SSPC-Paint COM
March 24, 2000
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings
COMMENTARY ON PAINT SPECIFICATIONS
1. Description
Since 1955, SSPC has issued specifications for coat-
ings that have performed well in actual use on steel struc-
tures. When these paint specifications are used in conjunc-
tion with the SSPC specifications for surface preparation,
paint application, and thickness measurement, they pro-
vide complete paint systems for most steel structures and
environments. Tables 1 and 2 summarize the SSPC paint
specifications. Each paint specification contains a scope, a
description of the paint, and directions for use.
2. Approaches to Procuring Paint
Procurement of paint by specification represents an
attempt by the purchaser to exercise a degree of control
over the quality of the product. That degree of control may
range from tight, as when one of the SSPC paints with a
composition specification is cited, to little control, as when
a minimally descriptive, generic designation is used (e.g., a
zinc-rich primer, a shop coat, a urethane). In addition to
purchaser control, specifications make competitive pro-
curement practical.
Another approach to the purchase of paint is repre-
sented by specifying the brand name, the composition of
which may be described in a label analysis. Usually the
citation of a brand name denotes a high degree of confi-
dence in that product’s performance record. It also implies
confidence in the manufacturer’s reputation for quality and
integrity - in other words, there’s a good chance that the
manufacturer will continue to maintain the quality for which
the product has become known.
A limitation to the specification by product name is that
it does not allow for competitive bidding. This may result in
the purchaser paying a premium price for a material al-
though it may be a good material.
Unfortunately, in a vain attempt to promote competi-
tion, faith in the performance expected of a known propri-
etary product is often undermined by addition of the bland
phrase “or equal.” Adding an “or equal” provision to a
procurement specification without specifying real criteria
for comparison is technically unjustifiable.
Composition specifications offer the assurance of a
desired measure of quality, but they also have the disad-
vantage of “locking in” a product to the level of quality or
value prevailing during a specific period in the history of an
evolving technology. One of the objectives of SSPC is to
focus on the expertise of its highly qualified, voluntary
collaborators (¡.e., technical committee members) on criti-
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cal evaluations of new generic products, so these products
may be added to the list of reliable materials.
While no organization deliberating by consensus can
operate at a rapid pace, the background of information
generated by a mature organization such as SSPC pre-
sents the user with enough choices of time-tested paints,
both old and new, to justify deferral of judgment on commer-
cial products that are not as yet backed by documented
proven performance in the field.
If a paint is procured through a pure composition
specification, SSPC-Paint 16 for example, the purchaser
knows the physical, chemical, and performance properties
of the product. The manufacturer thus follows the formula to
produce the paint.
If paints are not being supplied to a composition speci-
fication, the purchaser is entitled, without transgressing
into the area of proprietary information, to request a state-
ment of the product’s principal composition and perfor-
mance parameters, such as the following:
Case histories of field performance
Performance in combination cyclic salt fog/UV
condensation tests and condensing cabinet tests
Non-volatile content by weight and volume
Volatile organic compound (VOC) content
Viscosity range at a specified temperature
Viscosity reduction resultingfrom specification dilu-
tion ratios with thinners
Spreading rate for complete hiding
Specific resistance properties where resistance to
unusual chemical exposures is required
Special or unusual drying time requirements
Suitability for one or another type of application,
such as brushing, airless spray, etc.
Lightfastness rating of the color pigments
Chalk resistance and gloss retention rating (for
topcoats) under specified conditions of test at
named exposure locations for indicated periods of
time
While not all of these criteria may be important in
specific circumstances, they are indicative of the kind of
questions that any discriminating purchaser should ask any
manufacturer who is supplying paint for exterior exposure.
If a purchaser believes that there are no specification paints
available that exactly fit his requirements, or if the pur-
chaser feels that he would like to have a better paint than
can be obtained from among the available specification
paints, he may engage a qualified professional consultant
to secure informed and objective guidance.
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March 24. 2000

TABLE 1
SSPC PAINTS ~

APPROX. APPROX. DRY MINIMUM %

Wt. % VEHICLE SET TO THROUGH SURFACE PREP. VOLUME
PRIMER DESCRIPTION PIGMENT PIGMENT SOLIDS TOUCH (hr)
. . RECOMMENDED ~
SOLIDS
SSPC-Paint 5 Zinc dust primer for fresh water Zinc dust 80% 75 Phenolic 2 Commercial blast 60
immersion when steel is cleaned Zinc oxide 20% varnish
to bare metal. Excellent for high
humidity or contaminated atmos-
phere.

SSPC-Paint 8 A vinyl-aluminum primer; may be Aluminum 100% 6.7 Vinyl 0.25 1 Near-white blast
used over bare steel, or wash or pickling 14
primer, or over other vinyls. Suit-
able for very severe neutral
exposures and immersion.

SSPC-Paint 9 Vinyl primer similar to above. Titanium dioxide 12 Vinyl 0.25 0.5 Near-white blast 17
Recommended for alkaline or 95% min., tint 5% or pickling
acidic exposure. max.

