What is XTC Zinc Rich Primer?
XTC Zinc Rich Primer is a zinc-rich, single-component high-temperature primer that protects bare steel from corrosion at continuous operating temperatures up to 1200°F (648°C). XTC Zinc Rich Primer works like galvanizing: the zinc in the film sacrifices itself to protect the steel underneath, which stops rusting and rust streaking on parts exposed to heat, humidity, condensation, and salt air.
1200°F
Continuous Temp Resistance
Zinc-Rich
Galvanic Corrosion Protection
360–400 sq. ft.
Coverage Per Gallon, One Coat
1 Hour
Recoat Time at 70°F
XTC Zinc Rich Primer locks itself to bare metal and leaves a clean, uniform primed surface that is ready for an XTC topcoat. On parts where color is not a concern, XTC Zinc Rich Primer can be left as the finish coat: the matte grey film is UV stable and holds up outdoors on its own.
XTC Zinc Rich Primer is the corrosion layer of the XTC high-temperature system. The primer supplies the rust protection, and XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating supplies the color and the 1500°F service rating. XTC Zinc Rich Primer contains no fluorocarbons, no lead, and no chromates.
Zinc-rich galvanic protection on bare steel, rated for continuous 1200°F service. Satisfaction guaranteed!
XTC Zinc Rich Primer protects bare steel against rusting, rust streaking, and corrosion in severe weathering exposure, including sustained high heat up to 1200°F, high humidity, condensation, and salt air. The zinc content gives XTC Zinc Rich Primer galvanic protection, so the coating keeps working even where the film gets nicked or scratched.
- High heat corrosion — Protects steel operating continuously at temperatures up to 1200°F (648°C) without burning off or chalking.
- Salt air and road salt — Formulated for severe weathering exposure, including coastal and winter-salt environments.
- Condensation and humidity — Blocks the moisture cycling that starts rust on exhaust components and heating equipment.
- Rust streaking — Stops the brown weeping stains that bleed down from corroding steel onto adjacent surfaces.
- Bare steel flash rust — Seals freshly blasted or sanded steel before it has a chance to flash over.
- Scratches and chips — Zinc in the film sacrifices itself at damage points, the same way galvanizing does.
- Exhaust manifolds and headers — Handles repeated heat and cool cycling without cracking or peeling.
- Wood, coal, and pellet stoves — Protects stove bodies, fireplace hoods, screens, and accessories.
- Industrial heat equipment — Suited to furnaces, kilns, ovens, compressors, and turbine housings.
Does XTC Zinc Rich Primer Have to Be Top Coated?
No. XTC Zinc Rich Primer can be left as the final finish where matte grey is acceptable, and the film is UV stable outdoors on its own. Top coating with XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating adds color choice and raises the system's continuous service rating from 1200°F to 1500°F.
XTC Zinc Rich Primer differs from ordinary high-heat primer in three ways: XTC Zinc Rich Primer is loaded with zinc for galvanic protection rather than relying on the film alone, XTC Zinc Rich Primer carries a 1200°F continuous rating instead of burning off, and XTC Zinc Rich Primer is a finished coating that does not require a topcoat to perform.
- Galvanizing-Like Protection: The zinc-rich film bonds directly to bare metal and protects sacrificially, the same mechanism that makes hot-dip galvanizing work.
- 1200°F Continuous Rating: Withstands sustained operating temperature of 1200°F (648°C) on headers, manifolds, stoves, and industrial heat equipment.
- Can Be Used Alone: Functions as a finish paint where matte grey is acceptable, so no topcoat purchase is required.
- UV Stable Grey Finish: The matte grey film holds its appearance outdoors and does not chalk out like conventional primers left uncoated.
- Clean Chemistry: Contains no fluorocarbons, no lead, and no chromates.
- Perfect Base for XTC: Leaves a uniform anchor surface that XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating flows out over cleanly.
- Multiple Application Methods: Applies by conventional or HVLP spray, airless spray, brush, roller, or aerosol.
- Six Sizes Available: Aerosol, 1/2 pint, pint, quart, gallon, and 5 gallon pail, so the can matches the job.
- Factory Direct: Manufactured by KBS Coatings in Valparaiso, Indiana and shipped same day.
XTC Zinc Rich Primer is formulated for bare, prepared steel and cast iron on parts that run hot. Surfaces must be dry and free of dirt, oil, rust, and other contaminants before XTC Zinc Rich Primer is applied. Sandblasting gives the ideal anchor pattern, and 60 to 80 grit sanding or wire brushing works just as well.
- Automotive Exhaust
- Exhaust manifolds, headers, collectors, downpipes, mufflers, and heat shields on street, race, and restoration builds.
