Theperformanceofanypaintcoatingisdirectlydependent

upon the correct and thorough preparation of the surface

priortocoating.

The most expensive and technologically advanced coating

systemwillfailifthesurfacepreparationisincorrectorin

complete

PaintGuideSurfacePreparation

Inthefollowingpageswehave
preparedforyouabriefpresentation
abouttheconsiderationsthathave
tobetaken,priortheuseofour
coatingsystems,intermsofsurface
preparation,internationalpractices
andrelatedadvices.Wehopethat
thisguidecouldbeavaluabletool
towardstoasuccessfulapplication
andthedesiredperformance

AbolinCo
October2011

PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

ImportantNote
TheinformationgiveninthisGuideisforgeneralguidanceonlyandisnotguaranteedasbeingwhollyac
curateorcomplete.Unlessotherwiseagreedinwriting,thecontentofthisGuideisforinternalcommuni
cationreasonsonlyandthereforeitisaddressedtotheneedsoftheabovescopeonly.Anyotherusemust
havethewrittenagreementbyAbolinCo.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

SurfacePreparation

INTRODUCTION

Proper surface preparation is essential for the success of any protective coating scheme. The impor
tanceofremovingoil,grease,oldcoatingsandsurfacecontaminants(suchasmillscaleandrustonsteel,

laitenceonconcreteandzincsaltsongalvanisedsurfaces)cannotbeoveremphasised.

The performance of any paint coating is directly dependent upon the correct and thorough
preparation of the surface prior to coating. The most expensive and technologically advanced
coatingsystemwillfailifthesurfacepreparationisincorrectorincomplete.

STEEL

Someofthevariousmethodsofsurfacepreparationofsteelarebrieflydescribedbelow.Formoreex
plicitdetailsandrecommendationspleaserefertofullspecifications,suchas:
1.InternationalStandardISO8504:1992(E).Preparationofsteelsubstratesbeforeapplicationofpaints
andrelatedproductsSurfacepreparationmethods.
2.SteelStructuresPaintingCouncil(SSPC),Pittsburg,PA,USA.Fullrangeofsurfacepreparationstan
dards.
3.InternationalStandardsISO85011:1988(E)andISO85012:1994.Preparationofsteelsubstratebe
foreapplicationofpaintsandrelatedproductsVisualassessmentofsurfacecleanliness.
4. Swedish Standard SIS 05 59 00 (1967) Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting Steel
Surfaces.
5. Shipbuilding Research Association of Japan Standard for the preparation of steel surface prior to
painting(JSRAStandard).

REMOVALOFCONTAMINANTS

Theperformanceofprotectivecoatingsappliedtosteelissignificantlyaffectedbytheconditionofthe
steelsubstrateimmediatelypriortopainting.Theprincipalfactorsaffectingperformanceare:
a)surfacecontaminationincludingsalts,oils,grease,drillingandcuttingcompounds,
b)rustandmillscale,
c)surfaceprofile.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
Themainobjectiveofsurfacepreparationistoensurethatallsuchcontaminationisremovedtoreduce
thepossibilityofinitiatingcorrosionsothatasurfaceprofileiscreatedthatallowssatisfactoryadhe
sionofthecoatingtobeapplied.RecommendedproceduresareoutlinedinInternationalStandardISO
8504:1992(E)andSSPCSPSpecifications.

DEGREASING

Itisessentialtoremoveallsolublesalts,oil,grease,drillingandcuttingcompoundsandothersurface

contaminantspriorto furthersurfacepreparationorpaintingofthesteel.Perhapsthemostcommon
methodisbysolventwashing,followedbywipingdrywithcleanrags.Thewipingcleaniscritical,be
causeifthisisnotcarriedoutthoroughlytheresultofsolventwashingwillsimplyspreadthecontami
nation over a wider area. Proprietary emulsions, degreasing compounds and steam cleaning are also
commonlyused.RecommendedproceduresaredescribedinInternationalStandardISO8504:1992(E)
andSSPCSP1.

HANDTOOLCLEANING

Looselyadheringmillscale,rustandoldpaintcoatingsmayberemovedfromsteelbyhandwirebrush
ing,sanding,scrapingandchipping.However,thesemethodsareincomplete,andalwaysleavealayer
oftightlyadheringrustonthesteelsurface.MethodsforhandtoolcleaningaredescribedinSSPCSP2
andshouldbetoISO85011:1988gradeSt2B,CorD.

POWERTOOLCLEANING

Generallymoreeffectiveandlesslaboriousthanhandtoolcleaningfortheremovaloflooselyadhering
millscale, paint and rust. However, power tool cleaning will not remove tightly adhering rust and
millscale.Powerwirebrushes,impacttoolssuchasneedleguns,grindersandsandersareallcommonly
used.Careshouldbetaken,particularlywithpowerwirebrushes,nottopolishthemetalsurfaceasthis
willreducethekeyforthesubsequentpaintcoating.MethodsaredescribedinSSPCSP3andSSPCSP11
andshouldbetoISO85011:1988gradeSt3B,CorD.SSPCSP11describesadegreeofsurfaceprofile
whichcanbeachievedbypowertoolcleaning.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
BLASTCLEANING

Byfarthemosteffectivemethodforremovalofmillscale,rustandoldcoatings,usingabrasivessuchas
sand,gritorshotunderhighpressure.Thegradeofblastingsuitableforaparticularcoatingspecifica
tiondependsonanumberoffactors,themostimportantofwhichisthetypeofcoatingsystemselected.
TheprimarystandardusedintheproductdatasheetsinthismanualisISO85011:1988(E),prepara
tionofsteelsubstratebeforeapplicationofpaintsandrelatedproductsvisualassessmentofsurface
cleanliness.ThisstandardrepresentsaslightextensionoftheSwedishStandard(SIS055900(1967)),

whichwasdevelopedbytheSwedishCorrosionInstitute,incooperationwiththeAmericanSocietyfor
Testing&Materials(ASTM),andtheSteelStructuresPaintingCouncilSSPC),USA,andisalreadyused
onaworldwidescale.
Where appropriate, the nearest equivalent SSPC specification has been quoted on individual product
datasheets.ItisrecognisedthattheSSPCandISOstandardsarenotidentical,andasaconsequencecer
tainproductdatasheetsmayshowgradeSa2(ISO85011:1988)asequivalenttoSSPCSP6,(com
mercialblastcleaning),whilstotherswillbeequivalenttoSSPCSP10(nearwhitemetal).
Theselectionoftheseblastcleaninggradeswillhavebeenassessedusinganumberoffactorsincluding
coatingtype,performanceexpectation,andinserviceconditions.
As a general principle, where products are recommended for immersion or aggressive atmospheric
conditionstheblastingstandardrequiredwillbetoSa2(ISO85011:1988)orSSPCSP10,however,
whenproductsarerecommendedforgeneralatmosphericexposuretheblastingstandardrequiredwill
beSa2(ISO85011:1988)orSSPCSP6.
Priortoblasting,steelworkshouldbedegreasedandallweldspatterremoved.Ifsalts,greaseoroilis
presentonthesurfaceitwillappeartoberemovedbytheblastingprocess,butthisisnotthecase.Al
thoughnotvisible,thecontaminationwillstillbepresentasathinlayer,andwillaffecttheadhesionof
subsequentcoatings.
Weldseams,metalsliversandsharpedgesrevealedbytheblastingprocessshouldbegrounddown,as
paint coatings tend to run away from sharp edges, resulting in thin coatings and reduced protection.
Weldspatterisalmostimpossibletocoatevenly,inadditiontooftenbeinglooselyadherent,anditisa
commoncauseofprematurecoatingfailure.
Thesurfaceprofileobtainedduringblastingisimportant,andwilldependontheabrasiveused,theair
pressureandthetechniqueofblasting.Toolowaprofilemaynotprovideasufficientkeyforcoating,
whiletoohighaprofilemayresultinunevencoverageofhigh,sharppeakspossiblyleadingtoprema
turecoatingfailure,particularlyforthinfilmcoatingssuchasblastprimers.Thefollowingtablegivesa
briefguidetotypicalroughnessprofilesobtainedusingvarioustypesofabrasive.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