SSPC-Paint 11* A general purpose red oxide- Iron oxide 40% - Raw linseed 6 24 Hand cleaning 70
chromate primer for structural zinc yellow 40% oil and alkyd
steel exposed in the atmosphere; extender 20% varnish
good quality. Not recommended (equal parts)
for long exposure in severe cond-
itions without topcoat. Slow drying

SSPC-Paint 12 A filled asphalt mastic coating Inorganic filler - Asphalts 4 72 Commercial blast 50
applied in thick layers over steel.
Requires special high pressure
spray equipment or brush.

SSPC-Paint 15 Fast-drying shop paints for temp- Not specified - Not specified - - Hand cleaning -
orary protection of steel joists;
performance based.

SSPC-Paint 16 Two-component coal tar epoxy self- Magnesium silicate 31 Coal tar pitch - - Commercial blast 75
priming paint for water immersion, or iron oxide and polyamide
chemical, and underground. and epoxy
resins

SSPC-Paint 17 Chlorinated rubber inhibitive Rust inhibitor 65%, 29-49 Chlorinated 0.25 1 Commercial blast 32
primer for nonsubmerged surfaces extender 35% rubber 66%,
and most submerged surfaces. chlorinated
plasticizer 34%

SSPC-Paint 18 Chlorinated rubber intermediate Titanium dioxide 16-30 Chlorinated 0.25 1 Commercial blast 35
paint (or topcoat) in white or tints. 75%**, magnesium rubber 75%
silicate 15%, mica chlorinated
10% plasticizer 25%

SSPC-Paint 19 Chlorinated rubber topcoat in Various 18-28 Chlorinated 0.25 1 Commercial blast 35
white or tints. rubber 72%
Chlorinated
plasticizer 28%
SSPC-Paint 20
Type I Inorganic zinc-rich primei Zn Level 1 Varies Not SDecified - Commercial blast -
Type II Organic zinc-rich primer 2 85%
Zn Level 2
77 to 85%
Zn Level 3
65 to 77%

SSPC-Paint 21 Highly weather resistant white of Various Type 1, Silicone 2 8 Commercial blast 60-67
Type I colored silicone-alkyd paint suit- 11-37 alkyd
high gloss able for finish coat. Type 11,
TVDe II 29-48
med. gloss

SSPC-Paint 22*** Primer-Two-component polya- Red iron oxide, 46 Epoxylpolyamide 2 8 Commercial blast 65
mide epoxy primer for industrial magnesium oxide, 65/35
exposure marine environment mica
and some chemical exposure.
Intermediate -Two-component Red iron oxide, mag- 40 Epoxylpolyamide 2 Commercial blast 65
polyamide epoxy intermediate nesium oxide, mica 65/35
coat.
Topcoat-Two-component poly- Titanium dioxide, 36 Epoxylpolyamide 2 Commercial blast 60
amide epoxy topcoat. chromium oxide, 65/35
magnesium silicate,
mica, lampblack

SSPC-Paint 23 Air drvina latex Drimer and inter- Not SDecified Not Latex 4 24 Commercial blast 36
mediatecoat fo; blast cleaned steel. Specified

SSPC-Paint 24 Air drying semi-gloss latex topcoat. Not Specified Not Latex 4 24 Commercial blast 27
Specified
~

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 SSPC-Paint COM
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TABLE 1 (continued)
SSPC PAINTS
APPROX. APPROX. DRY MINIMUM %
Wt. % VEHICLE SET TO THROUGH SURFACE PREP. VOLUME
PRIMER DESCRIPTION PIGMENT PIGMENT SOLIDS TOUCH (hr) (hr) RECOMMENDED SOLIDS
SSPC-Paint 25 Zinc oxide oil and alkyd primer for Zinc oxide Type I, 52 50/50 raw 20 36 Hand cleaning Type I, 65
hand cleaned steel. (French process), Type 11, 54 linseed oil/ Type 11, 70
Type I Type II has lower VOC content red iron oxide, long oil alkyd
Type II than Type I. magnesium
silicate, mica

SSPC-Paint 25 Zinc oxide oil and alkyd primer for Zinc oxide Type I, 52 Type I, 34/66 6 18 Commercial blast Type I, 82
BCS blast cleaned steel. (French process), Type 11, 54 raw linseed oil/ Type 11, 86
Type I Type II has lower VOC content red iron oxide, alkyd; Type 11,
Type II than Type I. magnesium 33/67 raw linseed
silicate, mica oil/alkyd

SSPC-Paint 26 Very slow drying black one-coat Zinc oxide (French 54 80/20 Raw 24 168 Hand cleaning 87
maintenance primer. process) 16%, basic linseed oilllong
lanolate 4%, mag- oil alkyd
nesium silicate 75%,
lampblack 5%

SSPC-Paint 27* Wash primer for clean steel free Basic zinc chromate - Vinyl butyral 0.5 4 Commercial blast 10
of rust and scale or for clean
galvanized metal.

SSPC-Paint 28 Water-borne epoxy primer for Not specified -

steel surfaces.

