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Carbozinc 859 inorganic zinc rich primer by carboline

Carbozinc 859 organic zinc epoxy steel primer kit

by Carboline
$367.48 - $1,244.51
$367.48
$367.48 - $1,244.51
$367.48
Carbozinc 859 is a two-component, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) organic zinc-rich epoxy primer manufactured by Carboline. It’s designed to protect steel surfaces from corrosion by providing a durable, zinc-based coating that acts as a sacrificial anode, corroding in place of the steel. It is available in green or gray colors.

Carbozinc 859 PDS Sheet>

This primer is meant for application over steel and is used in industries like construction, oil and gas, transportation, and manufacturing, complying with standards like SSPC Paint 20 (Type II) and ASTM D520 (Type II zinc). Its low VOC formulation ensures compliance with environmental regulations, making it suitable for regions with strict air quality rules.

Where is Carbozinc 859 used?

Structural Steel: Bridges, towers, and
Tanks and Piping: Internal and external surfaces of storage tanks or pipelines exposed to chemicals or moisture. 
Marine and Offshore: Ship hulls, oil rigs, and facilities facing saltwater corrosion.  Industrial Equipment: Machinery, cranes, and other steel components in factories or construction sites. 
Architectural Projects: Steel frameworks in commercial or public structures requiring durable coatings. 
Faying Surfaces: Bolted or friction-grip connections in steel structures, as it meets slip resistance standards.

Find our entire collection of Carboline Products Here >

CARBOZINC 859 IS AVAILABLE IN A .8-GALLON KIT and 4-GALLON KIT, INCLUDING PARTS A & B.
Typically not needed, but can be thinned up to 13 oz/gal using Carboline Thinner #2

If your project needs a different Carboline coating product or a specific color not listed here, please feel free to contact our customer support team.

Contact our customer support today to discuss your project: 
(800) 567-5358

Color: Green 0300
Kit Size: .8-Gallon
Coverage Calculator

Compatible Thinners

Thinner Conditions Max Rate Notes
Thinner 2 Normal conditions 13 oz/gal (10%) Standard approved thinner; also used for cleanup
Thinner 76 Projects requiring non-photochemically reactive solvents 13 oz/gal (10%) Use where non-reactive solvent specifications apply
Thinner 33 Hot or windy conditions 13 oz/gal (10%) Slower evaporation rate — recommended when ambient temps or wind accelerate dry time
Thinner 236E Normal conditions — low HAP/VOC priority 13 oz/gal (10%) Minimizes HAP and VOC emissions; preferred thinner for environmentally sensitive projects
Thinner 2 or Acetone Cleanup only — Equipment and tool cleanup after use

Thinning is not normally required for Carbozinc 859 — it applies well with little or no thinning. When needed, maximum thinning is 13 oz/gal (10%) with approved thinners only. Use of thinners other than those supplied by Carboline may adversely affect product performance and void the manufacturer's warranty. Source: Carboline Carbozinc 859 PDS (December 2023, doc 0486).

Topcoat Compatibility & Coating Systems

Standard 2-Coat Industrial System ★ Most Specified

The most common Carbozinc 859 system across industrial markets. Applied directly to blast-cleaned steel, topcoated with a polyurethane or acrylic finish in the same shift at 75°F. Delivers outstanding corrosion resistance rivaling inorganic zinc systems. Suitable for bridge & highway, manufacturing, oil & gas, power, and commercial structural steel.

Primer (This Product) Carbozinc 859 3–5 mils DFT · SSPC-SP6 blast · topcoat in 30 min @ 75°F
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Topcoat Polyurethane or Acrylic Per Carboline recommendation
⚠️ Under certain conditions, a mist coat may be required before applying the full topcoat to minimize bubbling. Consult Carboline Technical Service for system-specific guidance.
High-Performance 3-Coat System

For demanding industrial and marine exposures where maximum corrosion and barrier protection is required. Carbozinc 859 primes the steel, an epoxy intermediate builds barrier film thickness, and a polyurethane or siloxane finish coat provides UV stability and long-term color retention. With an appropriate topcoat, this system can often outperform a comparable 3-coat inorganic zinc system.