TypeofAbrasiveMeshSizeMax.HeightofProfile
Veryfinesand8037microns(1.5mils)
Coarsesand1270microns(2.8mils)
Ironshot1490microns(3.6mils)
Typicalnonmetallic
copperslag
1.52.0mmgrainsize75100microns(34mils)

IrongritNo.G1612200microns(8.0mils)

WETABRASIVE
BLASTING/SLURRY
BLASTING

Wetabrasiveblastingusesaslurryofwaterandabrasiveratherthandryabrasivealone.Thishasthe
advantagethatthehazardsofdustandassociatedhealthproblemsarelargelyovercome.Afurtherim
portant advantage is that when wet blasting old, well rusted surfaces, many of the soluble corrosion
productsinthepitsofthesteelwillbewashedout,whichwillgreatlyimprovetheperformanceofthe
applied coating system. However, a disadvantage of this technique is that the cleaned steel begins to
rustrapidlyafterblasting.Itisthereforecommonpracticetoincludeproprietaryinhibitorsintheblast
waterwhichwillpreventthisrustingforasufficienttimetoallowpaintingtobecarriedout.Ingeneral,
theuseofverylowlevelsofsuchinhibitorsdoesnotaffecttheperformanceofsubsequentpaintcoat
ingsfornonimmersedsteelwork.Theuseofamoisturetolerantprimer,whichcanbeappliedtowet
blastedsteelwhileitisstilldamp,canmaketheuseofinhibitorsunnecessary,butAbolinCo.shouldbe
consultedforspecificadvice.Wherewetblastedsurfaceshavebeenallowedtocorrode,theyshouldbe
mechanicallycleanedorpreferablysweepblasted,toremovethecorrosionpriortopainting.

HYDROBLASTING

Hydroblastingisatechniqueforcleaningsurfaces,whichreliesentirelyontheenergyofwaterstriking
asurfacetoachieveitscleaningeffect.AbrasivesareNOTusedinhydroblastingsystems.Consequently
theproblemscausedbydustpollutionandbythedisposalofspentabrasivesareeliminated.Twodif
ferenthydroblastingoperatingpressuresarecommonlyencountered.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
High pressure hydroblasting, operating at pressures between 680 bar (10,000 p.s.i.) and 1,700 bar
(25,000p.s.i.).
Ultrahighpressurehydroblasting,operatingatpressuresabove1700bar(25,000p.s.i.).

Thetermshydroblasting,hydrojettingandwaterjettingessentiallymeanthesamething,withallbeing
usedtodescribethesameprocess.Therecanbeconfusionhoweveroverthedifferencebetweensimple
waterwashingandhydroblasting.Toclarifythesituation,AbolinCohaveadoptedthefollowingcom
monlyaccepteddefinitions.

LowPressureWaterWashing:Operatesatpressureslessthan68bar(1,000p.s.i.).
HighPressureWaterWashing:Operatesatpressuresbetween68680bar(1,00010,000p.s.i.).
HighPressureHydroblasting:Operatesatpressuresbetween6801,700bar(10,00025,000p.s.i.).
UltraHighPressureHydroblasting:Operatesatpressuresabove1,700bar(25,000p.s.i.)withmost
machinesoperatinginthe2,0002,500barrange(30,00036,000p.s.i.).
ThesteelsurfacesproducedbyhydroblastingdoNOTlookthesameasthoseproducedbydryabrasive
blasting,orslurryblasting.Thisisbecausewateronitsowncannotcut,ordeformsteelinthesameway
asabrasives.Hydroblastedsurfacesthereforetendtolookdull,evenbeforetheyflashrust.Inaddition
steel,withactivecorrosionpitting,showsamottledappearanceafterhydroblasting.
Mottlingoccurswhenthecorrosionproductsarewashedoutofthepits,leavingabrightpatch,andthe
surroundingareasareleftadullgrey,browntoblackcolour.
Thispatternisthereverseofthatleftbyabrasiveblasting,whereanodicpitsareoftendark,duetocor
rosionproductsnotbeingentirelyremoved,andthesurroundingareasarebright.Flashrusting,i.e.
lightoxidationofthesteel,whichoccursashydroblastedsteeldriesoff,willquicklychangethisinitial
appearance.Whenflashrustingistooheavyforcoatingapplication,itmayberemovedorreducedby
brushingwithahardbristlebrush,orbywashingdownwithhighpressurefreshwater.Highpressure
washing,atpressuresabove68bar(1,000p.s.i.)usingeithertherotationalnozzles,orfanjetlancesof
the hydroblasting equipment itself is the preferred method. It will cause the area to rerust, but it is
possibletoreducethedegreeofflashrustingfromheavytolightusingthismethod.Handwireorbris
tlebrushingtoremoveheavyflashrustingmaybeacceptableforsmallareas,butwillgenerallyproduce
aninadequatesurface.Mechanicalrotarywirebrushingcanhoweverproduceacceptablesurfacesfor
largeareas.
Whenlargeareasarehydroblasted,flashrustingwhichobscurestheoriginalblaststandardmayoccur,
beforeaninspectioncanbecarriedout.Establishingtherequiredstandardbyblastingasmalltestarea
priortothemainblastmayhelp,providingtherestofthejobisblastedtothesamestandard.Methods
forensuringtherestofthejobisblastedtothesamestandardwillvaryfromprojecttoproject.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
Flashrustingcanbepreventedbytheuseofwatersolublechemicalcorrosioninhibitors.Theseinhibi
torsmayleaveacrystallinelayeronthesteelsurfaceasthewaterevaporates,whichcanthenleadtoa
lossofadhesionandosmoticblistering,ifcoatingsareappliedoverthistypeofsurface.AbolinCo.do
notrecommendtheuseofcorrosioninhibitorstoholdwetblastedsurfaces.Ifinhibitorsareused,they
mustbethoroughlywashedoffwithfreshwaterbeforeAbolinCo.Coatingsproductsareapplied.
Thetemperatureofsteelsubstratescanriseduringthehydroblastingprocess.
Therearetworeasonsforthis:
a)Compressionofthewatertoreachhydroblastingpressurewillcreateatemperatureriseinthewater

itself,
b)Thevelocityofthewaterstrikingthesteelwillimpartenergytoitasheat.
Thistemperaturerisecanbesubstantialandmayhelphydroblastedsurfacesdryoffmorequickly,with
acorrespondingreductionintheseverityofflashrusting.
Animportantpropertyofthehydroblastingprocessisthatitcanemulsifyandremoveoilandgrease
fromasurfaceasitisblasted.However,thisdoesnotprecludetheneedforproperdegreasingproce
duresasspecifiedinSSPCSP1,priortohydroblasting.
Hydroblasting will not produce a surface profile, although the process can eventually erode steel and
resultinmetalloss.Thesurfaceprofileexposedafterhydroblastingwillhavebeenproducedbyearlier
surfacepreparationwork,orbycorrosion.Formostcoatingschemes,AbolinCo.willacceptaprofilein
the50to100micronsrange.

