T&T: Anchor chain painting

[Michael Stontz]

>>rust destroys...it doesn't protect.
>
> I believe there is at least one exception to this and that is Core Ten
> steel (I think that's what it's called).  It's formulated to form a
> surface oxide ("rust") and then it stops.  No painting ever needed-- the
> "rust" protects the metal itself.  Back in the 1970s the new stadium in
> Honolulu was made of this stuff, and I assume it's still holding up.
> Only problem is you have to like the color "dark reddish brown" because
> I believe that's the only the color anything made of this stuff will be
> unless you paint it which sort of defeats the purpose of using Core Ten
> in the first place.  But so far as I know they don't make chain out of


Ospho converts the rust to an inert compound.  First though, the loose flaky 
rust should be removed, then the Opho applied, and then some protection 
applied over that.  I have applied cold galvanized paint (not rustoleum)over 
Ospho on deck, and it works at least short term, but not on Ospho on chain. 
I had a paint with a high percent of zinc(?)recommended whose name I have 
forgotten, but might be able to ask someone about, if there is any interest. 
BTW, I have a 53' Corten steel motorsailor, so I may not belong on this 
list, but I have done lots of rust repair.  I normally use a 2 part epoxide 
called Tuff-Stuff over the Ospho, then paint over that, but the zinc paint 
s/b decidedly less pricey than epoxide.  ( I need the interest because the 
boat and resource are in Annapolis, I am in California and need a third 
party to contact my zinc paint recommender.)


Corten is used a lot in stadiums, bridges, etc.and is decidedly more rust 
resistant in  a non-marine environment, but is not significantly more rust 
resistant , if at all, in saltwater.

Rust never sleeps.
Mike Stontz
Atlantis