Liquid Coatings

for Aboveground
Steel Water Pipe
and Fittings

Effective date: June 1, 2023.

First edition approved by Board of Directors Nov. 1, 1991.
This edition approved Jan. 12, 2023.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Jan. 26, 2023.

American Water Works

Association
AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification. AWWA standards describe
minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and administrative information normally contained in
specifications. The AWWA standards usually contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each
optional feature is specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard does
not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify, or approve any product. The
use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. This standard does not supersede or take precedence over or displace any
applicable law, regulation, or code of any governmental authority. AWWA standards are intended to represent a consensus
of the water industry that the product described will provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this
standard, an official notice of action will be placed in the Official Notice section of journal AWWA. The action becomes
effective on the first day of the month following the month of journal AWWA publication of the official notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. An
American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer, and the general public. The
existence of an American National Standard does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved
the standard or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not
conforming to the standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to obtain
the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National Standard are encouraged to state
on their own responsibility in advertising and promotional materials or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in
conformity with particular American National Standards.

CAUTION NoT1cE: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front cover of this standard indicates
completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time.
ANSI procedures require that action be taken to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from
the date of ANSI approval. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards
by calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036;
(212) 642-4900, or e-mailing info@ansi.org.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including scanning, recording, or any
information or retrieval system. Reproduction and commercial
use of this material is prohibited, except with written permission
from the publisher. Please send any requests or questions to
permissions@awwa.org.

ISBN-13, print: 978-1-64717-128-5 ISBN-13, electronic: 978-1-61300-659-7

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12999/AWWA.C218.23

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including scanning, recording, or any information or retrieval system. Reproduction and
commercial use of this material is prohibited, except with written permission from the publisher.

Copyright© 2023 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

ii
 Committee Personnel

The Steel Water Pipe Manufacturers Technical Advisory Committee (SWPMTAC) Task Group
on updating ANSI/AWWA C218 had the following personnel at the time:

Dan Libby, Chair

L. McKinney, Vice-Chair

M. Buratto, Seal For Life, Pflugerville, Tex.

A. Cain, Chemline, St. Louis, Mo.
G. Davidenko, Northwest Pipe Company, Saginaw, Tex.
B. Keil, Northwest Pipe Company, Draper, Utah
D. Libby, Chase Corporation, Westwood, Mass.
L. McKinney, Womble Company Inc., Houston, Tex.
R. Mielke, Northwest Pipe, Raleigh, N.C.
V O'Dea, Tnemec Company Inc., North Kansas City, Mo.

B. Simpson, American SpiralWeld, Birmingham, Ala.

G. Sincovich, Sherwin-Williams Company, Oakville, Ontario
S. Thomas, Liberty Coating Company, Pelham, N.H.

The AWWA Standards Committee on Steel Pipe, which reviewed and approved this standard,
had the following personnel at the time of approval:

John H. Bambei Jr., Chair

Bob J. Card, Vice-Chair
John L. Luka, Secretary

General Interest Members

S.A. Arnaout (alternate), Stantec, Dallas, Tex.

J.H. Bambei Jr., Bambei Engineering Services, Arvada, Colo.
R.J. Card, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., Houston, Tex.
R.L. Coffey, HDR Engineering Inc., Omaha, Neb.
M. Garcia (liaison, nonvoting), Standards Council Liaison, AECOM, Denver, Colo.
R.L. Gibson, Freese and Nichols Inc., Fort Worth, Tex.
M.D. Gossett (alternate), HDR, Denver, Colo.
M.B. Horsley (alternate), Horsley Engineering LLC, Overland Park, Kans.
R. Issa, AECOM, McKinney, Tex.

iii
C.H. Kirby (alternate), Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., Houston, Tex.
R.A. Kufaas, Norske Corrosion & Inspection Services Ltd., Surrey, B.C.
A. Murdock, CH2M, Salt Lake City, Utah
R. Ortega, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Houston, Tex.
E.S. Ralph (liaison, nonvoting), Standards Engineer Liaison, AW WA, Denver, Colo.
A.E. Romer (alternate), AECOM, Orange, Calif.
J.R. Snow, Stantec, Denver, Colo.
A.M. Stanton, Black & Veatch, Los Angeles, Calif.
WR. Whidden, Woolpert, Winter Park, Fla.

Producer Members

H.H. Bardakjian, Consultant, Glendale, Calif.

D. Dechant, Dechant Infrastructure Service, Aurora, Colo.
D.W Dunker, Thompson Pipe Group, Grand Prairie, Tex.
WB. Geyer, Steel Plate Fabricators Assoc., Lake Zurich, Ill.
B.D. Keil, Northwest Pipe Company, Draper, Utah
J.L. Luka, American SpiralWeld Pipe Company, Columbia, S.C.
R. Mielke (alternate), Northwest Pipe, Raleigh, N.C.
G.F. Ruchti (alternate), Consultant, Punta Gorda, Fla.
B.P. Simpson (alternate), American Cast Iron Pipe Company, Birmingham, Ala.
C.C. Sundberg, Victaulic, Issaquah, Wash.
R. Wu (alternate), Thompson Pipe Group, Grand Prairie, Tex.

User Members

L. Adams, US Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colo.

G.A. Andersen, New York City Bureau of Water Supply, Little Neck, N.Y.
B. Cheng, Metro Vancouver, Burnaby, B.C.
F. Fountain, San Diego County Water Authority, San Diego, Calif.
J. Garcia (alternate), Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif.
S. Hattan, Tarrant Regional Water District, Fort Worth, Tex.
M. Lobik, Springfield Water & Sewer Commission, Springfield, Mass.
T. Peng, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif.