Primer (This Product) Carbozinc 859 3–5 mils DFT · SSPC-SP6 blast
→
Intermediate Epoxy Per Carboline recommendation
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Topcoat Polyurethane or Siloxane Per Carboline recommendation
Faying Surface — Class B Slip Application

Carbozinc 859 meets ASTM A-490 Class B slip coefficient and creep testing criteria at up to 6 mils DFT with up to 10% thinning. Connection areas on structural steel do not need to be masked — the primer can be applied continuously across bolted connection zones, saving significant labor on fabrication projects.

Single Coat — Faying Surface Carbozinc 859 Max 6 mils DFT · max 10% thinning · Class B slip certified
Fireproofing Primer System

Carbozinc 859 is an approved primer under Carboline intumescent and cementitious fireproofing products. A minimum 24-hour cure is required before applying Carboline epoxy intumescent products. Surface preparation requirements defer to the fireproofing product data sheet. Consult Carboline Technical Service for cure times specific to your fireproofing product.

Primer (This Product) Carbozinc 859 3–5 mils DFT · 24-hr cure min. before fireproofing
→
Fireproofing Carboline Intumescent or Cementitious Per fireproofing product PDS

Systems shown are consistent with guidance in the Carbozinc 859 PDS and Product Flyer. Always confirm topcoat selection with Carboline Technical Service for your specific exposure, substrate, and specification. Source: Carboline Carbozinc 859 PDS (December 2023, doc 0486) and Product Flyer.

Frequently Purchased Together

Carboline Thinner No. 2
Approved Thinner & Cleanup
Carboline Thinner No. 2
Approved thinner for Carbozinc 859 under normal conditions — up to 13 oz/gal (10%). Also the specified cleanup solvent for equipment and tools.
From $129.87
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Carboline Thinner No. 33
Hot / Windy Conditions Thinner
Carboline Thinner No. 33
Approved thinner for Carbozinc 859 in hot or windy conditions — slower evaporation rate maintains proper wet film when ambient conditions accelerate dry time.
$137.22
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Carboguard 890 epoxy intermediate
Epoxy Intermediate / Topcoat
Carboguard 890
Cycloaliphatic amine epoxy compatible for use over Carbozinc 859 as an intermediate coat in high-performance 3-coat systems. A mist coat may be required before the full coat under certain conditions.
From $419.48
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Carbothane 134 HG polyurethane topcoat
Polyurethane Finish Topcoat
Carbothane 134 HG
UV-stable aliphatic polyurethane finish coat — compatible for use over Carbozinc 859 per Carboline recommendations for 2-coat and 3-coat systems requiring long-term color and gloss retention.
From $292.27
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Carbozinc 859 Organic Zinc-Rich Epoxy Steel Primer by Carboline

Product Specs — Carbozinc 859

Carbozinc 859 — Organic Zinc-Rich Epoxy Primer by Carboline.
A low-VOC organic zinc-rich epoxy primer combining outstanding corrosion resistance with industry-leading cure speed. Topcoats in 30 minutes at 75°F — fast enough to prime and topcoat in the same shift. Cures at 0% humidity and down to 35°F (2°C). Contains 81% zinc dust by weight in the dry film. Meets Class B slip coefficient — no masking of structural connection areas required. Complies with SSPC Paint 20 (Type II) and MPI #20. Used across virtually all industrial markets.

