Aluminum oxide primer

A base coat of red oxide primer helps to prevent rust formation on ferrous metals.

Red oxide primer is a specially formulated coating used as a base coat for ferrous metals. Red-oxide primer serves a similar purpose to interior wall primers in that it prepares your metal for a topcoat, but it also gives iron and steel surfaces a layer of protection. Working with red oxide primer is not difficult, but it helps to be aware of some safety precautions and application tips.

Uses

Red oxide primer is intended for use on interior and exterior ferrous metal and is not usually suitable for galvanized or nonferrous metals like aluminum, copper or brass. Ferrous refers to metals that contain iron. If you’re uncertain whether your metal is ferrous or nonferrous, use a magnet to test it. Ferrous metals are magnetic, and nonferrous metals are not. It is also not suitable for use on asphalt or bituminous surfaces. Red oxide primer is an anti-corrosion coating designed to stop rust formation. It can be applied directly over a rusty surface and is most ideal for exterior use. Red oxide primer can be covered with most conventional topcoats once it fully dries.

Surface Preparation

Before painting with red oxide primer, make sure all substrates are clean and free from grease or oil. Use a degreasing solution to remove these materials and allow the surface to dry. A clean surface ensures that the paint applied after the primer adheres properly. After cleaning, remove all loose and flaking material by scraping with a paint scraper, wire brush or by sanding. For some metals, flame cleaning or grit blasting may be necessary.

Application and Drying Time

When applying red oxide primer, use a brush or a short pile roller. Thinning is not normally required if applying with a brush or roller. If you use an airless sprayer to apply red oxide primer, thin the primer 10 to 15 percent by volume with acetone, xylene or synthetic reducer. Begin thinning with as little solvent as possible and add more as needed until you achieve the right consistency. Spray red oxide primer onto the surface with a minimum working pressure of 2000 psi. Use at least two coats of red oxide primer to provide an adequate base coat to your metal. Each coat will be dry to the touch in about 2 hours, but not fully cured for about 6 hours. Red oxide primer will not be ready for an overcoat until it dries for between 16 and 24 hours. Always check the manufacturer’s label for specific instructions on drying times.