SSPC-Paint 29

February 24, 2014

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

Coating Specification No. 29
Zinc Dust Pigmented Primer, Performance-Based

1. Scope 3. Referenced Standards

1.1 This specification covers highly pigmented primers that
contain zinc dust as the major pigment component (minimum
65% by weight in the dry film) and are defined by their ability
to protect ferrous substrates. Individual products meeting
minimum performance requirements of this standard may vary
in formulation, raw materials, and application characteristics.
SSPC-Paint 20 is a performance standard for inorganic or
organic zinc-rich coatings that includes options for specifying
higher zinc loading levels in the dry coating film.
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the refer-
enced documents in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall
govern unless otherwise specified. Those documents marked
with an asterisk (*) are referenced only in the Notes or the
Appendix, which are not requirements of this specification.
3.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of any
of the cited referenced documents and this specification, the
requirements of this specification shall prevail.

1.2 This specification does not cover weldable precon- 3.3 SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS:
struction primers such as SSPC-Paint 30.
SSPC-Guide 13 Guide for the Identification
1.3 This coating is intended for application by spray for and Use of Industrial Coating
use by itself or as a primer in a multi-coat system. Material in Computerized
Product Databases
2. Description SSPC-PA 2 Procedure for Determining
Compliance with Coating
2.1 Zinc-rich coatings, both topcoated and untopcoated, Thickness Requirements
have been used successfully in a wide variety of environ- SSPC-PA 15 Material and Preparation
mental zones. For a detailed breakdown of applicability of Require­ments for Steel Test
various types of zinc-rich coatings in different environmental Panels Used to Evaluate the
zones, refer to Table 1 of SSPC-PS Guide 12.00. Consult the Performance of Industrial
coating manufacturer for specific exposure recommendations Coatings
(see Note 12.1). SSPC-PA 16 Method for Evaluating Scribe
Undercutting on Coated
2.2 Zinc-rich coatings are classified by vehicle type as Steel Test Panels Following
follows: Corrosion Testing
Type IA Inorganic – post-cured, water-borne, alkali * SSPC-Paint 20 Zinc-Rich Coating, Type I –
silicates Inorganic and Type II ­– Organic
Type IB Inorganic – self-cured, solvent-borne, alkyl * SSPC-Paint 30 Weld-Through Inorganic Zinc
silicates Primer
Type 1C Inorganic – self-cured, solvent-borne alkyl SSPC-PS Guide 12.00 Guide to Zinc-Rich Coating
silicates Systems
Type IIA Organic - thermoplastic binders SSPC-SP 1 Solvent Cleaning
Type IIB Organic - thermoset binders SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1 White Metal Blast Cleaning
SSPC-VIS 2 Guide and Visual Reference
SSPC PS 12.00 contains more information on the above Photographs for Evaluating
classifications. Degree of Rusting on Painted
Steel Surfaces
2.3 If no vehicle type is specified, either ­­Type I – Inorganic
(IOZ), or Type II – Organic (OZ) is acceptable. 3.4 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS:1

2.4 COMPONENTS: These zinc dust primers may consist ASTM D185 Test Methods for Coarse Particles
of one, two, or three components. in Pigments, Pastes, and Paints
1
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. For refer-
enced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, <http://www.astm.org>, or contact ASTM
Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume infor-
mation, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

1
SSPC-Paint 29
February 24, 2014

ASTM D520 Specification for Zinc Dust Pigment 4. Composition Requirements

ASTM D521 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis
of Zinc Dust (Metallic Zinc Powder)
* ASTM D562 Test Method for Consistency Measuring
Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity of Paints
Using a Stormer-type Viscometer
ASTM D714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree
of Blistering of Paints
ASTM D823 Standard Practices for Producing
Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint,
Varnish, and Related Products on
Test Panels (Method D)
ASTM D1141 Standard Practices for Substitute
Ocean Water
* ASTM D1475 Test Method for Density of
Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related
Products
* ASTM D1535 Practice for Specifying Color by
the Munsell System
ASTM D1640 Test Methods for Drying, Curing,
or Film Formation of Organic
Coatings at Room Temperature
ASTM D1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted
or Coated Specimens Subjected to
Corrosive Environments
* ASTM D2369 Test Method for Volatile Content of
Coatings
* ASTM D2621 Test Method for Infrared
Identification of Vehicle Solids
from Solvent-Reducible Paints
* ASTM D4541 Standard Method for Pull-Off Strength
of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion
Testers
ASTM D5894 Standard Practice for Cyclic Salt
Fog/UV Exposure of Painted Metal,
(Alternating Exposures in a Fog/Dry
Cabinet and a UV/Condensation
Cabinet)
4.1 PIGMENTATION
4.1.1 The major pigment component in these coatings is
zinc dust of the type described in ASTM D520 (see Note 12.3)
and determined in accordance with ASTM D521. The paint
shall contain a minimum of 65% zinc dust pigment by weight
in the dry film.
4.1.2 Other pigment components may include extenders,
curing aids, tinting colors, and suspension and pot-life control
agents.
4.2 ANALYTICAL TEST DATA: If mutually agreed upon
by purchaser and supplier, the coating manufacturer shall
provide records of chemical and physical analysis of coating
batches qualified by independent testing to meet this standard,
including ASTM D520 Type, and percentage of metallic zinc
loading (see Note 12.3).
5. Standard Testing Conditions
5.1 TEST PANELS: The hot rolled steel test panels shall
conform to requirements of SSPC-PA 15, with the exception of
SSPC-PA 15, Section 4.3 (Cure). Unless otherwise specified,
the minimum cure time for organic zinc rich coatings prior to
testing shall be 7 days, and the minimum cure time for inor-
ganic zinc coatings shall be 30 days.
5.2 DRY FILM THICKNESS: The dry film thickness (DFT)
of the coating on the test panels shall meet the manufac-
turer’s written recommended minimum and shall not exceed
the manufacturer’s stated minimum by more than 25 microm-
eters (1 mil). The DFT shall be measured in accordance with
Sections A5.3 through A5.5 of Appendix 5 of SSPC-PA 2.
6. Requirements of Liquid Coating

