Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer | High-Performance Anti-Corrosive Metal Primer for Steel & Iron

• Apply a high-performance anti-corrosive primer to bare steel or iron before topcoating
• Protect metal in marine, coastal or high-humidity environments where corrosion risk is elevated
• Prime structural steelwork, fire escapes, gates, railings or metal doors before applying a topcoat
• Use a primer compatible with Teamac Metalcote, Teamac Marine Gloss or other conventional alkyd topcoats
• Apply by brush, roller or airless spray depending on the scale of the project

• The surface has not been properly cleaned and degreased — oil, grease and contamination will cause adhesion failure
• The surface has heavy rust that has not been mechanically or chemically treated — blast cleaning to SA 2.5 is recommended for best results
• You require a water-based primer
• The application temperature is below the dew point — condensation on the surface will cause adhesion failure

Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer is a high-performance, modified alkyd anti-corrosive primer formulated for use on iron and steel surfaces. Developed by Teamac — part of the Coo-Var group with over 115 years of British coatings heritage — it delivers excellent corrosion resistance through its zinc phosphate pigmentation, which actively inhibits rust and provides a strong, adhesive base for a wide range of conventional topcoats.

The modified alkyd formulation provides a dense, semi-matt film that keys tightly to prepared steel and iron, preventing moisture and oxygen from reaching the metal surface. It is compatible with a range of conventional topcoats including Teamac Metalcote Machinery Enamel and Teamac Marine Gloss, making it a versatile primer for structural steelwork, marine fabrications, fire escapes, metal gates, garage doors and agricultural machinery. It is particularly well suited to coastal and marine environments where corrosion risk is elevated.

Available in Grey and Red in 1L and 2.5L tins, it can be applied by brush, roller or airless spray and is touch dry in 2 hours at 20°C, allowing topcoating the following day after a minimum of 12 hours.

Key Benefits

• Zinc phosphate anti-corrosive pigmentation — actively inhibits rust and protects steel and iron from moisture and oxygen
• High-performance modified alkyd formulation — tough, adhesive film that keys tightly to prepared metal surfaces
• Versatile primer — compatible with Teamac Metalcote, Teamac Marine Gloss and a range of conventional topcoats
• Suitable for marine and coastal environments — excellent corrosion resistance in high-humidity and salt-air conditions
• Touch dry in 2 hours — topcoat the following day after a minimum of 12 hours
• Available in Grey and Red — two standard primer colours for different topcoat systems
• 115+ years of British expertise — trusted by fabricators, contractors and maintenance teams across the UK

Order before midday for next-day UK delivery.

Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer is an excellent choice for anti-corrosive priming across a wide range of metal surfaces and settings:

• Structural Steel & Steelwork — Prime structural steel beams, columns, frames and fabrications before applying a conventional topcoat. Zinc phosphate pigmentation provides excellent corrosion resistance for long-term protection of structural metalwork in industrial and commercial environments.

• Marine Fabrications & Coastal Environments — Specifically formulated for use in marine and coastal environments where salt air and high humidity accelerate corrosion. Provides a robust anti-corrosive base for marine fabrications, harbour structures and coastal metalwork before topcoating with Teamac Marine Gloss.

• Fire Escapes & External Metalwork — Apply to fire escapes, external staircases, balustrades and external metalwork exposed to weather and moisture. The zinc phosphate formulation provides long-term corrosion protection in exposed exterior environments.

• Metal Gates, Railings & Fencing — Prime wrought iron and steel gates, railings, fencing and decorative metalwork before applying a gloss or enamel topcoat. Available in Red and Grey to suit different topcoat systems and colour requirements.

• Metal Garage Doors & Industrial Doors — Apply to steel garage doors, roller shutters and industrial doors before topcoating. Provides a strong, adhesive base that prevents rust and extends the life of the door finish.

• Agricultural & Plant Machinery — Prime agricultural machinery, implements and plant equipment before applying Teamac Metalcote or other conventional topcoats. Suitable for use on iron and steel components exposed to outdoor conditions and mechanical wear.

