released into the atmosphere or water supply, since swallowing or breathing

this material may be harmful, and its release may violate local environmental
regulations. All blast residue must be disposed of in a manner consistent with
environmental and local regulations. Safety precautions for blasting are
critical, since a misused blast hose may cause severe injury or death. In
addition, workers operating the blasting equipment as well as any other
personnel exposed to the operations should have protective clothing and a
clean, filtered, fresh-air supply. The condition of equipment and safety
devices, especially emergency blast cutoffs, should be checked at least daily.

E.3 Selection of Paints

An anti-corrosive primer, such as zinc-rich epoxy primer, has traditionally
been used to protect steel. However, certain steels, such as corten or
stainless steel, incorporate anti-corrosive components in the alloy which may
not need to be duplicated in the primer. Moreover, local or national
regulations may restrict or prohibit the use of some traditional primers, due to
their effect on the environment. Water-borne and other types of primers
have been developed which are more friendly to the environment. In fact,
some owners’ policies may require the use of such environmentally friendly
paints. The repairer should use the paints specified by the owner, or alert the
owner if the specified paint system (primer, top coat and intermediate coat, if
needed) cannot be used because of environmental or other local regulations.
Unless the owner specifies to the contrary, it is good practice to use a
complete paint system from the same paint supplier. Use of primers and
subsequent coats made by different manufacturers may not work properly
together and may invalidate paint warranties. It is also good practice to select
contrasting colors for primer, top coat and intermediate coat (if needed), in
order to help ensure that each coat is properly applied.
Newly applied primer must be chemically compatible with the remaining
old paint. Check the interior of the container, on the right side near the door,
for a marking indicating the original top coat, or consult the owner for this
information. The integrity and adhesion of the new primer may be affected if
the old and new paints are not compatible. The paint supplier is the best
source of information regarding compatibility.

E.4 Application of Primer and Top Coat(s)

To the greatest extent possible, all paints, including primer, must be applied in
accordance with the paint supplier’s recommendations. Care must be taken
to ensure proper application temperature and relative humidity, as well as
proper mixing and curing conditions.
Most primers must be applied to a clean surface with a suitable
application profile. The thickness of the primer must be checked (usually in
the wet condition with a wet-film thickness gauge) for adequacy before
applying subsequent coats. Unless the subsequent coats are approved by the
paint manufacturer for “wet-on-wet” application (i.e., before the previous
coat is completely dried), the primer must be allowed to dry adequately
before applying intermediate and/or top coats as may be required by the
owner. If the steel has become damaged as the result of surface preparation
and handling, it must be repaired after priming and reprimed as necessary, or
replaced.

June 2000 116 Surface preparation and painting