Protecting Bowls Club Steel Structures in Harsh Coastal Environments

Bribie Island, a popular destination near Brisbane, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant community. Recently, the Bribie Island Bowls Club undertook a project to construct a shade structure that required a robust coating system to withstand the harsh C5 coastal environment.

Coating System

Bribie Island Bowls Club opted for a PUR5 coating system comprised of three key layers. Each layer played a crucial role in providing durability and aesthetic appeal to the structure.

• First coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 @ 75-microns (µm) DFT offering excellent corrosion protection by serving as a sacrificial layer. This coating prevented rusting and degradation of the steel, ensuring a solid foundation for subsequent layers.

• Intermediate coat: Dulux® Ferreko® No. 4 @ 200-microns (µm) DFT is a high-content MIO epoxy coating renowned for its exceptional barrier protection against coastal elements.

• Topcoat: Dulux® Weathermax® HBR @ 75-microns (µm) DFT offers additional protection against UV radiation, weathering, and saltwater exposure. Its application guaranteed a long-lasting and visually appealing finish for the shade structure.

Impressive Results

Zincanode 402 is a two-pack epoxy zinc-rich primer that provides excellent corrosion protection in harsh environments. It is ideal for use on abrasive blast cleaned steel surfaces, offering rapid dry and overcoat times. This primer can be topcoated with a variety of coatings and is suitable for temperatures up to 200°C and is a reliable choice for efficient and effective corrosion resistance.

Ferreko No. 4 is a versatile high build MIO (micaceous iron oxide) filled epoxy coating that can be directly applied to suitably prepared metal surfaces, allowing for a fast return to service. It offers excellent barrier protection with a high volume of micaceous iron oxide, extending maintenance cycles and providing reliable and efficient protection, while contributing to its high build characteristics.

Weathermax HBR is a highly durable and low maintenance coating that offers excellent protection for assets. It can be easily applied with a brush or roller, making on-site application hassle-free. This coating provides superior gloss and color retention, offering excellent resistance to graffiti and cleaning agents, ensuring assets stay clean and well-maintained.

"The combination of the heavy industrial coating and the robust build capabilities of Ferreko® No. 4 has created a durable and visually pleasing finish. The high-content MIO epoxy coating used in the system has provided outstanding barrier protection, effectively safeguarding the structural steel from corrosion and significantly extending its lifespan." Jame Booth, Dulux Protective Coatings Business Development Executive and Major Accounts Manager.