219 Black Oxide Zinc Phosphate Primer- RAPCO Gallon Paint Cans

Federal Standard 219 Black Oxide Zinc Phosphate Primer

— Ultra-Flat, rugged camouflage paint for every tactical pursuit. Battle-tested, non-reflective shades built for your trucks, ATVs, blinds, and outdoor gear.

Did you know? 
Black oxide primers are most commonly associated with Cold War-era and modern military coating systems (1950s–present), where corrosion protection, durability, and reduced visibility became increasingly important. The dark primer was often used beneath black, green, gray, and other tactical finishes on military equipment, components, and machinery.

Using RAPCO Paints

RAPCO's gallon paints are single-stage, air-dry alkyd enamels that can be sprayed with conventional HVLP, siphon-feed, gravity-feed, or airless spray equipment.

1. Prepare the surface

• Remove loose rust, dirt, grease, wax, and oil.
• Sand glossy surfaces with 220–320 grit for better adhesion.
• Prime bare steel with a zinc phosphate primer (red, gray, or black oxide) if needed.
• Wipe the surface with wax & grease remover and allow it to dry completely.

2. Mix the paint

Military pigments and flattening agents settle to the bottom of the can.

• Stir thoroughly with a paint paddle.
• Use a drill-mounted paint mixer for several minutes.
• Scrape the bottom of the can until all settled pigment is incorporated.
• Continue stirring occasionally during spraying to keep the pigments suspended.

3. Thin if necessary

Depending on your spray gun:

• HVLP: Usually 5–10% thinner
• Conventional spray gun: 10–15% thinner
• Airless sprayer: Often no thinning required

Use the thinner recommended for alkyd enamel (typically mineral spirits or xylene, depending on the equipment and desired spray characteristics). Add thinner gradually until the paint atomizes smoothly.

4. Spray settings

Typical starting points:

• HVLP: 25–35 PSI at the gun
• Conventional: 40–50 PSI
• Spray 8–10 inches from the surface.
• Use approximately 50% overlap between passes.

5. Apply multiple light coats

Avoid heavy wet coats.

• Apply a light tack coat first.
• Wait 1–2 hours between coats.
• Apply 2–3 medium coats for full coverage.

6. Drying and curing

At approximately 70°F (21°C):

• Dry to the touch: 1–2 hours
• Tack-free: 4–6 hours
• Dry enough to handle: 24 hours
• Full cure: 24–48 hours, with the finish continuing to harden and flatten over 1–3 weeks, depending on temperature, humidity, and film thickness.

7. Coverage

One gallon typically covers approximately:

• 300–400 sq. ft. per coat, depending on surface texture and spray technique.

For example:

• HMMWV exterior: about 1–1½ gallons
• M151 Jeep: about ¾–1 gallon
• M35 2½-ton truck: 2–3 gallons

Pro Tips

• Keep the paint between 70–85°F for the best spray pattern.
• Strain the paint through a paint filter before filling your spray gun.
• Stir the paint every 10–15 minutes while spraying.
• Avoid painting in direct sunlight or when humidity is very high.
• Let the paint fully cure before washing the vehicle or exposing it to fuels or oils.