✓ Organic Zinc-Rich Epoxy — SSPC Paint 20 (Type II)  •  ✓ 81% Zinc by Weight in Dry Film  •  ✓ Topcoats in 30 min @ 75°F  •  ✓ Class B Slip Coefficient  •  ✓ No Minimum Humidity Required  •  ✓ MPI #20 Approved

✏️ Need a project quote? Request Online

📞 Questions? Call (800) 567-5358 — Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM EST

Carbozinc 859 by Carboline

Carbozinc 859 organic zinc-rich epoxy steel primer by Carboline — fast-cure corrosion protection
Carbozinc 859 — Organic Zinc-Rich Epoxy Steel Primer (0.80-Gal & 4.00-Gal Kits)

Shipping Map — Carboline Delivery Timing

US regional warehouse map showing estimated shipping transit times for Carboline product orders from Material Warehouse 🔍 Click to enlarge
Typical transit times vary by destination zone. Click map to enlarge.

Shipping Time

Call (800) 567-5358 for pricing and logistics questions.

Carboline orders ship from regional warehouses nearest to your location, with full product stock maintained at each facility.

Most orders ship within 2–3 business days of order placement. Transit times shown on the map are typical but not guaranteed.

Available sizes: 0.80-gallon kit (22 lbs)  •  4.00-gallon kit (105 lbs)

Note: Carbozinc 859 contains flammable solvents. Hazmat shipping regulations apply — call ahead to confirm freight classification.

Mixing Instructions

3-component system: Part A (Base) + Part B (Activator) + Zinc Filler (Part C)

Power mix Part A completely. Sift zinc filler slowly into Part A under agitation until lump-free. Power mix Part B separately, then add slowly to the mixture. Pour through a 30-mesh screen. Do not mix partial kits.

Pot life: 4 hours at 75°F (24°C) — less at higher temperatures. Ends when coating loses body and begins to sag.

Kit Sizes & Component Breakdown

Component 0.80-Gal Kit 4.00-Gal Kit
Part A (Base)0.35 gal (1.32 L)1.77 gal (6.7 L)
Part B (Activator)0.20 gal (0.76 L)1.00 gal (3.78 L)
Zinc Filler (Part C)14.6 lbs (6.62 kg)73 lbs (33.1 kg)
Kit Weight22 lbs (10 kg)105 lbs (48 kg)

Coverage Rates

Recommended DFT: 3–5 mils (76–127 microns) per coat. Do not exceed 10 mils per coat. Allow for mixing and application loss.

DFT Theoretical Coverage
1 mil (25 µm)1,059 ft²/gal (26.0 m²/l)
3 mils (75 µm) — min rec.353 ft²/gal (8.7 m²/l)
5 mils (125 µm) — max rec.212 ft²/gal (5.2 m²/l)

Solids by volume: 66% ±2%. Zinc dust by weight in dry film: 81%. Source: Carboline Carbozinc 859 PDS (December 2023, doc 0486).

Curing Schedule

Times based on 3.0 mil DFT at 50% RH. Maximum recoat time is unlimited.

Surface Temp. Dry to Handle Dry to Recoat / Topcoat
35°F (2°C)8 Hours6 Hours
50°F (10°C)5 Hours2 Hours
75°F (24°C)2 Hours30 Minutes
100°F (38°C)1 Hour30 Minutes

Surface Preparation

All surfaces must be clean and dry before application.

Application Requirement
Production SteelSSPC-SP6 blast · 1.0–3.0 mil (25–75 µm) angular surface profile
Touch-upSSPC-SP2 or SP3 with roughened surface
Under FireproofingDefer to surface prep requirements in the fireproofing product data sheet

Substrate temperature must be above the dew point. Source: Carboline Carbozinc 859 PDS (December 2023, doc 0486).