If you need personalised advice on surface preparation, application methods, or compatible topcoats, contact our experts via the live chat for tailored guidance.

Coverage: 13 m² per litre at 35 micron dry film thickness

Coverage per size

• 1L tin: Covers approximately 13 m² per coat
• 2.5L tin: Covers approximately 32.5 m² per coat

Recommended coats

• 1 coat of primer is standard before applying a topcoat
• 2 coats may be recommended in harsh, marine or coastal environments for maximum corrosion protection
• Recoat after a minimum of 12 hours or overnight

Example calculations

• For a set of metal gates (approximately 5 m² surface area), a 1L tin will cover 2 coats
• For a fire escape (approximately 15 m²), a 2.5L tin will cover 1 coat; 2 x 2.5L tins for 2 coats
• For structural steelwork of 30 m², a 2.5L tin will cover 1 coat

Practical coverage may be lower depending on surface profile, application method and material losses during spraying. For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering 10–15% extra.

Thin with Thinners 14 at a maximum of 10% for spray application.

Surface Preparation

• All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from grease, oil and contaminants before priming
• Remove any oil or grease with Coo-Var Universal Degreaser before mechanical cleaning or de-rusting
• Bare steel must be free from dust, rust and mill scale, use Teamac rust converter on stubborn or hard to remove rust
• Blast cleaning to SA 2.5 is recommended for best results — if blast cleaning is impractical, use mechanical cleaning (wire brushing, grinding or needle gunning); hand cleaning alone is not sufficient
• Where blast cleaning is carried out after assembly, pay special attention to edges, corners, nuts, bolts and welds
• Welds should be ground smooth and all weld spatter and slag removed before priming
• Ensure the surface temperature is above the dew point before applying — condensation on the surface will cause adhesion failure

Application

1. Mix the paint well before use and periodically during application
2. Thin with Thinners 14 at a maximum of 10% if required for spray application
3. Apply by brush or roller for standard application, or by airless spray (nozzle size 0.011", pressure 1800–2000 psi) for large areas
4. Apply evenly, ensuring full coverage of edges, corners, welds and complex geometry
5. Allow to dry before topcoating — touch dry in 2 hours, recoat after a minimum of 12 hours or overnight
6. Clean equipment immediately after use with Thinners 14

Drying Times (at 20°C)

• Touch dry: 2 hours
• Hard dry: 12 hours
• Full hardness: 5–7 days
• Recoat interval: 12 hours or overnight

Drying times will be longer in cold or humid conditions. Low temperature and high humidity will adversely affect application, drying and performance.

Important Notes

• Blast cleaning to SA 2.5 is recommended for bare steel — mechanical cleaning is the minimum acceptable standard
• Do not apply below the dew point — condensation will cause adhesion failure
• Compatible topcoats include Teamac Metalcote Machinery Enamel, Teamac Marine Gloss and other conventional alkyd topcoats
• Apply topcoat after a minimum of 12 hours or overnight

Recommended System Products

Free delivery on orders over £75 — stock up on everything you need in one go and complete the job properly.

Coo-Var Universal Degreaser: Remove oil, grease and surface contamination from bare steel before mechanical cleaning or blast cleaning. Essential first step for proper adhesion and long-term corrosion protection.

Teamac Rust Converter: Apply to hard-to-remove rust on steel surfaces where blast cleaning is not practical. Converts rust to a stable compound before applying Zinc Phosphate Primer.

Teamac Metalcote Machinery Enamel: High-gloss anti-corrosive topcoat for metal, machinery and fabrications. Apply over Zinc Phosphate Primer for a complete, durable coating system.

Paint Brushes, Rollers & Frames: Use suitable brushes or rollers for standard application, or airless spray equipment for large-scale priming projects.

These products are commonly combined for best long-term results.

