A Comprehensive Guide to Rustbond PS by Carboline: Installation, Benefits, and Applications
In the realm of industrial coatings, Rustbond PS by Carboline stands out as a revolutionary low-VOC epoxy
primer/sealer, offering exceptional surface tolerance and adhesion without extensive preparation. This guide delves
into the innovative features of Rustbond PS, a versatile solution for new construction,
maintenance, and overcoating projects. Whether you're looking for surface-tolerant primers, low-VOC epoxy sealers,
or universal tie-coats, this article covers everything from benefits and applications to a detailed installation
process. Perfect for contractors, engineers, and maintenance professionals, discover why Rustbond PS is transforming
surface preparation with its user-friendly application and year-round usability.
Rustbond PS applied to steel substrate
What is Rustbond PS?
Rustbond PS is a proprietary epoxy blend and very low VOC primer/sealer from Carboline, designed for
outstanding surface tolerance over marginally prepared substrates. This user-friendly product accepts a variety
of topcoats and minimizes surface preparation needs for new construction, maintenance, and overcoating projects.
With good pot life at higher temperatures and low-temperature cure down to 35°F (1.7°C) using Additive 8505, it
enables year-round application while reducing waste and ensuring compliance in stringent environments.
It excels in adhesion to SSPC-SP 2 prepared steel, galvanizing, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper,
providing low stress during application and cure.
Rustbond PS Low VOC Coating
Key Features and Benefits of Rustbond PS
Rustbond PS features a translucent green gloss finish with 90% solids content by volume and very low VOC (less
than 100 g/l), ensuring environmental compliance. As a self-priming universal primer and tie-coat, it offers
excellent wicking for adhesion on challenging surfaces, low stress application, and tolerance for higher DFT
(1-3 mils). Its good pot life and low-temperature cure with Additive 8505 make it ideal for diverse conditions.
Benefits include time and cost savings from minimal prep, versatility over aged coatings and tight rust, and
suitability as a sealer for metalizing and TSA. With continuous dry temperature resistance up to 175°F (79°C),
it's a top choice for durable, low-odor coatings in maintenance projects.
- Very Low VOC: Less than 100 g/l for stringent compliance.
Universal Tie-Coat: Accepts waterborne acrylics, alkyds, epoxies, polyurethanes, and more.
- Year-Round Use: Cures down to 35°F with Additive 8505.
Rustbond PS Installation on Steel Surface
How to Install Rustbond PS: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing Rustbond PS is straightforward and user-friendly, suitable for brush, roller, or spray application.
This guide ensures optimal performance as a surface-tolerant epoxy primer.
- Surface Preparation: Clean and dry surfaces per SSPC-SP 1; minimum hand/power tool clean
(SSPC-SP 2/3) for steel; abrade concrete to ICRI CSP standard.
- Mixing: Power mix Parts A and B (2:1 ratio) for 1-3 minutes; do not mix partial kits. Pot
life: 90 min at 70°F.
- Application: Apply 1-3 mils DFT via brush, roller, or airless spray (thinned up to 5% with
Thinner 76 or 225 E if needed).
- Curing: Minimum dry to topcoat: 6 hours at 70°F; full cure varies; use Additive 8505 for
low temps. Max recoat: 14 days for acrylics/alkyds.
For detailed specs, download the Product Data Sheet. This low VOC primer
is perfect for maintenance and overcoating with minimal prep.
Applications and Specifications for Rustbond PS
Rustbond PS excels in protecting steel, concrete, non-ferrous metals, and previously painted surfaces, offering a
durable solution for atmospheric exposure in industrial and commercial settings. Specifications include DFT of 1-3
mils, theoretical coverage of 722 sq ft/gal at 2 mils, VOC of 0.8 lbs/gal, and dry temp resistance up to 175°F
continuous. Not for immersion; must be topcoated. Ideal for new construction, maintenance repaints, and as a
sealer over metalizing.
Rustbond PS on Exterior Steel Application
Exterior Applications: Protecting Steel Structures
Rustbond PS is ideal for exterior applications on marginally prepared steel, providing robust adhesion and
corrosion protection for bridges, tanks, and structural steel. Its surface tolerance allows overcoating of aged
paints and tight rust, ensuring long-term durability in atmospheric environments.
Common uses include maintenance of galvanized and non-ferrous metals, where it acts as a universal tie-coat for
topcoats like polyurethanes and epoxies. The low VOC formulation supports eco-friendly projects, while its low
stress prevents cracking on expansion joints.
- Structural Steel: Adheres to SSPC-SP 2 cleaned surfaces.
- Galvanized Metal: Excellent wetting for primed galvanizing.
- Maintenance Repaints: Overcoats existing coatings with minimal prep.
Rustbond PS application
Interior Applications: Enhancing Maintenance Projects
Rustbond PS is highly effective for interior applications within facilities, including concrete floors, walls,
and metal structures. Its penetrating properties seal pores and promote adhesion for topcoats in warehouses,
plants, and overcoating scenarios.
Ideal for industrial maintenance, it bonds to phosphatized steel and previously painted surfaces, offering
resistance to low-stress environments. The fast pot life and easy application allow quick turnaround in
repainting projects.
- Concrete Surfaces: Penetrates pores at 722 sq ft/gal for sealing.
- Previously Painted Walls: Test for compatibility per ASTM D3359.
- Non-Ferrous Interiors: Roughens for atmospheric protection.
To get started, contact customer support at (800) 567-5358.
Whether you need a low VOC primer or a surface-tolerant sealer for maintenance, Rustbond PS delivers exceptional
performance and versatility.