M. Turney (alternate), Denver Water, Denver, Colo.

V Scurelnicu, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles, Calif.

iv
 Contents
All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this
format may be found in a particular standard

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword 4.5 Coating Application ........................ 1 1

I Introduction.................................... vu 4.6 Coating Fittings and
I.A Background ..................................... vu Appurtenances .......................... 1 2

LB History ............................................ vu 4.7 Coating Repair ................................ 1 2

LC Acceptance ...................................... vu 4.8 Field Joints-Welded ...................... 1 3

II Special Issues ................................... vii 4.9 Field Procedures .............................. 1 3

II.A Advisory Information on Product 5 Verification

Use ............................................ vu
5.1 Coating Materials
III Use of This Standard ....................... IX Prequalification ......................... 1 3

III.A Purchaser Options and 5.2 Requirements of Coating System ..... 1 4

Alternatives ............................... IX
5.3 Quality Assurance and Records ....... 1 4
III.B Modification to Standard ................ x
5.4 Inspection and Testing by the
IV Major Revisions............................... x
Purchaser................................... 1 4

v Comments ...................................... XI
5.5 Quality Control Requirements of
Applied Coating System ............ 1 4

Standard 5.6 Rejection ......................................... 1 5

1 General
6 Delivery
1.1 Scope............................................... 1
6.1 Marking .......................................... 1 6
1.2 Purpose ........................................... 1
6.2 Packaging and Shipping .................. 1 6
1.3 Application...................................... 2
6.3 Affidavit of Compliance .................. 1 6
2 References ...................................... 2
Appendix
3 Definitions ..................................... 4
A Selection and Use of Coating
4 Requirements Systems ..................................... 1 7
A.1 General ........................................... 1 7
4.1 Equipment ...................................... 4
A.2 Coating Systems .............................. 1 8
4.2 Materials and Workmanship ............ 4
4.3 Coating Systems .............................. 5 Table

4.4 Surface Preparation.......................... 9 1 Coating Systems Summary .............. 5

v
This page intentionally blank.
 Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part ofANSI*IA WWA C218.

I. Introduction.

I.A. Background. Preventing the corrosion of aboveground steel water pipe

subjected to atmospheric weathering has become an increasing concern over the years.
The increasing incidence of atmospheric corrosive conditions, such as acid rain, has
prompted water suppliers to evaluate the paint and coating systems used to protect
aboveground steel water pipe.
Although not all aboveground steel water pipe is subjected to the same atmospheric
corrosive conditions, a review of the paint and coating systems currently available to
the industry has become necessary. The purchasers must have the option of selecting
a system that best suits their needs. These needs may be based on current surface
preparation; the types of volatile organic compound (VOC) allowances permitted
by regulatory agencies; and regulatory requirements for lead abatement. The paint
and coating systems in this standard are designed to assist the user in producing
specifications to meet these needs.
l.B. History. In November 1986, the AWWA Standards Council authorized
AWWXs Steel Pipe Committee to develop a new standard for coatings to be used
on aboveground steel water pipe exposed to the atmosphere. The first edition of this
standard was published as ANSI/AWWA C218-91 , Standard for Coating the Exterior
of Aboveground Steel Water Pipelines and Fittings, with an effective date of Nov. 1 ,
1 991. Subsequent editions of this standard were approved by the AWWA Board
of Directors on June 1 7, 1995; Jan. 24, 1 999; June 16, 2002; Jan. 27, 2008; and
June 19, 201 6. This edition of C218 was approved on Jan. 12, 2023.
l.C. Acceptance. This standard has no applicable information for this section.

II. Special Issues.

II.A. Advisory Information on Product Use. This standard defines the

performance and quality of external pipe coatings and coating systems designed to
protect from and prevent atmospheric corrosion. This standard applies to the exterior
coating of aboveground steel water pipelines and the associated fittings installed
aboveground, outdoors, or inside an associated pump station, a valve chamber, or other
water facilities. The coating systems cited in this standard are not all-inclusive but are

*American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.

vii
those most commonly used with an accepted performance record. Before selecting and
specifying any of these coating systems, the purchaser should determine their suitability
for the intended service.
II.A. I. General. This standard presents several alternative coating systems
currently in use in the water industry, often serving dual functions of corrosion
protection and aesthetics. Another function of coating systems may be to color code
the pipe to identify the type of service.
Most coating manufacturers are reformulating their coatings to comply with
current federal, state or provincial, and local environmental regulations. Some of
the coatings discussed in this standard have been used successfully as solvent-based
coatings for the last 20-30 years but are now available as water-based coatings. Others
have been reformulated to reduce the amount of solvents, resulting in coatings with
much lower VOCs. In some cases, high-solids coatings have been developed in which
the solids content exceeds 80 percent and may reach 1 00 percent. Primers have been
reformulated to remove heavy metals and toxic inhibitors.
In many instances, these changes have altered the application, curing, adhesion, and
inhibiting characteristics of coating systems. The manufacturer should be consulted
for the technical data and material safety data sheets, which provide the prospective
user with the information necessary to select the coating system that best satisfies the
purchaser's requirements.
11.A.2. Materials. Code ofFederal Regulations 29,t Labor-Part 1910, Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations establish restrictive limits on
the constructor regarding inhaling or absorbing lead- and chromate-bearing pigments
and solvents through the skin. This regulation refers to shop applications, and it can
significantly increase the cost of shop-coating applications.
Whenever coating materials are referenced to federal, military, or other standards,
the reference identifies a generic type of coating material or system.
11.A.3. Selecting coating systems. Several generic coating systems (see Table 1
in Sec. 4) are included in this standard because no single coating or coating system
is appropriate for all service applications. Often it is impractical for an occasional
coatings user to make sufficient laboratory tests to verify and compare the relative
performance characteristics of various coating systems to a given set of performance
criteria. Consequently, it is necessary for the purchaser to consider the atmospheric
and environmental conditions of service to which the coating or coating system will be

t Available from the US Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC

20402.

viii
exposed. For information on establishing exposure conditions, the purchaser may refer
to ISO 12944-2 "Paints and varnishes-Corrosion protection of steel structures by
protective paint systems-Part 2: Classification of environments." For information on
the selection of coating systems based on exposure conditions, the purchaser may refer
to ISO 12944-5 "Paints and varnishes-Corrosion protection of steel structures by
protective paint systems-Part 5: Protective paint systems." Other industry-recognized
resources are available, and the purchaser should consult a coatings professional to
assist with coating system selection based on site-specific exposure conditions.
The coatings listed in this standard have been used extensively and have provided
excellent corrosion protection and weathering endurance. In recent years, the
development of new polymers, pigments, and solvents has contributed to the rapid
advancement of materials technology for painting and coating of steel structures. These
advancements, coupled with regulatory agency concerns about air pollution by VOCs,
have led to the development of many new paint formulations. Although not listed in
this standard, many of these new products provide performance equal to or better than
the systems presented in this standard.
III. Use of This Standard. It is the responsibility of the user of an AWWA
standard to determine that the products described in that standard are suitable for use
in the particular application being considered.
III.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following information should be
provided by the purchaser.
1. Standard used, that is, ANSI/AWWA C21 8, Liquid Coatings for
Aboveground Steel Water Pipe and Fittings, of latest revision.
2. Any exceptions to the standard that may be required.
3. Diameter, length, and location of the pipeline.
4. Coating system to be supplied (Sec. 4.3).
5. Color, if special color is specified (Sec. 4.3.1 ) .
6. Optional four-coat system (Sec. 4.3.2).
7. Optional two-coat system (Sec. 4.3.5 and Sec. 4.3.6).
8. Surface preparation for overcoating (Sec. 4.4.6).
9. Previously coated pipe (Sec. 4.4.6.1 and Sec. 4.4.6.2).
10. Coating of special pipe fittings and appurtenances (Sec. 4.6).
11 . Abrasive blasting of bolts (Sec. 4.6.2).
12. Coating requirements for threaded connections (Sec. 4.6.4).
13. Inspection (Sec. 5.4).
14. Whether adhesion testing is required (Sec. 5.5.4).

ix
 1 5. Adhesion test procedure (Sec. 5.5.4.1).
1 6. Affidavit of compliance, if required (Sec. 6.3).
III.B. Modification to Standard. Any modification of the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided by the purchaser.

