‘ : y CoATings 7 Paitin ae bus PeeTaes MANUAL i sod BLE OF CONTENTS | CORROSION. «...sseeseeeee Pt SURFACE PREPARATION. «.++0000+ ; ni , Dry abrasive basting» Pot Abeaives ea cee Pot Surface romeo ; . 2 Blaing grades on i ; fa P23 Seirent pos Wet blasting .. : pa P26 Hand and power tool cleaning P27 : Needle gunning. P27 Flame cleaning : ; : ; : P28 ‘Chemical cleaning ace P26 eee ‘SURFACE PREPARATION (NON-FERROUS) «++..4+ P2A ene ‘TESTS TO DETECT SURFACE CONTAMINATION ..... iaapeeatttt PB PAINT CONSTITUENTS w.ccccsesteseeeseeees Ps Binder ...., . Pat Pigments... P33 Pigment volume concentaon (2) Pa : Solvents . . PBS | Other const oa P35 | Plastcizers| 3-5 ° Aniseling aH ose pas ‘ Deer aplicable toi asd pit) : Pas Aow-nning agents applet oof ued rents) ate 73.6 Solutions and dispersions Sei P36 PAINT DRYING AND CURING «..+-- o deo Ps COATING SYSTEMS ...... a Ps Corrosion protection methods eet) Layers of paint film . PS “Types of contng system P52 PAINT/PAINT FILM TESTING 7 General Prt Viscosity : Pra Density -.ssseecsssee PIB Flashpoitt esses PIs Wet film thickness (w.£1,) P25 Dry film thickness (4.6) PIs Opacity eesceeerenee eae Pro Degree of gloss “Pro Adhesion. a P7-10 Vee atti seve fe : oe Pra Cross-cuc est (exoss hatch test) . i‘ : PI-i4Bally et : lye decanter WEATHER CONDITIONS .. $6 Relative buraidity (RH) and dom point ..ceceesseee Metal temperature PAINT APPLICATION Brush application Roller application Spray application Application of metal costings COATING FAULTS «.....+ PAINT COLOURS ..... ‘The Munsell system BS ABOD esse HEALTH & SAFETY ..... COSHH Regulations (988 Occupational Exposure Lint (EH40) Volatile organic compounds INSPECTION 1....00-0++4 NORMATIVE DOCUMENTS .....--+seresseeeeRe & Peo Ned UNIT P1 * CORROSION Corrosion is generally an electro-chemicat process which tesults from an anodic reocsion aext at feast one cathodic reaction. ‘The anodic reaction is expressed as follows: ELSE SS tame Moat ane e i vo} Where: Mf element involved n= anumber ' © Relectron(s) | Atleast one of the following cathodie reaction(s) takes place at the cathode: Cathodic reaction: 2H20+0; +4e" 9 40H . water + oxygen + electrons give hydroxyl ions. | “The products of these reactions take part in further reactions with the immediate environment leading to the formation of corrosion products, the most familiar being rust: | 1, Oxygen reduction in acid solutions: 02 4+4H" +4¢ > 2H20 i ‘®) 2. Oxygen reduction in neutral and | alkaline solutions: O2-+2H20+ 4e > 40H™ | 3. Hydrogen evolution: 2H" +2e > Aa { 4. Metal iron reduction: Fe ney Fett | we] 5 Metal deposition: Cur +26» Cu : | f1on ore is an oxide of iron in chemical balance with the environment; when this iron ‘ore is converted to iron, the chemical balance is changed and the iron becomes acatve, i.6, it corrodes on contact with the natural environment and tries to revert back to its la natural inert state, The natural environment usually contains moisture (which provides | ' the electrolyte) giving the following simultaneous reactions: Andecrvie a sbstance | fies which whe soon Anodie reaction: {usual water orl ts ed oy Fett De" \ (mole) nate will condect Pera i ‘current and be braken down i.e. iron gives ferrous (iron) ions and electrons. } bye Fe +20H" + Fe(OH)a ie. ferrous ions plus hydroxyl ions gives iron hydroxide. AF e(OH)2 +01 > 2Fe03H20+2H20 ie. iron hydroxide plus oxygen gives rust Corrosion reactions can be accelerated by the existence of certain criteria inctuding 7] 1, variations in oxygen content on the materials surface, 2. chlorides and sulphates, I Miltcle isan oxide of 3. other metals or metal compounds of higher nobilizy in contact with the steel, | iron produced when the e.g, millscale, ! Seclsmamocired | 4 eid or alkalis. Sia aye cetat’ | ‘The following list shows some metas/metal compounds jn their order of nobility in sea ade comesed of tree ‘water at ambient temperature. The relative positions ofthe metas/metal compounds in layers: FeO nearest the the fist can change with a change in electrolyte type or temperature; this list is known as. i sel FeO, thn Fe0,0n | the galvanic series, ‘The galvanic series may show the potential of each metalmetal ! the outside, Millscale hat) compound measured in volts against a specified type of reference electrode. If absolute ' Gpocncuy asian %| potential values of meta} elements only ate shown, which are independent of the 100 me electrolyte used, the lis becomes known as the electrochemical series. aeeone PI-lThe electrochemical series is prnduced under Standard cnuions and is seal for thearetical laboratory stations vd | Gots