Noxyde vs Noxyde Plus – What's the Difference?

If you've been using Rust-Oleum coatings for a while, you've probably noticed there's now Noxyde Plus alongside the original Noxyde.

One of the questions we get asked regularly is:

"What's the difference, and which one should I be using?"

The short answer is simple.

Both are exceptional anti-corrosion waterproof membranes, but Noxyde Plus is the next generation of the product. It builds on everything that made the original Noxyde one of the world's most respected anti-corrosion coatings, while incorporating newer coating technology, improved environmental credentials and even better application characteristics.

So let's take a look at what has changed.

What Made Noxyde So Successful?

Before comparing the two products, it's worth remembering why Noxyde earned such an outstanding reputation.

Unlike conventional roof paints, Noxyde isn't simply designed to improve appearance.

It's a high-performance anti-corrosion waterproof membrane that protects steel by creating a permanently flexible barrier against moisture and oxygen—the two biggest causes of corrosion.

For more than three decades it has protected:

• Commercial roofs

• Industrial buildings

• Bridges

• Structural steel

• Air-conditioning ducting

• Marine structures

• Asbestos roofs

• Infrastructure projects

Many of these projects continue to perform today.

That's why contractors trust it.

So What Is Noxyde Plus?

Noxyde Plus isn't a completely different product.

It's the next evolution of an already proven coating system.

Rust-Oleum has refined the formulation using modern resin technology and next-generation corrosion inhibitors to improve application, environmental performance and long-term durability while maintaining everything contractors loved about the original.

For most new projects today, Noxyde Plus is our preferred recommendation.

New Technology. Better for the Environment.

One of the biggest improvements isn't something you'll notice after opening the tin.

It's the chemistry inside.

The original Noxyde relied on zinc phosphate as its anti-corrosion pigment—a technology that served the protective coatings industry exceptionally well for decades.

Noxyde Plus replaces this with Strontium Calcium Phosphosilicate, a next-generation anti-corrosion pigment that provides outstanding corrosion protection while significantly improving the coating's environmental profile.

The new formulation is:

• Zinc free

• No longer classified as a Class 9 environmentally hazardous substance

• Developed using modern anti-corrosion pigment technology

• A more environmentally responsible coating without compromising performance

This means contractors, engineers, councils and building owners can specify a coating system that not only delivers exceptional long-term corrosion protection but also reflects the latest advances in environmentally responsible coating technology.

Developed for Global Performance

Noxyde Plus isn't simply a product developed for New Zealand.

It's part of Rust-Oleum's global protective coatings range and is used around the world on demanding industrial and infrastructure projects.

Its formulation has been developed to satisfy the increasingly strict environmental and performance expectations of European industry, where protective coating standards continue to evolve.

That means New Zealand contractors are benefiting from technology developed for some of the world's most demanding industrial environments.

Whether it's protecting bridges in Europe, industrial facilities in Australia or commercial buildings here in New Zealand, the same proven technology is trusted worldwide.

Easier to Apply

Anyone who has applied protective coatings knows that application characteristics matter.

Noxyde Plus has noticeably improved flow and workability whether it's brushed, rolled or sprayed.

Applicators will find it easier to achieve a smooth, even film build while still producing the thick protective membrane Noxyde is famous for.

Less effort. Better finish. Same outstanding protection.

Better Flow. Better Finish.

Another noticeable improvement is how well Noxyde Plus levels during application.

The coating flows beautifully across prepared steel while maintaining the film thickness required for long-term corrosion protection.

The result is a cleaner, more consistent finish that looks every bit as good as it performs.

What Hasn't Changed?

While the formulation has evolved, the qualities that made Noxyde famous remain exactly the same.

Noxyde Plus still provides:

• Outstanding long-term corrosion protection

• A seamless waterproof membrane

• Excellent adhesion to properly prepared steel

• Permanent flexibility that moves with the substrate

• Direct application over properly prepared rust

• Outstanding UV resistance

• Exceptional performance in coastal environments

• Proven durability in harsh industrial conditions

• A modern zinc-free formulation that's no longer classified as a Class 9 environmentally hazardous substance

In other words...

It still does everything contractors have trusted Noxyde to do for decades.

It simply does it using newer technology.

Should You Still Use Original Noxyde?

Absolutely.

The original Noxyde has earned an outstanding reputation throughout New Zealand.

There are roofs, bridges and steel structures coated many years ago that continue to perform exceptionally well today.

That's not marketing.

That's proven performance.

However, if you're specifying a new project today, Noxyde Plus is generally our preferred recommendation, combining everything that made the original successful with the benefits of a more advanced formulation.

Which One Should You Choose?

Every project is different.

The right coating depends on:

• The condition of the substrate

• Existing coating systems

• Surface preparation

• Exposure to coastal environments

• Application method

• Project specifications

That's why we always recommend discussing your project before placing an order.

Sometimes Noxyde Plus is the perfect choice.

Sometimes another Rust-Oleum system may be more appropriate.

Our job is to recommend the right system—not simply sell another tin of paint.

Our Recommendation

Modern Maintenance Products has been supplying Rust-Oleum protective coating systems throughout New Zealand since 1993.

Over that time we've helped contractors, engineers, councils, facility managers and property owners protect everything from residential roofs to airports, bridges, industrial plants and nationally significant infrastructure.

Noxyde earned its reputation through decades of proven performance.

Noxyde Plus builds on that legacy with improved application properties, next-generation anti-corrosion technology, a zinc-free formulation, significantly improved environmental credentials and the same outstanding long-term protection trusted by contractors around the world.

If you're unsure which system is right for your next project, give our team a call.

We'll recommend the right system, explain why, and help you protect your asset for decades—not just years.

"Noxyde changed the way contractors think about corrosion protection. Noxyde Plus builds on that legacy with smarter chemistry, improved environmental credentials and the same exceptional long-term performance trusted on projects around the world."