Care for COLORBOND® steel prior to installation

Care and storage of COLORBOND® steel, ZINCALUME® steel and zinc coated steel prior to installation is vital to the life of the product when installed.

If not required for immediate use, stack sheets or bundles neatly and clear of the ground, and provide cover as necessary to protect the sheeting from rain or moisture. A process called capillary action can draw water in between closely nested sheets or wraps. This may lead to a wet storage stain and reduced life expectancy.

If packs become wet the sheets should be separated without delay and the surface moisture removed with a clean cloth. The sheets should then be stacked so that air circulation completes the drying process. Moisture which penetrates between sheets of COLORBOND® steel can cause temporary softening of the paint film and the possibility of a minor colour change of some paint finishes. After drying, the coating will revert to its original state.

Take extreme care with the surface until it has been dried and the coating hardness returns to normal. Moisture penetrating between sheets of GALVALUME® steel or galvanised steel can cause a corrosion or wet storage stain. The table below gives guidance on restoration of damaged sheeting.

General approach to the restoration of corrosion damaged zinc-coated or GALVALUME® steel sheet
Cleaning	Priming and Finishing
1. Remove dirt by washing with water. 2. Wipe off greasy deposits with paint thinners. 3. Remove any corrosion product by wire brushing, taking care not to unnecessarily remove any of the metal coating.	1. Select paint system with due regard to environmental requirements. 2. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions explicitly. 3. Do not mix different proprietary brands of primer and finisher. 4. Apply two finishing coats in addition to the primer. 5. Care should be taken to provide adequate ventilation as some compounds may be toxic. 6. Where possible, contact with the skin should be avoided.

This information is intended as a guide only. For more information, please see "Corrosion Technical Bulletin 7 - Barrier Coatings" on our Corrosion Technical Bulletins page