July 16, 2025
At ZRC, we're always thrilled to see our products deliver exceptional results in challenging environments. We recently heard about another successful high-temperature corrosion protection project completed by Hunnicutt's, a trusted applicator, at one of Puget Sound Energy's local facilities in Tacoma, Washington. This project highlights the effectiveness and unique advantages of our Zero VOC ZRC Water Based Galvanizing Compound, especially when faced with demanding conditions.
The Challenge: High Temps and Environmental Care
The Puget Sound Energy project presented a dual challenge for Hunnicutt's: extreme surface temperatures and stringent environmental restrictions. The towers in question regularly experience surface temperatures ranging from a scorching 425°F to a blistering 725°F! Such conditions demand a coating that can not only withstand the heat but also provide long-lasting corrosion protection. Furthermore, being located in an environmentally sensitive area like Tacoma, Washington, meant that a Zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) solution was paramount.
A Proven Solution: ZRC Water Based Galvanizing Compound
This wasn't ZRC's first rodeo at Puget Sound Energy. These very towers were initially coated with ZRC 6-8 years prior and then recoated in 2005, a testament to the product's enduring performance for both corrosion protection and aesthetics. For this latest application in early 2025, Hunnicutt's, who sourced the product from Sherwin Williams, opted for our Zero VOC ZRC Water Based Galvanizing Compound, perfectly aligning with the project's environmental requirements.
Flawless Execution: Surface Prep and Application
Hunnicutt's meticulously prepared the surface using a high-pressure water wash followed by a Bristle Blaster – a testament to their commitment to optimal adhesion. The ZRC Water Based Galvanizing Compound was then expertly applied using a brush and roll method, achieving two coats at 2.0 mils DFT (Dry Film Thickness) each, for a total of 4.0 mils DFT. This precise application ensures the robust, sacrificial protection that ZRC is known for.
The Outcome: Long-Lasting Protection and Applicator Satisfaction
With the project completed in early 2025, these towers are now well-equipped to face the Pacific Northwest environment – a mix of sunlight, light salt contaminants, rain, and other elements.
Perhaps the most compelling feedback comes directly from the contractor, Hunnicutt's:
"The end product looked great. The main benefit to Hunnicutts was we didn’t have to blast to a Sp-5 or Sp-10 standard to recoat these stacks. We would certainly use this product again in these situations."
This statement underscores a significant advantage of ZRC products. The ability to recoat without the need for an extensive and costly blast to an Sp-5 or Sp-10 standard represents a considerable saving in time, labor, and resources for the applicator. It also minimizes environmental impact, aligning with the project's overall goals.
The Puget Sound Energy facility case study is another fantastic example of how ZRC Galvanizing Compounds, applied by skilled professionals like Hunnicutt's, provide superior, long-lasting corrosion protection, even in the most demanding high-temperature and environmentally sensitive applications. We congratulate Hunnicutt's on yet another successful project for 2025!