SSPC-Paint 29 Zinc dust sacrificial primer, Min. 65% -

performance-based. zinc in dry film

SSPC-Paint 30 Weld-through inorganic zinc Zinc dust min. 65% - Water or solvent- - - -
primer. by wt of total solids reducible, self-
curing

SSPC-Paint 31 Single-package, water-borne alkyd - - Ambient drying, 8 24 -

primer, performance-based. single-package

SSPC-Paint 32 Coal-tar emulsion coating. - - - - - - 40

SSPC-Paint 33 Coal-tar mastic, cold applied. - - 70

SSPC-Paint 34 Water-borne epoxy topcoat. Not specified -

SSPC-Paint 35 Zinc oxide and medium oil alkyd Zinc oxide (French Type I, Medium oil 7 (air dry) 18 (air dry) Commercial blast Type I, 37
primer for blast cleaned steel (air process), red iron 41 alkyd 0.75 (bake) Type 11, 66
dry or low bake). oxide, magnesium Type 11,
Type II has lower VOC content silicate, mica 55
than Type I.

*These paints include chromate containing pigments. Users are urged to follow all health, safety, and environmental requirements in applying, handling, or disposing of these
materials.
**These pigment compositions are from a control formula.
***These pigments listed are for use in reference (or control) paint. A lead and chromate-free pigment may be used provided it meets performance requirements.

3. Current SSPC Specification Trends
3.1 COMPOSITION AND PERFORMANCE: In many
of the current SSPC specifications, an attempt is made to
combine the advantage of composition requirements, per-
formance criteria, and availability from proprietary sources.
For two reasons there is still a need for some compo-
sitional requirements in most paint or coating specifica-
tions. First, the correlation between long-term durability
and short-term accelerated performance tests is still an
incomplete one, in spite of considerable recent progress.
Secondly, in the present state of the art, it is still essential
for the buyer to know, for example, that a zinc-rich paint
contains at least some zinc, and that an epoxy contains
some epoxy.
In addition, SSPC has incorporated into some specifi-
cations (such as SSPC-PS 12.01, a zinc-rich system) the
requirement that the supplier must present documented
evidence that the paint system in question has, in fact,
provided suitable performance in similar environments, and
that the applicator has had successful experiences in ap-
plying the paint system in question.
3.2 PERFORMANCE LEVELS: Several specifications,
(e.g., SSPC-Paint 34, a waterborne epoxy; SSPC-Paint 29,
a zinc dust primer; and SSPC-PS 24.00, a latex painting
system) have incorporated the concept of performance
levels of paints and painting systems. The higher the level,
the higher the degree of confidence in the performance of
the paint. Under this approach, a lower level is generally
based on accelerated tests, which can be performed rela-
tively rapidly, but which offer a lower degree of confidence.
The second or third levels of performance are based on
actual exterior exposure of 12 to 48 months at defined
exterior sites. In some instances, a low level may be used
as an interim qualification. In this case, the specifier would
accept the productsfor limited use while waiting to accumu-

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TABLE 2
SSPC ALKYD AND VINYL INTERMEDIATE AND FINISH PAINTS

APPRO X . APPROX. APPROX.

Wt. % VEHICLE DENSITY DENSITY SET TO DRY
FINISH PAINT PIGMENT PIGMENT SOLIDS (Iblgal) (kg/L) TOUCH TOUCH
_____ (hr) (hr) REMARKS
SSPC-Paint 101 Aluminum 100% 13.3 Alkyd 8.4 1.0 4 10 For atmospheric use. Used as
Type I, Leafing varnish aluminum top coat over oil
Type II, Non-Leafing (long oil) paints or alkyds. Used as bar-
rier coat on bitumens. Type I
is usually supplied ready to
mix. Type II is supplied ready-
mixed.

SSPC-Paint 102 Carbon black 100% 5.5 Alkyd 7.7 0.9 6 18 Very durable black finish coat
varnish for oil or alkyd paints. For at-
(long oil) mospheric exposure,
particularly severe industrial or
railroad.

SSPC-Paint 103 Carbon black 40% 12.5 Phenolic 8.8 1.1 4 12 Fume and acid resistant black
silica 60% varnish phenolic; good for water
immersion, condensation, and
mild chemical; used over
phenolic paint preferably, but
may be used over hard oil or
alkyd paints.

SSPC-Paint 104
Type I, White Titanium dioxide 67%, 47.5 Alkyd 11.6 1.4 6 18 White, inert pigmented, alkyd
extender 33% varnish finish paint for use over oil or
(long oil) alkyd paints.
Type II, Medium Titanium dioxide 26%, 42.4 Alkyd 10.7 1.3 6 18 Color to be specified. For use
to Light Gray to Tan extender, tint 74% varnish over oil or alkyd paint. Color-
(long oil) fast.
Type III, Light or Titanium dioxide 25% 44.8 Alkyd 11.6 1.4 6 18 Color to be specified. For use
Gray Green extender, tint 75% varnish over oil or alkyd paint. Color-
(long oil) fastness good, but depends
upon tinting pigments used.
Type IV, Dark or Chrome green 90%, 21.5 Alkyd 9.0 1.1 6 18 Very dark chrome green alkyd
Forest Green extender. tint 10% varnish paint. Colorfastness good in
(long oil) mild atmospheres, but poor in
chemical exposure.