Silver Nickel Copper Mill seate Mild steel é Aluminium Zine Magresium IGNOBLE =25 ~~ Example: If steel was in intimate contact with zinc or attached to zine via a wire in an electrolyte, e.g. soil or water, the zinc would comrade first because steel is more noble than zinc. In this example the zine becomes the anode and the steel the cathode, ie. the steel is + being cathodicalty protected and the zine is acting as a sacrificial anode. on PL2Ruane & f TP ONeil ‘ Bt tes ‘ a Sand isnot dangerous tales iri in dst form ‘when it canbe inhaled. ‘fe fragmentation during dry lasting operations, Mo-LeuLAe PHZACi ow, couse Weeeiantonce al se} (os LOO PALO) NO 28 532) 7 Correct surface preparation is & vitally important stage for most coating systems, often the process which governs the service life of the coating system, : ‘There are various ways to prepare'a surface prior to coating: * Abrasive blast cleaning + Wire brushing © Scraping + Grinding + Needle gunning * Chemical cleaning + Water blasting © Weathering © Flame cleaning + Vepour degreasing “The quality ofa surface preparation is governed by the amount of surface contami remaining on the substrate after cleaning, although it may also relate to the resu! surface texture, e.g, the surface profil ona substate after abrasive blast cleaning. —_—_—_—_—— Dry abrasive blasting for long term protection coating systems . ‘operations because of the associated health hazard of silicosis. ‘There are other abrasives which are used, usually for specialised applicati eg. walnut shells, ceramic grits, crushed glass, aluminium silicate. Effect of abrasives any surface contaminant resulting in a clean surface with a rough profile. ‘when blasting in one area for 1 long, itis @ inant tant Day abrasive blasting is carried out by projecting a highly concentrated stream of small abrasive particles onto the substrates surface at speeds up to approximately 720 km/h (450 m.p.h.). The operation removes rust, scale, dirt and any other extraneous material from the substrate and also leaves an irregular profile which provides at idea) key for coating adhesion. Dry abrasive blasting is often the best method of surface preparation Abrasives ‘The degree of surface roughness and rate of cleaning is partially governed by the characteristics ofthe abrasive used; these being: Size © Hardness © Density © Shape Both metaltic and mineral abrasives are commonly used for blasting. for example: * Steel or chtfed iron grit © Steel or chilled iron shot © Gritand shot mixed © Copper slag © Garnet © Sand ie The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 (COSHH Regulations) do not allow the use of sand containing free silica in dry blasting ions, Grit is angular in profile with sharp cutting edges; it shatters mill scale and undercuts The amplinde tends to be quite eate with a large occurence of rogue peas, especially @ P2-1Pood P2® SURFACE PREPAR. co Shot is spherical, it shatters mill scale, but does not have sharp coving edges to cut into a surface, however, the visual appearance of a shot blasted fish is similar to a grit ‘blasted finish altnough there is less roughness to the touch. Shot blasting work hardens + Ase! surface.to a greater degree than grit, which has the effect of reducing the chance Of any Stress corrosion cracking which could otherwise occur in che future, Shot also 7: Rogue peaks are pests which a} reduces the occurtence of rogue peaks but may press impurities int the surface. i Hint netticceceg | Ieis common practice to mix metallic shot and grit to abiain a blast finish cose to the © {Fepplying thin enangsas | ideal (atypical mix being 70-80% shot and 20-30% grit ‘they may ead po fssh asta Surface profile Blan fishes produced in ‘The shape of a cross-sectioned blast finish is known as the surface profile or anchor production shxdd nt be pastes tee touched with bare hands due a ‘weontanination ‘Amplitude Rogue peaks | aay q | The size of the profile as measured from the peaks to the troughs is known as the amplitude ox peak to trough height, and is primarily governed by the sizeof abrasive used, although other factors are important, e.g. angle of impingement, harcness of surface and other characteristics of the abrasive itself, Maximum amplitudes or antplitude ranges would normally be quoted in specifications, a typical amplitude range €; for liquid paints would be inthe region o€ 30-75 ym, ‘The amplitude of a blasted surface msy be measured by a number of methods, including the use of a surface profile needle gauge, surface replica tape, e.g. Testes tape, or a surface comparator, Meee tae ‘Surface