A new class of coating
NanoPrep is a one-component, waterborne, acrylic co-polymer rust primer and anticorrosive coating that is changing the industrial coatings industry. It chemically reacts and cross-links with rusted steel, clean steel, painted steel, aluminium, and galvanised steel surfaces — creating superior anticorrosive properties without the need for abrasive blasting.
NanoPrep's surface preparation technology allows industrial coating application in areas where it is difficult, cost prohibitive, or impossible to perform surface preparation by abrasive grit blasting.
Key benefits
Just Pressure Wash
No blasting required — surface preparation is achieved with a simple 3500psi pressure wash.
No Heavy Protective Gear
A simpler, safer application process compared to abrasive blasting methods.
Outstanding Adhesion
Chemically reacts for perfect adhesion and top performance with a wide range of topcoats.
Quick Drying
Saves time on site with fast cure times between coats.
No VOCs
Safe and simple to use with no volatile organic compounds.
Non-Flammable
A safer product for use on active industrial sites.
Long Shelf Life
Extended storage life for project flexibility.
Primer for Many Topcoats
Compatible with a wide range of non-solvent and low-solvent based topcoats.
Performance you can rely on
There is no doubt that the best form of surface preparation is abrasive grit blasting, which is usually required if a coating manufacturer's minimum adhesion values are to be achieved. However, NanoPrep will typically achieve 70 to 80% of the coating manufacturers' stated adhesion values — for a fraction of the cost of conventional surface preparation techniques.
The adhesion of topcoats such as International, Jotun, and PPG to NanoPrep is outstanding.
How NanoPrep is applied
Either two or three coats of NanoPrep are required before applying your selected topcoat.
Preparation
The substrate should be washed to remove residual oils, salts and contamination. Surface preparation by water blasting at 3500psi or mechanical preparation by wire brush is appropriate. NanoPrep works best when applied to "tight rust" and can be applied to a damp (but not wet) substrate.
First Coat
Applied directly onto the substrate, penetrating into "tight rust" and converting the iron oxide to iron phosphate. The initial coat may appear somewhat "motley" and inconsistent in colour.
Second Coat
Applied after approximately 2–3 hours (at 20°C), directly over the stabilised first coat. This coat should comprehensively cover the first and achieve a uniform, consistent finish.
Third Coat (if required)
Only required when heavy rust is present in the initial, untreated substrate, to achieve a high quality uniform surface finish.
Topcoat
NanoPrep is left to cure for two to three hours at 20°C before applying your selected non-solvent based steel protection coating.
Technical documentation
Detailed specifications, application guides, and safety information are available below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NanoPrep and how does it protect steel from corrosion?
NanoPrep is a one-component, waterborne rust primer and anticorrosive coating designed for industrial steel protection. Its nano-sized particles penetrate tight rust and chemically convert iron oxide into a stable iron phosphate layer, creating a strongly bonded surface for the application of a compatible protective topcoat.
Can NanoPrep be used instead of abrasive grit blasting?
Yes. NanoPrep can be used as an alternative to abrasive grit blasting where conventional surface preparation is difficult, disruptive or cost prohibitive. In many applications, the surface can be prepared using a 3500 psi pressure wash or mechanical wire brushing before NanoPrep is applied directly to the prepared steel.
What surfaces can NanoPrep be applied to?
NanoPrep can be applied to rusted steel, clean steel, previously painted steel, aluminium and galvanised steel. It is particularly effective on tightly adhering rust, where it penetrates and reacts with the corroded surface to provide a stable base for subsequent protective coatings.
How do you prepare a rusted steel surface before applying NanoPrep?
Before applying NanoPrep, the surface should be cleaned to remove oils, salts, loose rust and other contaminants. A 3500 psi pressure wash or mechanical preparation using a wire brush is generally suitable. NanoPrep performs best over tightly adhering rust and can also be applied to a damp, but not wet, substrate.
What types of topcoats can be applied over NanoPrep?
NanoPrep is compatible with a wide range of industrial protective coatings, including acrylic coatings, water-based steel protection paints, two-pack epoxies, polyurea coatings and coatings containing no more than 16% solvent. It is not recommended for use beneath solvent-based or silicone-based paints.
Want to see NanoPrep in action?
Request a free trial and let our team show you how NanoPrep can protect your assets without the cost and disruption of abrasive blasting.
Request a Free Trial