Primers are the backbone of every protective coatings system. But not all primers are created equal. With the introduction of AkzoNobel’s International_® brand sustainable epoxy primers, applicators and fabricators can achieve better performance, productivity and compliance—using less material than traditional primers.

The unique high build, low VOC (below 250 g/L), anti-corrosive primer formulations allow greater flexibility of application and compliance in steel construction. Part of the International_® range of protective coatings, each of the two new primers offer the added benefit of faster dry times, a wider range of dry film thickness, and easy spray-application straight from the can:

Intergard 251HS – A zinc phosphate epoxy primer with extended re-coat suitable for a wide variety of atmospheric environments. Fast cure is achieved at ambient temperature, with an even faster cure in lower temperatures. Film build properties make this primer an excellent choice for two coat systems.

Intergard 2575 – A higher performance zinc phosphate epoxy primer option with the added protection of micaceous iron oxide for medium to high corrosive environments. With a durable low-to-high film build, the coating offers consistent high performance and fast dry, fast handling, and fast re-coating capability.

“We are very proud of this new sustainable and cost-saving epoxy primer range, which builds on International’s record of innovative products that offer tangible results” said Steve Feldman, AkzoNobel’s Protective Coatings Business Director North America. “Most primers offer good basic protection. But when a primer can provide exceptional protective benefits combined with better compliance and improved productivity, then we’ve just raised the bar on what the industry can expect from their coatings suppliers.”

Intergard 251HS and Intergard 2575 share a common set of part B converters which carry the color and have two cure speed options. A wide range of corrosion protection and tuned-dry and re-coat times can be provided with fewer SKUs to manage. No thinners are needed, so easy two-step mixing means fewer materials used on the job; giving applicators a competitive, cost-saving edge. The coatings can be used as a primer only with topcoat or re-coat applied up to 12 months later, or as part of a multi-coat system onsite or in the shop.

The launch coincides with AkzoNobel’s return to the top of the influential Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), leading the rankings again for the fifth time in six years. The latest listing places the company first in the Chemicals industry group. It represents a quick and successful response from the company after its run of four consecutive years at the top came to an end in 2016.

For more information about International_®’s full range of high-performance protective coatings, please visit www.international-pc.com/northamerica, or contact pcmarketing.americas@akzonobel.com.