NONFERROUSMETALAluminium

Thesurfaceshouldbeclean,dryandgreasefree(seeunderSteelDegreasing).Ifanycorrosionsalts
arepresenttheyshouldberemovedbylightlyabrading.Beforepainting,applyonethincoatofapro
prietaryacidetchprimertoprovideakeyforfurthercoats.Ifthisreactiondoesnottakeplace,adhe
sionwillbefoundtobepoor.Thesurfaceshouldbescrapedclean,andtreatedwithaproprietaryalu
minumpretreatmentsolution,andtheacidetchprimerthenreapplied.

GalvanisedSteel
Thesurfaceshouldbeclean,dryandgreasefree(seeunderSteelDegreasing).Degreasingofmostgal
vanised surfaces requires some effort to obtain a clean surface. Any white zinc corrosion products
should be removed by high pressure fresh water washing, or fresh water washing with scrubbing.
Whenusingthepreferredmethodofsurfacepreparation,i.e.sweepblasting,itisstilladvisabletofresh
waterwashtoremovesolublezincsalts.Manycoatingsbasedonnonsaponifiablepolymerscanbeap
plieddirectlytogalvanisedsurfacespreparedinthisway.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
Whensweepblastingisnotpossible,thenanacidetchsolutionoretchprimershouldbeusedtopassi
vatethesurfaceandprovideakeyforfurtherpaintcoatings.Detailsofcoatingswhichcanbeappliedto
sweepblastedgalvanisedsteelandofsuitableetchsolutionsandprimerscanbeobtainedfromAbolin
Co.
Whensteelhasbeentreatedwithapassivatingtreatmentimmediatelyaftergalvanising,thenthismust
eitherbeallowedtoweatheroffoveraperiodofseveralmonthsexteriorexposureorbeabradedbe
foreapplicationofacoating.
Ingeneraletchtreatmentshavenoeffectonfreshmaterialsofthistype.

OtherNonFerrousMetals

The surface should be clean, dry and grease free (see under Steel Degreasing). Any corrosion salts
shouldberemovedbylightabrasionandwaterwashing.Thecleanedsurfaceshouldthenbeabradedor
verylightlyabrasiveblastedusinglowpressureandnonmetallicabrasive,andprimedwithacoatof
etch primer prior to painting. For lead, if the surface is thoroughly abraded, the etch primer may be
omitted.

CONCRETEANDMASONRY
SURFACES

Thesurfaceshouldbeclean,dryandfreefromoil,greaseandothercontaminantssuchasforminglu
bricantsandcuringcomponentswhichwouldaffectadhesionofapaintcoating.Themoisturecontent
oftheconcreteormasonryshouldbelessthan6%,measuredusingaProtimeterSurveymasterorsimi
lar.Asaruleofthumb,concretelessthan28daysold,inatemperateclimate,isunlikelytohavedried
oursufficiently.
Note:Paintingoversurfaces,whichhavenotsufficientlydriedout,willresultinblisteringandflakingof
thepaintcoatingasthetrappedmoisturegraduallyescapes.
Laitanceandloosesurfacepowderformedonnewconcretemustberemoved.Thealkalinityandporos
ityofthesurfacemustalsobeconsideredwhenpaintingconcreteormasonry.Themostpreferablesur
facetreatmentforconcreteissweepblasting.
Wire brushing also provides a suitable surface for painting, but requires more effort. Alternatively, a
proprietary acid etch treatment followed by thorough water washing and drying may be used. Any
cracksshouldbecutoutandfilledwithsuitablefillerpriortopainting.
Thefollowingguidewillhelpassuremaximumperformanceofthecoatingsystemandsatisfactorycoat
ingadhesiontoconcrete:
1.Removeallsurfacecontamination(ref.ASTMD4258).

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
2.Wetsurfacewithcleanwater.
3. Apply a 10 15% Muriatic Acid or 50% Phosphoric Acid solution at the rate of one gallon per 75
squarefeet.
4.Scrubwithastiffbrush.
5.Allowsufficienttimeforscrubbinguntilbubblingstops.
6.Ifnobubblingoccurs,thesurfaceiscontaminatedwithgrease,oil,oraconcretetreatmentwhichis
interferingwithproperetching.Removethecontaminationwithasuitablecleaner(ref.ASTMD4258,
orMethod"D"below)andthenetchthesurface.

10

7.Rinsethesurfacetwoorthreetimes.Removetheacid/watermixtureaftereachrinse.
8.Surfaceshouldhaveatexturesimilartomediumgritsandpaper.
9. It may be necessary to repeat this step several times if a suitable texture is not achieved with one
etching.BringthepH(ref.ASTMD4262)ofthesurfacetoneutralwitha3%solutionoftrisodiumphos
phateorsimilaralkalicleanerandflushwithcleanwatertoachieveasound,cleansurface.Allowsur
facetodryandcheckformoisture(ref.ASTMD4263).

ConcreteFloors

Preparationofconcretefloorsisachievedbyblasting,scarifying,grindingorbyhand.Finalchoicewill
bebasedontheconditionoftheexistingsurface,floorarea,accessforpreparationequipmentandthe
coatingtobeapplied.
1.BlastingTheconcreteshouldbeblastedusingarecoverableabrasiveblastingunit.
2. Scarifying Scarifyers are machines which include fastrotating hardened flails, which remove old
coatingsandroughentheconcretesubstrate.Scarifyersaregenerallyusedforareaslessthan250m2,
forlargerareasitisnormalpracticetoblast.
3.GrindingThefloorshouldbethoroughlypreparedusingamechanicalgrindertoremovelaitance,
finesandanysurfacecontamination.
The final process for all methods of preparation is thorough vacuum cleaning to remove all residual
dust.
SAFETY
CONSIDERATIONS
Alwayscarefullyreadandcompletelyfollowthesafetyproceduresandinstructionsrecommendedby
manufacturers of surface preparation devices, application equipment, media or products and the job
site safety measures. Always carefully read and follow the manufacturers safety procedures and in
structions concerning paint products. These are general statements to alert you to the importance of
specificwarningsandinstructionsonindividualproducts.Thesestatementsarenotintendedtobespe
cificwarningsoradvice.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

SURFACEPREPARATIONSTANDARDS
TheoldSWEDISHSTANDARDSINSTITUTION:
SurfacePreparationsStandardsforPaintingSteelSurface(SIS0559001967)hasgainedprominence
and acceptance across the frontiers. So much so that it has served as a model for and has even been
adopteddirectasnationalstandardinothercountries.ItscleaningdegreesSa2,Sa2,etc.beingprac
ticallyuniversallyrecognized,theyarereferredtothroughoutthisbookinrecommendationsforclean

