This guide provides general information on the description@ selection@ and application of zinc-rich coatings as well as the selection and application (including surface preparation) of topcoats. Zinc-rich coatings as referenced in this Guide are broadly defined as coatings containing high levels of zinc such as SSPC-Paint 20 or SSPC-Paint 29. Zinc-rich coatings are classified as follows: Type IA Inorganic - post-cured@ water-borne@ alkali silicates Type IB Inorganic - self-cured@ water-borne@ alkali silicates Type IC Inorganic - self-cured@ solvent-borne@ alkyl silicates Type IIA Organic - thermoplastic binders Type IIB Organic - thermoset binders Zinc-rich coatings@ both topcoated and untopcoated@ have been used successfully in a wide variety of environmental zones. For a detailed breakdown of applicability of various types of zinc-rich coatings in different environmental zones@ see Table 1.