What is Zinga?

Zinga was originally invented in Ghent University, Belgium, in the 1970’s and has since been used in a wide variety of projects throughout the world.

Zinga is a unique form of corrosion protection because it provides both Active and Passive protection in a form that’s as easy to apply as a paint…

For 40 years Zinga has bridged the gap between paint and galvanising providing the best of both systems… Zinga is not a paint!

Zinga is an active zinc performance coating which works in conjunction with the metal beneath where as paints are only passive barriers. Regardless of how thick paints are applied, they remain as barriers. Once they are breached corrosion sets in immediately. Despite this significant difference Zinga is still often mistaken for a paint simply because it’s liquid and comes in a tin. But there are other more subtle differences. For example it does not “skin over” in the tin because Zinga has an unlimited pot-life and it doesn’t go “tacky” like a paint.

  • Key Features
  • Can protect as long as hot-dip galvanising
  • Can be applied on site
  • Can be used to re-coat existing galvanising
  • Existing layers of Zinga can be re-coated
  • Excellent primer in Duplex system
  • Good resistance to mechanical abrasion
  • Excellent adhesion
  • Extremely flexible
  • Can be applied in extreme temperatures
  • Weldable to X-ray quality
  • Certified to not spread flame or create smoke (BS476 parts 6&7)
  • Unlimited shelf-life and unlimited pot-life

About Zinga

Developed over 40 years ago, Zinga was designed to recharge old Hot Dip Structures and provide the same corrosion protection. It’s a zinc-rich coating, containing more than 96% zinc in the dry film, supplied in tins and a 500ml spray can,
it can be brush, roller or spray applied.

How does Zinga work?

Active protection;

Cathodic protection, or active protection, arises from the zinc (the anode) sacrificing itself in favour of the base metal (the cathode) with the resulting flow of electrons preventing corrosion’s chemical reaction. In this way the protection of the metal is guaranteed, even when the zinc layer is slightly damaged. Other well established methods of cathodic protection include hot-dip galvanising (HDG) and zinc thermal spraying both of which exhibit a constant sacrificial rate of the zinc layer.

With Zinga the sacrificial rate reduces dramatically after the zinc layer has oxidised and the natural porosity have been filled with zinc salts. Additionally the zinc particles within the Zinga layer are protected by the organic binder without adversely affecting the electrical conductivity. This enables Zinga to create nearly the same galvanic potential between the zinc and the steel as hot dip galvanising but with a lower rate of zinc loss because, put simply, the binder acts as a “corrosion inhibitor” to the zinc.

“The zinc in Zinga becomes the sacrificial anode in relation to the steel but it corrodes at a much slower rate than would otherwise be expected”
– Extract from B.N.F. Fulmer report of JJB Ward, Oxfordshire, Jan ’92)

If the Zinga layer is sufficiently damaged to expose the base metal below, the steel would form a layer of surface rust but no corrosion would take place beneath it. In other words if the surface discolouration was removed the steel below would not be pitted or eroded. This is called “throw” and enables Zinga to protect bare metal up to 3 – 5mm or so away from where the coating ends – slightly less than new HDG. Zinc sacrificial anodes used on the steel hulls of boats below the waterline work on the same principle to protect metal in the surrounding area. Zinga is simply a different form of these anodes and is therefore sometimes referred to as a liquid anode or sheet anode when used in immersed conditions. However, it should be noted that like all forms of zinc protection, Zinga should not be used uncovered in immersed conditions above 65 degrees C as that is the inversion point where the steel starts to be sacrificed to protect the zinc.

The ability of zinc to provide galvanic protection is a function of it’s weight per given area. Dry Zinga contains a minimum of 96% medicinal quality zinc by weight, the particles of which are significantly smaller and purer than those found in normal “zinc rich” coatings. The Zinga particles small size and elliptical profile ensures maximum contact between both the individual particles and the substrate. This greater density of active zinc per given area combined with the good conductivity of the layer ensures that charge flows through every millimeter that has been coated and therefore provides excellent cathodic protection.

Passive protection

Passive protection, such as paints and cladding, creates a “barrier” between the steel substrate and the elements. Once this barrier is compromised then the moisture and atmospheric salts will be able to start corroding the steel beneath the damaged area. This corrosion will then begin to creep extensively beneath the coating.

With Zinga, the organic binder and the zinc oxide layer that forms on the surface create an impervious barrier by blocking the zinc’s natural porosity with oxide particles. Unlike other passive coatings, once breached the zinc oxide layer simply renews itself by re-oxidising. This layer of oxides is the reason behind the matt appearance of Zinga as opposed to the shiny hot-dipped finish.

Where can Zinga be used?

Zinga is used in a wide variety of applications which can be divided into the following:
Repair for worn or damaged hot-dip galvanising or hot metal spray

This is probably the most common use of Zinga as it requires the simplest surface preparation. Zinga’s mechanism of protection is so similar to conventional galvanising that they work in complete unison, as they are merely different forms of zinc. Rather than replace galvanised assets, structures can simple have their protection “re-charged” by applying Zinga to the rough surface of the old galvanising after appropriate decontamination.

Stand alone system

Zinga provides comparable protection to conventional galvanising without the need for topcoats. Although Zinga is only available in grey (the natural colour of zinc) the significant advantage of this form of application is that the Zinga layer can be re-coated at any point in the future with the bare minimum of preparation and without compromising the integrity of the coating (see Re-charging of Zinga). Zinga on its own is often used when specifiers are unable to galvanise because the structure is already in situ or too big for the molten zinc baths. Additionally Zinga is commonly specified on delicate structures (wrought iron gates, sculptures) or when architectural demands require a higher standard of surface finish (no need to drill to de-gas, fettle).

As a primer with suitable topcoats

Not everybody likes the colour grey and with the additional protection of a compatible topcoat the coating durability offered is significantly increased. Zinga does not even have to start actively working until the topcoat has been compromised and with no underlying corrosion creep or rust bubbling the topcoat itself inevitably lasts longer (see Duplex Systems for more detail).

As protection to concrete reinforcement bars (rebars)

Widely used in countries where the available aggregate for concrete can be saline (e.g. Iran , India, Saudi Arabia), Zinganising the steel re-bars before assembly and immersion in concrete ensures vastly increased protection from corrosion without reducing the pull-out strength of the bars. Recent tests in three independent laboratories showed that Zinga had at least twice the corrosion protection of epoxy coated rebars.

There are also multiple products available in the Zinga range, which you can purchase through the links on this page.

If you are interested in this product or anything else from the Zinga range, for free technical advice, a quote or product support, please call us on 01933 426225 or email uksales@industrialcoatingsltd.com.
Alternatively, use our enquiry form and we will respond to you.