How to paint over GALVANOL: compatible finishes and waiting times

The natural color of GALVANOL is a matte grey, similar to hot-dip galvanizing. Many customers like it this way, but others need a corporate color, a wrought iron black, or a glossy finish. The good news is that GALVANOL works perfectly as a primer under a topcoat: the zinc protects from underneath and the paint provides aesthetics and an extra barrier.

What paints can you use on top

On top of GALVANOL, solvent-based paints should be used:

• ALINOL Spray: glossy metallic finish, specifically designed for application over GALVANOL.
• Synthetic enamels.
• Two-component epoxies.
• Polyurethanes.

If you have doubts about a specific paint, do a test on a small area or write to us first.

How long to wait before painting over

• Minimum 4–6 hours from the last layer of GALVANOL before applying the topcoat.
• GALVANOL takes about 4 hours to dry completely and 72 hours to fully cure.
• For ALINOL, we recommend waiting at least 4 hours.

Powder coating (thermocoating)

GALVANOL can also be used as a primer before powder coating. In that case, let GALVANOL cure completely (72 hours) and use the lowest possible oven temperature that allows the powder coating, up to about 200 °C.

Errors to avoid

• Painting too soon: the topcoat solvent can soften the zinc if it has not yet dried.
• Using water-based paints directly: they are not the recommended topcoat over GALVANOL.
• Sanding the zinc before painting: you lose protective thickness. It is enough that the surface is clean and dry.
• Not applying enough zinc: the topcoat does not replace the thickness of GALVANOL; apply the recommended 2–3 layers regardless.

Is the topcoat worth it?

From a protection standpoint, GALVANOL alone is already a complete system. The topcoat is a matter of aesthetics or design, and it also further extends the life of the assembly. On railings, gates, and urban furniture, it is a very common combination: GALVANOL + ALINOL or an enamel in the color you want.