SSPC-PA

April 2000
Editorial Revisions November 2004
1

1,
1,

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

PAINT APPLICATION SPECIFICATION NO. 1
Shop, Field, and Maintenance Painting of Steel
1. Scope 7.5 Air Atomizing Spray Application
7.6 Airless Spray Application
I .1 This specification covers procedures for the 7.7 Air-Assisted Airleés Application
painting of steel surfacesi The scope of this specification 7.8 Hot Air Spray Application
is rather broad, covering both specific as well as general
7.9 Hot Airless Spray Application
requirements for the application of paint. This
specification does not provide detailed descriptions of 7.10 Plural Component Spray
surface preparation, pretreatments, or selection of Application
primers and finish coats, This specification does 7,11 High Volume Low-Pressure
7.4 Spray Application (General) Spray
of the major sections of this specification, 6.3 Humidity
6.4 Cover
I. Scope
2.Description 6.5 Defects
6.6 Striping
3.Reference Standards
6.7 Continuity
4.Definitions
5.Pre-Application Procedures 6.8 Thickness

provide detailed coverage of the procedures and methods 8. Shop Coating for application after the selection of the
coating materials has 8.1 Applicability been made. 8.2 Number of Coats and Type of Coating
8.3 Damage to Shop Coating
2. Description 8.4 Contact Surfaces
8.5 Requirements for Welding
8.6 Rust Preventive Compounds
2.1 This specification for shop, field, and maintenance 8.7 Erection Marks painting is
intended to be used for steel which, because of its 9. Field Coating exposure condition , will
be subjected to corrosive attack, either
9.1 Applicability from the weather or
from the service environment, and where a high quality of cleaning and painting is essential. It is
notSurface PreparationCoated Surfaces
9.3 Touch-up of Shop contemplated that the requirements of this
specification are
9.4 Field Coating Procedures necessary for the
cleaning and painting of steel which will not
10. Repair of Damaged Intact Coatings be
subjected to corrosive attack. The following is a summary
10.1 Applicability
5.1 Materials Handling and Use 6.9 Recoating
5.2 Surface Preparation 6, 10 Tinting
5.3 Pretreatments 6.11 Intercoat Adhesion
5.4 Coating Materials Preparation 6.12 Contact Surfaces
6.Factors Affecting the Application 6.13 Induction Time and Pot Life
of Coatings 7.Application Methods
6.1 Temperature
7.1 General
6.2 Moisture 7.2 Brush Application
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SSPC-PA
April 1, 2000
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
7.3 Roller Application Solvent Cleaning (not referenced
10.2 Surface Preparation for
SPI
Recoating in body of spec)
10,3 Incompatibility 3.4 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING
10.4 Work to be Performed
AND MATE. RIALS (ASTM) STANDARDS:
Il. Application Procedures for
D 16 Standard Terminology for Paint,
Generic Groups of
Related
Coatings
Coatings, Materials, and
11.1 General Applications
112 Drying Oil Curing Coatings D 4285 Method for Indicating Oil or Water in
11.3 Vinyls and Chlorinated Compressed Air
Rubber Coatings il .4
Bituminous Coatings 3.7 NACE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD:
11.5 Epoxy and Coal Tar Epoxy * RP0178 Fabrication Details, Surface
Coatings Finishing Re-quirements, and
11.6 Zinc-Rich Coatings Proper Design
11.7 Urethane Coatings Considerations for
Il .8 Waterborne Thermoplastic Tanks and Vessels to
Coatings
be Lined for
12. Curing and Handling of Coatings
Immersion Service
12,1 Drying of Coatings
12.2 Handling of Coated Steel 4. Definitions
13. Inspection 4.1 SHOP, FIELD AND MAINTENANCE
14. Safety and Environmental COATING: The application of coatings to steel
Concerns surfaces whether in the shop
15. Disclaimer
16. Notes
or in the field.
Appendix A - Additional Reference
Materials
4.2 PAINT: In the general sense, paint includes
primers, enamels, varnishes, emulsions, catalyzed
3. Referenced Standards coatings, bituminous coatings, and otherorganic
coatings. Inorganic coatings which
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or
amendment of the referenced standards
are also applied as liquid films are included in this
in effect on the date of invitation to bid
definition. This definition is compatible with most
shall govern unless otherwise specified.
commonly used industry

glossaries.