11

ingofsteel.
TheSwedishStandard,asitwasusuallycalled,wasfirsttoemploypictorialrepresentationsofthespe
cified cleaning degrees. It is now superseded by INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 85011:2007. Yet
withthesamephotosasusedbytheSISstandardplusadditionallyfourphotos(flamecleaning)from
theformerGermanstandardDIN55928,Part4,Supplement4.
Otherprominentstandards,notablySTEELSTRUCTURESPAINTINGCOUNCIL(U.S.A.):SurfacePrepara
tionSpecifications(SSPCSP2,3,5,6,7,and10)BRITISHSTANDARDSINSTITUTION;SurfaceFinishof
Blastcleaned steel for Painting: (BS 4232 but now superseded by BS 7079) and INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDIZATION ORGANIZATION ISO 12944, Parts 1 through 8: Corrosion Protection of Steel
StructuresbyProtectivePaintSystems,doalsoconcernwiththeequipment,materialsandprocedures
usedtoachievethespecifiedfinish.
TheBritishStandardBS4232useddrawingstoindicatethe(SecondandThirdquality)finishes,whe
reastheAmericanusesthesamephotosasISO85011:2007.ISO12944referstoISO85011:2007,but
includesalsodescriptionsforsecondarysurfacepreparationwithreferencetoISO85012:1994.Except
forBS4232theyalltakeintoaccountthestateoftherawsteelsurfacebeforecleaning,andgradesthe
resultaccordingly:
A:Steelsurfacelargelycoveredwithadherentmillscalebutlittle,ifany,rust.
B:Steelsurfacewhichhasbeguntorustandfromwhichthemillscalehasbeguntoflake.
C:Steelsurfaceonwhichthemillscalehasrustedawayorfromwhichitcanbescraped,butwithslight
pittingvisibleundernormalvision.
D:Steelsurfaceonwhichthemillscalehasrustedawayandonwhichgeneralpittingisvisibleunder
normalvision.
Asurfacepreparationmethodusinghighpressurewaterforcleaningisgettingmorecommon.Thebest
definitionoftermsandsurfacepreparationstandardsarepresentedbyISO85014:2006.Forcompari
sonofthestandardsseethefollowingpages.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

ISO85011:2007
DesignationDescription

Sa3Blastcleaningtovisuallycleansteel.
Whenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbefreefromvisibleoil,greaseanddirt,andshall
befreefrommillscale,rust,paintcoatingsandforeignmatter.Itshallhaveauniformmetalliccolour.
SeephotographsASa3,BSa3,CSa3andDSa3.

12

Sa2Verythoroughblastcleaning.

Whenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbefreefromvisibleoil,greaseanddirt,andfrom
mill scale, rust, paint coatings and foreign matter. Any remaining traces of contamination shall show
onlyasslightstainsintheformofspotsorstripes.SeephotographsASa2,BSa2,CSa2andDSa
2.

Sa2Thoroughblastcleaning.

Whenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbefreefromvisibleoil,greaseanddirt,andfrom
mostofthemillscale,rust,paintcoatingsandforeignmatter.Anyresidualcontaminationshallbefirm
lyadhering(seenote2below).SeephotographsBSa2,CSa2andDSa2.

Sa1Lightblastcleaning.

Whenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbefreefromvisibleoil,greaseanddirt,andfrom
poorlyadheringmillscale,rust,paintcoatingsandforeignmatter(seenote2).SeephotographsBSa1,
CSa1andDSa1.

Notes:
1.Theterm"foreignmatter"mayincludewatersolublesaltsandweldingresidues.Thesecontaminants
cannot always be completely removed from the surface by dry blastcleaning, hand and power tool
cleaningorflamecleaning;wetblastcleaningorhydrojettingmaybenecessary.
2.Millscale,rustorapaintcoatingisconsideredtobepoorlyadheringifitcanberemovedbylifting
withabluntputtyknife.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

St3Verythoroughhandandpowertoolcleaning.

AsforSt2,butthesurfaceshallbetreatedmuchmorethoroughlytogiveametallicsheenarisingfrom
themetallicsubstrate.SeephotographsBSt3,CSt3andDSt3.

St2Thoroughhandandpowertoolcleaning.

13

Whenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfacesshallbefreefromvisibleoil,greaseanddirt,andfrom
poorlyadheringmillscale,rust,paintcoatingsandforeignmatter(seenote2).SeephotographsBSt2,
CSt2andDSt2.

Notes:
1. For descriptions of surface preparation methods by hand and power tool cleaning, including treat
mentpriorto,andafter,thehandandpowertoolcleaningprocedure,seeISO85043.
2.PreparationgradeSt1isnotincludedasitwouldcorrespondtoasurfaceunsuitableforpainting.

BS70791990ReplacesBS42321967.BS70791990isidenticaltoISO85011:2007.

SSPC
DesignationDescription

SSPCSP5

1.1AwhiteMetalBlastCleanedsurface,whenviewedwithoutmagnification,shallbefreeofallvisible
oil,grease,dirt,dust,millscale,rust,paint,oxides,corrosionproducts,andotherforeignmatter.

1.2 ACCEPTABLE VARIATIONS IN APPEARANCE THAT DO NOT AFFECT SURFACE CLEANLINESS as

definedinSection1.1includevariationscausedbytypeofsteel,originalsurfacecondition,thicknessof
thesteel,weldmetal,millorfabricationmarks,heattreating,heataffectedzones,blastingabrasive,and
differencesintheblastpattern.

1.3 When painting is specified, the surface shall be roughened to a degree suitable for the specified
paintsystem.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
1.4Immediatelypriortopaintapplicationthesurfaceshallcomplywiththedegreeofcleaningasspeci
fiedherein.

1.5SSPCVis189orothervisualstandardsofsurfacepreparationmaybespecifiedtosupplementthe
writtendefinition.

SSPCSP10

14

2.1ANearWhiteBlastCleanedsurface,whenviewedwithoutmagnification,shallbefreeofallvisible
oil,grease,dirt,dust,millscale,rust,paint,oxides,corrosionproducts,andotherforeignmatter,except
forstainingasnotedin

Section2.2.
2.2 Staining shall be limited to no more than 5 per cent of each square inch of surface area and may
consistoflightshadows,slightstreaks,orminordiscolorationscausedbystainsofrust,stainsofmill
scale,orstainsofpreviouslyappliedpaint.

2.3 ACCEPTABLE VARIATIONS IN APPEARANCE THAT DO NOT AFFECT SURFACE CLEANLINESS as

definedinsections2.1and2.2includevariationscausedbytypeofsteel,weldmetal,millorfabrication
marks,heattreating,heataffectedzones,blastingabrasives,anddifferencesintheblastpattern.

2.4 When painting is specified, the surface shall be roughened to a degree suitable for the specified
paintsystem.

2.5Immediatelypriortopaintapplication,thesurfaceshallcomplywiththedegreeofcleaningasspe
cifiedherein.

2.6SSPCVis189orothervisualstandardsofsurfacepreparationmaybespecifiedtosupplementthe
writtendefinition.

SSPCSP6

3.1ACommercialBlastCleanedsurface,whenviewedwithoutmagnification,shallbefreeofallvisible
oil,grease,dirt,dust,millscale,rust,paint,oxides,corrosionproducts,andotherforeignmatter,except
forstaining,asnotedin

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

Section3.2.