profile needle gauge | CO ‘This relies on a needle reaching the bottom of the troughs on the surface profile. | Because there are so many troughs of diferent depth, itis normal, and necessary, 10 Ail accurate measuring take ten of twenty readings and calculate the average amplitude, Before taking any cgupment ah) readings iis necessary t0 zero the gauge ona fiat piece of glass ‘baed wih calibration i rics or erfeaes of i conformance ove ! ‘sourance tht the readings i ‘bined are going tobe comec wit a ated i margin oferee | nya P22Buane & |} TP O'Nel U P2 © SURFACE PREPARATION | 3 Testex tape is a tale name of a commonly used or surface replica tape, Its used in conjunction with a dial micrometer and although quite costly, bas the advantage of Boos providing permanent record. The procedure for carving out tists iss follows: ‘e} 1, Zero the micrometer ensuring the flat contact points are clean. | 2. Remove paper backing and stick Testex tape to the surfice to be measured. 3. Rub the Testex paste into the troughs using a blunt instrument, until the peaks ean be seen butting up to the transparent plastic. . 4. Remove the Testex tape from the surface and measure the overall thickness with the dial micrometer, 5. Deduct 50m (2 thou") from the reading to obtain the amplitude. The plastic (mylar) to which the Testex paste is attached is 50 ym thick. ‘ Surface comparator «| The roughness of the surface to be assessed is compared to the different areas on the comparator by scraping with a finger nail, small wooden stick or similar = never with the fleshy part of the finger as this will contaminate the blast AA profile grading can be given when the area under assessment is rougher than the smoothest of two adjacent areas on the comparator but not as rough as the roughest of the two areas. The profile is then graded according to the following: ‘ itis importont tonote hat “| * 2. Eine profiles Equal to or rougher than area J but not as rough as area 2, rwcfrnwe + ead gauges, surface ‘+ + Medium profile: Equal to or rougher than area 2 but not as rough as area 3, é eee emer ‘+ Coarse profile: Equal to or rougher than area 3 but not as rough as area 4. cwerc/c-acse 5 the degree of roughness and notte degree of Blasting grades | leanne “The grade ofa blast finish relates tothe amount of surface contaminant remaining after 2 blasting. The grade of blast finish is primarily governed by blasting time and the £ BS 7079: Part AL . asm :tanatiste | BS 7019 - Preparation of steel subsirates before application of paints and related 5055900. aa] products, Part Al of this standard is pictorial and shows rust grades prior to blasting = and the degree of surface cleanliness after blasting. ‘The surface under examination is visually compared with high quality photographs in OQ the standard both before and after blasting. The preparation is then given a coding, a e.g. C Sa2M which can be interpreted using the following extract from the standard: Rust grades: A+ Steel surface largely covered with adherent mill scale but litle, if any, rust. B- Steel surface which has begun to rust and from which the mill scale has begun to flake C Steel surface on which the mill scale has rusted away or from which it can be scraped, but with slight pitting visible under normal vision D- Stee! surface on which the mill scale has rusted away and on which general pitting is visible under normal vision. Preparation grades - blast cleaning. Prior to blast cleaning, any heavy layers of rust shall be removed by chipping. ble oil, grease and dirt shall also be removed. ‘After blast cleaning, the surface shall be cleaned from loose dust and debris. pri p23UNIT P2 © SURFACE PREPARATION Sal Light blast cleaning, When viewed without magnification, the surface shal be free from visible oil, grease and dit, and from poorly adhering mill Seale, rus, paint coatings nd loreign mater. Sad ‘Thorough blast cleaning. When viewed without magnification, thee. surface tall bo ce fom vse ai, gree and dt and om mont of Ree mill scale, rust, paint coatings and foreign matter. Any residual ¢ contamination shall be firmly adhering. ‘Sa®4s- Very thorough blast cleaning. When viewed without magnification, the surface shall be free from visible oil, grease and dirt, and from mill scale, NNst, paint coatings and foreign matter. Any remaining traces of contamination shall show only as slight stains inthe form of spots or stipes. a3 Blast cleaning to visually clean steel. When viewed without ‘magnification, the surface shall be free from visible oil, grease and dirt, and shall be fret from mill scale, rust, paint coatings and foreign matter. It shall have a unifora metallic colour. 