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IS 109:2017 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for ready mixed paint, brushing, red oxide-zinc chrome, priming, for ferrous metals - specification. This standard specifies the requirements, composition, and testing methods for ready-mixed red oxide-zinc chrome primer designed for application by brushing. Engineers use this specification to ensure adequate anti-corrosive base coating for exposed ferrous metals and structural steel fabrications before applying finishing coats.
Specifies requirements and methods of test for ready mixed, brushing, red oxide-zinc chrome priming paint for ferrous metals.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Materials Science — Painting, Coatings and Surface Finishing
! Proper surface preparation (such as sandblasting or rigorous wire brushing) is critical; applying this primer over mill scale, rust, or grease will cause premature failure.
! This primer is specifically formulated for ferrous metals (iron and steel) and should not be directly applied to galvanized iron or aluminum surfaces without proper mordant/etching treatments.
! Ensure the primer is thoroughly stirred before application, as heavy pigments like red oxide tend to settle at the bottom of the container.
Specification for zinc chrome priming paint (organic media)
Specifies a solvent-borne, alkyd-based primer using zinc chrome for protecting iron and steel, a direct compositional parallel.
ISO 12944-5:2019ISO (International)
MediumCurrent
Paints and varnishes — Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems — Part 5: Protective paint systems
Provides a modern, performance-based framework for selecting paint systems, including primers for steel, but does not mandate specific compositions like red oxide-zinc chrome.
TT-P-645BUS Federal Specification (US)
MediumCurrent
Primer, Paint, Zinc-Molybdate, Alkyd Type
Specifies a solvent-based alkyd primer for steel, but uses zinc molybdate as the primary inhibitive pigment instead of zinc chromate.
AS 2105-1978Standards Australia (AU)
HighWithdrawn
Red oxide-zinc chromate primer for steel
A direct Australian counterpart specifying a red oxide and zinc chromate pigmented primer for the protection of steel.
Key Differences
≠IS 109:2017 is a prescriptive, compositional standard detailing the use of Red Oxide and Zinc Chrome pigments. In contrast, modern international standards like ISO 12944 are performance-based, specifying required corrosion resistance for a given environment rather than mandating a specific paint formula.
≠Due to health and environmental concerns, many international standards have phased out hexavalent chromium (found in zinc chromate). IS 109 still specifies its use, whereas alternative standards like TT-P-645B specify less toxic inhibitors like zinc molybdate or zinc phosphate.
≠IS 109:2017 specifies a strict maximum lead content of 90 ppm, reflecting modern health regulations. Older, withdrawn standards like BS 4652:1995 permitted a much higher lead content (e.g., up to 0.5% or 5000 ppm).
≠Specific test parameters can differ. For instance, the flexibility and adhesion bend test in IS 109 uses a 6 mm mandrel, while the test in the similar BS 4652 standard used a more stringent 5 mm mandrel.
Key Similarities
≈All standards, including IS 109 and its counterparts, share the primary objective of defining a primer for ferrous metals that provides a barrier and active corrosion inhibition, while serving as a suitable base for subsequent paint coats.
≈The fundamental binder chemistry is typically based on a solvent-borne alkyd resin system. This provides good substrate wetting, adhesion to steel, and compatibility with a wide range of traditional intermediate and top coats.
≈The principle of using a blend of an inhibitive pigment (like zinc chromate) and a barrier/extender pigment (like red iron oxide) is a common formulation strategy in IS 109 and its historical equivalents.
≈Core quality control tests are largely analogous across standards, covering essential properties such as drying time (touch and hard dry), consistency/viscosity, finish (matt), and film integrity (adhesion/flexibility).
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Hard Drying Time
Not more than 24 hours
Not more than 16 hours
BS 4652:1995
Finish
Smooth and matt
Smooth, uniform, low gloss
BS 4652:1995
Inhibitive Pigment Content (in total pigment)
Min. 20% by mass of Zinc Chrome (conforming to IS 51)
Min. 40% by mass of Zinc Chrome (conforming to BS 282)
BS 4652:1995
Flexibility & Adhesion (Mandrel Diameter)
Pass test on 6 mm mandrel
Pass test on 5 mm mandrel
BS 4652:1995
Water Resistance (Immersion Duration)
48 hours, no blistering or deterioration
24 hours, film to be unaffected
BS 4652:1995
Lead Content Restriction
Max. 90 ppm (0.009%)
Max. 0.5% by mass
BS 4652:1995
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Surface drying timeMax 4 hours
Hard drying timeMax 18 hours
Flash pointNot less than 30°C
Zinc chromate content in pigmentMinimum 16%
Application methodBrushing
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Red Oxide-Zinc Chrome Primer
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Requirements (Composition and properties)