IY. Major Revisions. Major revisions made to the standard in this edition
include the following:
1. Added Sec. 1.1 .2 to discuss other substrates. The change has been made to
other applicable standards.
2. Sec. 4.1 Equipment and 4.2 Materials and Workmanship were added.
These sections are standard language and included in all other similar AWWA coating
standards.
3. Removed the color designations from the coating systems (i.e., -B, -W, -C
for black, white, and other color) in Sec. 4.3.3 through Sec. 4.3.7. This change also
allowed the tables in these sections to be simplified by removing the "System" column.
4. Added a new Sec. 4.3.8 Coating System No. 7 (two-coat system consisting
of a prime/base coat of two-component, 100% solids aromatic polyurethane followed
by a finish coat of an aliphatic polyurethane). Updated references throughout the
document.
5. Sec. 4.3 Coating Material Information Requirements was removed. Product
labeling and shelf life are now listed in Section 6, which is consistent with other AWWA
coating standards. The other listed product information is available in the product
technical data sheet.
6. Updated Sec. 4.4 Surface Preparation to be consistent with the language
used in all other similar AWWA coating standards. The level of surface protection has
not been changed.
7. Removed Sec. 4.5.2. The material preparation varies greatly between the
different system types in this document. Manufacturer recommendations should
always be followed.
8. Sec. 4.6 was removed and replaced with Sec. 4.2.3 to be consistent with
other AWWA coating documents.
9. Renumbered and reformatted Sec. 4.3 through Sec. 4.9 to better match
other AWWA coating standards.
1 0. In Sec. 5.5.3, NACE SP0274 was added as an option for electrical continuity
testing.

x
 11 . Updated Section 6 Delivery language based on common language used in
recently updated coating standards. Added requirement that containers shall include
shelf life and/or expiration date.

V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,

please call AWWA Engineering and Technical Services at 303.794.7711; write to
the department at 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235-3098; or email at
standards@awwa.org.

xi
This page intentionally blank.
 C218-23
ANSl/AWWA
(Revision of ANSl/AWWA C218-16)

American Water Works

Association
Dedicated to the World's Most Important Resource®
AWWA Standard

..
� ...... ______
.. _________

Liquid Coatings for Aboveground

Steel Water Pipe and Fittings

SECTION 1: GENERAL

Sec. 1 . 1 Scope
This standard describes seven coating systems designed to protect the exterior
surfaces of steel pipelines and the associated fittings used by the water supply
industry in aboveground locations. The coating systems described may not perform
or cost the same, but they are presented so that the appropriate coating system can
be selected for the site-specific project requirements.
1.1 .1 Maximum temperatures. The maximum service temperature of the
coating systems listed in this standard is based on the maximum service temperature
of potable water. Consult the coating manufacturer for conditions and limitations.
1.1.2 Other substrates. Consult the coating manufacturer when this
standard is referenced for substrates other than carbon steel. The surface preparation
methods, application methods, and performance data listed in this standard may
not be applicable.

Sec. 1 .2 Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to define the minimum requirements for
coating aboveground steel water pipe and fittings, including coating systems, surface
preparation, coating material information requirements, coating application,
inspection, and testing.
2 AWWA C2 1 8-23

Sec. 1 .3 Application
This standard can be referenced in the purchaser's documents for coating
or recoating aboveground steel water pipe and fittings. The stipulations of this
standard apply when this standard has been referenced and then only to coating
aboveground steel water pipe and fittings where exterior surfaces are not in contact
with potable water.

SECTION 2: REFERENCES

This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions,

these documents form a part of this standard to the extent specified within the
standard. In any case of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
ANSl*/AW WA C222-Polyurethane Coatings and Linings for Steel Water
Pipe and Fittings.
ANSl/AW WA C604-lnstallation of Buried Steel Water Pipe-4 In.
(100 mm) and Larger.
ASTMt D2794-Standard Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings
to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact).
ASTM D44 l 7-Standard Test Methods for Field Measurement of Surface
Profile of Blast Cleaned Steel.
ASTM D4541 -Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings
Using Portable Adhesion Testers.
ASTM D6677-Standard Test Method for Evaluating Adhesion by Knife.
Code ofFederal Regulations* 29, Labor-Part 1 910, Occupational Safety and
Health Administration Standards.
Fed. Spec. A-A-2962A (1998)-Enamel, Alkyd, Exterior, Solvent Based, Low
VOC, With Notices 1-2.
MIL-P-24441 -Paint, Epoxy-Polyamide, General Specification for Metal
Surfaces.
MIL-P-28577B (1988)-Primer, Water-Borne, Acrylic or Modified Acrylic,
for Metal Surfaces.

* American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
t ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428.
* Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402.
 LIQUID COATINGS FOR ABOVEGROUND STEEL WATER PIPE AND FITIINGS 3

MIL-P-28578B (1988)-Paint, Water-Borne, Acrylic or Modified Acrylic,

Semigloss, for Metal Surfaces.
MIL-PRF-85582E-Performance Specification: Primer Coatings: Epoxy,
Waterborne.
NACE§ Publication TPC-1 2-Coal Tar Epoxy Coatings: A State-of-the-Art
Review.
NACE SPO188-Discontinuity (Holiday) Testing of New Protective Coatings
on Conductive Substrates.
NACE SP0274-High-Voltage Electrical Inspection of Pipeline Coatings.
SSPC' -Steel Structures Painting Manual Vol. 2, Systems and Specifications.
SSPC-PA 1-Shop, Field, and Maintenance Coating of Metals.
SSPC-PA 2-Procedure for Determining Conformance to Dry Coating
Thickness Requirements.
SSPC-PA 10-Guide to Safety and Health Requirements for Industrial
Painting Projects.
SSPC-Paint 20-Zinc-Rich Coating (Type I-Inorganic and Type II-
Organic).
SSPC-Paint 21 -White or Colored Silicone-Alkyd Paint.
SSPC-Paint 25 (2004)-Corrosion Inhibiting Alkyd Primer Oxide Red.
SSPC-PS 1 7.00 (2004)-Guide for Selecting Urethane Painting Systems.
SSPC-SP COM-Surface Preparation Commentary for Metal Substrates.
SSPC-SP I-Solvent Cleaning.
SSPC-SP 2-Hand Tool Cleaning.
SSPC-SP 3-Power Tool Cleaning.
SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3-Commercial Blast Cleaning.
SSPC-SP 7 /NACE No. 4-Brush-Off Blast Cleaning.
SSPC-SP 1 0/NACE No. 2-Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning.
SSPC-SP 1 1-Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal.
SSPC-SP 1 5-Commercial Grade Power-Tool Cleaning.
SSPC-TU 3-0vercoating Existing Coating Systems Applied to Steel
Substrates.

