Term: zinc

Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a bluish-white, lustrous metal that is moderately reactive and commonly used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

In the context of painting and construction in Australia, zinc is most often associated with:

1. Galvanisation: Zinc is used to coat steel or iron to protect it from rusting. This process is called galvanising, and the resulting product is known as galvanised steel. It is widely used in roofing, fencing, and structural components due to its corrosion resistance.

2. Zinc-rich primers: These are specialised coatings that contain a high percentage of zinc dust. They are used as a protective base coat on steel surfaces to prevent corrosion, especially in marine or industrial environments.

3. Zinc sheeting and cladding: Zinc is also used as a building material for roofing and wall cladding due to its durability, malleability, and self-healing patina that forms over time.

Zinc is an essential material in the painting and construction industries for its protective properties and longevity.