3.5 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND The coating shall not have exceeded the manufacturer’s
TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS (AASHTO) STANDARD:2 stated shelf life prior to testing.

*AASHTO M300 Inorganic Zinc Rich Primer 6.1 MIXING: The liquid portion of a multi-component
coating shall be mixed and dispersed to produce a product
3.6 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE that is uniform, stable, free from grit, and in conformance with
(ANSI) STANDARDS:3 the requirements of this specification.

ANSI/ASME B94.50 Basic Nomenclature and Definitions 6.1.1 The pigment portion of a multi-component coating
for Single-Point Cutting Tools (if supplied as a dust) shall be dry and loosely packed prior to
mixing.
3.7 UNITED NATIONS STANDARD4
6.1.2 The ready-mixed coating shall be capable of being
GHS Globally Harmonized System of dispersed under mechanical agitation to a smooth, uniform
Classification and Labelling of
consistency and shall not show any objectionable properties
Chemicals (GHS), 4th Revised Edition.
in the mix.
2
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 444 North Capitol
Street, NW, Suite 249, Washington DC 20001, 202-624-5800. Standards are available
online at <https://bookstore.transportation.org> 6.1.3 After mixing, all types of coarse particles and skins
3
American National Standards Institute, 1819 L Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC as residue retained on a standard 60 mesh screen shall be no
20036. Standards available online from <http://www.ansi.org>
4
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Transport Division, Palais des Nations, more than 0.5% by weight of the total coating, regardless of
CH - 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland. Copies of this standard may be obtained from the
United Nations Publications Customer Service, National Book Network, 15200, 15200 NBN type, in accordance with ASTM D185.
Way, Ridge Summit PA 17124 < https://unp.un.org>
2