§ Association for Materials Protection and Performance, 15835 Park Ten Place, Houston, TX 77084.
' Association for Materials Protection and Performance, 800 Trumbull Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.
4 AWWA C2 1 8-23

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall apply in this standard:

1 . Applicator: The party that provides the work for applying the coating.
2. Constructor: The party that provides the work and materials for
placement or installation.
3. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
4. Potable water: Water that is safe and satisfactory for drinking and
cooking.
5. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
6. Supplier: The party that supplies material or services. A supplier may or
may not be the manufacturer.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 4. 1 Equipment
The applicator's equipment for surface preparation and coating application
shall be of such design, manufacture, and condition to permit compliance with the
procedures and obtain the results prescribed in this standard.

Sec. 4.2 Materials and Workmanship

4.2.1 Materials. Materials supplied shall meet the provisions of this
standard. Materials or workmanship that fails to conform to this standard may be
rejected at any time before final acceptance.
4.2.2 Safety. Necessary precautions shall be taken to protect personnel
and property from accidents caused by falls, hazardous materials, fire, explosion,
and other dangers. The methods and practices defined in SSPC-PA 10 shall be
followed, along with those prescribed by applicable federal, provincial or state, and
local regulations.
4.2.3 Personnel. The entire operation of applying the coating system shall
be performed by personnel trained in the application of the coating system being
used.
 LIQUID COATINGS FOR ABOVEGROUND STEEL WATER PIPE AND FITIINGS 5

Table 1 Coating systems summary

Designation System Description
Three- or four-coat alkyd
2 Three-coat epoxy/urethane
3 Three-coat inorganic or organic zinc/epoxy/urethane
4 Two- or three-coat epoxy/coal-tar epoxy
5 Two- or three-coat water-reducible epoxy polyamide/polyamine
6 Three-coat water-reducible acrylic or alkyd-modified acrylic emulsion
7 Two-coat aromatic and aliphatic polyurethane

Sec. 4.3 Coating Systems

4.3.1 General. The seven coating systems described in this standard are
summarized in Table 1. The primer or base coat, intermediate coat (where used),
and the finish coat shall be obtained from the same manufacturer. The purchaser
may specify a color for the finish coat for Systems 1-C, 1-D, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7.
When a coating or coating system described in this standard is referenced to
federal, military, or other referenced standards, the reference phrase "comparable
in performance to" shall mean that a proprietary coating or coating system will
provide equal service when it is subjected to the equivalent service conditions
for the same length of time as the referenced coating or coating system. The
manufacturer shall provide documentation consisting of laboratory test data or
field service data demonstrating that the proposed proprietary coating or coating
system is equivalent to the referenced standard.
4.3.2 Coating System No. I. This is a three-coat or optional four-coat
system consisting of one coat or optional two coats of rust-inhibitive, pigmented
alkyd primer, followed by an intermediate coat of alkyd coating and a finish coat
of alkyd or silicone-alkyd enamel. The following coating systems are included:

System Designation Intermediate Coat Finish Coat

1-A Aluminum Aluminum
1-B Metallic Metallic
1-C Alkyd Alkyd
1-D Alkyd Silicone Alkyd

4.3.2.1 Materials. The prime coat shall be red iron oxide, zinc oxide,
oil, and alkyd primer without lead or chromate pigments, in accordance with
performance requirements of SSPC Paint 25.
For System 1 -A, the aluminum finish coats shall be aluminum alkyd m

accordance with performance requirements of Fed. Spec. A-A-2962A.

6 AWWA C2 1 8-23

For System 1 -B, the intermediate and finish coats shall be a nonleafing
aluminum pigmented alkyd coating tinted with phthalocyanine blue or green.
For System 1-C, the intermediate and finish coats shall be gloss alkyd enamel
in accordance with the performance requirements of Fed. Spec. A-A-2962A.
For System 1-D, the intermediate coat shall be alkyd coating in accordance
with the performance requirements of Fed. Spec. A-A-2962A. The finish coat shall
be silicone-alkyd coating in accordance with Type I performance requirements of
SSPC-Paint 21.
4.3.2.2 Thickness. Minimum dry film thickness (DPT) of the coating
system shall be as follows:

Primer 2 Intermediate Finish

Primer 1 (Optional) Coat Coat Total System
System mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm)
1-A 2.0 (5 1) 1.5 (38) 1.0 (25) 1.0 (25) 4.0 to 5.5 (101- 139)
1-B 2.0 (5 1) 1.5 (38) 1.0 (25) 1.0 (25) 4.0 to 5.5 (101- 139)
1-C 2.0 (5 1) 1.5 (38) 1.5 (38) 1.5 (38) 5.0 to 6.5 (127-165)
1-D 2.0 (5 1) 1.5 (38) 1.5 (38) 1.0 (25) 4.5 to 6.0 (114-152)

NoTE: Throughout this standard, direct metric conversions (rounded) are set in parentheses next to
US Customary units and are not necessarily the same as those listed in International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) standards.

