Micaceous iron oxideMIO

A coating that protects primarily by impermeability, isolating the substrate from water, oxygen and dissolved ions rather than by galvanic or inhibitive action. High build epoxies and coatings pigmented with lamellar materials such as micaceous iron oxide or glass flake are typical examples.

A primer containing a high loading of metallic zinc dust in an organic binder, usually epoxy, or an inorganic silicate binder, providing galvanic protection to steel in a similar way to galvanising. It requires a high standard of blast cleaned surface so that the zinc makes electrical contact with the steel.

The final coat of a coating system, providing the specified colour, gloss and resistance to weathering, ultraviolet light and chemical exposure. It is the system's first line of defence against the environment and largely determines how the finish looks over time.