SSPC-Paint 106 Carbon black 100% 1 - 7.4 0.9 0.25 0.5 Black vinyl finish paint. Use
over vinyls only or over wash
primers. Very good resistance
to most exposures.

SSPC-Paint 108 Aluminum paste 17 Thixo- High-build thixotropic alum-

tropic alkyd - - 4 16 inum leafing paint, 49%
volume solids.

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 SSPC-Paint COM
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late the field data required for the higher level of perfor-
mance.
3.3VOC LEVELS: In response tothe continuing aware-
ness of protecting the environment, governmental agen-
cies now restrict the emission of volatile organic com-
pounds (VOC) from painting operations. SSPC formerly
defined six classes based on VOC emissions, but these
have been discontinued because of the wide variation in
VOC limits among different localities and among different
applications. The contracting parties are now referred to
the federal, state, and local regulatory authorities for guid-
ance on the allowable levels of VOC emissions.
4. Government Specifications and Standards
There are many federal and military specifications for
paint and coating materials. Although both purely composi-
tional and purely performance specifications exist, the
majority of government specifications contain both compo-
sitional and performance requirements.
In order to speed the procurement process, some
government agencies maintain a qualified products list
(QPL) of approved suppliers for approved formulations.
Qualification requires complete compliance with every re-
quirement within the specification, some of which may
include months or even years of exposure testing. The paint
may require both laboratory and exposure testing for con-
formance to specification requirements. The fact that a
product has been examined, tested, and placed on a QPL
by the preparer of the specification, signifies only that at the
time of inspection and test the manufacturer could make a
product that met all specification requirements. It in no way
relieves the supplier from the obligation to deliver items
meeting all requirements.
There is a federal regulation requiring compliance with
a mandate from Congress to make greater use of commer-
cial industry standards whenever they will meet the needs
of the government because of availability and cost consid-
erations. These standards are described as rules, condi-
tions, or requirements established by commercial stan-
dards-setting bodies concerning definition of terms; classi-
fication of components; specification of materials, perfor-
mance, or operations; delineation of procedures; or mea-
surement of quantity and quality in describing materials,
products, systems, services, or practices.
There are standard procedures for preparation, updat-
ing, and cancellation of federal and military specifications
as the need arises. The user is responsible for preparing a
specification. The Materials and Mechanics Research Cen-
ter, which lists all projects in the Federal Standardization
Class 801O for the Department of Defense, establishes
projects for each user requesting a project number.
Titles of specifications for paint materials use one key
noun (e.g., coating, paint, enamel, compound, etc.) fol-
lowed by descriptive adjectives (e.g., textured, vinyl, anti-
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COPYRIGHT The Society for Protective Coatings
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corrosive, etc.). The federal code system for specifications
for paint and coating materials usually starts with TT-,
followed by the first letter of the type of material (e.g., E for
enamel; P for paint; C for coating; etc.) and a number. A
letter, starting with A, is added after the number as modifi-
cations are made. Thus, TT-E-489F, Enamel, Alkyd, Gloss
(For Exterior and Interior Surfaces) is the code and title of
the sixth revision of a specification for a commonly used
enamel. Specifications for similar materials are sometimes
grouped together. Thus, TT-P-300 to TT-P-500 are re-
served for pigments. Many of the pigment specifications
that previously fell in this category have been replaced by
ASTM specifications.
Most of the federal specifications were developed
based on commercially available products with a high level
of performance. The specifications usually consisted of a
combination of performance and formulation requirements.
As technology progressed, the raw materials used in com-
mercially available products changed. This resulted in a
virtual nonavailability of paints meeting the federal require-
ments in the marketplace. Manufacturers still had the ability
to specially formulate batches of paint that would meet all
specification requirements, but this was both costly and
time consuming. As a result, in the mid to late 199O’s, most
of the TT-P-xxx specifications were canceled and the gov-
ernment began making greater use of industry specifica-
tions. When no industry specification was available, re-
placement specifications, called Commercial Item Descrip-
tions (recognized by the designation CID A-A-xxx), were
developed using performance requirements to the greatest
extent possible. Some of the old federal specification paints
are still commercially available, but the government is no
longer maintaining the specifications. Some of the DoD-P-
xxx specifications are still active. A few discontinued speci-
fications, such as MIL-P-15328, are available from SSPC.
In addition to specifications, there are federal tests
(Federal Test Method Standard No. 141) and a few federal
standards (e.g., Federal Standard No. 595 Colors) that are
available from the Specification Distribution Branch of the
GSA. A listing of all such specifications and a Federal
Supply Classification listing can be found in the Index of
Federal Specifications and Standards, available on a sub-
scription from the Superintendent of Documents (or on the
Internet at www.dtic.mil/stinet/str). Single copies of speci-
fications for bidding can be obtained free from any GSA
Business Service Center.
Military specifications are distinct from other federal
specifications. They are generally written with the prefix
MIL- or DoD- (Department of Defense), followed by a code
letter designating the type of product and a number as-
signed to each product. The DoD designation indicates all
of the requirements of the specification are in metric. Many
of the military specifications describe paints that are unique
to the military. Examples might include products such as
coatings for ammunition, anti-sweat coatings for use on-
board submarines, or coatings that have very low infrared