7 COMPARISON OF BLASTING GRADES ‘sec BS 7079 NACE (SS 05 59 00) ‘White metal (SPS) S33 Grade 1 ‘Near white metal (SPIO) Save Grade 2 ‘Commercial finish (SP6) Sad Grade 3 Light blast and brush off Sal Grade 4 'SSPC__= Stes! Structures Painting Council NACE _= National Association of Corrosion Engineers Equipment Centrifugal blast units Blasting in factories is often carried out using rotating wheels which throw the abrasive at the component. These units, known as centrifugal blast wheels, are usually fixed installations and are commonly used for large production runs, e.g. on pipes in pipe mills ‘The main advantages ofthis system compared to air blasting systems are as follows: lower cleaning time, lower abrasive consumption, lower energy consumed, less labour used, more consistent and uniform blast finishes, ‘more environment friendly, safer 10 implement - closed system. Centrifugal blast units also exist in a portable form for blasting large flat plates or ships decks and similar “The abrasive is fed into the centre of the wheels and to the inner edges of the attached blades by means of an impeller. The abrasive is then accelerated to the end of the blades and onto the component by centrifugal force at speeds typically between 250-350 km/h (160-220 m.p h.), ‘The abrasive used would normally be reusable for cost reasons. The abrasive is recycled up to approximately twenty times providing it is free from grease or oil contamination. An air-wash separator removes any dust contaminants from recycled! abrasive before it is fed back into the wheels. core P242 Pee wel Str pat st yfeet =Imhy (meen Agere) Le PART PREPARATION Air blasting Pressure blasting, which is a type of ait blasting system, would normally be used on site work. Vacuum blast and suction blast equipment also come under the category of air blasting but are not as widely used due to lower efficiency. Pressure blasting equipment basically consists of: ‘ compressor, provising an aic supply of approximately 0.7 MPa (100 psi.) 1 pressurised pot containing the abrasive, liquid separators, i. moisture filters (knock-out pots), a carbon impregnated hose, 1a Venturi shaped blasting nowzte, adead mans handle for diect operator control ‘The velocity of abrasive particles leaving a blasting nozzle is primarily governed by the pressure at the nozzle; the higher the pressure the higher the velocity and therefore the higher the rate of cleaning. ‘There is a point where an increase in pressure does not increase the velocity substantially, this is at approximately 0.7 MPa (100 p.s.i.) depending on the abrasive used. Limiting pressures to 0.7 MPa (100 p.si.) is advantageous for safety reasons. It is important to keep the pressure at the nozzle as close 10 0.7 MPa (100 p. i.) as * possible because for every 1% loss in pressure there is approximately a 114% loss in efficiency. The pressure at the nozzle may be measured using a hypodermic needle gauge, ins is placed through the hose near the nozzle, with the hole in the needle facing the nozzle. Blasting nozzles Blasting aozzles are available in a variety of materials and orifice sizes, Sometimes the nozzles are lined with relatively abrasive resistant caterials, ¢.g. tungsten carbide, for a longer working life. ‘Two types of nozzle which exist arc the straight bore nozzle and the Venturi shaped norte. Straight bore nozzles are rarely used for blasting large surface areas because they are not as efficient as Venturi shaped noatles. ‘The velocity of abrasive leaving a straight bore nozzle at 0.7 MPa (100 p.s.i.) is approximarely 350 km/h (220 m.p.b.), whereas the velocity for a Venturi shaped nozzle under similar conditions would be approximately 720 kant (450 mp) ‘Sra Bore Novo Vertu Shapes Moz Venturi shaped nozzles also produce a larger blast pattern with the whole arca receiving a relatively equal amount of abrasive, whereas, a straight bore nozzle concentrates most of the abrasive in the central area of the blast patirn, resulting in a fringe area of lower blasting efficiency. Safety Wheel abrators are in a closed system, i.e. hurman access to the blasting area is limited. (} ‘When using an open system, e.g for site blasting applications using pressure blasting equipment, access is not usually restricted, therefore warning signs are necessary and P2-5Buens £1] PEON NOM Re eI ONT WHO regular inspection of the equipment is required, Other safety considerations eelatng (0 pressure blasting are as follows: ‘© Use of carbon impregnated hose to reduce the chance of static shock, + Use of a dead-mans handle to stop the flow of abrasive when the operator lets af of the nozzle + Keep hoses as straight as possible o prevent kinks which may lead to a blow-out. & * Use hoses of the correct iype, ie. reinforced. * Use external couplings if joining hoses together. internal couplings reduce the bore and the eroding action of the abrasive could lead to a blowout. © Restrict the pressure to 0.7 MPa (100 p.s.i.). zo] © Operators should wear protective clothing, including an air fed helmet, boots, leather apron and gloves. 