4.3.3 Coating System No. 2. This is a three-coat system consisting of a

prime coat of two-component, rust-inhibitive, pigmented, catalyzed epoxy primer
followed by an intermediate coat of catalyzed epoxy with a finish coat of a two­
component aliphatic polyurethane.
4.3.3.1 Materials. The prime and intermediate coats shall be a two­
component catalyzed epoxy comparable in performance to MIL-P-24441 applied
at a DPT described in Sec. 4.3.3.2. The intermediate coat shall be tinted one shade
different from the finish color.
The finish coat shall be two-component aliphatic polyurethane comparable in
performance to SSPC-PS 1 7.00.
4.3.3.2 Thickness. Minimum DPT of the coating system shall be as
follows:

Primer 1 Intermediate Coat Finish Coat Total System

mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm)
2.0 (5 1) 4.0 (102) 1.5 (38) 7.5 (19 1)

NoTE: Brush or roller applications may require an additional coat to attain the specified thickness.
 LIQUID COATINGS FOR ABOVEGROUND STEEL WATER PIPE AND FITIINGS 7

4.3.4 Coating System No. 3. This is a combination of an inorganic or

organic zinc/epoxy/urethane system. It consists of a shop-applied inorganic or
organic zinc-rich primer and a touch-up coat of organic zinc-rich primer or epoxy
primer applied in the field to repair coating damage. The epoxy intermediate and
aliphatic urethane finish coatings are then field applied.
4.3.4.1 Materials. The prime coat shall be an inorganic or organic zinc­
rich primer comparable in performance to SSPC-Paint 20 (Type I-Inorganic, and
Type II -Organic). The field-applied touch-up coat shall be applied as necessary
and shall be organic zinc-rich primer comparable in performance to SSPC­
Paint 20 (Type II-Organic) or an epoxy primer comparable in performance to
MIL-P-24441 that is applied at a DFT as described in Sec. 4.3.4.2.
The intermediate coat shall be a two-component epoxy coating comparable in
performance to MIL-P-24441 that is applied at a DFT as described in Sec. 4.3.4.2
and tinted one shade different from the finish color.
The finish coat shall be a two-component aliphatic polyurethane comparable
in performance to SSPC-PS 1 7.00.
4.3.4.2 Thickness. Minimum OFT of the coating system shall be as
follows:

Primer 1 Intermediate Coat Finish Coat Total System

mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm)
2.5 (64) 3.0 (76) 1.5 (38) 7.0 (178)

4.3.5 Coating System No. 4. This is a two- or three-coat system consisting

of a prime coat of a two-component, rust-inhibitive, pigmented, catalyzed epoxy
primer followed by one or two coats of a catalyzed coal-tar epoxy coating.
4.3.5.1 Materials. The prime coat shall be a two-component, catalyzed,
rust-inhibitive, pigmented epoxy comparable in performance to MIL-P-24441
that is applied at a DFT as described in Sec. 4.3.5.2. The intermediate or finish
coat shall be a catalyzed coal-tar epoxy comparable to those described in NACE
Publication TPC-12.
A colored epoxy topcoat or a colored topcoat that develops intercoat adhesion
to the coal-tar epoxy may be applied for safety, aesthetics, or longevity to an aged
and weathered coal-tar epoxy film. Some discoloration may occur because of color
bleed-through, especially for white or light-colored paints. This discoloration of
the topcoat does not indicate a failure of the coating system.
8 AWWA C2 1 8-23

4.3.5.2 Thickness. Minimum DFT of the coating system shall be as

follows:

One-Coat High-
Build Coal-Tar T wo-Coat Coal-Tar
Primer Epoxy
or Epoxy (Per Coat) Total System
mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm)
2.0 (51) 12.0 (304) 6.0 (152) 14.0 (355 )

4.3.6 Coating System No. 5. This is a two- or three-coat system consisting

of a water-reducible prime coat of a two-component, rust-inhibitive, pigmented,
catalyzed epoxy primer followed by one or two coats of a two-component, water­
reducible epoxy-polyamide coating.
4.3.6.1 Materials. The prime coat shall be a water-reducible, rust­
inhibitive, pigmented, catalyzed epoxy primer comparable in performance to MIL­
PRF-85582E that is applied at a OFT as described in Sec. 4.3.6.2.
The intermediate and finish coats shall be a water-reducible epoxy coating
comparable in performance to MIL-PRF-85582E that is applied at a OFT described
in Sec. 4.3.6.2. The first of two topcoats shall be tinted one shade different from
the finish color.
4.3.6.2 Thickness. Minimum DFT of the coating system shall be as
follows:

One-Coat T wo-Coat Epoxy

Primer High-Build Epoxy or (Per Coat) Total System
mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µm)
2.0 (51) 6.0 (152) 3.0 (76) 8.0 (203)

4.3.7 Coating System No. 6 This is a three-coat, water-reducible,

industrial-type acrylic or alkyd-modified acrylic emulsion coating system consisting
of a rust-inhibitive, pigmented, single-component, water-reducible primer followed
by two coats of a single-component, water-reducible, industrial-type acrylic or
alkyd-modified acrylic emulsion finish coat. On weathered and slightly chalked
films, the alkyd-modified acrylic emulsion coating should be specified to obtain
better adhesion between the weathered, chalked coat and the finish coat.
4.3.7.1 Materials. The prime coat shall be an industrial-type acrylic
emulsion coating containing rust-inhibitive pigments to provide performance
comparable to MIL-P-28577B. The prime coat shall be compatible with the
topcoat.
 LIQUID COATINGS FOR ABOVEGROUND STEEL WATER PIPE AND FITIINGS 9

The finish coat shall be a single-component, water-reducible, industrial-type

acrylic or alkyd-modified acrylic emulsion coating comparable in performance to
MIL-P-28578. The first of the two topcoats shall be tinted one shade different
from the finish color.
4.3.7.2 Thickness. Minimum DFT of the coating system shall be as
follows:

Primer 1 Intermediate C oat Finish Coat Total System

mil (µm) mil (µ m) mil (µm) mil (µm)
2.0 (51) 3.0 (76) 3.0 (76) 8.0 (203)

4.3.8 Coating System No. 7. This is a two-coat system consisting of a

prime/base coat of two-component, 100% solids aromatic polyurethane followed
by a finish coat of an aliphatic polyurethane.
4.3.8.1 Materials. The prime/base coat shall be a two-component 1 00%
solids polyurethane according to ANSI/AWWA C222 applied at a DFT described
in Sec. 4.3.8.2. The prime/base coat shall be tinted at least one shade different from
the finish color.
The finish coat shall be an aliphatic polyurethane comparable in performance
to SSPC-PS 1 7.00.
4.3.8.2 Thickness. Minimum DFT of the coating system shall be as
follows:

Primer/Base Finish Coat Total System

mil (µm) mil (µm) mil (µ m)
25.0 (635) 1.5 (38) 26.5 (673)

Sec. 4.4 Surface Preparation

4.4.1 Surface imperfections. Surface imperfections, such as burrs, gouges,
and weld spatter, shall be removed by filing or grinding or otherwise corrected to
prevent holidays in the applied coating.
4.4.2 Solvent cleaning. Before abrasive blast cleaning, surfaces to be coated
or lined shall be inspected and, if required, cleaned in accordance with SSPC-SP 1.
Only solvents that do not leave a residue shall be used for cleaning.
4.4.3 Methods of cleaning. Surfaces shall be cleaned using dry abrasive
blast cleaning. If a greater degree of surface preparation is recommended by the
manufacturer or is required for the coating to meet Sec. 4.3, that level of surface
preparation shall be achieved.
10 AWWA C2 1 8-23

