SSPC-Paint 28

August 1, 1991
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

PAINT SPECIFICATION NO. 28

Water-Borne Epoxy Primer for Steel Surfaces
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1. Scope Level 1 : Accelerated Testing (Section 6)

1.1 This specification covers an ambient temperature
curing, two-component water-borne epoxy coating for steel
that is intended for use as a primer of a multicoat water-
borne epoxy or other coating system.
1.2 Primer coatings are categorized according to per-
formance levels (Sections 2.3, 6, and 7).
1.3 Properly topcoated primers meeting this specifica-
tion are suitable for exposures in Environmental Zones 1A
(interior, normally dry), 1B (exterior, normally dry), 2A
(frequently wet by fresh water), 2B (frequently wet by salt
water) and 3C (chemical exposure, alkaline).
Level 2: Exterior Exposure (Section 7)
2.3.1 If no performance level is specified, Level 2 is
assumed.
3. Reference Standards
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the
referenced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid
shall govern unless otherwise specified.
3.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of
any of the cited reference standards and this specification,
the requirements of this specification shall prevail.

1.4 The specified primer is intended for application by 3.3 SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS:
brush, spray, or roller over steel surfaces prepared in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. It is PA 1 Shop, Field, and Maintenance
suitable as a shop primer, field primer, maintenance primer, Painting of Steel
or intermediate coat and is to be applied in accordance with PA 2 Measurement of Dry Coating
SSPC-PA 1. Manufacturer's recommendations should be Thickness with Magnetic Gages
followed when the primed steel is to be weathered prior to SP 10/NACE No. 2 Near-White Blast Cleaning
topcoati ng. VIS 2 Standard Method of Evaluating
Degree of Rusting on Painted
2. Description Steel Surfaces

2.1 COMPOSITION: 3.4 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MA-

TERIALS (ASTM) STANDARDS:
2.1.1 The primer specified is typically based on a
reactive Oxirane (epoxy) functional resin with amine or acid A 569 Specification for Steel, Carbon (0.15 Maxi-
functional curing agents (see Section 4.1). mum Percent), Hot-RolledSheet and Strip,
Commercial Quality
2.1.2 The major volatile component by weight is water. B 117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog)
Refer to ASTM D 3792 or ASTM D 4017 for determining Apparatus
water content of paints. D 562 Test Method for Consistency of Paints
Using the Stormer Viscometer
2.2 VOC LEVEL: The specified primer may or may not D 609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled
comply with all air pollution regulations. Consult applicable Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish,
government regulations to determine maximum allowable Conversion Coatings, and Related
volatile organic compounds (VOC) and proper VOC test Coating Products
method for a particular application. Supplier should provide D 610 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of
VOC information on the coating as supplied (in the con- Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces
tainer) and as applied (in the field after recommended D 714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of
thinning). See Notes 12.2 and 12.3. Blistering of Paints
D 1210 Test Methods for Fineness of Dispersion
2.3 PERFORMANCE LEVEL: Primers shall be classi- of Pigment-Vehicle Systems
fied according to the exposure performance achieved as D 1296 Test Method for Odor of Volatile Solvents
follows based on testing of two coats of primer: and Diluents