signatures that will avoid detection by enemy forces. Many
of these coatings are not common in the marketplace.
These specifications will continue to remain in effect until
commercial products become more available. Navy coat-
ings for ships frequently have formula and specification
numbers. MIL-P-24441 includes formulas 150 through 156.
A few JAN (Joint Army-Navy) specifications, forerunners of
the MIL specifications, are still used. Military specifications,
standards, and qualified products lists can be obtained from
the Naval Publications and Forms Center.
There are a few specifications that have been issued
by other federal agencies, such as the Maritime Adminis-
tration, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Corps of Engineers,
and the U.S.Postal Service. These specifications are only
used by the issuing agency, and many are being canceled
in favor of alternate government or industry specifications.
Many of these specifications have been changed to federal
or military specifications. Specifications of such groups as
SSPC and the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) are also used by federal
agencies.
Items that are frequently useful in preparing contracts
include paint specifications, guide specifications,type speci-
fications, and Military and Federal Construction Guide
Specifications. Purchase descriptions cover items for a
single procurement. Type and guide specifications provide
information covering a description of services required for
construction or maintenance of structures such as bridges,
storage tanks, and buildings.
The Department of Defense Index of Specifications
and Standards (DODISS) is published annually with cumu-
lative bi-monthly supplements for each part (Part l - Alpha-
betical Listing; Part II - Numerical Listing). It is available at
a subscription rate from the U.S.Government Printing
Office. An additional charge is required for foreign mailing.
The Federal Supply Classification Listing (a cumulative
listing of documents alphabetically within their FSC classes)
is also available from the U.S.Government Printing Office
at a subscription rate with an additional charge for foreign
mailing (available on the Internet at www.dodssp.daps.mil.)
Another useful Internet source for government specifi-
cations is Assist Online at http://astimage.daps.dla.mil/
online/.
5. Other Paint Specifications and Standards
In addition to the Federal Government, many other
agencies, both public and private, issue paint specifica-
tions. SSPC refers to other useful public specifications
whenever they are available, and has also cooperated in
preparing many private specifications for special purposes.
Organizations that issue standards related to painting steel
are listed below. A more complete list with addresses,
phoneifax numbers, and email addresses can be found in
the appendix at the end of this volume.
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SSPC-Paint COM
March 24. 2000
The American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) has been extremely active in preparing
specifications for paint materials and for standard
test methods for paints and materials. A complete
index of all ASTM standards, listed by title, is
available from ASTM at www.astm.org.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
has issued a number of specifications concerning
safety precautions to be maintained in cleaning
and painting and in the use of toxic materials. An
index to their standards may be procured free or
found on the Internet at www.ansi.org.
The Canadian Government Specifications Board
(CGSB) has issued a number of specifications
dealing with paints, cleaning and painting materi-
als. An index is available on the Internet at
www. pwgsc.gc.ca.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) has issued
a number of applicable specifications. A list of
BSI standards can be found on the Internet at
www. bsi.0rg.uk.
The American Water Works Association (AWWA)
has issued specifications for the painting of water
tanks and also for coating of pipelines. AWWA's
Internet address is www.awwa.org.
The American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has issued
specifications for paints and the painting of high-
way bridges and other structures. AASHTO's
Internet address is www.aashto.org.
The American Welding Society (AWS) issues stan-
dards relating to safety practices, application, and
materials for welding. AWS's Internet address is
www.aws.org.
6. Other Generic Types of Paints and Coat-
ings
A number of special coatings have not been fully
covered in the SSPC painting systems. Because of the
considerable interest in these materials, they will be dis-
cussed briefly here. Many of these are available under
Federal or Military specifications. Excellent proprietary prod-
ucts are available for all of them. In every case, the direc-
tions of the manufacturer should be followed for application
and use. Some of the principal generic types are listed
below alphabetically.
6.1 COAL TAR COATINGS: Coal tar has been used to
make hot- and cold-applied protective coatings for more
than a century. The solvent dispersed cold coatings, known
as cutbacks, may be filled or unfilled. Hot applied enamels
are used over cutback coal tar primers or synthetic quick
dry primers. Coal tar coatings have excellent water resis-
tance and are, therefore, very suitable for water immersion
 SSPC-Paint COM
March 24, 2000
or underground usage. They have poor resistance to ultra-
violet light unless topcoated with a coal tar emulsion. A coal