Industry Applications

  • Bridge & Highway — rapid cure for tight lane-closure schedules
  • Oil & Gas / Pipelines & Terminals — proven corrosion protection in hydrocarbon environments
  • Marine — galvanic protection in salt air and atmospheric splash zones
  • Manufacturing & Fabrication — topcoat in the same shift, keeping throughput high
  • Chemical Processing / Refining — durable primer in aggressive industrial atmospheres
  • Power Generation — structural steel on generation and transmission infrastructure
  • Fireproofing Primer — approved under Carboline intumescent and cementitious systems
  • Water / Wastewater — steel structures in water infrastructure environments
  • Commercial & Structural Steel — fast shop-primed steel delivery for building projects

Key Specifications, Packaging & Storage

Property Value
Generic TypeOrganic Zinc-Rich Epoxy
ComplianceSSPC Paint 20 (Type II) · MPI #20 Approved
Color / FinishGreen (0300) · Gray (0700) · Flat
Solids by Volume66% ±2%
Zinc in Dry Film81% by weight
VOC (As Supplied)2.72 lbs/gal (326 g/l) — compliant with current AIM regulations
Recommended DFT3–5 mils (76–127 µm) per coat · max 10 mils
Theoretical Coverage353 ft²/gal at 3 mils · 212 ft²/gal at 5 mils
Pot Life4 hours at 75°F (24°C)
Dry to Handle @ 75°F2 hours
Dry to Recoat @ 75°F30 minutes
Dry Temp. Resistance400°F (204°C) continuous · 425°F (218°C) non-continuous
Application Temp — SurfaceMin 35°F (2°C) · Max 120°F (49°C)
Application Temp — AmbientMin 35°F (2°C) · Max 110°F (43°C)
Application Temp — MaterialMin 40°F (4°C) · Max 90°F (32°C)
Humidity Range0% – 95% RH — no minimum humidity required
Slip CoefficientMeets Class B (ASTM A-490) · max 6 mils DFT · max 10% thinning
Application MethodsConventional Spray · Airless Spray · Brush & Roller (small areas & touch-up)
CleanupThinner 2 or Acetone
Flash Point — Part A49°F (9°C)
Flash Point — Part B38°F (3°C)
Shelf Life — Part A36 months at 75°F (24°C)
Shelf Life — Part B & C24 months at 75°F (24°C)
StorageIndoors · 40–120°F (4–49°C) · 0–100% RH
Kit Sizes0.80-Gal Kit (22 lbs / 10 kg) · 4.00-Gal Kit (105 lbs / 48 kg)

Source: Carboline Carbozinc 859 PDS (December 2023, doc 0486).

Performance Data

All test data generated under laboratory conditions. Test reports available upon written request.

Test System Result
ASTM D4541 Adhesion A. 859 alone  B. 859 / Polyurethane  C. 859 / Epoxy / Polyurethane A. 841 psi  B. 1,100+ psi  C. 602 psi
ASTM D522 Flexibility A. 859 alone  B. 859 / Polyurethane A. >6%  B. >5%
ASTM D2794 Impact A. 859 alone  B. 859 / Polyurethane (direct, over 1/8” steel) A. 160 in-lbs  B. 100 min. in-lbs
ASTM D870 Immersion 859 / Epoxy / Polyurethane — salt water (5% NaCl) & fresh water, 30 days @ 75°F No rusting in scribe; no blistering, softening, or discoloration
Slip Coefficient 859 alone — ASTM A-490 bolt spec · max 6 mils DFT · max 10% thinning Meets Class B requirements

Good to Know Before You Buy

⚠️ Key Points for Buyers
  1. Topcoat in 30 minutes at 75°F — prime and finish in the same shift. Carbozinc 859 has one of the fastest cure-to-topcoat times in its class. This is the primary reason it gets specified on bridge and highway projects, fabrication shop work, and any job where the painting schedule is tight. At cooler temperatures the window extends, but even at 50°F you can topcoat in 2 hours.
  2. No minimum humidity required — organic epoxy cures anywhere. Unlike inorganic zinc silicates (which need 30–40% RH minimum to cure), Carbozinc 859 cures via a chemical reaction between Part A and Part B and works at 0% relative humidity. Enclosed shops, dry climates, and winter interior work are all fine.
  3. Class B slip coefficient — no masking of structural connection areas. Carbozinc 859 meets ASTM A-490 Class B slip requirements at up to 6 mils DFT with up to 10% thinning. On structural steel with bolted connections, this eliminates the labor cost of masking off faying surfaces before priming — a significant saving on fabrication projects.
  4. 3-component system — order the right kit size, never mix partial kits. The product requires all three components (Part A, Part B Activator, and Zinc Filler/Part C) mixed in the correct order and in full kit quantities. The 0.80-gal kit covers roughly 280–470 ft² at recommended DFT. The 4.00-gal kit scales to 1,400–2,350 ft². Match your kit size to your job to avoid waste.

