Tough adhesion primer is gentle on the environment

Citation

(2002), "Tough adhesion primer is gentle on the environment", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 49 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2002.12849aab.008

Tough adhesion primer is gentle on the environment

Keywords: Adhesion, Primers, Environmentally friendly

We are informed that the effect of paint systems on the environment could soon be far less damaging - thanks to the water based adhesion primer, Actan GS. This is said to have been recognised at Rammey Marsh Sluice gates, Waltham Abbey, where the galvanized steel handrails and security fencing were painted in 2001 with the easy to apply product.Darsha Gill of Environment Agency, Hatfield, explains: The sluices located on the Lee Flood Relief Channel serves to control the water level and flows in the Horsemill Stream. As Actan GS is water based, the environmental impact was insignificant and allowed greater flexibility with the method of working near/over water. In addition, surface preparation was minimal before applying Actan GS and this was a time bonus.

Derek Millington, an expert in blasting and maintenance of coatings on steel structures, was responsible for the surface preparation and painting work at Rammey Marsh.

"Everything went smoothly on site. Working with a water based primer is much safer for the applicators and they had to wear only small face masks, which we insist upon with any substance," says Derek Millington.

Developed by Pugh Co, Actan GS claims VOC levels of less than 0.1 g/litre and is said to be becoming an essential factor in many coating systems, both on galvanized steel and non-ferrous metals.

According to Pugh & Co., only minimal surface preparation is necessary before the water-based primer is applied by brush or spray. Actan OS is also said to quickly bond with the surface to form a flexible yet hard and inapt resistant, non-porous that can be overcoated with a variety of one or two pack solvent or water based topcoats, including vinyls, acrylics, epoxies, polyurethanes and chlorinated rubbers.

Because it is said to have such a low VOC level, Actan OS applicators do not have to wear the protective gear and breathing apparatus that is standard when using traditional solvent based primers - of particular benefit when working in confined spaces -and difficult-to access areas.

reportedly overcoatable after one or two hours depending on ambient conditions, overcoating time is not critical and because it is moisture tolerant, using this great adhesion primer also allows flexibility in painting or maintenance schedules.

"Actan OS offers an environmentally friendly option whilst providing excellent adhesion with many different topcoats," says Ronald Peemans of Pugh & Co. The super results from field trials at various sites throughout the country, including aggressive marine conditions, underlines its performance.

Details available from: Pugh Co. Tel: +44 (0) 1973 541270, Europe, +32 2 732 27 77.