November 24, 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.
Key Points
- The Challenge: High Temps and Environmental Care
- A Proven Solution: ZRC Water Based Galvanizing Compound
- Flawless Execution: Surface Prep and Application
- The Outcome: Long-Lasting Protection and Applicator Satisfaction
- FAQs Regarding ZRC Zero-VOC Galvanizing Compound
- Shop Rust Corrosion Protection Directly Through Our Website
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!
FAQs Regarding ZRC Zero-VOC Galvanizing Compound
What is ZRC Zero-VOC Galvanizing Compound?
It’s a water-based, hybrid zinc-rich coating that combines the best features of organic and inorganic zinc coatings. Unlike many traditional inorganic zinc coatings, it has 0 g/L volatile organic content (VOC), meaning no solvent fumes and a more environmentally friendly profile.
What kind of corrosion protection does it provide?
It delivers true cathodic (galvanic) protection, just like classic hot-dip galvanizing, so steel substrates are protected with the same principle of zinc sacrificial protection.
Is ZRC Zero-VOC Galvanizing Compound bad for the environment?
No, ZRC Zero-VOC Galvanizing Compound is not bad for the environment. In fact, it’s specifically designed to be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based coatings. Unlike conventional products that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, ZRC’s Zero-VOC formula contains 0 g/L VOCs, meaning it emits no harmful fumes or pollutants during application or curing.
Because it’s water-based and free from hazardous solvents, it helps reduce air pollution, improves workplace safety, and meets even the strictest environmental regulations. At the same time, it provides the same galvanic protection as hot-dip galvanizing, shielding steel from rust and corrosion through sacrificial zinc protection.
How can ZRC rust corrosion protection be applied?
ZRC’s cold galvanizing products can be applied in two main forms: paint and aerosol spray. The paint version is ideal for larger surfaces or projects that require thicker, more controlled coverage. It’s commonly applied using a brush, roller, or airless spray system. Brush or roller application allows for precision and film thickness control on touch-ups, welds, and irregular surfaces, while airless spray offers efficient, even coverage on larger steel structures.
The aerosol spray version provides quick, convenient application for small jobs or hard-to-reach areas. It’s perfect for on-site repairs, maintenance, and spot coating where using full equipment setups isn’t practical. Both forms deliver the same zinc-rich, galvanic protection that stops rust at its source by forming a barrier and providing sacrificial protection.
No matter the method, surface preparation is key. Your metal surface must be clean, dry, and free of oil or rust. With proper application, ZRC’s galvanizing compound delivers long-lasting, reliable defense against corrosion.
Does it require sand-blasting similar to hot-dip galvanizing?
While the product is designed to address and reduce limitations inherent in traditional inorganic zinc coatings (like near-white sand-blasting requirements), proper surface preparation is still critical. The user guide references practical approaches for preparing metal surfaces.
Where Can I Buy ZRC?
You can purchase ZRC’s industry-leading rust and corrosion protection coatings directly through the ZRC Worldwide website, making it easy to find the right formula for your project. Our products are also available through a wide network of trusted distributors, as well as regional and specialty coating distributors across the U.S. and internationally.
Whether you’re looking for cold galvanizing compounds, Zero-VOC coatings, or aerosol touch-up sprays, each product is designed to deliver long-lasting galvanic protection and superior performance in harsh environments. For professional applicators or large-scale industrial projects, visit ZRC’s website to explore your options and connect with a distributor near you.
Shop Rust Corrosion Protection Directly Through Our Website
ZRC Zero-VOC Galvanizing Compound is a sustainable choice that delivers industrial-grade performance while helping to protect both your metal assets and the environment. Ready to protect your metal surfaces with an environmentally friendly solution? ZRC’s Zero-VOC Galvanizing Compound delivers the same powerful rust and corrosion protection as traditional zinc coatings, without harmful emissions or strong odors. It’s a water-based, hybrid formula designed for superior performance, safety, and sustainability.
Whether you’re repairing galvanized steel, maintaining infrastructure, or tackling large industrial projects, this eco-conscious coating provides unmatched durability and compliance with the toughest environmental standards. Shop rust and corrosion protection directly through our website and experience how ZRC’s Zero-VOC option keeps your projects strong, safe, and sustainable for years to come.