4.3 SHOP COATING: The surface preparation

3.2 If there is a conflict between the and coating of steel surfaces inside a shop or plant
requirements of any before shipment to the site of erection.
of the cited reference standards and this
specification, the requirements of this 4.4 FIELD COATING: The on-site coating of new
specification shall prevail. or previously coated steel structures before or after
erection.
3.3 SSPC: THE SOCIETY FOR 4.5 MAINTENANCE COATING: The coating of
PROTECTIVE COATINGS steel structures in service that have been
STANDARDS: previously coated and require touch-up or
recoating.
PA 2 MeasurementofDryCoatingThickness
With Magnetic Gages 4.6 MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS AND
PA Guide 3 A Guide to Safety in Paint REC. OMMENDATIONS: These (or similar terms)
Application are used to refer to an equipment supplier's or
coating manufacturer's latest published orwritten
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Editorial Revisions November 2004
instructions and recommendations. shall verify its quality and then certify its use for a
Verbal recommendations or instructions given period of time.
from an equipment or coating
manufacturer are not acceptable unless 5.1.6 Coatings shall be stored in original
backed up in writing by the unopened containers in weathertight spaces
manufacturer's technical staff. where the temperature is maintained between 40
O
F and 100 O F (4 oc and 38 oc) unless otherwise
5. Pre-Application recommended in writing by the manufacturer.
Procedures The coating temperature shall be brought to the
manufacturer's written recommended
See Section Il for procedures unique application temperature before use. (See Note
to specific generic coatings. i6i1 for more information on coating storage,)

5.2 SURFACE PREPARATION

5.1 MATERIALS HANDLING AND
USE 5.2. I The surface shall be cleaned as specified
in the procurement documents. In no event shall
5.1.1 All coating shall be delivered to the surface prepara-
the shop or jobsite in originali unopened
containers with labels intact. Minor dam tion be less than the paint manufacturer's
age to containers is acceptable provided recommendations for the intended service
the container has not been punctured or environment.
the lid seal broken.
5.2.2 The surface to be coated shall have the
5.1.2 Each container of coating shall specified surface preparation at the time of
be clearly marked or labelled to show application of the coating. If the surface is
coating identification, date of degraded or contaminated subsequent to surface
manufacture, batch numbe r, and other preparation and prior to coating, the surface shall
information as needed to meet regulatory be restored to the specified condition before
requirements. Each type of coating shall coating application (see Note 16.2).
be accompanied by the manufacturer's
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and 5.2.3 In order to control the degradation or
product data sheet containing contamination of cleaned surface* the
information such as basic chemical pretreatments. or, in the absence of a
composition, weather conditions pretreatment, the prime coat shall be applied as
acceptable for application, and proper soon as possible after the surface has been
storing and mixing. cleaned and before degradation or contamination
has occurred. Succeeding coats shall be applied
5,1.3 All containers of coating shall before contamination of any existing coating
remain unopened until required for use. occurs.
No more containers of coating shall be
opened than will be applied that day. The 5.2.4 Previously applied coating shall be
label information shall be legible and roughened prior to coating whenever necessary
shall be checked at the time of use. for the development of proper intercoat adhesion
(see Section 6.11).
5.1*4 Coating which has livered,
gelled, or otherwise deteriorated during 5.2.5 Cleaning and coating shall be scheduled
storage shall not be used; however, to minimize the amount of dust and other
thixotropic materials which can be stirred contaminants that may fall on newly applied wet
to attain normal consistency may be coating films. Surfaces not intended to be coated
used. shall be suitably protected from the effects of
cleaning and coating operations.

5.1.5 The oldest coating of each kind 5.3 PRETREATMENTS

that is in acceptable condition shall be
used first. In every case, coating is to be 5.3.1 When specified, the surface shall be
used before its shelf life has expired. pretreated prior to application of the prime coat
Before using a coating which has of coating
exceeded its shelf life, the manufacturer

