Convert Rust. Inhibit Corrosion. Protect Steel.
An integrated approach to preserving steel assets—with a seawall restoration example from Great Neck, Long Island.
Corroded steel needs more than a fresh appearance. Effective preservation must address existing rust, protect the underlying metal, and provide a durable defense against continued exposure.
SURTREAT combines Rust Converter, VCI Primer, and a protective topcoat to address these needs as part of a coordinated repair and protection system.
Three complementary layers of protection
Convert existing rust. SURTREAT Rust Converter chemically transforms rust into a stable, black protective surface that can receive subsequent coatings. Applied to exposed steel or rebar after appropriate preparation, it helps establish a foundation for further protection.
Inhibit continued corrosion. SURTREAT VCI Primer combines an epoxy-polyamide coating with a vapor-phase corrosion inhibitor. The inhibitor is designed to migrate through residual rust and inhibit corrosion at the steel surface, adding active corrosion protection to the coating barrier.
Protect against environmental exposure. A compatible polyurethane topcoat completes the system, helping resist weathering, ultraviolet radiation, and environmental wear.
Together, these treatments address rust stabilization, corrosion inhibition, and exterior protection.
In the field: Great Neck seawall restoration
At Great Neck, Long Island, a 260-linear-foot steel sheet pile seawall exhibited severe corrosion, marine growth, and soil loss. Voids and perforations made the project both a repair challenge and a corrosion-protection challenge.
The documented restoration combined physical repairs with SURTREAT treatments:
Surface preparation: Grinders removed barnacles, marine growth, and accumulated corrosion.
Repair work: Filling, grout injection, and epoxy treatment addressed voids and damaged areas.
Rust conversion: Rust Converter stabilized the remaining rust before primer application.
Corrosion protection: Two coats of VCI Primer established the corrosion-inhibiting coating system.
Soil retention: Jet filters were installed as part of the restoration.
Final protection: A polyurethane topcoat provided the exterior protective finish.
The case study reports restored stability and improved protection against further deterioration. The project illustrates the value of combining necessary physical repairs with a coordinated corrosion-control system.
Laboratory results demonstrate the contribution of VCI
The VCI Primer technical data sheet reports a comparison after 1,000 hours of ASTM B117 salt-fog exposure:
Primer with VCI: 5 mm of coating creep and 10% rusting.
Primer without VCI: 10 mm of coating creep and 50% rusting.
Comparative improvement: 50% less creep and 80% less rusting in the reported test.
These laboratory results support the contribution of the inhibitor under the reported test conditions; they do not establish a specific field service life.
Practical value for steel preservation
SURTREAT VCI Primer can be applied over soundly adhered rust after the required cleaning and preparation, offering an option where full abrasive blasting is difficult.
Preparation flexibility: Remove contaminants, loose paint, and flaky rust; apply to a dry surface.
Application versatility: Suitable for professional application by brush, roller, or spray.
Broad relevance: Potential applications include marine structures, bridges, industrial facilities, pipelines, and structural steel.
Coordinated protection: Match repairs, surface preparation, primer, and topcoat to the asset’s condition and exposure.
Give steel assets a stronger preservation strategy.
Contact SURTREAT to discuss a repair and corrosion-protection approach for your seawall, waterfront structure, or other exposed steel asset.
JF Jad