InfraLensInfraLens
IS CodesIRCToolsSORHandbookQA/QCPMCFormatsCPHEEOMapsProjectsDCRRulesAbout Join Channel
Join
IS CodesIRCToolsSORHandbookQA/QCPMCFormatsCPHEEOMapsProjectsDCRDesign RulesBIMAbout Join WhatsApp Channel
InfraLensInfraLens
IS CodesIRCToolsSORHandbookQA/QCPMCFormatsCPHEEOMapsProjectsDCRRulesAbout Join Channel
Join
IS CodesIRCToolsSORHandbookQA/QCPMCFormatsCPHEEOMapsProjectsDCRDesign RulesBIMAbout Join WhatsApp Channel

IS 2524 (Part 1) : 2000Code of practice for the painting of nonferrous metals in buildings, Part 1: Pretreatment

PDFGoogleCompareBIS Portal
Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
ISO 12944-4 · ASTM D1730-09(2019) · ASTM D2092
CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeArchitectural · Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
PDFGoogleCompareBIS Portal
Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues3InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 2524:2000 (Part 1) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for the painting of nonferrous metals in buildings, part 1: pretreatment. This code covers the essential pretreatment processes required for non-ferrous metals like aluminum, zinc (galvanized iron), copper, and lead before painting in buildings. It details cleaning, degreasing, mechanical roughening, and chemical conversion methods (such as wash primers) to ensure proper adhesion and long-term durability of the paint film.

Code of practice for the painting of nonferrous metals in buildings, Part 1: Pretreatment

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
Type
Code of Practice
International equivalents
ISO 12944-4:2017 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)ASTM D1730-09(2019) · ASTM International (USA)ASTM D2092-20 · ASTM International (USA)ISO 9717:2017 · ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
Typically used with
IS 101
Also on InfraLens for IS 2524
3Key values3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Never paint fresh galvanized iron directly; it must be allowed to weather for several months or be treated with a mordant solution/etch primer.
! Ensure all protective oils or temporary coatings on aluminum extrusions are completely removed by solvent degreasing before applying etch primers.
! Avoid using strong alkaline cleaners on aluminum as they can etch and damage the surface uncontrollably.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3General principles of pretreatmentCl. 4Pretreatment of Aluminum and Aluminum AlloysCl. 5Pretreatment of Zinc and Zinc Alloys (Galvanized surfaces)Cl. 6Pretreatment of CopperCl. 7Pretreatment of Lead
Pulled from IS 2524:2000. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
non-ferrous metalsaluminumzincgalvanized ironcopperleadpaintprimer