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April 1, 2000
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
5-3.2. The provisions of Sections 5.1 5.4.2.2 Power Mlxlng: This will usually
and 5.2 shall also apply to pretreated give better mixing in a much shorter time
surfaces and the materials used for this
purpose.
than mixing by hand.
5.4.3 All pigmented coating shall be strained
5.3.3 When chemical pretreatments after mixing exce pt where application equipment
are used, sufficient time shall elapse is provided with strainers. Strainers shall be of a
between pretreatment and application of size to remove only skins and undesirable matter
the prime coat to permit any chemical but not to remove the pigment.
action to be completed and the surface to
dry, Two-component pretreatments shall 5,4.4 Where a skin has formed in the
be ape plied within the specified interval container, the skin shall be cut loose from the sides
after mixing. When proprietary of the container, removed and discarded. If the
pretreatments are used, the instructions volume of such skins is visually estimated to be
of the manufacturer shall be followed, more than 2% of the remaining coating, the coating
shall not be used.
5.3.4 Inhibitive water washes used to
prevent rusting of cleaned surfaces prior to 5.4.5 Mixing of solvent-containing coatings in
coating shall not be considered pre open containers shall be done in a well ventilated
treatments. These may be used only if they area away from sparks or flames.
do not adversely affect the long term
performance of the coating and are 5.4.6 Coating shall not be mixed or kept in
specifically authorized. Test patches may suspension by means of an air stream bubbling
be used to check adhesion of the coating under the coating surface,
prior to coating the entire surface,
5.4.7 Dry pigments which are separately
5.4 COATING MATERIALS packaged shall be mixed into coatings in such a
PREPARATION manner that they are uniformly blended and all
particles of the dry powder are wetted by the
5.4. I Single component coatings shall be vehicle.
thoroughly mixed to obtain a uniform
composition. For multiple component coatings, 5.4.8 Pastes shall be made intocoatingsin such
each component shall be thoroughly mixed a manner that the paste shall be uniformly blended
before combining and further mixing. In all and all lumps and particles broken up to form a
cases, the manufacturer's written instructions homogenous coating.
for mixing shall be followed, and the products
shall be checked for complete uniformity. 5.4.9 Coating which does not have a limited
pot life or does not deteriorate on standing may be
5.4.2 The following are acceptable mixed at any time before using, but if settling or
methods for mixing most coatings: phase separation has occurred it must be remixed
1 immediately before using.
1, 5.4.10 Coating shall not remain in spray pots,
1, painters' buckets, etc., overnight, but shall be
stored in a covered container and remixed before
5.4.2.1 Manual (Hand) Mixing: Most use.
of the vehicle shall be poured off into a
clean container. The pigment in the coating 5,4.11 Catalysts, curing agents, or hardeners
shall be lifted from the bottom of the which are separately packaged shall be added to
container with a broad, flat paddle, lumps the base coating only after the latter has been
shall be broken up, and the pigment thoroughly mixed. The proper volume of the
thoroughly mixed with the remaining catalyst shall then be slowly poured into the
vehicle. The poured off vehicle shall be required volume of base with constant agitation.
returned to the coating with simultaneous Mixing of complete kits is preferred to avoid mixing
stirring, or boxed until the composition is incorrect ratios of
uniform. "Boxing" is the process of mixing
coating by pouring from one container to
another. The maximum container size for
"boxing" shall be five gallons.

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components. Do not pour off the liquid which has separated 6.3 HUMIDITY: Because curing of coatings may be
from the pigment and then add the catalyst to the settled adversely affected by humidities that are too low or too
pigment to aid mixing. The mixture shall be used within the high, no coating shall be applied unless the manufacturer's
pot life specified by the manufacturer. For example, more written requirements for humidity are met.
than 20 minutes and less than eight hours after mixing are
the pot life limits for some chemically cured coatings (see 6.311 Some coatings (e.g., some inorganic zinc and
Section 6.13). Therefore only enough coating should be polyurethane coatings) cure by chemically reacting with
catalyzed for prompt use. Most mixed. catalyzed coatings water, and so require a minimum humidity for complete
cannot be stored, and unused portions of these shall be curing.
placed in proper storage containers for later appropriate
disposal. When specified, special continuous mixing 6.312 High humidities may cause moisture to condense
equipment shall be used according to the manufacturer's on or react with uncured coating films to cause blushing or
directions. other adverse effects.