Frequently Asked Questions — Carbozinc 859

What is the coverage rate for Carbozinc 859?
Carbozinc 859 covers 353 ft²/gal at 3 mils DFT and 212 ft²/gal at 5 mils DFT (theoretical, per PDS). Recommended DFT is 3–5 mils per coat; do not exceed 10 mils. Allow for application loss — practical yield is typically lower than theoretical depending on surface profile and spray technique.
How do I mix Carbozinc 859?
Carbozinc 859 is a 3-component system. Power mix Part A completely first. Then sift zinc filler (Part C) slowly into Part A under continuous agitation until lump-free. Power mix Part B (Activator) separately, then add it slowly to the Part A / zinc mixture. Pour the full mixture through a 30-mesh screen before use. Do not mix partial kits. Pot life is 4 hours at 75°F.
How quickly can I topcoat over Carbozinc 859?
At 75°F (24°C) Carbozinc 859 is dry to recoat in 30 minutes — fast enough to topcoat in the same shift. At 50°F the window is 2 hours; at 35°F it extends to 6 hours. Maximum recoat time is unlimited, but the surface must be clean, dry, and free of chalk and zinc salts before overcoating.
Does Carbozinc 859 require minimum humidity to cure?
No. Carbozinc 859 is an organic epoxy that cures via chemical reaction between its components. It can be applied and cured at 0% relative humidity — unlike inorganic zinc silicates which require a minimum 30–40% RH. This makes it well suited for enclosed spaces, dry climates, and cold-weather winter work.
What performance testing has Carbozinc 859 passed?
Carbozinc 859 has passed ASTM D4541 Adhesion (841 psi alone; over 1,100 psi with polyurethane topcoat), ASTM D522 Flexibility (>6%), ASTM D2794 Impact (160 in-lbs alone), and ASTM D870 Immersion (no rusting, blistering, or discoloration in salt or fresh water over 30 days). It also meets Class B slip coefficient under ASTM A-490 and complies with SSPC Paint 20 Type II.
How does Carbozinc 859 compare to inorganic zinc primers?
Carbozinc 859 is an organic zinc-rich epoxy (SSPC Paint 20 Type II). Inorganic zinc primers like the Carboweld series are silicate-based (Type I). The organic formula is easier to apply and topcoat — no humidity requirement, 30-minute recoat at 75°F, Class B slip without masking, and brush/roller touch-up capability. Corrosion resistance is comparable to inorganic zinc, and with an appropriate topcoat it often outperforms a comparable 3-coat system.
Can Carbozinc 859 be used under intumescent fireproofing?
Yes. Carbozinc 859 is an approved primer under Carboline fireproofing products. A 24-hour minimum cure is generally required before applying Carboline epoxy intumescent products. Recoat intervals under intumescent systems may differ — consult Carboline Technical Service for recommended cure times before applying intumescent topcoats.
Does Carbozinc 859 meet Class B slip coefficient for structural connections?
Yes. Carbozinc 859 meets Class B slip coefficient and creep testing criteria for faying surfaces per ASTM A-490 at a maximum of 6 mils DFT and 10% maximum thinning. Structural connection areas do not need to be masked before priming, which is a significant labor saving on steel fabrication projects with bolted connections.

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