tar cutback without filler, which results in a comparatively
thin dry film, is covered by Bureau of Reclamation Specifi-
cation CTP-3, Coal Tar Paint. Thick film mastic type coal tar
coatings are covered by Bureau of Reclamation Specifica-
tion CA-50 and MIL-C-18480. The filled type coatings
described in MIL-C-18480 are covered by SSPC-Paint 33.
AWWA Specification C 203 for coal tar primers, syn-
thetic primer, enamels, and cutbacks are extensively used
in potable water systems, tanks, and pipelines. See SSPC-
PS 10.01 and 10.02.
6.2 EPOXY MASTICS: Epoxy mastics are usually used
in situations where blast cleaning is prohibited or where the
degree of blast cleaning is less than desirable. In other
words, they serve as a surface tolerant coating going over
marginally cleaned surfaces and most weathered coatings.
In many instances, epoxy mastics have been specified in
place of red lead alkyds for use over hand-cleaned steel.
Epoxy mastics are typically high solids, low VOC coat-
ings that can be applied in thick coats by brush, roller,
airless, or air spray. Typical thickness is 100 to 175 mi-
crometers (4 to 7 mils) per coat. They can serve as a primer/
topcoat or as a primer for epoxy, chlorinated rubber, vinyl,
or urethane topcoats. These coatings are not recommended
for immersion service.
Although SSPC does not have an epoxy mastic paint
specification, per se, there is an aluminum epoxy painting
system that can be used over hand cleaned or blast cleaned
steel. This performance based painting system, SSPC-PS
26.00, “Aluminum Pigmented Epoxy Coating System for
Steel Surfaces, Performance-Based,’’can be found in Chap-
ter 3.
6.3 GREASE PAINTS: In SSPC’s experience, grease
paints have been used with only mixed results. They give
temporary protection in mild areas at low initial cost. They
have considerable ease of application, especially in inac-
cessible spots. The protection they have afforded, how-
ever, has not been equal to that of the hard-drying types of
paints. Difficulty of inspection, appearance, lack of hiding,
and slipperiness are further limitations.
6.4 HIGH-TEMPERATURESILICONE BASED COAT-
INGS: The type of coating required will depend upon the
desired color and pigmentation, the maximum temperature
reached by the substrate, and whether operation at this
temperature is intermittent or continuous. In addition to
providing protection at elevated temperatures, the coatings
should provide protection from the effects of weather be-
tween periods of heating.
The substrate should be cleaned of all oil, grease, and
other contaminants. For best results, blast clean the sur-
face to at least SSPC-SP 10 (near-white). The surface
profile should not be more than half of the total dry film
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thickness. If a primer is used to enhance adhesion between
the substrate and topcoat or for increased protection under
damp or chemically corrosive environments, the primer
must also be heat resistant. The need for and choice of
primers are based on the projected service environment.
The choice of specific paints for specific jobs will
depend on operation conditions and service properties
desired. The application temperature should be from 10 to
49°C (50to 120°F). The cure required will vary from room
temperature with unspecified time to specified elevated
temperature and/or cure time. The paint supplier should be
contacted for specific cure requirements.
At operating temperatures between 120°C and 320°C
(250°F and 600°F) a total dry film thickness between 1O0 to
150 micrometers (4 to 6 mils) is suggested. Between 320°C
and 650°C (600°F and 1200°F) a total dry film thickness of
25 to 100 micrometers (1 to 4 mils) is recommended. The
specific dry film thickness recommendations should be
obtained from the coating manufacturer’s literature. Gen-
eral guidelines are given in Table 3.
In the pigmentation of heat-resistant paints, it is impor-
tant to use heat-resistant pigments. The majority of paints
formulated to tolerate exposure above 260°C (500°F) use
inorganic or metallic pigments. The following specifications
are currently available:
TT-P-28 Paint, Aluminum, Heat Resisting (1200”F,
650°C).
MIL-P-14105 Paint, Heat Resisting (For Steel Surfaces)
The aluminum paint in TT-P-28 must contain some
silicone and protect the substrate to 650°C (1200°F). The
silicone ceramic paint in MIL-P-14105 must perform at
temperatures up to 760°C (1400°F).
6.5 MASTICS: These heavy coatings, usually 6 mm
(0.25 inch) or more in dry film thickness, provide a thick,
impervious barrier coat that excludes moisture and vapors.
Common types are based upon bitumens, oils, low molecu-
lar weight vinyls, other synthetic resins, natural resins, or
synthetic rubber. They are often used with a filler of a
thixotropic agent to provide heavy film thickness and very
high solids.
6.6 METALLIZING: Sprayed metal coatings are dis-
cussed in detail in Volume 1 of the SSPC Painting Manual
and in SSPC-CS 23.00(1), “Interim Specification for the
Application of Thermal Spray Coatings (Metallizing) of
Aluminum, Zinc, and Their Alloys and Composites for the
Corrosion Protection of Steel”. Metallizing is a subset of
thermal spraying wherein a metal feedstock material is
heated, atomized, and the molten particles propelled to the
substrate forming the thermal spray coating (TSC). The
thermal spray gun generates the necessary heat by using
combustible gases or an electric arc. As the materials are
heated, they are changed to a plastic or molten state and