3.2Stainingshallbelimitedtonomorethan33percentofeachsquareinchofsurfaceareaandmay
consistoflightshadows,slightstreaks,orminordiscolourationscausedbystainsofrust,stainsofmill
scale,orstainsofpreviouslyappliedpaint.Slightresiduesofrustandpaintmayalsobeleftinthebot
tomsofpitsiftheoriginalsurfaceispitted.

15

3.3 ACCEPTABLE VARIATIONS IN APPEARANCE THAT DO NOT AFFECT SURFACE CLEANLINESS as

defined in Sections 3.1 and 3.2 include variations caused by type of steel, original surface condition,
thicknessofthesteel,weldmetal,millorfabricationmarks,heattreating,heataffectedzones,blasting
abrasive,anddifferencesintheblastpattern.

3.4 When painting is specified, the surface shall be roughened to a degree suitable for the specified
paintsystem.
3.5Immediatelypriortopaintapplication,thesurfaceshallcomplywiththedegreeofcleaningasspe
cifiedherein.
3.6SSPCVis189orothervisualstandardsofsurfacepreparationmaybespecifiedtosupplementthe
writtendefinition.

SSPCSP7

4.1ABrushOffBlastCleanedsurface,whenviewedwithoutmagnification,shallbefreeofallvisibleoil,
grease,dirt,dust,loosemillscale,looserust,andloosepaint.Tightlyadherentmillscale,rust,andpaint
mayremainonthesurface.Millscale,rust,andpaintareconsideredtightlyadherentiftheycannotbe
removedbyliftingwithadullputtyknife.
4.2Theentiresurfaceshallbesubjectedtotheabrasiveblast.Theremainingmillscale,rust,orpaint
shallbetight.
4.3 When painting is specified, the surface shall be roughened to a degree suitable for the specified
paintsystem.
4.4Immediatelypriortopaintapplication,thesurfaceshallcomplywiththedegreeofcleaningasspe
cifiedherein.
4.5SSPCVis189orothervisualstandardsofsurfacepreparationmaybespecifiedtosupplementthe
writtendefinition.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

SSPCSP2

5.1Handtoolcleaningisamethodofpreparingsteelsurfacesbytheuseofnonpowerhandtools.
5.2Handtoolcleaningremovesallloosemillscale,looserust,loosepaint,andotherloosedetrimental
foreignmatter.Itisnotintendedthatadherentmillscale,rust,andpaintberemovedbythisprocess.
Millscale,rust,andpaintareconsideredadherentiftheycannotberemovedbyliftingwithadullputty

16

knife.
5.3SSPCVis189orothervisualstandardsofsurfacepreparationagreeduponbythecontractingpar
tiesmaybeusedtofurtherdefinethesurface.

ISO129444isnot quoted(translated)butisfullyinlinewithISO85011:2007(exceptortheextra
standardsasmentionedonpage10).Comparingthestandards,nodoubtthatSa3andSSPCSP5are
identicalintheirdemandstosurfacecleanliness.AlsoSa2andSSPCSP10seemidentical.Concern
ingSa2andSSPCSP6thesedifferslightly,SSPCSP6expressingmoredemandstoquality.SSPCSP6
requiresremnantsbeingstainsonly.Sa2states"residualcontaminationshallbefirmlyadhering".Note:
ForSSPCthewrittenspecificationtakespreferenceforISO85011:2007,thephotos.

ISO85041:2006

Surfacepreparationandcleaningofsteelandotherhardmaterialsbyhighandultrahighpressurewa
ter jetting prior to paint application. Water jetting is a relatively new method of surface preparation.
Thestandarddealswiththeremovalofvisibleandinvisiblecontamination.Aftercleaningthesurface
willstillbewetandflashrustingmayoccuroncleanedsteelduringthedryingperiod.Additionaldefini
tionsofflashrustdegreesarethereforedescribedbelow.
Maintenancebeingthemainareaofuse,anyoldcoatingremainingafterwaterjettingmustbewellad
hering,intactandroughenedbythetreatmentaswellascompatiblewiththenewcoatingsystemtobe
applied.Asageneralrule,coatingswhicharelatertobeexposedtoseveremechanicaland/orchemical
exposures,likeegspeciallywearandimpactresistantcoatingsandchemicallyresistanttankcoatings,
shouldnotbeappliedtowaterjettedsurfaces.Neithershouldcoatingsforwhichprotectionreliesupon
metalliccontacttothesteelsubstrate,suchaszincrichprimersbeappliedtowaterjettedsurfaces.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
Descriptionofthesurfaceappearancesaftercleaning:

Lighthighpressurewaterjetting
Whenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbefreefromvisibleoilandgrease,looseordefec
tivepaint,looserustandotherforeignmatter.Anyresidualcontaminationshallberandomlydispersed
andfirmlyadherent.
Thoroughhighpressurewaterjetting
Whenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbefreefromvisibleoil,greaseanddirtandmost

17

oftherust,previouspaintcoatingsandotherforeignmatter.Anyresidualcontaminationshallberan
domlydispersedandcanconsistoffirmlyadherentcoatings,firmlyadherentforeignmatterandstains
ofpreviouslyexistentrust.
Verythoroughhighpressurewaterjetting
Whenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbefreefromallvisiblerust,oil,grease,dirt,pre
viouspaintcoatingsand,exceptforslighttraces,allotherforeignmatter.Discolorationofthesurface
can be present where the original coating was not intact. The grey or brown/black discoloration ob
servedonpittedandcorrodedsteelcannotberemovedbyfurtherwaterjetting.

Descriptionofthesurfaceappearanceforthreeflashrustgrades:

Lightflashrust
Asurfacewhich,whenviewedwithoutmagnification,exhibitssmallquantitiesofayellow/brownrust
layer through which the steel substrate can be seen. The rust (seen as a discoloration) can be evenly
distributedorpresentinpatches,butitwillbetightlyadherentandnoteasilyremovedbygentlewip
ingwithacloth.
Mediumflashrust
A surface which, when viewed without magnification, exhibits a layer of yellow/brown rust that ob
scurestheoriginalsteelsurface.Therustcanbeevenlydistributedorpresentinpatches,butitwillbe
reasonablywelladherentanditwilllightlymarkacloththatisgentlywipedoverthesurface.
Heavyflashrust
A surface which, when viewed without magnification, exhibits a layer of redyellow/brown rust that
obscurestheoriginalsteelsurfaceandislooselyadherent.Therustlayercanbeevenlydistributedor
presentinpatchesanditwillreadilymarkacloththatisgentlywipedoverthesurface.
Forfurtherdetails,pleaserefertoISO85014:2006.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

GLOSSARY
inreferencetoAbolinCoTechnicalDataSheets
Description:Ashortdescriptionoftheproductwithemphasisongenerictype,pigmentation,principal
properties,andcertainlimitations.
Recommendeduse:Thepurpose(s)forwhichtheproductisdesignedorparticularlywellsuited.The
productmaybespecifiedforotherusesintailormadepaintsystemsforspecificpurposes.

