Bare carbon steel (CS), galvanized steel (GS), copper and anodized aluminum (Al) as well as
painted CS and Al were exposed to the atmosphere of Kuwait at 85 sites. The exposure was for six and
five years for the bare and painted metals, respectively. Polyurethane, acrylic water-based and acrylic
solvent-based enamel paints were used in painting CS, while sprayed polyester powder was used for
Al. The performance of the bare metals was evaluated through weight loss measurements, while the
performance of the paints was evaluated by measuring loss in gloss. Rust grade and rust creepage at
scribe were also measured for painted CS. Time of wetness sensors and chloride candles showed low
to moderate values. The corrosion rates of CS and GS were mostly low. Corrosion of these alloys
appeared primarily controlled by humidity and airborne salinity. With regard to copper, the corrosion
rates were mostly high and were mainly affected by sulfur gases. The anodized Al suffered sand
erosion in a few places. All paints suffered severe loss in gloss, while there were little rust spots and
rust creepage for painted CS. The results were attributed to the arid desert nature of the country and
the types of industrial activities.