4.4.3.1 Dry abrasive blast cleaning. When dry abrasive blast cleaning is
performed, surfaces shall achieve a minimum surface preparation in accordance with
SSPC-SP 1 O/NACE No. 2. The blast profile shall be angular, and the depth shall be
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. If no recommendation
is stated by the manufacturer, the profile shall be within the range 2.0-4.0 mils
(50-1 00 µm) measured in accordance with ASTM D4417.
4.4.3.2 Additional cleaning considerations. Cleaning shall be performed
when the metal temperature is more than 5°F (-1 5°C) above the dew point.
Grounding of the equipment may be performed to mitigate the attraction of dust
from static electricity. Preheating to remove moisture may be used.
4.4.4 Air blowojf. Contaminant-free compressed air shall be used to blow
the dust, grit, or other foreign matter from the prepared substrate of the pipe in
a manner that does not affect the cleaned surface, other cleaned pipe, or pipe to
be coated or lined. Vacuum cleaning or other methods may be used in place of
compressed air.
4.4.5 Protection from moisture and contaminants. Cleaned pipe surfaces
shall be protected from condensation, moisture, rainfall, frost, snow, and other
contaminants. Flash rust or other contaminants shall be removed in accordance
with SSPC-SP 1 or Sec 4.4.3, as applicable, before coating application.
4.4.6 Overcoating. Overcoating may be an option depending on the
condition of the existing coating system. Determine the condition of the existing
coating system and, if applicable, conduct a test patch with the candidate overcoat
system(s) in accordance with SSPC-TU 3.
4.4.6.1 When the new coating system will adhere to and is compatible
with the existing coating, the existing coated surfaces shall be cleaned in
accordance with SSPC-SP 7 /NACE No. 4, or by washing with an alkaline cleaner
as described in SSPC-SP COM, to remove all dirt, dust, chalk, and other foreign
matter. If corrosion products and/ or deteriorated coatings are present, they shall be
removed by spot cleaning in accordance with SSPC-SP 1 1 , SSPC-SP 15, or SSPC­
SP 6/NACE No. 3.
4.4.6.2 If the existing coating system is determined not to be a candidate
for overcoating when evaluated in accordance with SSPC-TU 3, or the candidate
overcoat system(s) is (are) not compatible with the existing coating system, existing
coatings shall be removed by blast cleaning in accordance with SSPC-SP 6/NACE
No. 3 or, if specified, with SSPC-SP 1 0/NACE No. 2.
 LIQUID COATINGS FOR ABOVEGROUND STEEL WATER PIPE AND FITTINGS 11

Sec. 4.5 Coating Application

4.5.1 General. The storage of coating and thinner; mlXlng; thinning;
coating contact surfaces; application of shop and field coats; and drying of coated
steel piping shall follow the requirements of SSPC-PA 1.
4.5.2 Pipe ends. Pipe sections with beveled ends or lap-joint ends to be
joined by field welding shall not be coated within 2-6 in. (51 -152 mm) of the area
to be welded. Coating material on the cutback, bevel, or band is not acceptable.
When rubber-gasketed bell-and-spigot joints or mechanical couplings are used, the
coating may extend to the ends of the pipe; but the coating thickness on the pipe
surfaces that receive the rubber sealing gaskets shall not exceed the recommended
thickness by the manufacturer of the coupling for mechanical coupled joints or
the pipe manufacturer for rubber-gasketed bell-and-spigot joints. However, the
maximum DFT shall not be less than that listed for the coating system selected.
4.5.3 Application temperature. The temperature of the mixed coatings
and of the pipe at the time of application shall not be lower than 50°F (10°C)
unless otherwise permitted by the manufacturer. In-line heaters to heat the coating,
pipe, fittings, or specials may be used to facilitate the application and curing of the
coating. The manufacturer should be consulted for specific heating information.
4.5.4 Prime coat. Coating materials shall be applied immediately after
surface preparation and before any surface rusting occurs or any dust or soil has
accumulated. Shop-applied prime coats may be applied by any method that
provides an acceptable coating. Field priming shall be performed by brushing,
rolling, or spraying.
When piping has been shop-primed, weld areas and areas on which shop
primer has been damaged shall be cleaned in the field and primed with the same
primer. The primer shall be applied to the same DFT as the shop coat. W hen
an inorganic zinc-rich primer has been used as the shop primer, another system­
compatible primer may be applied in the field to the damaged areas.
4.5.5 Intermediate and finish coats. Surfaces shall be spray coated using a
method recommended by the coating manufacturer, such as conventional or airless
spray. Brushing may be used if recommended by the manufacturer.
4.5.6 Application ofcoating system. The coating system shall be applied as
recommended by the manufacturer. If more than one coat is applied, the second coat
shall be applied within time limits recommended by the manufacturer to prevent
delamination between coats. If the recommended period between coats is exceeded,
a recommended repair procedure shall be obtained from the manufacturer.
12 AWWA C2 1 8-23

4.5.7 Cure. After the coating system is applied, it shall be cured m

accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

4.5.8 Inspection. Coated pipe shall be inspected m accordance with
Sec. 5.5.

Sec. 4.6 Coating Fittings and Appurtenances

4.6.1 General. This section describes the application of coatings to
mechanical couplings, flanges, and similar appurtenances for steel pipe fittings and
appurtenances used in conjunction with connections and attachments.
4.6.2 Surface preparation. Surfaces of pipe fittings and appurtenances to
be coated shall be prepared in accordance with Sec. 4.4. Abrasive blasting of bolts
shall only be performed if requested by the purchaser.
4.6.3 Coating application. Coatings shall be applied in accordance with
Sec. 4.5.
4.6.4 Application to threaded connections. Before shipping, threaded
connections and appurtenances that must be assembled and operated in the field
shall be left uncoated and shipped with rust-preventing compounds or strippable
protective coatings applied to the threads only. After final field assembly, the
compound shall be completely removed. The exposed threads shall be coated as
provided in Sec. 4.5. Flange faces and similar mating surfaces of other mechanical
connections shall also be coated with a rust-preventing coating.
4.6.5 Cure. After the coating is applied, it shall be cured in accordance
with the manufacturer's recommendations.
4.6.6 Inspection. Fittings and appurtenances shall be inspected m

accordance with Sec. 5.5.