6.2 STORAGE LIFE: Neither the vehicle of the multi-
component coating nor the ready-mixed coating shall show
thickening that is detrimental to performance or application
properties. The components or coating shall exhibit no curdling,
gelling, gassing, or hard caking after being stored unmixed for
a minimum of six months from date of manufacture in a tightly
sealed, unopened container at a temperature of 10 to 32°C
(50 to 90°F).
6.3 WORKING PROPERTIES: The mixed coating shall
spray easily and show no signs of streaking, running, sagging,
or other objectionable features when applied in accordance
with the coating manufacturer’s product data sheet. The film
should show no streaking, running, sagging, or other objec-
tionable features when applied in accordance with ASTM
D823, Method D, and dried in a vertical position.
7. Laboratory Physical Tests of Applied Films
7.1 MUDCRACKING: The coating, when applied and aged
in accordance with Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4 to a 125 microm-
eter (5 mil) minimum dry film thickness, shall show no signs of
mudcracking visible to the eye unaided by magnification.
7.2 ADHESION OF CURED PRIMER: The coating, when
applied, dried, and cured in accordance with Section 5, shall
be tested as described in ASTM D 4541 Method E using a
Type V adhesion tester. The test shall be performed on three
panels using four pulls per panel. The minimum adhe­sion
value of each pull shall be 4.1 MPa (600 psi).
8. Accelerated Laboratory Weathering Tests
8.1 CYCLIC CORROSION/UV EXPOSURE TEST:
Triplicate panels prepared in accordance with Section
5 shall be exposed in a cyclic corrosion/UV test cabinet
in accordance with ASTM D 5894. Both Type I and
Type II coatings shall be exposed for 5040 hours. A
summary of corrosion testing requirements is provided in
Table 1.
8.1.1 Rust Evaluation (Types I and II): After the specified
exposure time, each replicate panel shall have no rusting of
the coated portion. Slight rusting in the scribe mark is permis-
sible and resulting staining should be ignored. Strips 6 mm (1/4
inch) wide along the edges of the panel may be ignored.
8.1.2 Blister Evaluation (Types I and II): After the speci-
fied exposure time, there shall be no blistering of the coated
portion.
8.1.3 Scribe Evaluation Requirements
8.1.3.1 Type I: After the specified exposure time, the
average scribe undercutting for Type I coatings shall be no
greater than 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) as determined in accordance
with SSPC-PA 16.
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SSPC-Paint 29
February 24, 2014
8.1.3.2 Type II: After the specified exposure time, the
average scribe undercutting for Type II coatings shall be no
greater than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) as determined in accordance
with SSPC-PA 16.
8.2 ADHESION OF PRIMER FOLLOWING CYCLIC
CORROSION/UV CABINET TESTING (TYPES I AND II):
Unscribed portions of the triplicate test panels exposed as
described in Section 8.1 shall be tested according to ASTM
D4541 Method E using a Type V adhesion tester. Four pulls
shall be performed on each panel. The minimum adhe­sion
value of each pull shall be 4.1 MPa (600 psi) for both Type I
and Type II coatings. A summary of adhesion requirements is
provided in Table 2.
10. Labeling
10.1 Labeling shall conform to ANSI Z129.1.
10.2 Technical data shall be provided for at least all data
elements categorized as “essential” in SSPC-Guide 13.
11. Disclaimer
11.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is
as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot
assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from
the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein,
or of the specification or standard itself.
11.2 This specification does not attempt to address prob-
lems concerning safety associated with its use. The user of
this specification, as well as the user of all products or prac-
tices described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with
all governmental regulations.
12. Notes
Notes are not requirements of this standard.
12.1 USES: This primer covers a range of vehicle types
(inorganic/organic, water-borne/solvent-borne, one-pack/two-
pack/three-pack, chemical curing/thermoplastic). A detailed
description of environmental zone conditions is contained
in “About SSPC Standards and Guides,” available as a free
download from SSPC.5 Consult SSPC-PS Guide 12.00 and
coating manufacturers for specific uses and exposure limita-
tions. PS Guide 12.00 does not address zinc dust loading.
Caution should be used when zinc-rich coatings contact
austenitic stainless steel. In case of fire, molten zinc metal may
cause embrittlement of austenitic stainless steel.
12.2 VOC CONTENT: Federal limits for VOCs in indus-
trial maintenance coatings were published in 1998 and may
5
URL address is <http://www.sspc.org/media/documents/Technical_Committee_Docu-
ments/1-01_how_to_use.pdf>
SSPC-Paint 29
February 24, 2014

TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF CORROSION TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Rust Rating, Average Scribe

Number of Exposure Blister Rating,
Coating Type Time SSPC-VIS 2/ Undercutting,
Specimens Type ASTM D714
ASTM D610 SSPC-PA 16*

Accelerated 5040 All 10 All 10 maximum 1.6 mm

Type I (IOZ) 3
(ASTM D 5894) Hours (no blistering) (no blistering) (1/16 inch)

maximum 3.2 mm
Accelerated All 10 All 10
Type II (OZ) 3 5040 (1/8 inch)
(ASTM D 5894) (no blistering) (no blistering)
Hours
* Note that due to the cathodic protection of scribe by zinc primers, scribes may be difficult to see.

TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF ADHESION TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Adhesion, Types I and II

Number of (ASTM D 4541, Method E,
Coating Type Cure Time
Specimens Type V tester)
Minimum Value
Cured Panels 3 Type I (IOZ) 30 days minimum
4.1 MPa (600 psi)
(prior to D5894
for each of 4 pulls
exposure) 3 Type II (OZ) 7 days minimum

Accelerated Exposure
Time
Exposed Panels 3 Type I (IOZ) ASTM D 5894 4.1 MPa (600 psi)
(after D5894
5040 hours for each of 4 pulls
exposure) 3 Type II (OZ)

