The durability in accordance with EN ISO 12944-5 exclusively refers to the
adhesion of the paint coating on the zinc coating. The corrosion protection efficiency of the
zinc coating will be further maintained. The remaining durability of the zinc coating is
dependent on the respective corrosivity category.
The corrosivity categories C2 to C5 (EN ISO 12944-2) mean:
C2
low
C3
medium
C4
high
C5-I very high (industrial atmosphere)
C5-M very high (marine atmosphere)

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19
Hot-dip galvanizing
Priming coat(s)
Surface
preparation
Cl
Sw
Binder
Number
NDFT.
of
coats

Top coat(s)
incl. intermediate coat
(1st top coat)
Binder
Number
NDFT
of
coats

Paint system
Number

Expected durability
(see ISO 12944-1)

TotalNDFT

Corrosivity category

of
coats
C2

m
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

EP
EP/comb.
AY hydro

1
1
1

80
80
80

AY

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Key:

--40
80
80
--40
80
80
----40
40
40
--80
80
80
---

PVC

x
x
x

x
x

----EP
EP/comb.
AY hydro
--EP
EP/comb.
AY hydro
---

--1
1
1
--1
1
1
----1
1
1
--1
1
1
---

x
o
o

PVC

AY

EP
or
PUR

EP/comb.
+ PUR
EP
or
PUR

1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2

m
80
80
80
160
80
80
80
160
80
120
80
80
80
160
80
80
80
80
80
160
160
160

1
2
2
3
1
2
2
3
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

80
120
160
240
80
120
160
240
80
120
120
120
120
160
160
160
160

L
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

2
3
3
3

160
240
240
240

x
x
x
x

C3

C4

C5-I

C5-M

M
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

H
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

L
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

M H

M H

M H

M H

x
x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x

x
x
x

Cl = Cleaning, Sw = Sweep blast-cleaning or alternative preparation method of same efficiency

NDFT = nominal dry film thickness

Table 5:

Examples of duplex systems obtained from liquid coating materials (hot-dip galvanizing + paint coating)

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Hot-dip
galvanizing
Surface
preparation/
pretreatment
Sw

Ch

Priming coat(s)

Binder

Top coat(s)

Number of
coats

-X

--

X
X
X

EP

NDFT m

Binder

--

--

--

--

--

60

60

Number
of coats
1

SP
or
EP/SP

Expected durability
(see ISO 12944-1)

Paint system

NDFT
m
80

Number
of coats
1

Corrosivity category

Total NDFT
m
80

C2
M H

C3
M H

C4
M H

80

80

60

120

70

130

70

130

C5-I
M H

C5-M
M H

Key: Ch = Yellow chromating, Sw = Sweep blast-cleaning or alternative preparation method of same efficiency
NDFT = nominal dry film thickness
Table 6: Examples of duplex systems obtained from powder coating materials (hot-dip galvanizing + paint coating)

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10 Use of duplex systems in steel construction

Duplex systems consisting of hot-dip galvanizing + paint coating are used in many fields of
steel construction.
Examples:
Lattice masts for power lines
Structures for transformer stations
Radio and transmitter masts
Railway traction line masts
Steel components for hall construction
Facade steel structure
Conveyor and loading equipment
Structures for platform roofing
Equipment for protection against noise in railway and road construction
Traffic safety equipment
Steel components for bridge construction
Railway signal bridges
Pipelines and rails
fencing, gates etc.
10.1

Application

Duplex coating materials are either applied stationary in the shop or on site, using the known
methods of application (spraying, brushing, roller coating) for liquid coating materials as well
as spraying for electrostatic powder coating materials.
10.2

Application in the shop

Coating of hot-dip galvanized building components in stationary plants becomes more and
more important. Duplex systems including the sturdy zinc coating are particularly suitable for
the so-called corrosion protection from the shop.
In the case of structural members with high assembly effort and/or high risk of damage it is
recommendable to apply a part of the whole paint system in the shop and the top coat(s)
after assembly. Powder coating materials are to applied principally in the shop.
It is advantageous to apply at least one priming coat already in the shop because the
formation of zinc corrosion products during transport, intermediate storage and assembly will
be avoided. Expensive work for the surface preparation of the hot-dip galvanized structure on
site will not be necessary.
Priming and top coats obtained from hydro coating materials, mostly based on acrylic
copolymer, belong already since years to the proved systems and are particularly suitable for
duplex systems including shop application. In the stationary plants the measures for
complying with the required application conditions can be carried out particularly effective,
and a considerable reduction of solvent emissions will be achieved. In addition, priming coats
obtained from hydro coating materials can be further coated with different 1-pack and 2-pack
paints so that paint systems with a broad field of application for atmospheric corrosive
stresses will result.

