Anti-Corrosion Coating for Structural Steel
Multi-coat anti-corrosion systems that protect structural steel from rust in the UAE’s humid, salt-laden climate, applied by our certified crews to ISO 12944 specifications.
Approved
Approved by UAE Civil Defense and trusted by contractors
Mechanism
What it is and how it works
Steel left unprotected in the Gulf starts to rust within weeks. An anti-corrosion system seals the surface behind a sacrificial zinc-rich primer and layers of barrier coating, so moisture and salts cannot reach the metal, keeping the structure sound for decades
- C4–CXUAE corrosivity (ISO 12944-2)
- Sa 2½Blast-cleaning standard
- 15–25+ yrsDesign durability targets
What it is
- A multi-coat barrier systemPrimer, intermediate and topcoat work together to keep moisture, oxygen and salts away from the steel surface.
- Built for the Gulf climateHigh humidity, airborne chlorides and strong UV make UAE coastal and industrial sites some of the most corrosive environments for steel.
- The base for fireproofingIntumescent and cementitious fireproofing must sit on a compatible anti-corrosive primer, so the two systems are specified together.
How it works
- Clean surfaceAbrasive blasting removes rust and mill scale and creates an anchor profile for adhesion.
- Active primerA zinc-rich epoxy primer gives sacrificial (galvanic) protection to the steel.
- Barrier buildAn epoxy intermediate, often with micaceous iron oxide, adds thickness and blocks moisture paths.
- Weather shieldA polyurethane topcoat resists UV, keeps the colour and protects the layers beneath.
- Verified thicknessDry film thickness is measured coat by coat against the system specification.
Specification
Corrosivity categories and coating systems
| Corrosivity | Typical environment in the UAE | Relative system build |
|---|---|---|
| C3medium | Inland urban areas, interior steel with some humidity | Lower |
| C4high | Industrial zones and coastal areas with moderate salt exposure | Moderate |
| C5very high | Seafront sites, ports, plants and high-humidity industrial areas | High |
| CXextreme | Offshore structures and splash zones | Maximum |
Categories follow ISO 12944-2. The exact system, number of coats and dry film thickness depend on the corrosivity category, the required durability and the manufacturer's data sheet. Send us your specification and we will confirm the system for each area.
Range
Systems we apply
Intumescent Paint for Structural Steel
Thin-film coating that expands under heat to insulate steel and preserve its load-bearing strength, up to 120 minutes of fire resistance.
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Cementitious Fireproofing for Steel Structures
Durable spray-applied protection designed for columns, beams and heavy structural steel sections.
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Cable Protective Coating for Electrical Systems
Fire-resistant barrier for cable trays that stops flame spread and keeps critical circuits running during an emergency.
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Wood Fire Retardant for Timber Structures
Chemical treatment that slows combustion and preserves wood's natural look, with up to 60 minutes of added fire resistance.
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Solvent Intumescent Coating
Fast-curing, solvent-based intumescent system suited for exposed steel and demanding project timelines.
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Epoxy Intumescent Coating
High-build epoxy intumescent system built for offshore, marine and heavy-duty industrial environments.
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Fabric Fire-Retardant Treatment
Chemical treatment for curtains, upholstery and soft furnishings to meet fire safety codes in commercial fit-outs.
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Fire Proofing Materials
Certified fireproofing paints, mortars and accessories supplied and applied to spec for steel, cable and timber protection projects.
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On site
How we apply it
- Step 01
Surface preparation
- Degreasing, then abrasive blasting to Sa 2½ (ISO 8501-1)
- Surface profile, dust and soluble salt checks before coating
- Step 02
Priming
- Zinc-rich epoxy primer applied soon after blasting, before flash rust forms
- Steel temperature kept at least 3 °C above dew point
- Step 03
Intermediate and topcoat
- Epoxy intermediate for barrier build, stripe coats on edges and welds
- Polyurethane topcoat where UV and weather exposure apply
- Overcoat intervals kept within the data sheet limits
- Step 04
Inspection
- Dry film thickness recorded per coat and per member
- Adhesion and holiday checks where the specification requires them
- Primer compatibility confirmed if fireproofing follows
Each stage carries a hold point. Work does not move on until the previous coat is inspected and signed off, and the full record is issued to the consultant at handover.
Applications
Where anti-corrosion coating is used
Intumescent coatings are used as passive fire protection on structural elements — steel, timber and concrete — to delay structural collapse and hold escape routes open during a fire.
Structures and surfaces
- Structural steelBeams, columns, trusses and connections, before or alongside fireproofing.
- Pipe racks and pipeworkExposed process steel in plants where heat, chemicals and moisture combine.
- Tanks and equipmentExternal surfaces of storage tanks, skids and steel housings.
- Canopies and external steelShade structures, walkways and facades exposed to sun and salt air.
Industries and buildings
- Industrial and energyPower and desalination plants, factories and oil and gas facilities.
- Ports and coastal sitesWarehouses, terminals and seafront buildings in high-chloride environments.
- Commercial and logisticsWarehouses, hangars, malls and towers with exposed or semi-exposed steel.
Portfolio
Recent fireproofing work
A record of steel protected, inspections passed, and deadlines met across the Emirates.
Why us
Why contractors specify Ibtikar
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Certified applicators
Manufacturer-trained crews using our own spray equipment. The people on your site are ours, not subcontracted labour.
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UAE and GCC
Offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain — plus a Saudi operation, so we mobilise across the region without travel loading the price.
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Approvals already in place
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Civil Defence, plus ADNOC, CMW, PGC and Tawazun. See our approvals
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Documented handover
Dry film thickness recorded member by member, issued with material certificates and test reports, ready for authority submission.
How long does an anti-corrosion coating system last in the UAE?
Durability depends on the system and the environment. ISO 12944 sets durability ranges from low to very high, and a correctly specified multi-coat system on well-prepared steel is designed to protect for many years before major maintenance.
What surface preparation is needed?
For most high-performance systems the steel is abrasive blasted to Sa 2½ to ISO 8501-1, checked for profile, dust and soluble salts, and primed before flash rust can form.
Can anti-corrosion coating be used under fireproofing?
Yes. Intumescent and cementitious fireproofing need a compatible primer underneath. We confirm primer compatibility with the fireproofing manufacturer before work starts.
Which coating system do you recommend for coastal sites?
Seafront and port sites usually fall in ISO 12944 category C5, which typically calls for a zinc-rich epoxy primer, an epoxy intermediate and a polyurethane topcoat. The final system follows your project specification.
Do you provide inspection records?
Yes. Dry film thickness and environmental conditions are recorded for every coat, and the inspection report is issued to the consultant and main contractor at handover.
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