18

Service temperature: Indicates the maximum temperature that will have no immediate detrimental
effectonthepaint.Aservicetemperatureconstantlynearthemaximumwillresultinashorterlifetime
ofthespecifiedpaintsystemcomparedtothelifetimeanticipatedwhenoperatingatnormaltempera
tures.Ifservicetemperaturesareoftenfluctuatingbetweennormaltemperaturesandnearmaximum
temperatures this will result in an additional decrease in the anticipated lifetime of the paint system
("acceleratedageing").Mostpaintswillchangeappearancewhenexposedtohightemperatures,either
byachangeincolourand/orbylossofgloss.
Inadditionmostpaintswillbecomesoftathightemperaturesandshowhighersensitivitytomechani
calorchemicalactions.Exposuretowarmliquids,waterincluded,willnormallyonlyberecommended
fordedicatedpaintsystems.Athightemperatures,wetservicewillhaveamorepronouncedinfluence
on lifetime compared to dry service. When a paint system is exposed to fluctuations of temperatures
wetserviceconditionswillinducemorestresstothecoatingsystemthandryserviceatsametempera
tures. Furthermore it is of importance whether the liquid has a higher temperature than the coated
steel.Acoldwalleffectwillincreasetheriskofblisteringandthusputfurtherlimitationstothetem
peratureresistance.Mostpaintsystemsdoonlytolerateaverylow negative gradient oftemperature
underwet/immersedserviceconditions.
Finish:Theappearanceofthepaintfilmafterdryingunderoptimumconditionsinlaboratory,givenas
high gloss (>90), glossy (6090), semigloss (3060), semiflat (1530), or flat (<15). All figures are in
gloss units and according to ISO 2813:1994(E) (specular gloss, 60 degree geometry). The actual ap
pearance will depend on the conditions during application and drying/curing. The finish indicated in
the product data sheet is according to optimal conditions (ie application and measurements under
standardisedlaboratoryconditions).
Colours/shade:Certainphysicalconstantsmayvaryfromonecolourtoanother.
Volume solids: The Volume Solids (VS) figure expresses in percentage the ratio: Dry film thick
ness/WetfilmthicknessThestatedfigurehasbeendeterminedastheratiobetweendryandwetfilm
thicknessofthecoatingappliedintheindicatedthicknessunderlaboratoryconditions,wherenopaint
losshasbeenencountered.Forselectedpaintsnotdryingtoofastanalternativeairlesssprayprocedure
is:Apaintisappliedbyairlesssprayintheindicatedthicknesstoasmooth,degreasedsteelpanel.Ap
plicationanddrying/curingconditionsofthepaintare(approx)23C/73Fand50%RH.Anumberof

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
wetfilmthicknessmeasurementsaretakenimmediatelyafterapplicationfollowedbyasimilarnumber
ofdryfilmthicknessmeasurements7days(approx23C/73F,50%RH)afterapplication.Volumesol
idsareusuallyslightlyhigherthanthetheoreticalvalue,whichisfoundbyacalculationbasedonthe
paintcompositiontakingspecificgravityandsolidcontentofeachindividualrawmaterialintoconsid
eration.Volumesolidstakeintoaccountthatsmallamountsofsolventsareusuallyretained,andthat
airmaybeentrappedin thedrypaintfilmeither inthe form ofvacuoles orasintersticesinzinc sili
cates.Volumesolidsareinbetteragreementwithpracticalmeasurementsofdryfilmthicknessthanthe
theoreticalvalue.

19

Consumptionfactor:Thepracticalconsumptionisestimatedbymultiplyingthetheoreticalconsump
tionwitharelevantConsumptionFactor(CF).
TheConsumptionFactordependsonanumberofexternalconditionsandcannotbestatedintheprod
uctdatasheetasthevariationistoogreattoberepresentedbyonesinglefigure.
ThevariationintheConsumptionFactorislargelyattributedtothefollowing:
1)Wavinessofpaintfilm:
Inordertoensurethespecifiedminimumfilmthickness,amanuallyappliedpaintfilmwillunavoidably
a)showsomewavinessofthesurfaceandb)athicknessdistributionwithanaveragevaluesomewhat
higherthanthespecifieddryfilmthicknessinordertofulfilegan80:20rule.Thisleadstoahighercon
sumptionthantheoreticallycalculated.
2)Complexityandsize/shapeofthesurfacetobecalculated:
Complex,oddshapedandsmallsizedsurfacesarevirtuallyimpossibletopaintwithoutoversprayand
will therefore lead to higher consumption than theoretically calculated from the area square in ques
tion.
3)Surfaceroughnessofthesubstrate:
Surfaceroughnessofthesubstrategivesa"deadvolume"tobefilleduporinthecaseofshopprimersa
"surfacearearatio"greaterthanoneandwillthereforecauseahigherconsumptionthantheoretically
calculatedforasmoothsubstrate.
4)Physicallosses:
Factorssuchasresiduesincans,pumpsandhoses,discardedpaintduetoexceededpotlife,windloss,
etc.willallcontributetoahigherconsumption.
ThePracticalspreadingratethusvarieswithmethodofapplication,skillofthepainter,shapeoftheob
jecttobepainted,textureofthesubstrate,filmthicknessapplied,andworkingconditions.Inanycaseit
isnotbeneficialtostretchthepaintasmuchaspossible,butrathertotrytoobtainthespecifiedthick
nessoftheappliedpaintontheentirearea.
Flash point: The lowest temperature at which a liquid liberates sufficient vapour to form a mixture
with the air near its surface which, if ignited, will make a small flash, but not catch fire. For two

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
component products flash points are normally given for the mixed products. The figures are given as
guidancewithaviewtolocalregulationsforprecautionsagainstfireduringuse.
AddingTHINNERtoapaintmaychangetheflashpointofthedilutedmaterial.
Specificgravity:Theweightinkilogrammeperlitreat25C/77F.
For twocomponent products the specific gravity is given for the mixed product. The specific gravity
mayinpracticevaryinanintervalofafewpercentcomparedtothetheoreticalvalueindicatedinthe
productdatasheet.
Drytotouch:Dryingtimeintheproductdatasheetisdrytotouchunlessotherwiseindicated.For

20

shopprimersamorerelevantfigurefor"drytohandle"isgiven.Dryingtimesrefertoatemperatureof
20C/68F,6070%relativehumidity,withadequateventilation.
"Dry to handle": The paint surface is sufficiently hardened to be handled with care without coming
off/beingdamaged.
Thedryingprocessuntil"drytotouch"isforsolvent(orwater)containingpaintsfirstandforemost
dependentonventilation.Furthermoreitdependsonthetemperatureandonthefilmthicknessofeach
coatapplied.Allsurfacesshouldbeventilated.Itshouldbenotedthatwaterbornepaintshavehigher
requirementstoventilationthandosolventbornepaints.Inthecaseofphysicallydryingpaints,drying
timeisalsoinfluencedbythenumberofcoats,thetotalfilmthicknessofthesystemandthefilmthick
nesspercoat.Asaroughruleofthumb,twicethefilmthicknessofagivensinglecoatwillrequireap
prox4timesthedryingtimewiththesameamountofventilation.Thisgoesforbothsolventandwater
bornepaints.Itshouldbestressedthatwhenapplyapplyingmorecoats,entrappedsolventsmayresult
inasofterfilmthanifonlyonecoatisapplied.Thisisespeciallyrelevantinthecaseofphysicallydrying
paints.
Alsotemperaturehasmuchinfluenceonthedrying/curingtime.Atemperaturedropof10C/18Fwill
roughlyrequiretwicethedryingtimeforphysicallydryingpaints.
Fully cured: The curing time is given for twocomponent products at a (steel) temperature of
20C/68F and provided adequate ventilation. The curing is accelerated at higher temperatures and
retardedatlowertemperatures.Forsomeproductsthecuringtimesatdifferenttemperaturesaregiv
enasatableintheproductdatasheet/inthe
ApplicationInstructions.Forproductswherethecuringtimeisgivenat20C/68Fonly,thefollowing
roughruleofthumbcanbeutilised:Thecuringtimeisroughlyhalvedatanincreaseintemperatureof
10C/18F,anddoubledatadecreaseintemperatureof10C/18F.
Curing will stop almost completely below the temperature stated under application conditions as the
lowesttemperatureatwhichthepaintshouldbeapplied.
V.O.C.:Thecalculatedweightofvolatileorganiccontentingrammeperlitre.Anequivalentfigureisgiv
eninlbsperUSgallon.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
Alternatively,VOCcanbeindicatedbyameasuredvalue.Productsthatmaybeusedforbuildingsinthe
EuropeanUnionarecoveredbytheEUdirective2004/42/EC.Forsuchproductsinformationindicates
themaximumlevelofVOCthattheproductcanhaveinanycolour,itindicatesthemaximumVOCthat
theproductmayhaveafteraddingthemaximumrecommendedamountofthinneranditindicatesthe
EUlimitsfortheproductcategoryasof2007and2010.
Shelflife:Thetimetheproductwillkeepingoodconditionwhenstoredundercoverinoriginal,sealed
containers under normal storage conditions. Shelf life is indicated only if it is one year or less at
25C/77F.Itwilldecreaseathighertemperatures,egwillbealmosthalvedat35C/95F.Longterm