TABLE 3
COATING SYSTEM TYPE FOR VARIOUS TEMPERATURE* RANGES
TEMPERATURE (OC) TEMPERATURE (OF)
~
120 to 200 250 to 400
200 to 320 400 to 600
320 to 430 600 to 800
430 to 540 800 to 1000
540 to 760 1000 to 1400
* 100 hours minimum
~
are confined and accelerated by a compressed gas stream
to the substrate. The particles strike the substrate, flatten,
and form thin platelets (splats) that conform and adhere to
the irregularities of the prepared substrate and to each
other. As the sprayed particles impinge upon the surface,
they cool and build up, splat by splat, into a laminar
structure forming the TSC. The bond between the substrate
and the coating is primarily mechanical. The properties of
the applied coating are dependent on the feedstock mate-
rial, the thermal spray process and application parameters,
and post-treatment of the applied coating. The application
of TSCs emits no volatile organic compounds, needs no
drying time, and can be applied in low- and high-tempera-
ture environments.
6.6.1 Zinc and Aluminum TSCs: Zinc, aluminum, and
zinc-aluminum alloy coatings are used for a wide variety of
corrosion-control applications in industrial and marine en-
vironments. They provide significant corrosion protection,
up to and greater than 20 years to first maintenance. They
are anodic to steel, providing sacrificial protection and,
when applied in a non-through porosity thickness, also
providing barrier protection. In this respect zinc is a much
more active metal than aluminum. On the other hand,
aluminum has a lower chemical activity, an adherent oxide
film, and a higher electrical resistance than zinc. Aluminum
also provides longer term protection along with better high-
temperature and abrasionlwear resistance. Alloys of the
two metals have properties somewhere in between, de-
pending on the ratio of zinc to aluminum. An 85/15 (percent
by weight) alloy of zinc and aluminum is a widely used TSC
material because it combines attributes from both metals.
The 85/15 Zn/Al applied on an SSPC-SP 10 (near-white
blast) finish is estimated to reach 5 to 15% degradation in
a severe marine environment in 30 years.
6.6.2 Arc and Flame Spraying: Arc- and flame-wire
spraying are the primary methods for metallizing steel
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COATING SYSTEM TYPE
Silicone-modified organic (colored)
Silicone-modified organic (aluminum);
Silicone-modified organic (colored);
Organic-modified silicone (colored)
Organic-modified silicone (black and alumi-
num);
Silicone (colored)
Silicone (black);
Silicone ( a h minum)
Silicone ceramic;
Silicone-modified organic 15-10% silicone;
Organic-modified silicone 50-90% silicone
components and structures. In arc spraying, two insulated
consumable electrodes, at 18 to 40 volts potential differ-
ence, advance to meet in an atomizing gas stream. The
high-temperature arc heat source melts the wires and a
compressed air stream atomizes and propels the molten
particles to the substrate forming the TSC. In flame spray-
ing, the wire advances through an oxygen fuel-gas heat
source melting the wire. Acompressed air stream atomizes
and propels the molten particles to the substrate forming
the TSC. Arc spraying is generally more cost-effective than
flame spraying providing higher spray rates and lower
energy costs.
6.6.3 Sealing and Painting: Aluminum and zincTSCs
have porosity ranging up to 15 percent. Interconnected
porosity may extend from the surface to the substrate.
Sealing extends the service life. Sealing is accomplished
two ways: (1) naturally, by the oxidation of the sprayed
aluminum or zinc filling the pores with a tightly adherent
oxide layer; or (2) by applying a thin low-viscosity paint
sealer coating that penetrates and is absorbed into the
pores of the TSC. Sealers should be applied before signifi-
cant natural oxidation occurs. Liquid seal coats must be
suitably thinned and have a fine-pigment grind to effectively
flow into the TSC. Sealers improve the appearance and
reduce the retention of dirt and other contamination, but
they do not degrade the cathodic protection of the TSC.
Sealed TSCs should be painted only when:
The environment is very acidic or very alkaline,
¡.e., when the pH is outside the range of 5 to 12 for
zinc and zinc alloy TSCs or 4 to 9 for aluminum
TSCs.
The metal is subject to direct attack by specific
chemicals.
The required decorative finish can be obtained
only with paint.
Additional abrasion resistance is required.
 SSPC-Paint COM
March 24, 2000
Common sealers include many of the synthetic resin
coating systems, especially vinyls, epoxies, polyurethanes,
and phenolics. High-viscosity, thick film coatings should
never be applied directly to an unsealed thermal spray
coating.
When TSCs are applied as a sacrificial anode, a liquid
seal coat is usually not used. However, a very thin liquid
seal coat may be used if it is less than 25 micrometers (1
mil) thick. This will maintain the electrical path between the
TSC and the substrate steel. When TSCs are applied as a
distributed anode for an impressed current cathodic protec-
tion system, a liquid sealer or topcoat should not be applied.
6.7 NON-SKID COATINGS: Any type of paint that is
suitable for application on floors can be converted to a skid
resistant paint by incorporation of a finely divided material
such as silica, aluminum oxide, or ground shells. Two
Federal performance specifications are A-A 59124, Deck
Covering, Lightweight, Nonslip, and A-A 59166, Coating
Compound, Nonslip (for Walkways). These paints, in addi-
tion to providing high friction surfaces, must have weather
and impact resistance.
6.8 NEOPRENE: Neoprene is a synthetic elastomer
which is soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons and is used as a
