A north Devon environmental and recycling centre has been able to keep functioning because a revolutionary process from HMG Paints for treating rust and lead contamination has enabled a problem to be sorted without having to shut down the facility.

Previously painted structural steel in part of the Brynsworthy Environment Centre and Waste Management Facility, near Barnstaple, was showing signs of light rust contamination. Tests also revealed lead to be present in previously applied coatings.

One possible treatment of the problem would have been to shot blast the rusted areas and complete removal of all existing and previous coatings. This would have required a complete shutdown of the affected part of the centre, disrupting its recycling function and adding considerable cost to the remediation work.

Exeter-based contractor Isca Decorating Company received detailed technical advice from HMG Paints who manufacture a suite of products able to deal with just such an issue. The products for the job were supplied by decorators’ merchants Rabart from their Plymouth store.

The first task was a thorough clean and degrease of the existing substrate in the steel structure. A first degreasing was carried out using a good quality water-based foaming degreaser and this was followed up with an application of HMG’s solvent degreaser 2801.

The next step was to treat the areas showing rust with HMG Ferrozinc Rust Convertor which is brushed on as a white coating and then turns navy/black indicating that the rust has been completely neutralised. Lead contaminated areas to be overpainted were then primed with HMG’s BDX Anti Corrosive Primer and then a topcoat of HMG C71 Speedline which gives a tough, hardwearing finish and is available in a comprehensive range of colours.

Commenting on the contract Lee Perrott, Isca Decorating Company’s managing director said: “This is the first project where we have used the full system. It is very easy to use and apply, similar to standard undercoats and gloss systems. The C71 Speedline topcoat covers particularly well and looks very nice in the satin finish. We will certainly be using and recommending it for future use.”

The completed job complements North Devon Council’s revamp of the Brynsworthy centre so it can speed up the processing of waste materials, provide improved facilities for staff and enhance the movements of pedestrians and vehicles.

If you require further information on the press release, please contact:

Josh Hibbert
HMG Paints Communications
marketing@hmgpaint.com