5.4.12 Thinning of the coating shall be done only when 6.4 COVER: When coating must be applied in damp or
necessary for proper application and when it will not result in cold weather, the steel must be coated when the surrounding
violation of air pollution control regulations. Coatings to be air and the steel are heated to a satisfactory temperature. In
applied by brush will usually require no thinning. Coatings to all such cases, the temperature and moisture conditions of
be sprayed, if not specifically formulated for spraying , may Sections 6.1 and 62 must be met. Where cover is required to
require thinning when proper adjustment of the spray achieve these conditions, the steel shall remain under cover
equipment and air pressure does not result in satisfactory or be protected until dry or weather conditions permit its
coating application. In no case shall more thinner be added exposure.
than that recommended by the manufacturer's written
instructions. 6.5 DEFECTS: Defects in films that are not permitted by
the contract specification shall be corrected in a manner
5.4.13 The type of thinner shall comply with the satisfactory to the owner.
manufacturer's instructions.
6.6 STRIPING: If stripe coating is specified in the
5.4.14 When the use of thinner is permissible, thinner procurement documents, all corners, crevices, rivets, bolts,
shall be added slowly to coating during the mixing process. All welds, and sharp edges shall be stripe coated with the
thinning shall be done under supervision of a knowledge able priming coating before the steel receives its first full prime
person acquainted with the correct amount and type of coat of coating. Such striping shall extend a minimum of one
thinner to be added to the coating and familiar with pertinent inch (2 cm) from the edge. The stripe coat shall set to touch
regulations relating to solvent emissions, Thinner should be at before the full prime coat is applied. However, the stripe coat
the same temperature as the coating material. At very low shall not be permitted to dry for a period long enough to
temperatures, thinners can shock sensitive coating materials, allow rusting of the unprimed steel. Alternatively, the stripe
resulting in gelling, coat may be applied after a complete prime coat.
Stripe coating of edges, corners, rivets, welds, etc., is
advantageous jn preventing breakdown of coating on such
6. Factors Affecting Application of edges in very corrosive surroundings. Striping is an expensive
Coatings operation and may only be justified when it is believed the
cost will be compensated for by extra life. To prevent removal
See Section 11 for factors unique to specific generic of the stripe coat of coating by later application of the prime
coatings. coat, the striped coating should be allowed to at least set to
touch before application of the full prime coat; a longer
6.1 TEMPERATURE: The application of a coating system drying period is advantageous, however, Where it is felt that a
shall occur only when the ai rand substrate temperature is long drying period of stripe is necessary, but the precoated
within the range indicated by the manufacturer's written steel will deteriorate in the interval, the full prime coat of
instructions for both application and curing and can be coating may be applied, allowed to dry, and the stripe coating
expected to remain in that range. Special coating materials then applied. Tinting of the striping coating is advisable to
are available that would allow for application below 60 0F promote contrast (see Section 6.10). Stripe coating is most
with or without further adjustment. (See Note 16.3.) effective on edges that are rounded by grinding.

6.2 MOISTURE: Coating shall not be applied in rain, 6.7 CONTINUITY: To the maximum extent practicali each
wind, snow, fog, or mist, or when the steel surface coat shall be applied as a visually continuous film of uniform
temperature is less than 5 O F (3 oc) above the dew point. thickness free of pores. All thin spots or areas missed in the
Coating shall not be applied to wet or damp surfaces unless application shall be recoated and permitted to dry before
the coating is formulated and certified by the manufacturer the next coat of coating is applied.
for this type of application. Coating shall not be applied on 6.8 THICKNESS: Unless otherwise specified in the
frosted or ice-coated surfaces (see Note 16.4). procurement documents, all dry film thickness

