PO Box 33, Drury, Auckland 2247 Ph + 64 9 640 0009 Fax + 64 9 268 6968 Email info@metaldesignsolutions.co.nz www.metaldesignsolutions.co.nz
Care and Maintenance of Rheinzink Cladding Pre Weathered Titanium Zinc The surface of RHEINZINK pre weathered finish develops a blue grey protective layer, the patina. The chemical process leading to the formation of this protective layer occurs in several stages. First, oxygen in the air causes zinc oxide to develop. The effect of water (rain and humidity) leads to the formation of zinc hydroxide, which reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to form a dense, firmly adhering and water insoluble coating layer of zinc carbonate (patina). This blue grey protective layer is responsible for the high corrosion resistance of the zinc. While the basis of the protective layer is alkaline zinc carbonate, additional substances are incorporated from the environment. That is why the colour of the patina can vary slightly from one place to another. For the same reason, the surface never appears dirty and only requires minor cleaning and maintenance over its lifetime. When the zinc carbonate layer is damaged or worn, such as at penetrations and cut edges, or where the material is installed in an aggressive environment such as a marine environment, it replenishes itself by removing a corresponding amount of zinc, creating a discoloration that is whitish in appearance. This is a natural process. If cleaning is necessary, we recommend the following methods: 1. Wash with any non-acid based soap (Ivory, Dove, etc) and water. completely after washing.
Rinse thoroughly and
2. To remove finger prints or other smudges:Apply “Rotol New Formula A2� surface protection with a clean soft cloth. The above procedure (2) can also be used with a non-acid stainless steel cleaner, such as WEICON Metal Spray or WD40. 3. For heavy staining which is not removable by either of the above, we recommend that a small patch of the staining be removed by using scotch brite. This will expose the bright surface below the pre weathering. Client approval should then be sought prior to proceeding with this method. Depending on the size of the bright surface, the weathering period for the bright surface to redevelop the patina will be from 2 – 5 years depending on environmental conditions. 4. If the surface is extremely dirty, marked, or otherwise, a light pressure washing may also be used. As with number 3 above, if this route is chosen, we strongly recommend that a sample panel be done so that Client approval can be obtained prior to proceeding. All cleaning using water should be done from the top down.
PO Box 33, Drury, Auckland 2247 Ph + 64 9 640 0009 Fax + 64 9 268 6968 Email info@metaldesignsolutions.co.nz www.metaldesignsolutions.co.nz