Is it permissible to paint bars which are to be used for reinforcing concrete?
This practice is seldom permitted, except in rare instances to prevent the corrosion of the steel in concrete structures exposed to sea air; in such circumstances, if the bond stresses are low, the steel may be painted with one or two thin coats of a red oxide of iron made up with spar varnish and China wood oil. Under most exposure conditions, 2 to 4 inches of cover with concrete of good quality will provide sufficient protection for reinforcing.