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April 1, 2000
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004
determinations shall be performed as specified in PA 2, 6.12 CONTACT SURFACES: Unless otherwise required by
Measurement of Dry Coating Thickness with Magnetic Gages, the contract specification, the following practice shall be
Coating thickness is usually specified (or implied) as a followed regarding coating of contact surfaces.
minimum. Greaterthickness that does not detrimentally affect
the appearance or service life of the coating is permitted 6.12.1 Steel to be embedded, encased or completely
unless otherwise specified. enclosed in brick or masonry shall be given at least one coat
of coating that is compatible with masonry materials.
6,8.1 If not otherwise specified, each prime coat shall
be within a thickness range of 1.5 mils (38 micrometers) to 6.12.2 The areas to be in contact with wood shall receive
2.5 mils (64 micrometers) when dry. Each intermediate and the full specified coating system before assembly,
finish coat shall be within a thickness range of 1.0 mils (25
micrometers) to 2.0 mils (51 micrometers), As indicated in 6.12.3 Surfaces to be in contact only afterfield erection
Section Il vinyls, lacquers, emulsions, high-build coatings, shall receive the full-specified coating system before
and bituminous coatings usually deviate from these assembly.
thicknesses,
6.12.4 Steel surfaces not in direct bonded contact, but
6.8.2 In the event the required minimum thickness is not inaccessible after assembly, shall receive the full-specified
achieved as specified, additional coats shall be applied in coating system before assembly,
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions until the
required thickness is obtained. The inorganic zinc-rich 6.12.5 Contact surfaces of members to be joined by high
coatings shall not be corrected in this manner unless the strength bonds in a friction connection are a special case.
manufacturer's instructions specifically permit this practice. Unless specifically authorized to the contrary, they shall be
left uncoated and free of oil, grease, and coatings. However,
6.9 RECOATING: Each coating layer shall be in a proper faying surfaces of friction connection may be coated with
state of cure or dryness before the application of the approved coatings which do not release the coefficient of
succeeding coat so that it is not adversely affected by friction between contact surfaces, in accordance with the
topcoating. Consult the coating manufacturer for the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the
appropriate time interval before recoating. Research Council on Structural Connections (RCSC).

6.10 TINTING: When successive coats of coating of the 6.13 INDUCTION TIME AND POT LIFE: The induction time
same color have been specified, alternate coats of coating (sometimes called "sweat-in time") and pot life requirements
shall be tinted, when practical, to produce enough contrast to of the manufacturer shall be meti
indicate complete coverage of the surface. Tinting shall be
performed in such a manner that it will not be necessary to
tint the final coat. Field tinting shall be done only with
7. Application Methods
coatings of the same type from the same manufacturer. See Section 11 for application methods unique to specific
When the coating is the color of the steel, the first coat to be generic coatings.
applied shall be tinted. The tinting material shall be
compatible with the coating and not detrimental to its service
life. It is suggested that the coating be tinted by the
7.1 GENERAL
manufacturer and appropriately labeled. Single component
7.1.1 The following methods of application are covered
coatings to be blended for tinting shall be thoroughly mixed
by this specification: brush, roller, air spray, airless spray,
separately before combining and further mixing. For multiple-
plural component spray, hot spray, or any combination of
components, it is necessary to blend similar components of
these methods. Daubers or natural or synthetic wool mitts or
the two different colors together before combining and
other applicators may be used for places of difficult access
mixing these blends.
when no other method is practical. Whichever application
method is used, the dry film thickness of each coat shall meet
6.11 INTERCOAT ADHESION: When applying multiple the requirement of the specification or the manufacturer's
coats of two component thermosetting systems, topcoats recommendation, whichever has precedence, as agreed upon
shall be applied within the recoat window specified by the by owner and contractor. Also see Note 16.5.
manufacturer of the undercoat in order to obtain good
intercoat adhesion. If, for any reason, this time period is
7. I .2 The fol lowing methods of application are not
exceeded, the undercoat surface shall be specially treated as
covered by this specification: dipping, flow coating,
recommended by its manufacturer before topcoating, Such
electrostatic spray, and fluidized bed. If application by one of
treatments include mild abrasion, solvent treatment, and use
these methods is specified, it shall be done in accordance
of a fog coat.
with the procurement documents or, if none are present,
i with the manufacturer's recommendations,
li 1,
7.2 BRUSH APPLICATION: Brush application of coating
shall be in accordance with the following:
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7.2.1 Brushes shall be of a style and quality that 7.4.3 Spray equipment shall be kept sufficiently clean so
will enable proper application of coating. Round or oval that dirt, dried coating, and other foreign materials are not
brushes are generally considered most suitable for rivets, deposited in the coating film, Any solvents left in the equipm
bolts, irregular surfaces, and rough or pitted steel. Wide, flat ent shall be completely removed before using.
brushes are suitable for large flat areas, but they should not
have a width over five inches. 7.4.4 Coating shall be applied in a
uniform layer with overlapping at the edges of
7.2.2 The brushing shall be done so that a the spray pattern. During application, the gun
smooth coat as uniform in thickness as possible is obtained. shall be held perpendicular to the surface and at
a distance which will ensure that a wet layer of
7.2.3 Coating shall be worked into all crevices coating is deposited on the surface. The trigger of
and corners. the gun should be released at the end of each
stroke.
7.2.4 All runs or sags shall be brushed out
(see 7.3.4). 7.4.5 All runs and sags shall be
brushed out immediately, and if not, the coating
7.2.5 An attempt shall be made to minimize shall be removed and the surface repainted. The
brush marks and other surface irregularities. wet film may be removed or allowed to dry and
removed by sanding after curing,
7.3 ROLLER APPLICATION: Roller application shall be in
accordance with the following: 7.4.6 Cracks, crevices, blind areas
of all rivets and bolts, and all other
7.3.1 Rolling shall be done so that a smooth inaccessible areas shall be coated by brush
coat as uniform in thickness as possible is achieved.
or daubers.
7.3.2 Roller covers shall be selected which do
not shed fibers into the paint. Their nap should be 7.47 Particular care shall be observed with respect to
appropriate for the particular surface roughness. type of thinner, amount of thinner, coating temperature, and
operating techniques in order to avoid deposition of coating
7.3.3 Roller application may be used on flat or slightly which is too viscous, too dry, or too thin, It may be necessary
curved surfaces and shall be in accordance with the recom• to use an approved different coating material or other equip.
mendations of the coating manufacturer and rolle r ment to resolve these problems.
manufacturer. Coating rollers shall be of a style and quality
that will enable proper application of coating having the 7.4.8 Coatings formulated for application to hot surfaces
continuity and thickness required in Sections 6.7 and 6.8, may not be suitable for application to surfaces below the
designed temperature. Conversely, coatings formulated for
7.3.4 Roller application shall not be used on irregular application at ambient or low temperatures may not be
surfaces such as rivets, boltsj crevicesj welds, corners, or suitable for application to hot surfaces. Thus, coatings shall
edges, unless otherwise specified. When permitted, however, not be applied outside the manufacturer's recommended
the coating applied by roller on these irregular surfaces shall temperature range without the written approval of the
be subsequently brushed out to form a continuous and manufacturer and the owner.
unbroken film (see Note 16.6).
7.5 AIR ATOMIZING SPRAY APPLICATION: Compressed
7.4 SPRAY APPLICATION (GENERAL): All spray ape air atomizing spray application of coating shall be in
plication of coating, whether air spray, airless spray, accordance with all the provisions of Section 7.4 and in
pluralcomponent spray, hot air spray or hot airless spray, shall addition shall comply with the following:
be in accordance with the following:
7.5.1 The air caps, nozzles, and needles shall be
7.4.1 The equipment used shall be suitable for those recommended by the manufacturers of the material
the intended purpose, shall be capable of properly atomizing being sprayed and the manufacturers of the equipment being
the coating to be applied, and shall be equipped with suitable used.
pressure regulators and gages. The equipment shall be
maintained in proper working condition. Spray equipment
shall meet the material transfer requirements of the local air
pollution or air quality management district.