- Engine and Underhood
- Engine blocks, turbochargers, turbine housings, and any bare steel component that sees sustained underhood heat.
- Heating Appliances
- Wood, coal, pellet, and gas stove bodies, fireplace hoods, screens, and stove accessories.
- Industrial Equipment
- Furnaces, kilns, ovens, boiler jackets, compressors, and process piping operating in the high-heat range.
- Marine and Coastal Steel
- Bare steel exposed to salt air and condensation where galvanic protection matters more than color.
- Not Recommended For
- Parts that will be immersed, surfaces in direct contact with open flame, and cooking surfaces.
One gallon of XTC Zinc Rich Primer covers 360 to 400 square feet with one coat at roughly 1.0 mil dry film thickness, and one quart covers 90 to 100 square feet. Expect up to 30 percent less coverage on rough, pitted, or freshly blasted steel, since the profile holds more material.
| Size | Typical Coverage, One Coat |
|---|
| Aerosol (12 oz) | 10–15 sq. ft. |
| 1/2 Pint (8 oz) | 10–15 sq. ft. |
| Pint (16 oz) | 45–50 sq. ft. |
| Quart (32 oz) | 90–100 sq. ft. |
| Gallon (128 oz) | 360–400 sq. ft. |
| 5 Gallon Pail (640 oz) | 1,800–2,000 sq. ft. |
Recoat window: allow 1 hour between coats at 70°F, or 2 hours at 50°F. Allow the final coat 8 hours of solvent flash-off before heat curing.
Pro Tip: XTC Zinc Rich Primer is heavily pigmented and the zinc settles hard in the can. Plan on 5 to 10 minutes of mixing with a KBS Hurricane Paint Mixer, repeatedly touching the bottom of the can and lifting, before the primer is fully homogenous. Turning the can upside down for a few minutes beforehand makes this much faster.
Apply XTC Zinc Rich Primer in thin coats at roughly 1.0 mil dry film thickness when air and substrate are between 50 and 82°F. XTC Zinc Rich Primer goes on by conventional or HVLP spray at 35 to 45 psi, airless spray, brush, roller, or aerosol. Allow 1 hour between coats at 70°F, then 8 hours before heat curing at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Step 1 — Prep the steel
- Sandblast, or wire brush and sand with 60 to 80 grit. Blow off residual media with clean compressed air.
- Step 2 — Degrease
- Wash with KBS Klean at 10:1 water to Klean, rinse, and let dry completely. Wear gloves so skin oils stay off the prepped surface.
- Step 3 — Mix thoroughly
- Stir 5 to 10 minutes with a mechanical mixer to fully re-disperse the settled zinc pigment.
- Step 4 — Apply thin coats
- Roughly 1.0 mil DFT per coat. Never build a heavy film, since thick applications can blister.
- Step 5 — Heat cure
- After 8 hours of flash-off, cure at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or run the engine through gradual heat cycles.
Read the Full XTC Primer Directions
Thinning and cleanup: thin up to 5 percent with KBS #1 Thinner only. Do not use lacquer thinner to reduce the product. Flush spray equipment, brushes, and rollers immediately after use with KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner.
Do You Have to Heat Cure XTC Zinc Rich Primer?
XTC Zinc Rich Primer air dries tack free and can be handled with care, but the resins do not reach full hardness until the coated part is heated to roughly 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes. On an automotive part, install it and heat cycle the engine gradually: idle until the coating begins to smoke, shut down, cool to room temperature, and repeat three times, then on the fourth cycle run until the smoke fully dissipates.
Can XTC Zinc Rich Primer Be Applied Over Rust or Old Paint?
No. XTC Zinc Rich Primer requires bare, clean steel to make galvanic contact with the substrate, so all rust, scale, and existing coatings must be removed first. If the part is not going to run hot and the rust cannot be fully removed, RustSeal is the correct product instead, since RustSeal is formulated to seal over tight rust.
XTC Zinc Rich Primer differs from standard high-heat primer in that XTC Zinc Rich Primer protects sacrificially through its zinc content rather than by film barrier alone, and XTC Zinc Rich Primer is rated for 1200°F continuous service and can be left uncoated as a finish. Standard high-heat primer typically tops out well below that and must be top coated.
| | XTC Zinc Rich Primer | Standard High Heat Primer |
|---|
| Corrosion mechanism | Galvanic, zinc-rich film protects sacrificially at scratches | Barrier only, protection ends where the film is broken |
| Continuous temp rating | 1200°F (648°C) | Varies, commonly 500°F to 1000°F |
| Topcoat required | No, matte grey film is UV stable on its own | Yes, most chalk or fail if left exposed |
| Components | Single component, no hardener or catalyst to mix | Varies, some require a two-part catalyst |
| Chromates and lead | None, and no fluorocarbons | Varies by manufacturer |
| Full hardness | Requires a 350°F heat cure for 20 to 30 minutes | Usually air dry only |
Standard high-heat primer is the better choice when the part will never be heat cured and a specific primer color is needed under a light topcoat, since XTC Zinc Rich Primer is available only in matte grey and needs a heat cycle to reach full hardness.