2e0e@®@ Sarna ———— Wet blasting Wet blasting methods are good for removing chlorides from surfaces and are good for e the removal of toxic coatings, e.g. red lead paint films, because they do not ereate dust. E However, all wet blasting methods have similar disadvantages over dry abrasive blasting, including: a. the availablity and drainage of water; se] b. the produetion and disposal of sludge (particularly with abrasive injection), c. the extra cost of supplying and mixing a substrate inhibitor (assuming the specification allows the use of an inhibitos); 4. the problems associated with drying large surface areas or the cost of water le primers. High pressure pure water blasting | Operates at pressures sometimes in excess of 200 MPa (~30,000 psi.) which can be extremely dangerous. The advantages of this method are as follows: Simple to operate, € © Highly flexible and mobile in use. + Suitable for removing soluble contamination “@ | + Will emove mill scale at high pressures. High pressure water plus abrasive injection < Operates at pressures up to 140 MPa (~20,000 psi) which can be extremely dangerous. The advantages of this method are the same as for high pressure pure water « blasting, but will also remove firmly held contamination and will leave a surface 71 profile. « Low pressure water plus abrasive injection } Operates at ~0.7 MPa (100 ps... Tt is claimed that this technique is very controllable and will remove one coat of paint if required, Disadvantages include high cost and low 7 el. efficiency, Steam blasting, with or without abrasive injection Operates at ~0.7 MPa (100 p.si.). This method is ideal for surfaces contaminated with il, grease, etc.. Disadvantages include high cost and low efficiency. w| Air blasting with water injection ‘Water with or without an inhibitor is injected into an aifabrasive stream.Peon LN RR RO ea TNT INT Gye Hand and power tool cleaning Hand and power tool cleaning, relates to scraping, chipping, wire brushing, sanding, © f ‘0 grinding and needle gunning. ‘This method of cleaning, although not as effective as blast cleaning, is often used for short term protection coating systems, maintenance work, or where access for blasting is restricted or damage from abrasive to the surrounding environment would occur. Wire brushing is a widely used surface preparation method but it only cleans up an so] existing surface, it does not recut a new profile. BS 7079 : Part Al defines standards i of wire brushed finishes slong with other hand and power too! cleaning methods as follows: “Prior to hand and power tool cleaning, any heavy layer of rst shall be removed by chipping. Visible ol, grease and dit shall also be removed. St2- Thorough hand and power tool cleaning. When viewed without : > magnification, the surface shall be free from visible ol, grease and dit, and from poorly adhering mill scale, rust, paint coatings and foreign mater. te C St3- Very thorough hand and power toal cleaning. As for S12, but the surface shall be weated much more thoroughly to give a metalic sheen arising from the metalic substrate’ sof 5t3 is wsually obtsined by mechanical wire brushing and St2 is usually achieved by hand wie brushing. Care must be taken to avoid over brushing a particular area causing burnishing, a condition with a highly polished surface which has an adverse ‘ effect on coating adhesion. Bronze bruther may not be permited becaute of For safety reasons, it may be specified that wire brushes used must be of the the posibiliy of galvanic | non-sparking type, ie. phosphor-bronze or beryllium-bronze. : corroion, Plast rises coe wth embedded abrasives ; creo Needle gunning alternative A needle gun, ot Jason's hanuner as itis sometimes referred to, consists of many air ‘operated reciprocating tungsten needles. It is usually preferable forthe needles to have a small cross-section. Needle guns are useful for cleaning difficult surfaces such as rivet heads and welds, they also peen (hammer) and stress relieve the surface. Their "| disadvantages are that they can leave sharp edged craters and