What INTERPRIMER 160 is and why choose it
INTERPRIMER 160 by International (International Marina) is a phosphoric acid based mordant solution specially designed for the chemical pretreatment of galvanised steel. It is used where blasting or mechanical abrasion is not possible, creating a chemically etched surface that significantly improves adhesion of subsequent protective coating systems. Supplied as a pale blue liquid, it reacts with clean galvanised steel and turns the surface to a uniform dark grey, indicating that the substrate is properly etched and ready for overcoating.
Main features
- Optimised for galvanised steel: Recommended exclusively for etching galvanised substrates and not suitable for other non-ferrous metals such as aluminium.
- Chemical pretreatment where blasting is not possible: Provides a reliable alternative to sweep blasting or heavy abrasion to achieve good adhesion for subsequent coating systems.
- Visual reaction indicator: The original pale blue solution gradually darkens the galvanised surface; correct pretreatment is indicated by a uniform dark grey colour.
- Brush or roller application: Interprime 160 is supplied as a one-component product, easily applied by brush (recommended) or roller.
- Efficient coverage: Practical application guideline is 20 m² per litre, helping to plan product consumption on site.
- Designed for compatibility with International Protective Coatings topcoats: Once reacted and correctly prepared, the treated steel can be overcoated with a wide range of International primers and finishes.
- Solvent-borne, pale blue liquid: Flash point of 33°C (91°F) and product weight of approximately 1.06 kg/litre.
- VOC-controlled formulation: Typical VOC content 2.75 lb/gal (330 g/L) by EPA Method 24 and 329 g/kg (EU Solvent Emissions Directive 1999/13/EC).
- Professional industrial product: Intended for use only by professional applicators in industrial situations, following all safety, health and environmental regulations.
Technical specifications
General data
- Product type: Phosphoric acid based mordant (etch) solution
- Brand: International (International Protective Coatings)
- Product name: INTERPRIMER 160 / Interprime 160 Pale Blue
- Colour (as supplied): Pale blue
- Intended substrate: Galvanised steel only
- Product weight: 1.06 kg/l (8.8 lb/gal)
- Flash point (typical): 33°C (91°F) closed cup
- Physical state: Liquid
- Density: 0.985 g/cm³ (DIN EN ISO 2811-1)
- Appearance when dry on substrate: Surface turns from blue/black to a uniform dark grey when correctly etched.
Application data
- Application method: Brush recommended; roller suitable. Airless and conventional spray are not suitable.
- Component type: One-component product; mix thoroughly with a power agitator before use.
- Practical coverage: Aim to apply at a rate of 20 m²/litre.
- Thinner / cleaner: Clean potable water.
- Thinning: Normally not required. If trial applications give a dense black powdery surface, dilute with clean potable water and repeat trials.
- Work stoppages: Flush all equipment thoroughly with clean water. Once units are opened they should not be resealed; after prolonged stoppages, restart work with freshly opened units.
- Equipment clean up: Clean all tools and equipment immediately after use with clean water.
Drying and overcoating
Touch dry and hard dry times are not applicable for INTERPRIMER 160, as it functions as a mordant solution rather than a film-forming coating. Overcoating intervals with recommended topcoats are as follows:
- At 10°C (50°F): Minimum 2 hours, maximum 2 days
- At 15°C (59°F): Minimum 2 hours, maximum 2 days
- At 25°C (77°F): Minimum 2 hours, maximum 2 days
- At 40°C (104°F): Minimum 30 minutes, maximum 2 days
Regulatory and VOC data
- VOC (EPA Method 24): 2.75 lb/gal (330 g/L)
- VOC (EU Solvent Emissions Directive 1999/13/EC): 329 g/kg
- Danger classification (CLP/GHS): Flam. Liq. 3, H226; Aquatic Chronic 2, H411
- Hazard statements: Flammable liquid and vapour. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Packaging and storage
- Pack size: 10 litre unit
- Typical shipping weight (10 L): 10.45 kg
- Shelf life: Minimum 24 months at 25°C (77°F), subject to re-inspection thereafter.
- Storage conditions: Store in dry, shaded conditions away from sources of heat and ignition, in the original, tightly closed container.
Key product characteristics
- Contains phosphoric acid.
- Formulated originally to meet British Rail “T-Wash” requirements.
- Complies with UK Department of Transport Item No. 155.
- Not suitable for pretreating non-ferrous substrates such as aluminium.
Systems compatibility
Galvanised steel treated with INTERPRIMER 160 is suitable for overcoating with most International Protective Coatings systems. The following topcoats are specifically identified as suitable:
- Intercure 200
- Intercure 420
- Intergard 251
- Intergard 269
- Intergard 400
- Intergard 410
- Intergard 475HS
- Interlac 658
- Interplus 770
Care should be taken with thin, flexible galvanised substrates, as thick high-performance systems may have limited flexibility.
Applications and use cases
Typical uses
- Chemical etching of galvanised steel: Used as pretreatment prior to applying protective coating systems in order to achieve good adhesion.
- Alternative to sweep blasting: Recommended where galvanised surfaces cannot be mechanically roughened by blasting or abrasion.