Sec. 4.7 Coating Repair

4.7.1 Defects. Coating reqmnng repair due to noncompliance with
Sec. 5.5 shall be repaired in accordance with the following subsections.
4.7.1.1 Surfaces requiring coating repairs shall be cleaned to remove dirt,
scale, and damaged coating using surface grinders or other means approved by the
purchaser. The adjacent coating shall be feathered by sanding or tool-cleaned in
accordance with SSPC-SP 2 or SSPC-SP 3. Accumulated dust shall be removed by
wiping with clean rags.
4.7.1.2 The coating system shall be applied to the prepared repair areas
in accordance with the procedures described in Sec. 4.5.2 and Sec. 4.5.4 through
Sec. 4.5.8.
 LIQUID COATINGS FOR ABOVEGROUND STEEL WATER PIPE AND FITTINGS 13

4. 7.1 .3 Repair inspection. Repairs shall be inspected in accordance with

Sec. 5.5.

Sec. 4.8 Field Joints-Welded

4.8.1 Preparation. On exterior pipe surfaces, the welded joint shall be
cleaned of mud, oil, grease, welding flux, weld spatter, and other contaminants.
The cleaned metal surfaces of the weld joint shall be abrasive blasted in accordance
with SSPC-SP 1O/NACE No. 2 or power-tool cleaned in accordance with SSPC­
SP 11. The adjacent coating shall be feathered by sanding to clean and roughen the
coating surface for a minimum distance of 1 in. (25 mm).
4.8.2 Coating application. The coating system shall be applied to the
weld joint in accordance with Sec. 4.5.2 and Sec. 4.5.4 through Sec. 4.5.8.

Sec. 4.9 Field Procedures

4.9.1 General. The methods and practices found in AWWA C604 shall
be followed for the handling, shipping, storage, and installation of pipe coated
with these materials.
4.9.2 Special requirements. During construction, every precaution shall
be used to prevent damage to the protective coating on the pipe. No metal tools
or heavy objects shall be permitted to come into contact with the finished coating.
Workers shall not be permitted to walk on the coating except when absolutely
necessary, in which case they shall wear shoes with rubber or composition soles
and heels or other suitable footwear that will not damage the coating. Damage to
the pipe or the protective coating during installation and before final acceptance
shall be repaired or replaced. Coating damage shall be repaired in accordance with
Sec. 4.7.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION

Sec. 5 . 1 Coating Materials Prequalification

Prequalification of the coating materials shall be the manufacturer's certified
test reports or one of the following as specified by the purchaser: (1 ) the testing
of samples of the coating materials submitted by the constructor with testing
conducted at an independent, accredited laboratory or (2) acceptance on another
specified basis.
14 AWWA C2 1 8-23

Sec. 5.2 Requirements of Coating System

5.2. 1 Preparation of test panels. Hot- or cold-rolled 4-in. x 6-in. x Vs-in.
(100-mm x 150-mm x 3.2-mm) steel panels shall be prepared by blast cleaning one
side in accordance with Sec. 4.4.3. 1 . The coating shall be applied with or without
primer, depending on the coating system, and at the thickness and by the method
recommended by the manufacturer. The coating shall be cured according to the
manufacturer's recommendations before conducting the materials tests.
5.2.2 Impact resistance. Three steel panels shall be prepared, coated, and
cured as described in Sec. 5.2.1. Intrusion (direct impact) or extrusion (reverse
impact) tests shall be performed in accordance with ASTM 02794. Test results
shall not be less than the minimum value established by the manufacturer.

Sec. 5.3 Quality Assurance and Records

The constructor shall use a quality assurance program or system to ensure that
the quality controls in this section are followed. Completed records of inspection
work shall be made available at the purchaser's request.

Sec. 5.4 Inspection and Testing by the Purchaser

5.4. 1 Overall inspection. The entire procedure of applying the coating
materials as described in this standard may be inspected by the purchaser from
surface preparation to completion of coating. Such inspection shall not relieve the
constructor of responsibility to provide materials and perform work in accordance
with this standard.
5 .4.2 Access for purchaser. The purchaser shall have access to all areas used
to perform the work according to the provisions of this standard.
5.4.3 Facilities for purchaser. In accordance with conditions agreed to by
the purchaser and the constructor, the purchaser shall be provided with facilities
and space for inspection, testing, and information-gathering purposes.

Sec. 5.5 Quality Control Requirements of Applied Coating System

5.5.1 Coating appearance. All coated pipe shall be visually inspected. The
coating shall be generally smooth and free of sharp protrusions. The coating system
shall not contain visible bare steel, exposed underlying coating layers, scabs, slivers,
blisters, cracks, surface bubbles, through thickness pinholes, or holidays. There
shall be no wet or sticky areas in the coating system.
5.5.2 Dry film thickness. W hen measured according to SSPC-PA 2, the
total OFT of the coating system shall not be less than the minimum specified in
 LIQUID COATINGS FOR ABOVEGROUND STEEL WATER PIPE AND FITTINGS 15

Sec. 4.3. The maximum DFT shall not exceed the manufacturer's recommendations
according to SSPC-PA 2, Level 2.
5. 5.3 Electrical continuity testing. If holiday testing is specified, then
inspection shall be performed in accordance with NACE SPO 1 88 or NACE
SP0274 in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
5 . 5.4 Adhesion. If adhesion testing is required by the purchaser, adhesion
tests shall be performed only after the coating system has cured in accordance with
the manufacturer's recommendations. The manufacturer should be consulted for a
curing schedule.
5. 5.4. 1 Adhesion test procedure. The adhesion or bond of the coating
to the steel and the intercoat adhesion of the several coats after curing shall be
determined in accordance with ASTM D6677. Consult the coating manufacturer
when testing in accordance with ASTM D6677 for the appropriate adhesion
rating. Alternatively, the testing for adhesion of the coating to the test panel
can be performed in the laboratory in accordance with ASTM D4541 . This test
may also be performed in the field under the conditions specified in the ASTM
D4541 test procedure. Minimum adhesion requirements may vary depending on
the type of coating system being tested. Consult the coating manufacturer when
testing in accordance with ASTM D454 1 for minimum adhesion requirements.
ASTM D4541 may not be suitable for testing to determine the adhesion of alkyds
or their systems because the adhesive used in the test could damage the coating.