rogue peaks and they also hhave a tendency to push impurities into the surface. Alter needle gunning the amplitude of the surface profile may be checked by the same methods used for abrasive blast cleaning if the contour of the substrate allows. a | 7 Recrocatng needs G a f- Coroeeed at “ NEEDLE GUN eran ont P2-7Ruane & TP ONei fod Crtene Oe UNIT P2 © SURFACE PREPARATION ——_ Flame cleaning i ‘The application of an oxyacetylene flame to the steel surface to be cleaned is ani 4o] efficiem method of removing rust, mill scale and other contamination, TheZ 27 effectiveness of the process is due to a combination of factors: FA Differential expansion - The mill scale on contact with the intense heat expands ta faster rate than the steel 0 which iis attached and flakes off. Dehydration - Rust is a combination of iron oxide and moisture. As the moisture is e al ‘apidly driven off the rust is dehydrated and converted to a dry powder which can be removed by wire brushing e e Heat penetration - The heat from the flame penetrates all the surfece imregularities and removes all traces of moisture, oil, grease, etc.. The flame cleaning of any form of fastenet, e.g rivets or bolts, should be avoided as a € loss of mechanical strength may be caused. Flame cleaning often requires three operatives who work in a team as follows: No-i- lame cleans the surface, this gives a light grey appearance on the surface when finished, No.2- wire brushes the surface to remove all the dry powder. No.3~ primes the surface; itis often necessary to apply the paint while the metal is still warm, around 40°C (which is about the maximum to Which the hand can bbe comfortably applied), “The warmth of the plate lowers the paint viscosity enabling it to flow more easily into irregularities and also ensures that condensation will not form on the surface, BS 7079 : Part Al shows minimum flame cleaning standards according to rust grades, | ie, AFI,BFI,CFlandDA. al —_— Chemical cleaning Pickling is a chemical cleaning process which is widely used in a factory environment for preparing items such as pipes and steel plates Procedure: 1. Degrease: Removes surface contaminants such as grease and oil by the use of a suitable solvent, e.g. xylene, usually applied by cloth. ro] 2. Pickle: Total immersion in a tank of acid, e.g. 5-10% sulphuric acid at 65-70°C, to remove mill scale, rust etc, the time taken is variable and depends upon the type and degree of contamination. 3. Wash: A clean water wash to remove acid and surface residues, usually applied by hose or spray ‘e} 4. Phosphate: Only applies to Footner's duplex process. ‘The technique involves a final treatment in 2 \ to 2% phosphoric acid solution held at 80°C, for 1 to 2 ‘minutes. This leaves a thin rust inhibitive phosphate coating on the stee! surface to which the coating should be preferably applied while i s still warm, possibly afer a final wash. Seine P2-8Boge, Cane f Peon INIT P2A ® SURFACE PREPARATION (NON-FERROUS) ‘Some non-ferrous metalic surfaces ate coated for anti-corrosion parposes and some surfaces, including non-metallics, ae coated for aesthetic reasons. Relatively reactive metals, ie. zine and aluminium, are often coated to prolong their effective life, whereas GRP of concrete would be coated usually for appearance Teasons S only. ‘The surfaces must be cleaned and prepared regardless of the reason(s) for coating. ‘Typical procedure: I. Remove any oil or grease by means of a suitable solvent or proprietary degreaser. 2. Remove any water soluble contaminants using water, usually mixed with detergent (~2%). 3. Rinse using clean water. situation allows, 4. Sweep abrasive blasting preferred. cloth or wire brush, Preferably use power washing equipment where the If this is not practical, abrade using emery In certain cases, €.g. thin gauge aluminium cladding or zine galvanising, it may not be feasible to use sweep blasting as a surface preparation method, but using wire brushing. fr some other abrasion method may not always be the best alternative. Etch primers are usually on these surfaces to provide a key to the substrate, For aluminium substrates (and all other non-ferrous substrates other than zinc), a PVB type (poly-vinyl-butyral) type etchant would normally be used. For surfaces costed with zinc, e.g. zine galvanizing, a non-proprietary etchant called T-wash is usually used. It is not necessary to etch zinc coatings which have a dull appearance due (0 an oxide layer which has formed over time due to reactions with the ‘oxygen in the atmosphere. The oxide layer provides an adequate Key for the coating system. P2A-1