7.4.2 Coating ingredients shall be kept uniformly

mixed in the spray pots or containers during coating
application either by continuous mechanical agitation or by
intermittent agitation as frequently as necessary.
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7.5.2 Traps or separators shall be provided to to avoid the build-up of any electrostatic charge on the gun,
remove any oil or condensed water from the air. The traps or The
separators must be of adequate size and must be bled
continuously or drained periodically during operations, The
air from the spray gun impinging against a clean surface shall
show no condensed water or oil. ASTM D 4285 provides a test 1,
procedure for indicating the presence of oil or water in
compressed air, manufacturer's instructions are to be followed regarding the
proper use of the equipment. PA 3 provides information on
how to use airless spray equipment safely.
7.5.3 The pressure on the material in the pot
and of the air at the gun shall be adjusted for optimum
spraying effectiveness. The pressure on the material in the 7.7 AIR ASSISTED AIRLESS SPRAY: Air-assisted air less
pot shall be adjusted when necessary for changes in elevation spray atomizes paint by a combination of hydraulic and air
of the gun with respect to the elevation of the pot. The pressures. Air-assisted airless spray shall be performed in
atomizing air pressure at the gun shall be high enough to accordance with all provisions of Sections 7.3 and 7.4,
properly atomize the coating, but not so high as to cause
excessive fogging of coating, excessive evaporation of solvent 7.8 HOT AIR SPRAY APPLICATION: Hot air spray
or loss by overspray. application shall be in accordance with the provisions
of Sections 7.4 and 7.5.
7.6 AIRLESS SPRAY APPLICATION: Airless or high
pressure spray application of coating shall be in accordance
with all of the provisions of Section 7.4 and in addition shall
7.9 HOT AIRLESS SPRAY APPLICATION: Hot airless
comply with the following: spray application shall be in accordance with Sections
7.4 and 7.6.
7.6.1 Fluid tips shall be of proper orifice size and
fan angle, and the fluid control gun of proper construction, as 7.10PLURAL COMPONENT SPRAY APPLICATION: Plural
recommended by the manufacturer of the material being component spray shall be in accordance with all the
sprayed and the manufacturer of the equipment being used. provisions of Section 7.4 and use either fixed or variable ratio
Fluid tips shall be of the safety type with shields to prevent systems depending upon the ratio of components.
accidental penetration of the skin by the high pressure stream Plural component spray is used primarily for thick-film
of coating. applications of fast-setting coatings.