21

storageandstorageathightemperaturesmayrequirecarefulremixingofthepaintpriortoapplication
dueto(slight)sedimentinthecan.Ifstorageconditionsareunknownandinanyothercaseindoubt
aboutsuitabilityofapaintmaterialthiscanberathereasilyverifiedbycheckingthefollowing:
a.nocorrosionoftheinsideunopened,undamagedcans
b.apparentviscosityincan:afterremix,paintmustnotappeargelatinousorrequireexcessivethinning
priortoproperapplication.
c.applicationinspecifiedfilmthickness:auniform,closedpaintfilmistobedemonstrated
d.dryingtimetobewithinthelimitspecifiedintheproductdatasheet
Storage temperature: In order to maintain application properties as designed, paints should not be
storedattemperaturesabove50C/122Fpriortoapplication.
APPLICATIONDETAILS
Mixingratio:Twocomponent,chemicallycuringproductsaresuppliedasBASEandCURINGAGENTin
thecorrectmixingratio.Themixingratiomustbestrictlyadheredto,alsowhensubdividing.Asagen
eralrule,addtheCURINGAGENTtotheBASE10minutes(inductiontime)beforeuse(at20C/68F),
unlessthepotlifeis(very)short,andstirwell.Thisisespeciallyofimportancewhenapplyingpaintsto
lowtemperturesurfaces.Incertaincases,morespecificadviceisgivenastoinductiontime.Itisvery
importantfortwocomponentproductsthattheprescribedamountofCURINGAGENTisaddedtothe
BASE.Inordertoensurethistheindicatedthinnermayinmostcasesbeneficiallybeusedtoflushthe
CURING AGENT can. Once the material has been mixed the curing will proceed. Therefore, only the
quantityneededwithinthepotlifeofthemixtureshouldbemixedatatime.
Applicationmethod:Givesthepossibleorrecommendedmethod(s)ofapplication.Asageneralrule,
the first coat of a rustpreventing primer should be applied by brush or airless spray to obtain best
possible wetting and penetration into the substrate. Application by brush or roller usually demands
morecoatsappliedtoachievethespecifiedfilmthicknessthanapplicationbyairlesssprayequipment.
Thinner(max.vol):Theamountofthinnertobeadded,dependsonprevailingtemperature,sprayme
thod, etc. The usual maximum percentage is indicated for the respective application method. If more
thinningisdeemednecessaryunderspecialcircumstances,consultnearestAbolinCo.office.Addinga
small percentage of thinner will give no measurable difference in the film thickness. There are cases,

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
however, when a higher degree of thinning is necessary and justified. It should then be kept in mind
that adding thinner increases the quantity of liquid paint without contributing to the solids content.
Consequently,aproportionallyhigherwetfilmthicknessmustbeappliedwhenaddinganysignificant
amountofthinnerinordertoobtainthespecifieddryfilmthickness.
Pot life: Roughly speaking, the pot life for solventborne paints depends on the paint temperature as
follows:
Thepotlifeishalvedatanincreaseintemperatureof10C/18F,anddoubledatadecreaseintempera
tureof10C/18F.Forsomeproductsthepotlifeisusuallyshorterforapplicationbyairlessspraythan

22

forbrushapplication.Thisisduetothefactthattheantisaggingpropertiesaregraduallylostafterex
pirationofthepotlifeindicatedforairlessapplication.Thusthehighdryfilmthicknessusuallyspeci
fiedbyairlesssprayapplicationisonlyobtainablewithinthepotlifeindicatedforairlessapplication.
Note:Potlifecannotbeextendedbythinning.Inthecaseofwaterborne,twocomponentepoxyprod
uctsthisruleofthumbwillnotfit.Thetemperature'sinfluenceonthepotlifeisnotedintherelevant
datasheets.
Nozzleorifice:Atypicalnozzleorifice(orarangeofnozzleorifices)isindicated.
Nozzlepressure:Anozzlepressuregenerallysuitableisgiven.
Note: Airless spray data are offered as a guidance and are subject to adjustment to suit the work at
hand.
Indicated film thickness, dry: Dry film thickness (dft) is indicated in a thickness frequently used in
specifications.Note:Severalproductsarespecifiedindifferentfilmthicknessesfordifferentpurposes
Checking of dry film thicknesses is, generally, done with gauges calibrated on smooth reference steel
panels.
Indicatedfilmthickness,wet:Wetfilmthickness(wft)isindicatedinmultipleof25micron(1mil)in
ordertofacilitatethepracticalmeasurementswiththewetfilmthicknessgauge(combgauge).These
valuesareroundedofftothemultipleof25whichisregardedmostrelevantineachcase.
Recoatinterval:Thetimerequiredorallowedtopassat20C/68Fortherelevanttemperaturerange
fortheproductinquestionbeforethesubsequentcoatisapplied.Theintervalsarerelatedtothetem
perature,filmthickness,numberofcoats,typeoffuture(inservice)exposureandwillbeaffectedcor
respondingly. For maximum intervals the temperature in this context is the highest surface tempera
tureduringtheperiod.Forsomeproductstheintervalismorecriticalinregardtointercoatadhesion
thanothers.Ifthemaximumintervalisexceededitmaybenecessarytoroughenthesurfacetoensure
adhesionofthenextcoat.Ontheotherhand,forsomepainttypestheintervalmaynotbecriticalinre
spectofadhesion,butaprimercoatshouldnotbeleftunprotectedfortoolonginanaggressiveenvi
ronment.
Ifnothingelseismentionedtheindicatedintervalsrefertorecoatingwiththesamepaint.Otherpaints
ofdifferenttypesmayrequireother(recoating)intervals.Minimumandanymaximumintervalsshould

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
always be adhered to if the paint system is to provide maximum protection. Furthermore, beware of
undesiredinfluenceofmoistureandcarbondioxideonepoxyandpolyurethanepaints,whichespecially
occursatlowtemperaturesandhighhumidity.Thiswillresultinagreasysurfacepreventinganyadhe
sionofthesubsequentcoat.
After exposure of any painted surface in polluted environment thorough cleaning by high pressure
freshwaterhosingoranotherappropriatemeasureisalwaysrecommendedbeforerecoating.Different
minimumandmaximumrecoatingintervalsaregivenforcertainproductsdependingonthelaterexpo
sure.

