Technical Data

Application Information:

Due to the high temperatures that Zithron 900 Series paints are created to experience, these paints must be applied and used in particular ways. Following the application procedure outlined here can help prevent the problems commonly resulting from improper application techniques.

Zithron 900 Series paints are compatible with most stoves that are manufactured in the U.S. and Canada. However, if you’d like to check the compatibility with your stove before applying Zithron 900 Series paints all over, do a test spray on a small area to see how the Zithron 900 Series paint reacts with the original paint. If the paint is incompatible or if the stove has already been coated with multiple layers of paint, we recommended that you remove the existing paint via sandblasting or sanding down to the metal before applying Zithron 900 Series paints.

I.    Surface Preparation

This is the most critical step in order to ensure a proper bond, and putting in the extra work on the front end by properly preparing the surface is the best way to create the durable, beautiful finish you desire.

Zithron 900 Series paints can only adhere to the stove as well as whatever is already on the stove. If rust is on the stove and is not fully removed, the paint will adhere to the rust and then fail. If the stove has a peeling, blistering, or chalking coating, the newly applied Zithron 900 Series paints will do the same. If the stove is greasy, oily, or dirty in any way, the Zithron 900 Series paints will not adhere properly.

1. Remove contaminants, including oil, graphite, grease, and other hard substances. Using a Lacquer Thinner, Touluene, or Acetone is most effective against these types of hard contaminants. Warning: These three contaminant removers are HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Do not use by open flame or near anything that could spark. Turn off appliances, extinguish pilot lights, etc. Health Warning: These three contaminant removers also give off harmful vapors. Don’t breath the vapors and be sure to follow any and all instructions on their labels for proper usage, particularly regarding safety precautions such as eye, skin, and breathing protection.
    
2. Remove dust, light dirt, and greasy fingerprints, and wipe down before applying Zithron 900 Series paints. Certain paint preps and other cleaning processes such as Dirtex or Windex may be helpful. Note that you should not use products like Formula 409 or a “tack cloth,” because these products leave behind a residue that will lessen the adhesion ability of Zithron 900 Series paints.
    
3. Remove ALL rust by sandblasting, sanding, or grinding. If all of the rust is not completely removed, rust will appear over time on top of the Zithron 900 Series paints. Note that Zithron 900 Series paints cannot stop oxidation.
   
   Trouble-Shooting:

• If large patches of paint come off the surface, the problem is with surface preparation. Remove all the paint, thoroughly prepare the surface a second time, and reapply Zithron 900 Series paints.

II.    Application

Some of the following application instructions are common to all aerosol paints and some are specific to Zithron 900 Series aerosol paints. Please read these instructions and follow them thoroughly in order to achieve the best results.

1. Shake aerosol can well for 2 full minutes in order to adequately mix the paint pigment, metallic and solvents. If mixed appropriately, a uniform finish will be achieved upon application. Note that it is common for people to not shake Zithron 900 Series paints long enough. Warning: The propellant and vapors coming from the aerosol can are HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Act accordingly by extinguishing all flames before spraying and keeping Zithron 900 Series paints away from sources of sparks. Health Warning: If breathed directly, vapors are harmful. Act accordingly by using paint in well-ventilated areas. Also, wear eye protection, gloves, and appropriate clothing so as to avoid accidental contact with spray which may cause skin irritation due to the solvents and chemicals in the paint.
    
2. Note the following information BEFORE you apply the paint to the stove or stove pipe:
   
   
   • The air temperature, stove surface, and paint should all be between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C) in order to achieve the best results. Run hot tap water over a cold can of paint for two minutes to warm it (if it has been left in storage in cold temperatures). However, be sure not to overheat the can or ever expose it to any open flames.
      
   • Ensure that the area in which you will be applying Zithron 900 Series paints is well-ventilated, that any and all open flames have been put out, and that you’re wearing the appropriate protection.
      
   • Check that the paint is ready for use by test spraying it on a piece of cardboard. It is common that the initial spray from an aerosol can contains minimal pigment and is largely propellant. By doing a test spray, you help ensure that the first pass you make over the application surface will be of the well-shaken paint mixture.
      
3. We have found that two coats are better than one heavy coat.
    
4. Spray the paint from about 12 to 18 inches away.
    
5. You will find that the paint is typically dry to the touch in about 20 minutes. When applying two light coats (as recommended above), wait 15 minutes after the first coat before applying the second. The paint 'air cures' in approximately 48 hours. However, to achieve the long-lasting, heat-resistant, durable finish the paint was created for, it will have to be heat cured.

Note that, during the very hot fire phase of the curing process, there will be some smoke and an unpleasant odor given off. This smoke is NOT toxic. However, in order to mitigate this curing effect, ventilate the room well by opening windows and doors to encourage airflow.

Health Warning:

The smoke that occurs during curing does displace oxygen. Thus, any persons with existing breathing problems, as well as small children and the elderly, should vacate the application area during the hot burn phase so as to avoid discomfort of oxygen loss. The smoke is nontoxic as it is primarily Carbon Dioxide, but it can be uncomfortable.

Trouble-Shooting:

• If you build a hot fire immediately, the high temperature can “shock” the paint and make it release from the stove’s surface. So, take care to build the fire slowly to the medium temperature fire. If the paint has been shocked, the only remedy is to remove the paint, prepare the surface again, and repaint.
   
• In order to avoid other problems that might arise during the curing process, don’t touch the surface with anything until the paint has fully cured. If anything touches the surface prior to the paint being fully cured, simply sand and clean the area and repaint.
   

A special note for applying Zithron 900 Series paints to fireplace bricks:

Remove all contaminants to ensure proper adhesion. Use soap and water to remove soot and other debris. Remove soap and let bricks dry completely (at least 2-3 days) before applying paint. If particularly stubborn contaminants are present, use a lacquer thinner to do a wipe down. Use particular caution if you use a lacquer thinner, because its concentrated solvent fumes can enter your respiratory system. Thus, be sure the work area is well ventilated. Paint bricks immediately after cleaning with the solvent.