Combat corrosion with anti rust coating
Anti rust coating, or an anti corrosion paint, acts as a barrier between a metal and its environment, increasing its durability and lifespan. The estimated global cost of metal corrosion damage is billions of dollars. The good news is, most of this loss can be prevented by being proactive, and opting for the right anti rust coating from the start.
To determine the right anti corrosion coating for your project, it is important to factor in the environment and type of metal. Whether corrosion is due to moisture, chemicals, salt spray, or oxidation, anti rust coating for steel and metal can help protect the substrate from the elements.
In this article we will guide you through the process of choosing an anti rust coating: defining the corrosivity of the environment, identifying the coatings that match the environment
An anti rust coating is much more than corrosion resistant
Anti corrosion coating is essentially a collective name for various types of coatings that protect a substrate from corrosion. An anti corrosion paint can do more than just protect from corrosion, and its multi-functional nature means you can find the exact coating you require. Corrosion is caused by a chemical reaction between a metal and its environment (water or other fluids), typically producing an oxide or a salt of the original metal. The long and the short of it is the metal is weakened, as is the structure it creates. An anti rust coating prevents direct contact between water/fluids and the steel substrate and therefore prevents the corrosion process.

Anti rust coating fights against ageing of components.
In general anti corrosion coating is suitable for almost any type of steel and metal, and has the following benefits:
- Chemical resistance
- Fends off fungi, algae, and moss
- Weather protection against acid rain, salt water, ice and so on
- Repels water & other fluids (in case of barrier coatings)
- Plus, depending on the types of anti corrosive paints you opt for: anti fouling, non slip or self cleaning properties
Corrosivity of the environment affects the choice of anti corrosion coating
To determine the right types of anti rust coating for your project, you need to understand the environment and use of the substrate. Particularly its exposure to water, moisture, and other aggressive substances that might be present in the environment. The corrosivity of certain atmospheres has been classified and standardised by the International Organisation for Standardization. The standard divides the degree of corrosivity into 5 categories , C1 to C5, in order of increasing corrosivity. To find the right anti corrosion coating, you need to know how corrosive the environment will be. For example, a coating at C5M level is intended for offshore constructions which are constantly exposed to moisture, but also for small pipes that are equally exposed.
Corrosion Category | Suitable for | Examples |
---|---|---|
C1 – very low corrosion risk | Heated buildings with clean air, interiors only | Offices, schools, hotels, shops and other heated premises |
C2 – low corrosion risk | Unheated buildings, rural areas | Storage facilities, sports halls, garages, barns and other unheated buildings |
C3 – moderate corrosion risk | Buildings with high humidity, urban and industrial areas | Laundries, breweries, kitchens, food processing sites and other buildings with moderate humidity |
C4 – high corrosion risk | Chemical manufacturers and swimming baths, industrial and coastal areas | Industrial buildings, chemical plants, swimming pools, ports, and ship- and boat yards |
C5 – very high corrosion risk | Buildings with almost permanent condensation, offshore and industrial areas | Water pipes and other industrial applications (C5I – industrial). Offshore and maritime constructions (C5M – marine) |
Once you have identified your environment, you can identify the right anti rust treatment for your project and the right anti rust coating specification to protect it for years to come.
The 3 types of anti rust coating for categories C1-C5
Anti corrosion coating types can be divided into three categories:
Coating type & category | Explanation | Examples |
---|---|---|
Barrier coatings (C1 – C3) | non-porous anti rust coatings designed to prevent corrosive factors coming into contact with the substrate | powder coating, polyurethane paint, chloro rubber paints, Teflon coatings, nano coatings |
Inhibitor coatings (C1 – C4) | anti rust treatment which releases a chemical that interferes with the electrolyte and stops the corrosion process | all oil based coatings with corrosion inhibitor additives such as zinc, aluminium, zinc oxide and so on |
Galvanic coatings/Cathodic protection (C3 – C5) | metal-rich anti rust coating for steel which provide a sacrificial layer. Prevents corrosion by providing a more easily corroded metal (such as zinc) to be the anode to the protected metal’s cathode. Also called the sacrificial anode, this metal will corrode instead of the protected metal | galvanizing and thermal spray |
Duplex system combines anti corrosive coatings
When hot dip galvanising is used together with a topcoat of anti corrosion paint or powder it is known as a Duplex System. The duplex systems are applied as anti rust coating for steel and occasionally other metals.
This type of anti rust treatment provides multiple types of protection and the longest-lasting results. Each layer needs to be compatible in order for the system to work effectively. Duplex anti rust coating systems are especially suitable for corrosion categories C3 to C5.
Anti rust coating Taiwan: Manufacturers & contractors
Here is a selection of internationally known anti corrosion coating manufacturers who have business units also in Taiwan.
Anti rust coating manufacturer | Address in Taiwan |
---|---|
International Paint Taiwan Ltd | Yu Ming Street 20, 831 Kaohsiung County, Taiwan |
PPG Industries International, Inc. | 10 Fu Rong Street , Pa Teh , Taoyuan Hsien, Taiwan, Greater China |
Taiwan 3M | Taipei City, Da’an District, Section 2, Dunhua South Road |
Jotun Coatings (Taiwan) Ltd. | B-7F., No.133, Sec. 3, Minsheng E. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City 105 |
Hempel (Taiwan) co., Ltd. | 8FL, No. 297, Section 2, Ho-Pin East Road, 106 Taipei |
Categories C4 and C5 require a professional contractor to apply the anti rust coating to guarantee the best results. Please search out a specialist in that case.
If you are looking for a professional company to apply the anti corrosion coating for you, it’s important to understand how prices are established before you request a quote. Different coating processes use different methods to calculate the cost of professional application. Hot dip galvanising prices are usually calculated by weight. The galvaniser will quote a price per tonne, and then use the weight of your steelwork after galvanising to calculate the final cost. Unlike galvanising, powder coating costs tend to be calculated by size or surface area.
In case you require more information on anti rust coating manufacturers or products, or are looking for a contractor, do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts are here to help and happy to connect you with the right coating solution or contractor.
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