Sec. 5.6 Rejection

5.6. 1 Surface preparation. The purchaser may reject any pipe or fitting if
the surface condition does not comply with the requirements of Sec. 4.4. Pipe or
fittings rejected due to inadequate cleaning shall be recleaned.
5.6.2 Coating materials. If any sample of coating material does not
comply with this standard, then the coating materials represented by the sample
shall be rejected.
5.6.3 Coating work. The coating work shall be performed by applicators
trained in the application of the coating process. If, at any time, it is determined that
the procedure of applying the coating material is not according to this standard,
the coating shall be rejected on the affected pipe and fittings.
5.6.4 Coated pipe and fittings. Coated pipe or fittings not meeting the
minimum requirements of this standard shall be repaired or rejected.
16 AWWA C2 1 8-23

SECTION 6: DE LIVERY

Sec. 6. 1 Marking
Containers shall be plainly marked with the name of the manufacturer, type
of material, batch or lot number, date of manufacture, storage conditions, shelf life
and/or expiration date, and information as required by federal, state, or provincial
laws.

Sec. 6.2 Packaging and Shipping

6.2. 1 Packaging. Materials purchased or used according to this standard
shall be packaged in containers that ensure acceptance and safe delivery to their
destination.
6.2.2 Shipping, handling, and storage. Materials shall be shipped, handled,
and stored as recommended by the coating manufacturer and as required by current
applicable federal, state or provincial, and local regulations. The materials shall be
protected from the elements, and the temperature ranges in the storage area shall
be maintained within the limits recommended by the manufacturer.

Sec. 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance

6.3. 1 Materials affidavit. The purchaser may require an affidavit from
the coating manufacturer or supplier that the materials furnished comply with all
applicable requirements of this standard.
6.3.2 Workmanship affidavit. The purchaser may require an affidavit from
the applicator that the work furnished complies with all applicable requirements of
this standard.
 AP PEN DIX A
Selection and Use of Coating Systems

This appendix is for information only and is not a part ofANSIIAWWA C218.

SECTION A. 1: GENERAL

Several generic types of coating systems are included in this

appendix because it has been determined that no single type is best
for all conditions of exposure. Thus, the coating systems covered are
not necessarily equivalent in terms of expected service life, which
depends on site-specific conditions of external atmospheric exposure,
internal water chemistry, and temperature variations. Neither are they
equivalent in terms of initial cost. As an aid in selecting coating systems
for a particular site, it is recommended that the purchaser establish
the site-specific conditions of exposure and then conduct an economic
evaluation of the several coating systems using life-cycle cost analysis
techniques.
Because it is impractical for an occasional purchaser of coatings to
make sufficient laboratory tests to determine whether all of the coating
constituents are in accordance with the standard, it is recommended
that the coatings be purchased from a manufacturer whose products
have the proven performance for the intended service through in-place
use or satisfactory evidence of laboratory-tested equivalency.
Some primers, notably those containing certain epoxy vehicles,
dry hard and glossy. When these primers are shop-applied, surface
preparation of the prime coat to accept the first field-applied coat should
be in accordance with the coating manufacturer's recommendations,
which may include scarification of the surface (brush-off blast). These
primers are suitable for field application, provided that the second
coat is applied as soon as the primer is sufficiently dry or cured in
accordance with the coating manufacturer's recommendation. The
coating manufacturer's recommendations for surface preparation of the
prime coat should be followed.

17
 For a definition of atmospheric/environmental conditions of
service, refer to Sec. 5, Table 1 and Table 3 of Chapter 1 of the SSP C
Steel Structures Painting Manual, Vol. 2, Systems and Specifications.

SECTION A.2 : COATING SYSTEMS

Coating System No. 1 may blister or fail prematurely when

applied to water pipe exteriors that are subject to frequent condensation
("sweating") as a result of cold substrate temperatures (e.g., pipe
containing cold water) and located in areas of high humidity. Other
coating systems provide superior performance when this condition is
encountered.

Sec. A.2 . 1 Coating System No. 1

This system is a relatively low-cost three-coat or optional four­
coat alkyd system that provides reasonable and durable protection in
mild environments. The four-coat system includes a second coat of
primer and upgrades corrosion protection and service life. System 1 -D
uses a silicone alkyd finish coat that provides improved color and gloss
retention when compared to nonsilicone alkyd enamels. For optimal
color and gloss retention, it should be specified that the silicone content
be a minimum of 30 percent by weight of the total resin solids.

Sec. A.2.2 Coating System No. 2

This system consists of two-component epoxy primer and
intermediate coats of a two-component aliphatic polyurethane finish
coat. This system provides very good corrosion resistance and very
good color and gloss retention. It is also highly abrasion resistant to
windblown debris. The polyurethane finish is generally graffiti resistant
in that selected solvents or commercial cleaners can usually be used
to remove graffiti from the surface without damaging the completely
cured urethane finish coat.

Sec. A.2.3 Coating System No. 3

This system is a three-coat system comprised of an organic or
inorganic zinc-rich primer, a two-component epoxy intermediate coat,
and an aliphatic polyurethane finish coat. This system is comparable
to Coating System No. 2, but longer-term corrosion protection can be

18
 expected because of the galvanic (sacrificial) protection provided by the
zinc-rich primer.

Sec. A.2.4 Coating System No. 4

This system is a two- or three-coat system consisting of a two­
component epoxy primer followed by one or two coats of a catalyzed
coal-tar epoxy. At a minimum, total dry film thickness is 14.0 mil (35 5
µm). This system provides very good "barrier" type corrosion protection
of the steel substrate. This system is not aesthetically pleasing, however,
and will readily chalk when exposed to sunlight.

Sec. A.2.5 Coating System No. 5

This system is a two- or three-coat system consisting of a water­
reducible, two-component, rust-inhibitive epoxy primer followed by
one or two coats of two-component, water-reducible epoxy-polyamide
coating. This system will provide reasonable protection in mild
environments. When the exterior is exposed, color and gloss retention
properties of this system are poor because epoxies chalk readily when
exposed to sunlight.

Sec. A.2.6 Coating System No. 6

This system is a three-coat, water-reducible, industrial-type acrylic
or alkyd-modified acrylic emulsion coating system of a rust-inhibitive­
type, pigmented, single-component, water-reducible primer followed
by two coats of a single-component, water-reducible, industrial-type
acrylic or alkyd-modified acrylic emulsion finish coat. This system
will provide reasonable protection in mild environments and exhibit
good color and gloss retention properties if the acrylic emulsion is the
specified finish coat.

Sec. A.2.7 Coating System No. 7

This is a two-coat system consisting of a prime/base coat of two­
component, 1 00% solids aromatic polyurethane followed by a finish
coat of an aliphatic polyurethane. This system will provide very good
protection in mild environments and exhibit good color and gloss
retention properties.

19
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