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ISO 12944-4:2017ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
HighCurrent
Paints and varnishes — Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems — Part 4: Types of surface and surface preparation
Covers surface preparation for various substrates, including hot-dip galvanized steel (zinc) and aluminium, before painting.
ASTM D1730-09(2019)ASTM International (USA)
HighCurrent
Standard Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
Directly addresses the pretreatment of aluminum and its alloys, a major component of the IS code's scope.
ASTM D2092-20ASTM International (USA)
HighCurrent
Standard Guide for Preparation of Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting
Focuses specifically on preparing zinc surfaces for painting, equivalent to the galvanizing section of IS 2524.
ISO 9717:2017ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
MediumCurrent
Phosphate conversion coatings for metals — Specification requirements
Details a specific chemical pretreatment method (phosphating) that is recommended as an option in IS 2524.
Key Differences
≠IS 2524 is largely prescriptive, providing specific chemical recipes (e.g., for 'T-Wash'). Modern international standards like ISO 12944 are more performance-based, specifying the required outcome (e.g., cleanliness level, coating weight) and allowing various methods to achieve it.
≠The Indian standard consolidates pretreatment for multiple non-ferrous metals (Al, Zn, Mg, Cu, Pb) into one document. International practice, particularly by ASTM, often dedicates separate, more detailed standards to each metal type (e.g., ASTM D1730 for Aluminum, ASTM D2092 for Zinc).
≠IS 2524:2000 still describes traditional chromate conversion processes without significant emphasis on environmental hazards. Contemporary international standards heavily restrict or discourage hexavalent chromate use and provide extensive guidance on chromate-free alternatives due to environmental and health regulations (e.g., REACH, RoHS).
≠International standards provide more specific and quantifiable definitions for surface cleanliness, often referencing other standards like ISO 8501-1 (e.g., Sa 2 ½). IS 2524 uses more qualitative descriptions like 'shall be free from oil, grease...'
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally emphasize the critical importance of the first step: thorough surface cleaning to remove contaminants like oil, grease, dirt, and loose oxides.
≈Both IS 2524 and its international counterparts recognize the validity of multiple pretreatment strategies, including mechanical methods (abrasion), chemical methods (etching, conversion coatings), and electrochemical methods (anodizing for aluminum).
≈The fundamental principle of creating a stable, inert, and micro-roughened surface to promote mechanical keying and chemical bonding of the paint film is a shared concept across all standards.
≈There is a common recommendation to apply the primer or first coat of paint as soon as possible after pretreatment to prevent re-oxidation or contamination of the activated surface.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Aluminium Etch Primer AcidPhosphoric acid (sp gr 1.75) 20 to 25 ml in 1 litre of water.Typically a two-component system where the acidic component contains 8-15% phosphoric acid by weight along with vinyl butyral resin.SSPC Paint 27
Alkaline Chromate Treatment Temp. (Aluminium)90-100°C for 5 minutes.Common chromate conversion coatings are applied at or near ambient temperature (20-40°C) for 1-5 minutes.ASTM B449 (Industry Practice)
Pretreatment for Zinc (Mordant Wash)Prescribes a specific single-component formula containing phosphoric acid and copper carbonate ('T-Wash').Recommends a two-component 'wash primer' system (e.g., conforming to SSPC Paint 27) or phosphating as per other standards.ASTM D2092
Anodizing as Paint Base (Aluminium)Recommends anodizing as per IS 1868, but does not specify a thickness or sealing requirement for painting.Recommends an unsealed anodic film with a thickness of 5 to 8 micrometers (µm) for optimal paint adhesion.ASTM D1730
Surface Cleanliness StandardQualitative: 'free from oil, grease, welding fluxes and other foreign matter'.Quantitative: Specifies cleanliness grades by referencing other standards, e.g., 'Sa 2½' from ISO 8501-1 for abrasive blasting.ISO 12944-4
Phosphating for ZincRecommends 'light' phosphate coatings without specifying coating weight.Specifies coating mass per unit area, e.g., typically 1.1 to 11 g/m² depending on the class.ISO 9717
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values3

Quick Reference Values
Weathering period for new untreated galvanized surfacesminimum 6 months
Wash primer (etch primer) recommended dry film thickness10 to 15 microns
Flash-off time for solvent degreasinguntil completely dry

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - General principles of pretreatment
Clause 4 - Pretreatment of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
Clause 5 - Pretreatment of Zinc and Zinc Alloys (Galvanized surfaces)
Clause 6 - Pretreatment of Copper
Clause 7 - Pretreatment of Lead

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 101:1986Methods of sampling and test for paints, varn...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

How do you prepare new galvanized steel for painting?+
Either weather the surface for up to 6 months or apply a wash primer/mordant solution after thorough degreasing.
What is the primary method for pretreating aluminum?+
Solvent degreasing followed by the application of an etch primer or chemical conversion coating to provide an anchor profile for the paint.
Is mechanical roughening suitable for all non-ferrous metals?+
Light abrasion can be used for copper and lead, but chemical etching or wash primers are preferred for aluminum and zinc to avoid damaging thin coatings.

QA/QC Inspection Templates

📋
QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.
Browse all 300 templates →