How to Apply XTC and XTC Primer
Full technical data sheet and step-by-step directions covering prep, mixing, spray and brush application, dry times, and the 350°F heat cure.
Read Article →
XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating
The 1500°F topcoat that pairs with XTC Zinc Rich Primer, available in Jet Black, Cast Iron Grey, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and more.
Read Article →
High Temperature Paints & Primers
Compare every KBS high-heat product side by side and find the right temperature rating for headers, stoves, and industrial equipment.
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KBS Instructional How-To Videos
Watch KBS products applied start to finish, including prep, mixing, and spray technique for high-heat coatings.
Read Article →
KBS Application Guides
Project-by-project guides for exhaust, chassis, tanks, and restoration work, with the exact product sequence for each job.
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KBS Customer Photo Gallery
Real customer projects coated with KBS products, including exhaust and engine work finished with the XTC system.
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Have questions before you buy? Find answers to the most common XTC Zinc Rich Primer questions below —
or order XTC Zinc Rich Primer now and get it shipped same day.
XTC Zinc Rich Primer is a zinc-rich, single-component high temperature primer rated for continuous service to 1200°F (648°C). What separates XTC Zinc Rich Primer from ordinary high-heat primer is the zinc: the film protects the steel galvanically, the same way hot-dip galvanizing does, so protection continues even at scratches and chips. XTC Zinc Rich Primer also contains no fluorocarbons, lead, or chromates.
No. XTC Zinc Rich Primer is not required for adhesion, because XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating bonds direct to properly prepped metal on its own. XTC Zinc Rich Primer is used specifically for rust and corrosion protection. On any part that sees moisture, condensation, or salt air, KBS recommends one coat of XTC Zinc Rich Primer at roughly 1.0 mil DFT followed by one coat of XTC.
Yes. XTC Zinc Rich Primer can be used alone as a finish paint and the matte grey film is UV stable outdoors. Leaving XTC Zinc Rich Primer uncoated gives 1200°F continuous protection. Top coating with XTC raises the system to a 1500°F continuous rating and opens up the full XTC color range, including Jet Black, Cast Iron Grey, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel.
XTC Zinc Rich Primer is rated for continuous temperature resistance to 1200°F (648°C). XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating, the matching topcoat, is rated to 1500°F (812°C). Neither product is recommended for parts that will be immersed, surfaces in direct contact with open flame, or cooking surfaces.
At 70°F and 50 percent relative humidity, XTC Zinc Rich Primer is tack free in about 25 minutes, ready to handle in 30 minutes, and ready to recoat in 1 hour. At 50°F those times stretch to 50 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours. Allow the final coat a full 8 hour solvent flash-off before heat curing. Aerosol applications need 30 minutes between coats.
Ideal application temperature for both the air and the part is 50 to 82°F (15 to 28°C). For aerosol cans, KBS recommends the can and the room both sit between 60 and 80°F. The steel must be dry and free of dirt, oil, rust, and other contaminants before XTC Zinc Rich Primer is applied.
No. Sandblasting is ideal because it leaves the best anchor pattern, but wire wheeling, wire brushing, or abrasive sanding with 60 to 80 grit paper produces an equivalent surface profile. After either method, wash the steel with KBS Klean at a 10:1 water to Klean ratio, rinse, and let it dry completely before applying XTC Zinc Rich Primer.
No. XTC Zinc Rich Primer needs bare, clean steel so the zinc can make direct galvanic contact with the substrate, so all rust, scale, and old coatings must be removed first. For a part that will not run hot and where the rust cannot be fully removed, RustSeal is the correct KBS product, since RustSeal is formulated to seal over tight surface rust.
Thinning is usually not required. If needed, thin XTC Zinc Rich Primer up to 5 percent using KBS #1 Thinner only, which is a slow-evaporating solvent. Do not reduce the product with lacquer thinner, as other thinners can hurt performance and void the guarantee. Flush spray equipment, hoses, brushes, and rollers immediately after use with KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner.
Apply one coat of XTC Xtreme Temperature Coating at roughly 1.0 mil DFT in the color of your choice, then heat cure the part. XTC Zinc Rich Primer does not need to be temperature cured before top coating. After the final coat has flashed off for 8 hours, cure the assembly at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or heat cycle the engine gradually four times as described in the XTC directions.