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 SSPC-Paint 28
August 1, 1991
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
D 1475 Test Method for Density of Paint, Varnish,
Lacquer, and Related Products
D 1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or
Coated Specimens Subjected to Corro-
sive Environments
D 1849 Test Method for Package Stability of Paint
D 2243 Test Method for Freeze-Thaw Resistance
of Water-Borne Coatings
D 2247 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of
Coatings in 100% Relative Humidity
D 2369 Test Method for Volatile Content of Coat-
ings
D 2574 Test Method for Resistance of Emulsion
Paints in the Container to Attack by Micro-
organisms
D 3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil
Test
D 3792 Test Method for Water Content of Water-
Reducible Paints by Direct Injection into a
Gas Chromatograph
D 3924 Specification for Standard Environment
for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Var-
nish, Lacquer, and Related Materials
D 3925 Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and
Related Pigmented Coatings
D 3960 Practice for Determining Volatile Organic
Compound (VOC) Content of Paints and
Related Coatings
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D 4017 Test Method for Water in Paints and Paint
Materials by Karl Fischer Method
D 4417 Test Methods for Field Measurement of
Surface Profile of Blast Cleaned Steel
D 4585 Practice for Testing the Water Resistance
of Coatings Using Controlled Condensa-
tion
G 92 Practice for Characteristization of Atmo-
spheric Test Sites
3.5 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE
(ANSI) STANDARD:
2129.1 Hazardous Industrial Chemicals-
Precautionary Labeling of
3.6 FEDERAL STANDARD:
40 CFR 60, Appendix A, Method 24- Determination
of Volatile Matter Content, Water Content, Density, Volume
Solids, and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings
4. Composition
4.1 The manufacturer is given latitude in the selection
of materials and process of manufacture, provided that the
COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
paint meets the requirements of this specification.
5. Standard Testing Conditions
5.1 The standard testing conditions shall be in accor-
dance with the standard atmosphere in ASTM D 3924,
unless indicated otherwise. Standard temperature shall be
73.5 I 3 . 5 " F (23 I 2 " C ) and standard relative humidity 50 I
5%.
5.2 The standard substrate shall be 1/8"(3.2 mm) thick
ASTM A 569 hot rolled steel abrasive blasted in accordance
with SSPC-SP 10 to a profile of 2.0 I0.5 mils (50I 13
micrometers) unless indicated otherwise. Measure blast
profile in accordance with ASTM D 4417.
5.3 The standard dry film thickness of the primer shall
be 2.5 I0.5 mils (64 I13 micrometers) per coat unless
indicated otherwise. Measure dry film thickness in accor-
dance with SSPC-PA 2.
6. Laboratory Performance Testing Require-
ments
6.1 For Level 1, the paint shall meet the requirements
of Sections 6.2 through 6.13. For Level 2, the paint shall
meet the requirements of Sections 6.2 through 6.13 and
Sections 7.1 and 7.2.
6.2 RESISTANCE TO MICROORGANISMS IN CON-
TAINER: The paint shall be resistant to attack by microor-
ganisms when tested according to ASTM D 2574.
6.3 FREEZE-THAW RESISTANCE: Test each of the
components separately in accordance with ASTM D 2243.
At the end of three cycles there shall be no gelling or
excessive thickening, coagulation, lumps or coarse panicles.
The maximum allowable increase or decrease in viscosity
shall not exceed 10 Krebs units.
6.4 PACKAGE STABILITY: Perform the following tests
in accordance with ASTM D 562. Place each component in
closed containers in an oven for one month at 25 I2°F (52
I1°C). The maximum allowable increase or decrease in
viscosity shall not exceed 10 Krebs Units. After brushing
out, the film shall be free from grains, lumps, or streaks.
6.5 MECHANICAL STABILITY: Test each component
separately by filling a one-quart friction top can three-
quarters full and closing the can tightly. Rotate on ajar roller
for one week at 120 to 170 rpm. At the end of one week,
there shall be no indication of separation, coagulation,
excessive thickening or loss in mechanical stability. The
maximum allowable increase or decrease in viscosity shall
not exceed ten Krebs Units when tested according to ASTM
D 562.
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6.6 POT LIFE: The term pot life, as used for solvent-
borne or solventless epoxies, generally does not have the
same meaning for water-borne epoxies. The usable life of
mixed components of water-borne epoxies cannot be de-
termined simply by measuring changes in viscosity. To
determine usable pot life of water-borne epoxies, thor-
oughly mix together both components of the primer to yield
one quart of mixed primer. Allow the mixed primer to stand
at standard conditions under Section 5.1 for the pot life time
specified by the manufacturer. At the end of this time
period, the mixed primer shall show no evidence of gellation
and must meet the requirements of Sections 6.7, 6.8, 6.10,
6.11, and 6.13.
6.7 LABORATORY APPLICATION PROPERTIES:
Thoroughly mix together both components of the primer.
Allow mixed primer to stand for manufacturer's specified
induction time (if any). Apply (brush, roll, or spray) the
primer in accordance with the manufacturer's recommen-
dations to a vertical steel substrate under the standard
conditions specified in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. Allow to
dry in a well-ventilated room or chamber free from drafts
and dust in diffuse light (not in direct sunlight). There shall
be no runs, sags, streaks, flashes, laps, pinholing, eyeing,
or cratering.
6.8 ADHESION: Condition a primed panel for seven
days at standard temperature and humidity (Section 5.1).
Evaluate adhesion in accordance with ASTM D 3359 Method
B, "Cross Cut Tape Test" using one mm spacing of cuts. A
rating of 5B is required.
6.9 RECOAT TESTS: Apply a second coat following
the manufacturer's recommendations. There shall be no
picking-up or rolling-up of the first coat during applications.
After 24 hours, the film shall be smooth and uniform.
6.10 FILM IRREGULARITY: Apply one coat of the
primer by the drawdown method to a 4 inch x 8 inch (10 cm
x 20 cm) cold-rolled steel panel to produce the standard dry
film thickness (Section 5.3). Allow to dry for 24 hours in
accordance with the standard testing conditions specified
in Sections 5.1. Examine the film for mud-cracking,
alligatoring, or other film irregularity; there shall be none.
6.1 1 RUST AND BLISTER RESISTANCE: Spray ap-
ply two coats (allowing 24 hours drying time between coats)
to four panels in accordance with the standard testing
conditions specified in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. Allow to
dry for seven days after application of the second coat. Coat
and seal all edges and the back side of each panel with a
coating that will provide the necessary protection to these
surfaces.
Scribe a two-inch (five cm) vertical line through the
lower middle portion of the primed panels so as to expose
the underlying metal before testing. The conditions of
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COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
SSPC-Paint 28
August 1, 1991
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
making the scribe shall be as described in ASTM D 1654.