• Finish / Texture: Matt
• Base: Solvent-based alkyd zinc-phosphate primer
• Available Colours: Red Oxide, Grey
• Pack Sizes: 1 L, 2.5 L, 5 L
• Coverage: Approx. 12 m²/L @ 35 µm DFT
• Drying Times @ 20 °C: Touch dry 2 h; hard dry 8–12 h
• Re-coat Interval: Minimum 12 h / overnight
• Minimum Application Temp.: 5 °C
• VOC Content: ≤ 450 g/L
• Flash Point: > 32 °C (closed cup)
• Application Method: Brush, roller or airless spray (thin ≤ 5 % with compatible thinner)
• Surface Suitability: Abraded steel, iron, galvanised or previously painted metal, interior & exterior
• Volume Solids: 45 % (typical)
• Wet Film Thickness (WFT): 75 µm
• Dry Film Thickness (DFT): 35 µm

Need detailed specs or prep guidance? Chat with our experts now and protect your metal tomorrow!

What surfaces can Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer be applied to?
It is suitable for iron and steel surfaces. The surface must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease, rust and mill scale before priming. Blast cleaning to SA 2.5 is recommended for bare steel.

What topcoats are compatible with this primer?
It is compatible with a range of conventional alkyd topcoats including Teamac Metalcote Machinery Enamel and Teamac Marine Gloss. Apply topcoat after a minimum of 12 hours or overnight.

What colours are available?
Grey and Red — both available in 1L and 2.5L tins.

What pack sizes are available?
Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer is available in 1L and 2.5L tins.

How quickly does it dry?
Touch dry in 2 hours at 20°C. Hard dry in 12 hours. Full hardness is achieved in 5–7 days. Drying times will be longer in cold or humid conditions.

How soon can I apply a topcoat?
Apply topcoat after a minimum of 12 hours or overnight at 20°C.

How much does it cover?
Coverage is approximately 13 m² per litre at 35 micron dry film thickness. A 1L tin covers approximately 13 m² per coat and a 2.5L tin covers approximately 32.5 m² per coat.

Can I thin it?
Yes. Thin with Thinners 14 at a maximum of 10% for spray application. Clean equipment after use with Thinners 14.

How should I prepare the surface?
All surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease and contaminants. Blast cleaning to SA 2.5 is recommended for bare steel. If blast cleaning is not practical, use mechanical cleaning — hand cleaning alone is not sufficient. Remove oil and grease with Coo-Var Universal Degreaser before mechanical cleaning.

What should I do about surface rust?
Where rust cannot be fully removed by blast or mechanical cleaning, apply Teamac Rust Converter to convert the rust to a stable compound before applying the primer.

Is it suitable for marine and coastal environments?
Yes. Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer is specifically noted as suitable for marine purposes and coastal areas where corrosion risk is elevated.

Is it flammable?
Yes. This product has a flash point above 32°C and a VOC content of max 430 g/litre. Keep away from heat, sparks and naked flames during application and drying. Ensure adequate ventilation at all times.

Can it be applied by spray?
Yes. Apply by airless spray with a 0.011" nozzle at 1800–2000 psi. Thin with Thinners 14 at a maximum of 10% for spray application.

Do you offer next-day delivery?
Yes. Order before midday for next-day delivery to mainland UK addresses. Contact us for delivery options to Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and other remote areas.

Safety data sheet - grey & light grey
Safety data sheet - red
Technical data sheet

We recommend these system products to achieve the best results with Teamac Zinc Phosphate Primer. Free delivery on orders over £75

Coo-Var Universal Degreaser — remove oil, grease and surface contamination from bare steel before mechanical cleaning or blast cleaning; essential first step for proper adhesion

Teamac Rust Converter — apply to hard-to-remove rust where blast cleaning is not practical; converts rust to a stable compound before priming

Teamac Metalcote Machinery Enamel — high-gloss anti-corrosive topcoat for metal and machinery; apply over Zinc Phosphate Primer for a complete, durable coating system

Paint Brushes, Rollers & Frames — suitable brushes and rollers for standard application, or use with airless spray equipment for large-scale priming projects

Not sure which system is right for your project? Contact our experts via live chat for free, tailored advice — we will help you choose the right products and get the best result.

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

• FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
• Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

• Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
• Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
• Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
• We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.