Our cold galvanizing paint was the original ZRC product, and is still the industry standard. It is equivalent in function yet superior in convenience to hot-dip galvanizing. Brush-on applications will create a better interface between the product and the protected surface than a spray-on application will. To understand why, it’s important to learn a little more about zinc. Essentially, brushing smashes the zinc onto the surface and creates better contact between the zinc and the metal structure.

Our experts recommend the brush-on applications when you’re undergoing a high-volume project, like steel girder I beams. If you have a big job ahead, we recommend liquid paint. This is because you will get more coverage from a gallon of cold galvanizing paint than a spray can.

Remember, proper protection depends on accurate application. When brushing, be sure to cover the intended surface evenly. You will need to apply two coats in order to replicate the performance of hot-dip galvanizing.

The steel railings of the Peace Bridge, which spans the Niagara River between Buffalo, NY, and Fort Erie, Ontario, are protected from corrosion by a 95 percent zinc-rich topcoat. Initially specified for touch-up of rust spots in the late 1960s shortly after the installation of hot-dip galvanized railings, the material was used to coat the entire railing in 1975 and again in 1986. In the summer of 1990, the railings were pronounced in excellent shape with no visible signs of rust in a 150-page condition report compiled by the Buffalo, NY consulting firm of DeLeuw, Cather & Company.

The total length of the Peace Bridge and terminals is 4,000 ft (1,200 m). It is located in a hostile environment where it is exposed to harsh winters, high winds, violent storms from Lake Erie, and a small amount of road salt (10 percent mixture with grit). The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority owns and operates the Peace Bridge, which is the largest single crossing between the U.S. and Canada (accommodating 8,500,000 vehicles per year).

Built in 1927, the steel arch-and-girder bridge originally had steel-reinforced cement railings, which were replaced with the present hot-dip galvanized railings in 1964-1965.

After 5 years of service, the hot-dip railings were showing blushing, and the authority decided to use a cold galvanizing compound to touch up the blushing. The condition of the bridge is monitored closely by extensive annual inspections by independent consulting engineering firms and the Authority staff.