6.1 1.1 SALT SPRAY: Expose duplicate panels in the
salt fog cabinet for 600 hours according to ASTM B 117. At
the end of 600 hours, immediately examine for rusting and
blistering. The rusting shall not exceed 8 according to
SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D 610, and the blistering shall not
exceed 8F according to ASTM D 714. After examining the
panels for blistering, immediately remove the paint film with
a suitable organic solvent, for example chlorinated hydro-
carbon or other solvent recommended by the paint manu-
facturer. If scraping of the paint film is necessary to remove
it, do not use a metal spatula or razor blade. Use a piece of
soft wood. Examine the steel substrate. The rusting shall
not exceed 8 as judged by SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D 61O. The
rust creep, as judged by the bare panel, shall not exceed
1/8 inch (3.2 mm) from the center of the scribe.
6.11.2 CONDENSATION: Expose the other pair of
duplicate panels in a condensing cabinet according to
ASTM D 4585 for 500 hours at 100°F (38°C). At the end of
500 hours, immediately examine for rusting and blistering.
The rusting shall not exceed 8 according to SSPC-VIS 2 or
ASTM D 61O, and the blistering shall not exceed 8F accord-
ing to ASTM D 714. After examining the panels for blister-
ing, immediately remove the paint film with a suitable
organic solvent. If scraping of the paint film is necessary to
remove it, do not use a metal spatula or razor blade. Use a
piece of soft wood. Examine the steel substrate. The rusting
shall not exceed 9 as judged by SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D
610. The rust creep, as judged by the bare panel, shall not
exceed 118 inch (3.2 mm) from the center of the scribe.
6.12 FLASH RUST RESISTANCE TEST: Apply one
coat of the paint in accordance with the standard testing
conditions specified in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 and allow
to dry in a horizontal position for 24 hours. At the end of the
drying period, examine for flash rusting or rust bleeding.
The paint shall show no rust bleed-through. After examining
the panel for rust bleed-through, immediately remove the
paint film with a suitable organic solvent. If scraping of the
paint film is necessary to remove it, do not use a metal
spatula or razor blade. Use a piece of soft wood. Examine
the steel substrate. There shall be no rusting of the steel
substrate.
6.13 EARLY WATER RESISTANCE: Apply one coat
of the primer in accordance with the standard testing con-
ditions specified in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. After six
hours of drying, immerse one half of the panel into distilled
water for five minutes. Remove and allow to condition for
ten minutes at standard temperature (Section 5.1). The
section exposed to the water shall have the same hardness
as the unexposed section when checked with either the
fingernail or ASTM D 3363 pencil hardness.
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 SSPC-Paint 28
August 1, 1991
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
7. Test Fence Performance Requirements
7.1 Triplicate panels shall be prepared as described in
Section 6.1 1 except that the coating thickness shall be 3.5
Il.O mils (89 I 2 5 micrometers) as measured by SSPC-PA
2.
7.2 EXTERIOR EXPOSURE: Triplicate test specimens
shall be exposed for a minimum of 18 months on a test
fence at an industrial or marine exposure site having a
minimum annual mean precipitation of 25 inches (635 mm)
per year. Other criteria for classifying the environment such
as corrosion rate of bare steel or bare zinc (in accordance
with ASTM G 92), or mean annual temperature may also be
required when agreed to between contracting parties. Each
specimen shall meet the following requirements (Note 12.4):
Minimum rust rating of 9 in accordance with SSPC-
VIS 2/ASTM D 610
Maximum scribe undercutting of 1/16 inch (1.6
mm)
8. Material Quality Assurance
8.1 The manufacturer should measure and record
batch testing information that would allow certification that
a batch meets the necessary standards established by the
manufacturer for the primer as tested per Section 6.
8.2 CONDITION IN CONTAINER: Each component as
received shall show no evidence of livering, skinning, or
hard settling of the pigment. The inside of the container
shall not be corroded. The material shall be easily dis-
persed in the liquid portion by hand stirring to form a
smooth, homogeneous paint.
8.3 COLOR: The color shall be as specified in the
procurement documents.
8.4 POT LIFE: Mix the primer as specified in Section
6.6. Allow the mixed primer to stand at standard conditions
(Section 5.1) for the pot life specified by the manufacturer.
At the end of this time period, the mixed primer shall show
no evidence of gelation.
8.5 VISCOSITY: The viscosity of the mixed primer
shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 62. Vari-
ance shall be within I 5 Krebs units or equivalent units of
another viscometer of the viscosity of the previously quali-
fied primer.
For viscosities lower than 55 KU, a number 4 Ford Cup
shall be used in accordance with ASTM D 1200. Variations
shall be within I 5 seconds of the viscosity of the previously
qualified paint.
COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
8.6 DENSITY: The density of the mixed primer shall be
determined in accordance with ASTM D 1475. Variance
shall be within I0.4 pounds per gallon (50 g/L) of the
nominal density of the previously qualified primer.
8.7 SOLIDS BY WEIGHT: Solids by weight of the
mixed primer shall be determined in accordance with ASTM
D 2369. Variance shall be within I2% of the nominal
percent solids by weight of the previously qualified primer
(Note 12.5).
9. Labeling
9.1 Refer to ANSI Z129.1. Other guidelines can be
found in the National Paint and Coating Association (NPCA)
"Paint Industry Labeling Guide."
9.2 MARKING OF CONTAINERS: Each container of
each component shall be legibly marked with the following
information:
Name: Water-Borne Epoxy Primer
Specification: SSPC-Paint 28
Component:
Color:
Lot Number:
Batch Number:
Stock Number:
Date of Manufacture:
Quantity of Paint in Container:
Information and Warnings as may be required by
Federal and State Laws:
Manufacturer's Name and Address:
9.3 DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Directions for use of
water-borne epoxy primer must include information on
storage, surface preparation, mixing, thinning, application,
and recoatability.
IO. Inspection
10.1 All materials (coatings) supplied under this speci-
fication are subject to timely inspection by the purchaser or
his authorized representative. The purchaser shall have the
right to reject any materials supplied which are found to be
defective under this specification. (See Note 12.1.) In case
of dispute, unless otherwise specified, the arbitration or
settlement procedure established in the procurement docu-
ments shall be followed. If no arbitration procedure is
established, the procedure specified by the American Arbi-
tration Association shall be used.
10.2 Samples of paints may be requested by the
purchaser and shall be supplied upon request along with
the manufacturer's name and identification for the materi-
als. Samples may be requested at the time the purchase
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 SSPC-Paint 28
August 1, 1991
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

