Protecting structural steel from corrosion
The Hapuawhenua Viaduct — one of New Zealand's most recognisable railway structures — preserved with Rust-Oleum Noxyde®, the flexible anti-corrosion coating that goes over prepared rust.
An icon of New Zealand engineering
The Hapuawhenua Viaduct, located within Tongariro National Park, is one of New Zealand's most recognisable railway structures. Exposed to decades of harsh alpine weather, rain, frost, UV radiation and changing temperatures, the steelwork had begun to show widespread oxidation and coating deterioration, affecting both its appearance and long-term protection.
A structure of this significance demanded more than a cosmetic repaint. It required a specialist anti-corrosion coating system capable of protecting the steel for many years while preserving the viaduct's iconic appearance.
Modern Maintenance Products was engaged to specify Rust-Oleum Noxyde® — a flexible, high-performance anti-corrosion coating proven on demanding structural steel.
Preparation is everything
Long-term coating performance begins long before the first coat of paint is applied.
All loose and deteriorated coatings were removed, rusted areas were thoroughly prepared, and the steel substrate was carefully cleaned to provide a sound surface for the new protective system.
Proper surface preparation is essential to maximise coating adhesion and ensure long-term corrosion protection.
Structural steel protection
Unlike conventional paints that simply improve appearance, specialist anti-corrosion coatings are engineered to actively protect steel from moisture, oxygen and environmental attack.
Noxyde provides long-term corrosion protection, excellent adhesion to prepared steel, outstanding durability in exposed environments, resistance to harsh UV and weather conditions, and a durable architectural finish that complements the historic structure.
From prepared steel to protected structure
Why the system was specified
- Protects structural steel from corrosion
- Extends the service life of valuable infrastructure
- Proven in harsh alpine and exposed environments
- Flexible Noxyde film that moves with the steel and goes over prepared rust
What the coating has to survive
- Decades of harsh alpine weather, rain, frost and snow
- High UV radiation and changing temperatures
- Widespread oxidation and coating deterioration
- A heritage structure where appearance and protection both matter
Preserving an important piece of New Zealand history
The Hapuawhenua Viaduct is more than just a railway bridge — it's an important part of New Zealand's engineering heritage.
Projects like this demonstrate why Rust-Oleum protective coating systems continue to be trusted on bridges, viaducts, industrial structures and critical infrastructure throughout New Zealand. When long-term durability, corrosion resistance and proven performance are essential, selecting the right coating system makes all the difference.
Products used on this project
The exact coating systems specified here — available for commercial, contractor and experienced DIY projects.
The same protection for your steel
Whether it's a bridge, viaduct, plant asset, structural steel or a rusting roof, we'll specify the right anti-corrosion and waterproofing coating — for contractors, facility managers and experienced DIY property owners alike.
Other corrosion protection projects and products
More systems specified where failure isn't an option.
NoxydeNoxyde Anti-Corrosion Coating
Paint straight over prepared rust, stopping corrosion for decades.
Noxyde is the only anti-corrosion waterproofing membrane on the market that can be applied directly over clean, prepared rust — no separate primer required. For over 29 years it has protected New Zealand's most severe coastal environments, from saltwater estuary bridges to iconic steel roofs. It is also used to extend the life and safely encapsulate asbestos roofs, locking fibres in place and adding decades of waterproof protection without the cost of removal.
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Rust-Oleum9100 Epoxy
One epoxy. Every surface. Every condition.
Rust-Oleum 9100 is a proven swimming pool paint applied to New Zealand's largest commercial pools right through to thousands of backyard owners. It is also the same versatile epoxy used on some of New Zealand's biggest steel constructions — direct to metal, concrete and prepared floors. Because every job is different, speak with one of our team first and we will specify the right system, activator and finish for your exact surface.
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ProjectAuckland Airport Flagpole
New Zealand's tallest flagpole protected with Rust-Oleum 9100 epoxy and a 9800 polyurethane architectural topcoat.
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ProjectNadi International Airport
A tropical international airport metres from the ocean, protected with Noxyde — proven where failure isn't an option.
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