Galmet was simply derived from GAL – Galvanizing and MET – Metal. The original terminology was Galvanizing Metal.
Galmet® ColdGal is single-component zinc rich coating with over 92% (weight) zinc metal in the dry film. With over 98.5% purity.
No, Galmet® ColdGal is a single component and does not require mixing with other chemicals to make it cure.
Galmet® ColdGal produces a self-healing mechanism where the Galmet® ColdGal is scratched. Zinc oxides and carbonates form in the scratch and effectively reseal the scratched surface.
Yes, Galmet® ColdGal degrades like hot dip galvanizing. Eventually the surface will show a white-grey power containing zinc salts which causes a consumption of the zinc layer.
Yes, but only some are suitable. Never put an enamel paint directly onto ColdGal without using a Galvanized Iron Primer or an Etch Primer First, both are available in the Galmet product range.
Ferrous metals contain iron. Steel and other alloys such as stainless steel are all classified as Ferrous. There are many non-ferrous metals used within construction and industry. These includes metals such as aluminium, copper and zinc.
Steel rusts when it is exposed to air and water. One way of preventing rust is by painting on a layer of zinc rich paint. The zinc in the paint reacts with the air and water instead of the steel which is beneath it. This process is called Cold Galvanizing and is a type of Cathodic Protection. If there is an insufficient amount of zinc in the dry film, Cathodic Protection will not occur.
Cold Galvanizing is a process used to protect steel from rusting. It involves painting on a layer of zinc rich paint. The zinc in the paint reacts with air and water instead of the steel beneath it. Cold Galvanizing is a type of Cathodic Protection. Cathodic Protection involves the use of another metal (zinc) being applied to the steel surface to react with air and water instead of the steel beneath it.
Cold Galvanizing paints containing zinc are applied to steel surfaces as a protective layer. Without significant amounts of zinc in the paint, there is no active Cathodic Protection and the steel is left exposed to water and air resulting in rust.
Zinc purity is how concentrated the zinc is whilst the term ‘amount in the dry film’ refers to how much zinc is actually contained in the formula. Steel protection is compromised when either of these are in low concentrations. ie. Highly pure zinc but low amounts of it in the formula or high concentrations of very impure zinc both lead to a compromised protective layer resulting in the formation of rust.
The best protective layers are those which last the longest. High levels of zinc concentration and purity prolong the duration of protection and increase the life of the steel. Galmet ColdGal contains 98.5% pure zinc and over 92% zinc in the dry film – this means that our zinc is very pure and that there is a lot of it in the formula.
Before applying Galmet® ColdGal , prepare surface by thoroughly abrading to bright metal. Ideal preparation is abrasive blast cleaning to AS 1627.9 Class 2. This standard requires that mill-scale rust and foreign particles are substantially removed and that bright metal is visible.
Yes, Galmet® ColdGal is the preferred method of repairing and restoring old hot dip galvanized components. All that is needed is a light abrasion of the surface to remove zinc corrosion products to achieve a firm dust free surface.
Yes, Galmet® ColdGal provides excellent mechanical properties; In addition, the Galmet® ColdGal coating will get harder over time as the zinc corrosion products act like cement to bind the film.
No. Galmet® ColdGal provides ‘active’ cathodic protection that creates a protective barrier that will not corrode until the surface is breached. When Galmet® ColdGal is scratched back to bare metal, the surface will still be protected because of the cathodic effect of the surrounding zinc layer and the build-up of zinc corrosion products in the scratch.
Yes, Galmet® ColdGal can provide corrosion protection of rebar. It is easy to apply and provides continued metal protection.
Extensive tests have shown that maximum thickness is about 75μm, there is no expected benefit above this thickness.
Galmet® Rustpaint, Galmet® Spraypaint, Galmet® Keytite Steel Primer, Galmet® Industrial Primer and Galmet® Hammered Metal Finish can be thinned to spray with a good quality enamel spraying thinner or lacquer thinner. Galmet® ColdGal can be thinned with a small amount of mineral turps to brush. Galmet® Keytite Etch Primer can be cleaned up with a 50/50 blend of mineral turps and methylated spirits.
Galmet® Keytite Etch Primer up to 200°C. Galmet® Rustpaint and Galmet® Keytite Steel Primer up to 150°C. Galmet® Spraypaint and Galmet® DuraGal® up 120°C. Galmet® ColdGal, Galmet® Hammered Metal Finish and Galmet® Ironize are all thermoplastic and will produce temperature resistance up to 100°C.
Galmet® Rustpaint and Galmet® Hammered Metal Finish have been used successfully on timber. Porous surfaces would need to be primed with an appropriate sealer before application of the Galmet® product.
Galmet® make tint bases in the Galmet® Rustpaint range that may be tinted by Hardware and Paint stores. Tint formulations for most common tinter systems are available. Contact us or your local paint shop for further advice.
No. Galmet® ColdGal must be in direct contact with clean steel. Galmet® Ironize treatment results in an insulating layer between the steel and the zinc in the Galmet® ColdGal and no galvanic protection will occur.
No. Galmet® DuraGal® is self-priming. It is not a primer for other topcoats.
Yes. The product would need to be thinned slightly with water (say 10% by volume) and spray pressure adjusted to ensure good atomization.
No. Galmet® Ironize is a rust converter, not a rust preventative coating, therefore it will only react with rust. Galmet® Ironize that has been put onto steel can be painted directly over with no need to remove.
The paint is thick to stop it sagging on vertical surfaces and to achieve a good hammered finish. To make it easier to brush we recommend the can be placed in a bucket of hot water for 15 minutes and mixed well.
Galmet® Rustpaint may be used on steel without a primer in mild service conditions eg: interior or non-coastal country areas. Appropriate primers must be used for all other substrates (including galvanised steel) and on steel for all other service conditions. Correct preparation is the key to a long lasting system.