Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

Zinc Chromate Primer

Q. We have been using yellow zinc chromate primer as a military requirement on naval bronze parts, acid wash, zinc chromate, topcoat. For a long time now our zinc chromate has been applying almost drying before it hits the part leaving a very dusty rough part witch we scuff smooth before the topcoat, it would be great if you had any suggestions on a better wetter, smoother application thank you.

A. It sounds to me as if the painter is over-atomizing the paint. I suggest that he reduce the air pressure to the spray gun, or he should increase the fluid flow rate. Either of these will produce wetter paint droplets.

Regards,

Ron Joseph