order is placed or may be taken from unopened containers 12.1 The procurement documents should establish the
at the job site. responsibility for samples, testing, and any required affida-
vit certifying full compliance with the specification.
10.3 Unless otherwise specified, the sampling shall be
in accordance with ASTM D 3925. 12.2 VOC information may be supplied on the label or
the technical data sheet.
11. Disclaimer
12.3 ASTM D 3960 and EPA Method 24 are commonly
11.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all used methods to determine VOC, but these methods may
information furnished in SSPC standards and specifica-
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not be acceptable to all jurisdictions.

tions is as accurate, complete, and useful as possible,
SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obliga- 12.4 The 250 meter lot (800 ft lot) at the LaQue Center,
tion resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or Wrightsville (Kure) Beach, NC and the Neville Island and
methods specified herein, or of the specification or stan- coke works sites in Pittsburgh, PA with average bare steel
dard itself. corrosion rates of one to three mils (25 to 75 micrometers)
per year based on panels exposed for 12 months, have
11.2 This specification does not attempt to address been shown suitable for this specification's exterior expo-
problems concerning safety associated with its use. The sure. The test coatings used to establish the performance
user of this specification, as well as the user of all products requirement were evaluated at these test sites.
or practices described herein, is responsible for instituting
appropriate health and safety practices and for insuring 12.5 The supplier should also furnish information on
compliance with all governmental regulations. the volume solids and the theoretical spreading rate (square
feet per gallon for one mil of dry paint) [square meters per
12. Notes liter for one micrometer of dry paint].

Notes are not requirements of this specification.

COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings 7

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