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If friction surfaces of preloaded bearing type connections are to be coated, paint systems
shall be used which do not lead to an unacceptable decrease of the preloading force. The
paint systems selected and/or the precautions taken for such connections will depend on the
type of the structure and on subsequent handling, assembly and transportation.
11 Particular notes
11.1

Determination of dry film thickness

In accordance with EN ISO 12944-5 the procedure for checking nominal dry film thicknesses
(instruments, calibration, any allowance for the contribution of the surface roughness to the
result) is to be agreed between the parties concerned .
In accordance with the specifications in EN ISO 1461 the thickness of the zinc coating has to
be checked prior to the paint work.
Film thickness values for individual coats as well as for paint coatings to be applied in the
shop and on site should principally be specified as nominal film thicknesses in accordance
with EN ISO 12944-5.
Unless otherwise indicated in the technical literature of the paint manufacturer, ...individual
dry film thicknesses of less than 80 % of the nominal dry film thickness are not acceptable.
Individual dry film thicknesses between 80 % and 100 % are acceptable, provided that the
overall average (mean) is equal to or greater than the nominal dry film thickness and no
other agreement has been made (ISO 12944-5, sub-clause 5.4).
For the maximum dry film thickness the information in the technical data sheet of the paint
manufacturer applies. If no information is given in the technical data sheet of the paint
manufacturer, the maximum dry film thickness should not be greater than 3 times the
nominal film thickness. In the case of excessive dry film thickness, expert agreement shall
be found between the parties. For products or systems which have a critical maximum dry
film thickness or, in special cases, information given in the manufacturers technical data
sheet shall be observed.(ISO 12944-5, sub-clause 5.4).
The thickness of paint coatings on zinc is to be determined on representative areas, based
on a statistically sufficient number of individual measurements and using measuring
instruments working by the eddy current method described in EN ISO 2808 in connection
with EN 2360. If individual measurements are below the acceptable range of the nominal dry
film thickness, additional measurements are to be carried out in order to limit the area
concerned with regard to the extent of any additional work required.
It is not permitted to compensate the nominal film thickness of the paint coating with
excessive thicknesses of the zinc coating, whilst maintaining the total thickness of the whole
system (zinc coating + paint coating).
11.2

Reference areas

Reference areas are suitable areas on the structure used to establish an acceptable
standard for the work, to check that data provided by a manufacturer or contractor is correct
and to enable the performance of the coating to be assessed at a later time.
If reference areas are intended to be used for guarantee purposes, this is to be agreed
between the parties concerned together with the criteria to be used in their evaluation.

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They are to be prepared in representative locations of the structure and should also include
welds, bolt connections, edges, corners and other areas of the structure at which an
increased corrosive stress is to be expected.
The size and number of reference areas shall be in a reasonable proportion to the type of the
complete structure, both technically and economically.
Detailed information regarding execution, supervision and documentation of reference areas
is given in EN ISO 12944-7 and 8 (Annex B).
11.3

Corrosion protection-proved design

The shape of structures and their corrosion protection-proved design have decisive
consequences for the execution and efficiency of corrosion protection works.
If friction areas of preloaded bearing type connections are to be painted, paint systems shall
be used which do not lead to an unacceptable decrease in the preloading force. The paint
systems selected and/or the precautions taken for such connections will depend on the type
of the structure and on subsequent handling, assembly and transportation.
Basic information is given in EN ISO 12944-3 and EN ISO 1461 in connection with
Supplement 1 and EN ISO 14713.

Safety relevant particulars for hot-dip galvanizing such as

avoidance of sealed hollow components or provision of vents

avoidance of large overlapping areas

ensuring an unhindered inflow and outflow of the zinc melt

are to be observed.
If required, the hot-dip galvanizing shop is to be consulted.
Already in the planning and design stage of steel structures accessibility during execution,
checking and maintenance is to be taken into account. Accessibility means that the space
between structures and/or building components is sufficient to be accessed by persons. It
also means that all areas are within reach manually for preparing, coating and checking them
by using appropriate tools.
11.4

Contractual agreements

The trade association guideline Duplex systems is to be considered as a technical guideline

for the user. Particular contractual agreements, especially regarding acceptance, touching
up, elimination of defects and testing are not dealt with here. They are to be particularly
agreed when a contract is made.

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24
12

Bibliography

[1]

Schubert, P.; Schulz, W.-D.; Katzung, W.; Rittig, R.:

Struktur und Eigenschaften von Feuerzinkberzgen
(Structure and properties of hot-dip galvanized coatings)
Metall 53 (1999)5, S. 260

[2]

Knotkova, D.:
Aktuelle Erkenntnisse zum Korrosionsverhalten von Zink und Zinkberzgen.
(Current findings regarding the corrosion behaviour of zinc and zinc coatings)
Beratung Feuerverzinken, 4. Deutscher Verzinkertag, Kln, 1995

[3]

Schmidt, R.;
Duplex-Systeme: Feuerverzinkung und Beschichtung (Duplex systems: Hot-dip
galvanizing and paint coating) in WEKA Praxishandbuch Korrosionsschutz durch
Beschichtungen und berzge (Corrosion protection by paint coatings and metallic
coatings) , Ausgabe April 1999, Augsburg:
WEKA,

[4]

Schubert, P.; Schulz, W.-D.; Katzung, W.; Rittig, R.:

Richtiges Sweepen von Feuerzinkberzgen nach EN ISO 1461.
(Proper sweep blast-cleaning of hot-dip galvanized coatings according to EN ISO
1461)
Der Maler und Lackierermeister (1999)7, S. 479

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