be found at http://www.epa.gov. These limits apply to the
coating at the time of application after thinning according to
the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many state and local
governments and/or air quality management areas have
more stringent VOC regulations than those in the federal rule.
Information on the VOC content of each container before
mixing or thinning is found on the container label and in the
manufacturer’s safety data sheet. The coating manufacturer’s
product data sheet usually provides information on the total
VOC content of a coating after mixing and any recommended
thinning.
12.3 Zinc dust is known to contain varying amounts
of heavy metals that may pose worker exposure hazards.
Applicable regulations to ensure worker and environmental
protection should be followed.
12.4 SOURCES FOR OTHER TESTS: Standard tests
that may be useful for further qualification are available from
a number of organizations, including ASTM, U.S. Government
Federal and Military Specifications (TT-P; MIL-P, etc.), Federal
Test Method Standards (141), and the Canadian Government
Specifications Board. However, it should be emphasized that
a well-designed non-standard test may often provide more
meaningful information for a given service condition than one
or more standard tests. Some supplementary performance
tests are described in the Appendix.
12.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS: If the user
chooses, tests may be used to determine the acceptability of a
lot or batch of a qualified coating. The quality assurance tests
are used to determine whether the supplied products are of
the same type and quality as those originally tested and certi-
fied for acceptance. The selected tests should accurately and
rapidly measure the physical and chemical characteristics of
the coating necessary to verify that the supplied material is
substantially the same as the previously accepted material.
All of the quality assurance tests must be performed on the
originally submitted qualification sample. The results of these
tests are used to establish pass/fail criteria for quality assur-
ance testing of supplied products.
12.5.1 Establishing Quality Assurance Acceptance
Criteria: Many ASTM test methods contain precision and bias
statements. Specification developers should be cognizant of
the fact that these statements exist. Quality assurance test
criteria should not be more stringent than the interlaboratory
precision of the test methods used.
12.5.2 Recommended Quality Assurance Tests:
Recommended quality assurance tests include but are not
limited to, infrared analysis (ASTM D 2621), viscosity (ASTM
D 562), weight per gallon (ASTM D 1475), total solids (ASTM
D 2369), dry time (ASTM D 1640), percent pigment (ASTM D
2371), and color (ASTM D 1535).

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13. Disclaimer
13.1 This is a consensus standard developed by SSPC:
The Society for Protective Coatings. While every precaution
is taken to ensure that all information furnished in SSPC stan-
dards and specifications is as accurate, complete, and useful
as possible, SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any
obligation resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or
methods specified herein, or of the specification or standard
itself.
13.2 This standard does not attempt to address prob-
lems concerning safety associated with its use. The user of
this standard, as well as the user of all products or practices
described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with
all governmental regulations.
NONMANDATORY APPENDIX A: SUPPLEMENTARY
PERFORMANCE TESTS
after the tape is removed must be cleaned from the panel with
mineral spirits or other suitable methods that will not damage
the test coating. Coat and seal all edges and the back side of
each panel with a coating or tape that will provide the neces-
sary protection to these surfaces. Once the zinc dust primer
has cured for a minimum of two weeks, the panels are placed
in a one-liter (one-quart) jar, which is filled with a 5% sodium
chloride solution. The water is changed weekly.
A1.3 Rating and Evaluation Criteria: The time at which
visible rust first appears anywhere on the panel is recorded. A
coating will have passed the bullet hole test if none of the repli-
cate panels exhibits visible rust within 21 days for an inorganic
zinc primer or within 14 days for an organic zinc primer.
A1.4 Additional Notes: Experimental results on bullet
hole testing of various zinc-rich coatings are given in SSPC
Report 87-02, “Level of Zinc Required in Zinc-Rich Paints.”
A similar bullet hole immersion test is described in AASHTO
M300.

While not required to meet the requirements of this
specification, the following or other performance tests may be
valuable to the purchaser because of the diversity of possible
service environments in which these primers may be used.
Agreement between contracting parties as to these tests
and results must be established before issuing procurement
documents.
A1 BULLET HOLE TEST
A1.1 Significance of Test: This test is intended to eval-
uate the ability of a primer to sacrifice itself and cathodically
protect adjacent areas of bare steel.
A2 FUEL AND SALT WATER IMMERSION
A2.1 Significance of Test: Inorganic zinc-rich coatings
have been used in ballast tanks, which are alternately exposed
to petroleum fuel and seawater ballast.
A2.2 Description of Test: A test developed by the U.S.
Navy calls for immersion of two blast cleaned and coated
panels in the following cycle: one week in 3% salt water; one
week in aromatic synthetic gasoline; and two hours in hot
(80°C, 176°F) synthetic sea water (to simulate cleaning condi-
tions). Details for making synthetic seawater are furnished in
ASTM D 1141.

A1.2 Description of Test: Test panels shall be triplicate
flat mild steel plates, 75 x 150 x 1.6 mm (3 x 6 x 1/16 inches),
blast cleaned to SSPC-SP 5. A magnet, tape, or other suitable
method is to be used to mask a 3.8 cm (1.5 inch) diameter circle
in the center of the panel. Coating shall be applied according to
the manufacturer’s specifications, including recommended dry
film thickness. If masking tape is used, any residue remaining
A2.3 Evaluation Criteria: After 20 cycles, coatings are
required to exhibit no pinpoint rusting, no loss of adhesion,
no blisters larger than 1.5 millimeters (1/16 inch) in diameter,
and no more than 3% of the surface covered with rust and/or
blisters.

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