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IS 110:2017 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for ready mixed paint, brushing, red oxide, priming, for ferrous metals - specification. This standard specifies the requirements and testing methods for ready mixed brushing red oxide primer used for protecting ferrous metals against corrosion. It serves as a primary reference for engineers applying base coats on structural steel, ironwork, and fabricated metal components prior to applying finishing paints.
Specifies requirements and methods of test for ready mixed, brushing, red oxide priming paint for ferrous metals.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Materials Science — Painting, Coatings and Surface Finishing
! Surface preparation is critical; ferrous surfaces must be completely clean of rust, mill scale, and grease (typically via wire brushing or sandblasting) before applying the primer.
! Ensure the primer is properly stirred before application, as the heavy red oxide pigment tends to settle at the bottom of the container.
! Always verify compatibility with the intended synthetic enamel or topcoat to prevent issues like bleeding or blistering.
red oxide primerpaintferrous metalssteel protectionanti-corrosive coating
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ISO 12944-5:2018ISO (International)
MediumCurrent
Paints and varnishes — Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems — Part 5: Protective paint systems
Specifies various protective paint systems, including those using iron oxide-based primers, but is performance-based and covers a much wider range of chemistries.
MPI #76Master Painters Institute (North America)
HighCurrent
Alkyd, Anticorrosive Metal Primer
Covers the same product type (alkyd anti-corrosive primer for metal) but is based on performance criteria rather than a prescriptive formulation.
BS EN ISO 12944-5:2018BSI (UK)
MediumCurrent
Paints and varnishes. Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems. Protective paint systems
The British and European adoption of ISO 12944-5, defining performance-based systems including those with iron oxide primers.
TT-P-636DUS Federal Specification (US)
HighWithdrawn
Primer Coating, Alkyd, Red-Oxide
A direct compositional equivalent, this standard specified a very similar red oxide alkyd primer before being withdrawn in favor of performance standards.
Key Differences
≠IS 110 is a prescriptive standard, defining compositional requirements like minimum pigment and red oxide content. In contrast, standards like ISO 12944-5 and MPI #76 are performance-based, allowing formulation flexibility as long as performance criteria (e.g., salt spray resistance, adhesion) are met.
≠ISO 12944-5 introduces a detailed environmental corrosivity classification (C1 to C5) and links paint system durability to it. IS 110 is a general-purpose specification without this context.
≠Modern international standards like MPI #76 place a strong emphasis on environmental compliance, specifying strict limits for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). IS 110:2017 does not specify a VOC limit, controlling it indirectly through compositional limits on volatile matter.
≠The scope of IS 110 is limited to a single product: a brushing, air-drying, red oxide alkyd primer. ISO 12944-5 covers a comprehensive range of paint systems, including different binders (epoxy, polyurethane), pigments (zinc-rich), and application methods.
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental purpose of all standards is to specify a priming coat for the protection of ferrous metal (steel) surfaces against corrosion.
≈All standards recognize iron oxide as a common and effective anti-corrosive pigment for primers, although IS 110 mandates it while others list it as a typical component.
≈Key performance characteristics such as drying time (touch/hard dry), flexibility, and adhesion are specified in all the standards, forming a common basis for quality assessment.
≈The standards are intended for primers that are air-drying and based on an alkyd or modified alkyd binder system, representing a conventional solvent-borne technology.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Drying Time (Surface/Touch Dry)
Max 4 hours
Max 4 hours
MPI #76
Drying Time (Hard Dry)
Max 24 hours
Max 8 hours (To Handle)
MPI #76
Fineness of Grind
Max 25 µm
Min 5 Hegman (approx. 50 µm)
MPI #76
Flexibility and Adhesion
Passes 6.25 mm mandrel bend test
Passes 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) mandrel bend test
MPI #76
Consistency / Viscosity
60 - 90 sec by Flow Cup No. 4
65 - 80 Krebs Units (KU)
MPI #76
Pigment Content (% by mass)
Min 35%
Not specified; performance-based
MPI #76 / ISO 12944-5
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Not specified (controlled by 'volatile matter' limit)
Max 380 g/L
MPI #76
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Surface drying timeMax 4 hours
Hard drying timeMax 18 hours
Flash pointNot below 30°C
Water contentMax 5 percent by mass
FinishSmooth and matt to egg-shell flat
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Red Oxide Priming
It is used as a foundational anti-corrosive primer coat on bare structural steel and ferrous metals before applying subsequent protective or decorative topcoats.
Can IS 110 primer be applied using a spray gun?+
While the standard specifically evaluates the paint for brushing consistency, it can often be sprayed if suitably thinned, though this alters the specified brushing parameters.
Which standard provides the testing methodology for this paint?+
The IS 101 series (Methods of sampling and test for paints, varnishes and related products) is cross-referenced for all laboratory tests.