vehicle for protective coatings. It has high elasticity, good
aging, and chemical and solvent resistance. The propri-
etary neoprene coatings may be divided into two general
types: (a) two-part high solids heavy duty coatings and (b)
one-part self-priming coatings.
The two-part high solids coatings, which are usually
based on “Neoprene KNR,” have comparatively poor adhe-
sion even to blast cleaned steel and are generally used over
chlorinated rubber primers. They require addition of vulca-
nizing and accelerating agents prior to application. Typical
specifications for such a coating have been proposed:
solids content 54 to 58% (of which at least 50% would be
neoprene), specific gravity 1.1 to 1.2, viscosity at 25°C
(77°F) is 1750 to 2500 centipoise, and a dry film thickness
of at least 125 micrometers (5 mils).
Lower solids, self-priming maintenance coatings, usu-
ally based on “neoprene AC,” have about as much solids as
the heavily liquid neoprene coatings. These coatings con-
tain all curing agents and nothing need be added on the job.
They have fair storage stability. The coatings are of the
order of 2 mils (50 micrometers) dry film thickness. The
neoprene “AC” coatings have less chemical and abrasion
resistance than the vulcanized “KNR” coatings.
6.9 POLYESTER COATINGS: Polyester vehicles are
based upon a condensation reaction between an acid and
an alcohol, one or both being unsaturated. The resulting
pre-polymer is dissolved in styrene and uses a peroxide
catalyst and an accelerator to bring about poly-addition and
cross-linking reactions. The styrene solvent reacts with the
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polyester during curing so that no solvent evaporation is
necessary. Depending upon the choice of the catalyst,
these products may be cured at room temperature or by
baking. Awide range of properties can be obtained by using
rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, corrosion-resistant, or fire-retar-
dant resins.
In addition to these conventional polyesters, a fully
saturated linear polymer may be obtained, such as that
formed from terephthalic acid, suitable for tapes and foils.
This type will not be discussed here. Discussed separately
under urethanes is the type of polyester that reacts with
diisocyanates to form polyurethane.
The common polyesters are almost always reinforced
with glass fiber, cloth, asbestos, micaceous pigments, etc.,
to absorb shrinkage strains and to compensate for the
brittle character of the resins. Small amounts of wax may
also be added to the polyester at the time of manufacture to
overcome its tendency toward air inhibition of the normal
curing of the polyester mass.
The polyester may be made up as a two-package
system. Mixed shortly before use, one package contains
the promoter, such as cobalt naphthenate, and the other the
peroxide catalyst or initiator. A three-package system is
also available consisting of polyester, catalyst, and pro-
moter. These resins may be applied with a two-nozzle spray
gun that mixes the reactive ingredients in the spray pattern.
A third nozzle may be used to incorporate short glass fiber
into the wet film.
6.1O POLYETHYLENE COATINGS: Solid polyethyl-
ene has excellent resistance to all chemicals except for
strong oxidizing agents, oils, and chlorinated and aromatic
solvents. Since this resin is available in powdered form,
heavy thicknesses can be applied. It should not be as-
sumed, however, that the coatings have the impermeability
of a calendared film of equal thickness. Nevertheless,
proper application by fluidized bed or by flame spray can
result in a durable, economical, and attractive coating.
The surface is preferably prepared by blast cleaning,
and the metal is ordinarily pre-heated to approximately
220°C (425°F) before application of the resin. For corrosive
applications, the coating should be tested for pinholes by a
static spark tester. Flame spraying tends to oxidize the
resin nearest the hot surface, improving adhesion but
tending to decrease impermeability and chemical resis-
tance at that point. The coating has excellent anti-stick
properties and resistance to a wide range of chemicals.
Although atmospheric weathering of these films is
usually good, it will vary considerably with small variations
in formulation. Weather durability is similar to that of chemi-
cally related alkyds. Water and moisture resistance are
excellent and these coatings are widely used in salt and
fresh water exposure. Polyethylene coatings adhere well to
steel that has been deeply etched or blast cleaned to
provide the necessary mechanical roughness.

6.1 1 SILICONE ORGANIC COPOLYMERS: Silicone
coatings have been well known for some time for their good
color and gloss retention when exposed to exterior weath-
ering. They are discussed under high temperature silicone-
based coating. Unmodified silicones, however, are expen-
sive and must be cured at 200-260°C (400-500°F). Air
drying properties, lower cost, hardness, and adhesion are
obtained by copolymerizing silicones with organic poly-
mers. The copolymers show practically no film erosion and
therefore are very slow to chalk.
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6.12 TAPES: Many kinds of tapes are widely used in
the protection of underground piping. Some of these, in-
cluding vinyl and polyethylene tapes, have also been used
in the protection of other kinds of structural steel. Widths
range up to several feet; tape may either have pressure
sensitive backing or require separate adhesive for applica-
tion. Some of these tapes have good resistance to weather
and brine, if carefully lapped, but have poor resistance to
abrasion or cutting. Common types are discussed in the
chapter on underground coatings in Volume 1 of the SSPC
Painting Manual.