- Industrial and professional environments: Intended for use by professional applicators on structurally galvanised steelwork and other galvanised components.
Surface preparation and application guidance
- All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from contamination; assess and treat surfaces in accordance with ISO 8504:2000.
- Remove oil and grease according to SSPC-SP1 solvent cleaning.
- On galvanised steel, preferred pretreatment (where feasible) is sweep blasting to provide a physical key after degreasing and cleaning.
- Alternatively, abrade the galvanised surface to remove passivated zinc products, then wash to remove soluble zinc salts and allow to dry.
- Apply INTERPRIMER 160 to the suitably prepared, dry galvanised surface and allow to react and dry.
- The blue colour will darken as the mordant solution reacts, eventually producing a uniform dark grey appearance. Areas that do not blacken/grey uniformly may be contaminated with oils, grease, flux or passivation and will require abrasion and a second application.
- Avoid over-application. Excess film can produce a dense black powdery layer that is unsuitable for overcoating and may cause blistering or adhesion loss. Such deposits must be removed by abrasion or washing with fresh water.
- In all cases, galvanised steelwork is likely to require a similar overall coating thickness for protection as would be used on bare steel substrates.
FAQ – INTERPRIMER 160
- On which substrates can INTERPRIMER 160 be used?
- It is only recommended for etching galvanised steel surfaces and is not suitable for other non-ferrous metals such as aluminium.
- How do I know if the galvanised steel has been properly treated?
- After application on a clean, correctly prepared galvanised surface, the blue solution reacts and the surface becomes blackened, finally achieving a uniform dark grey colour. This uniform dark grey appearance indicates correct etching.
- What should I do if the surface does not turn uniformly dark grey?
- Non-uniform colour often indicates contamination such as oil, grease, flux or passivation. Abrade the affected areas to remove contamination, then reapply INTERPRIMER 160.
- What happens if INTERPRIMER 160 is over-applied?
- Over-application can produce a dense black powdery layer that is unsuitable for overcoating and may cause blistering or adhesion loss of topcoats. The excess layer must be removed by abrasion or washing with fresh water before painting.
- Can INTERPRIMER 160 be thinned?
- Thinning is normally not required. If trial applications produce a dense black powdery surface, the product may be diluted with clean potable water and further trials carried out.
- How is INTERPRIMER 160 applied?
- It is a one-component product that should be thoroughly mixed with a power agitator before use and is best applied by brush; roller application is also suitable. Airless and air spray are not suitable.
- What is the recommended coverage?
- The practical guideline is to apply at approximately 20 m² per litre.
- How long can I wait before overcoating the treated steel?
- Depending on temperature, the minimum overcoating time is 30 minutes to 2 hours, with a maximum of 2 days for recommended topcoats.
- Which topcoats are compatible?
- Interprime 160 treated galvanised steel can be overcoated with many International Protective Coatings systems, including Intercure 200 and 420, Intergard 251, 269, 400, 410 and 475HS, Interlac 658 and Interplus 770.
- Who is allowed to use this product?
- The product is intended for use only by professional applicators in industrial situations, following the Safety Data Sheet and relevant regulations.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number / ID number: UN1263
- UN proper shipping name: PAINT
- Transport hazard class: Class 3 (flammable liquid)
- Packing group: III
- Environmental hazards: Classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment; marine pollutant identified as copper(II) carbonate–copper(II) hydroxide (1:1). The environmentally hazardous mark is not required when transported in packages ≤ 5 L or ≤ 5 kg.
- ADR/RID: Class 3, Packing Group III, tunnel code (D/E).
- IMDG: Class 3, Packing Group III; Emergency Schedules F-E, S-E; marine pollutant (see above).
- IATA: Class 3, Packing Group III; the environmentally hazardous substance mark may appear if required by other transport regulations.
- Special precautions for user: Transport within the user’s premises only in closed, upright and secure containers. Ensure personnel involved in transport know what to do in case of accident or spillage.
- Transport in bulk according to IMO instruments: Not applicable.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
Exposure controls and hygiene
- Use only with adequate ventilation. Employ process enclosures and local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below occupational exposure limits and below the lower explosive limit.
- Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling chemical products and before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas and wash contaminated garments before reuse.
- Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are located close to the work area.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Eye/face protection: Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard; where splashing is possible, use safety glasses with side shields.
- Hand protection: Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with EN374 or equivalent. For prolonged or frequently repeated contact, use gloves with protection class 6 (breakthrough time > 480 minutes), recommended materials Viton or nitrile with minimum thickness 0.38 mm. For brief contact, gloves of protection class 2 or higher (breakthrough time > 30 minutes) are recommended, typically nitrile with minimum thickness 0.12 mm. Replace gloves regularly and whenever damaged.
- Body protection: Select protective clothing based on the specific task and associated risks. Where there is a risk of ignition from static electricity, use anti-static protective clothing (for example anti-static overalls, boots and gloves) conforming to EN 1149.
- Other skin protection: Use appropriate protective footwear and any additional skin protection as required by the risk assessment.
- Respiratory protection: Where ventilation is inadequate or exposure limits may be exceeded, wear suitable respiratory protection selected according to the relevant standard or certification and used within a respiratory protection programme that ensures correct fit and training.
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