23

SURFACE PREPARATION: The recommended degree of cleaning of the surface before painting. The
degrees of cleaning refer to ISO 85011:2007. Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting of
SteelSurfaces,unlessotherwiseindicated.
Forsomeproductsaminimumsurfaceprofileismandatory.Theprofilesospecifiedisgivenwithrefer
encetooneormoreoftheroughnesscomparators:RugotestNo.3,KeaneTatorComparator,ortheISO
Comparator.Forpreviouslypaintedsurfacesthemethodanddegreeofpreparatorycleaningisgeneral
lyindicated.
APPLICATIONCONDITIONS:Ifclimaticorotherlimits,beyondwhatisdictatedbynormalgoodpaint
ingpractice,applytotheuseofaparticularqualityofpaint,thisisindicatedunderthisheading.Asa
general rule, paint should never be applied under adverse weather conditions. Even if the weather
seemsfitforpaintingtherewillbecondensationifthetemperatureofthesubstrateisatorbelowthe
dewpoint(thetemperatureatwhichtheatmospherichumiditycondenses,e.g.asdew).Tocompensate
for fluctuations the temperature of the surface should be at least a few degrees above the dew point
during painting and drying. 3C/5F is often quoted as safe. Beware of ice on the surface at tempera
turesbelowthefreezingpoint.
In confined spaces it may be necessary to remove solvent vapours or water vapours by providing an
adequateamountoffreshairconstantlyduringapplicationanddrying,bothforreasonsofsafetyand
health,andtoassistevaporation.Keepthepainttemperate(roomtemperature)whenapplyingduring
winter.Ifnot,thepaintwillrequireexcessivethinningleadingtoanincreasedriskofsagging.Viscosity
inanypaintwillincreaseifthetemperaturedecreases.
PRECEDING COAT: Recommendations of some preceding paint(s) known to be compatible with the
product. No limitation is implied. Other compatible products may be specified depending on the pur
pose.preparation.
SUBSEQUENTCOAT:Recommendationsofsomesubsequentpaint(s)knowntobecompatiblewiththe
product. No limitation is implied. Other compatible products may be specified depending on the pur
pose.
REMARKS:Underthisheadingotherrelevantdataorinformationareincluded.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes
SAFETY:Underthisheadinggeneralsafetyprecautionswhenhandlingorworkingwiththeproductare
given.Packingsareprovidedwithapplicablesafetylabelswhichshouldbeobserved.Inaddition,Ma
terialSafetyDataSheets,nationalorlocalsafetyregulationsshouldalwaysbefollowed.
Note: The product data sheets are subject to change without notice and automatically void five years
fromissue.
Additionalnotesanddefinitionsofsomeexpressionsmaybeusedintheproductdatasheets:
Surfacecleaning*
Lowpressurewatercleaning:upto340bar/5000psi

24

Highpressurewatercleaning:340680bar/500010.000psi
Highpressurewaterjetting:6801700bar/10.00025.000psi
Ultrahighpressurewaterjetting:above1700bar/25.000psi

*Asdefinedin"JointSurfacePreparationStandardNACENo.5/SSPCSP12,1995".

Note:Wetabrasiveblastingmaybeperformedwithloworhighpressurefreshwatertowhicharelative
smallamountofabrasivesisintroduced,andinsomecasesinhibitorsareaddedtopreventflashrusting
(however, as a general rule it is recommended not to use inhibitors when cleaning areas to be im
mersedduringservice.Surplusofinhibitorsmayleadtoosmoticblistering).Ablastprimerisapaint
usedforshorttermprotectionofanewlyblastcleanedsteelsurfaceofanassembledstructureinorder
toeasetheworkingprocedures.Inthiscontextblastprimersareoftenregardedanintegralpartofthe
surface preparation. A holding primer is a paint used to prolong (hold) the protective lifetime of a
shopprimertillthespecifiedpaintsystempropercanbeapplied.Toapplyamistcoatorflashcoatisa
twostepapplicationprocedureusedtominimizepoppingwhenpaintingonaporoussubstrate.Atfirst,
oneortwospraypassesareappliedverythintoexpeltheairfromthepores.Assoonasthisthincoat
hasflashedoff,thefilmisbuiltuptothespecifiedfilmthickness.Atiecoatisalayerofpaintwhichim
provestheadhesionbetweencoatingsofdifferentgenerictypes,egto"bridge"betweenconventional
andadvancedcoatings,orbetweenepoxyandphysicallydryingpaints.Asealercoatisalayerofpaint
whichisusedtosealoff(filltheporesof)poroussurfaces.Whenpaintismentionedtoberesistantto
spillagesandsplashesofcertainchemicalsitisunderstoodtobelimitedinbothareaandtime.Thespilt
chemicalmustberemovedassoonaspossibleandnotremainonthesurfacemorethan12days.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

ANNEX

ISO85011PictorialStandardsofCleanlinessISO85011isapictorialstandardrelatingtosur
face cleanliness, amongst other methods, though abrasive blasting. The original condition of
steelsurfacespriortoblastingaredepictedinvariousstagesofcorrosionasfollows:

25

GRADEA

GRADEB

GRADEC

GRADED

GradeASteelsurfacelargelycoveredwithadheringmillscalebutlittle,ifanyrust.GradeBSteelsur
facewhichhasbeguntorustandfromwhichthemillscalehasbeguntoflake.GradeCSteelsurfaceon

whichthemillscalehasrutedawayorfromwhichitcanbescraped,butwithslightpittingvisibleun

dernormalvision.GradeDSteelsurfaceonwhichthemillscalehasrustedawayandonwhichgeneral

pittingisvisibleundernormalvision.

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PaintGuide:Standards,Glossary,SurfacePreparationandNotes

Blastcleaning to Sa Standards Blast cleaning to ISO 85011 Sa standards is a commonly used

specificationwithpictorialandwrittenguidelinesasfollows:

26

SA1

SA2

SA2

SA3

Sa1LightblastcleaningWhenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbefreefromvisible
oil,greaseanddirt.Andfrompoorlyadheringmillscale,rust,paintcoatingsandforeignmatter.

Sa 2 Thorough blastcleaning When viewed without magnification, the surface shall be free from

visibleoil,greaseanddirtandfrommostofthemillscale,rust,paintcoatingsandforeignmatter.Any

residualcontaminationshallbefirmlyadhering.
2 Very thorough blastcleaning When viewed without magnification, the surface shall be free
Sa
fromvisibleoil,greaseanddirtandfrommillscale,rust,paintcoatingsandforeignmatter.Anyremain

ingtracesofcontaminationshallshowonlyasslightstainsintheformofspotsorstripes.

Sa3BlastcleaningtovisuallycleansteelWhenviewedwithoutmagnification,thesurfaceshallbe

freefromvisibleoil,greaseanddirtandfrommillscale,rust,paintcoatingsandforeignmatter.Itshall

haveauniformmetalliccolour.

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