7.6.2 The air pressure to the coating pump shall 7.11HIGH-VOLUME LOW-PRESSURE SPRAY: Highvolume
be adjusted so that the coating pressure to the gun is proper low-pressure spray shall be in accordance with all the
for optimum spraying effectiveness. This pressure shall be provisions of Section 7.4.
sufficiently high to properly atomize the coating. Pressures High-volume low-pressure spray has a high transfer
considerably higher than those necessary to properly atomize efficiency and can be used where other equipment with
the coating lower transfer efficiency is not permitted, as well as under
should not be used. less restrictive conditions.

7.6.3 Spraying equipment shall be kept clean

and shall utilize proper filters in the high pressure line so that 8. Shop Coating
dirt, dry coating, and other foreign materials are not 8.1 APPLICABILITY: All provisions of this specification
deposited in the coating film, Any solvents left in the shall be applicable to shop coating except those under Sec
equipment shall be completely removed before applying tions 9 and 10.
coating.
8.2 NUMBER OF COATSAND TYPE OF COATING: The
7.6.4 The trigger of the gun should be pulled number of coats, type of coating, and surfaces to be coated
fully open and held fully open during all spraying to ensure shall be specified in the procurement documents. If coating
proper application of coating. During application, the gun thickness is not specified, the guidance in Section 6.811 shall
shall be held perpendicular to the surface and at a distance be followed. The coating application shall be scheduled to
which will ensure that a wet layer of coating is deposited on provide protection to the substrate at all construction stages
the surface. The trigger of the gun should be released at the (see Note 16.7).
end of each stroke.
8.3 DAMAGE TO SHOP COATING: Damage resulting from
7.6.5 Airless coating spray equipment shall fabrication, handling and storage in the shop shall be
always be provided with an electric ground wire in the high repaired before leaving the shop. If the shop coating is
pressure line between the gun and the pumping equipment. damaged in shipping, unloading or field handling or
Further, the pumping equipment shall be suitably grounded

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fabrication, it shall be repaired before the field coating connections, welds or rivets, and all damaged or defective
operations are begun. coating and rusted areas as specified.
9.4 FIELD COATING PROCEDURES
8.4 CONTACT SURFACES: Contact surfaces shall be
coated or left uncoated as specified In the procurement 9.4.1 Shop coated steel members shall preferably be
documents. When coated, the specification may require that field coated after erection of such members is completed.

I|
Steel members may be shop or field coated on the ground
before erection, provided any damaged coating is touched-
up with the same number of coats and kinds of coatings
after erection. Whenever possible, the last full (finish) coat
at least the first coat shall be applied in the shop or the
of coating shall be applied after erection of the structure and
field, with subsequent coats being applied in the field while
repair of damaged areas of existing coating.
the surfaces are still accessible, unless otherwise specified
(see Section 6.12).
9.4.2 The first field coat shall be applied to shop-coated
steel in a timely manner, as required by the specification, to
8.5 REQUIREMENTS FOR WELDING: protect the steel from corrosion.
8.5.1 If the coating specified is harmful to the welders
(usually the case) or is detrimental to the welding operation 9.4.3 In the unlikely case that the types of field coatings
or the finished welds, the steel shall not be coated within are not specified, they shall be determined to be compatible
four inches (100 millimeters) of the areas to be welded, with the shop coating and the service environment.
except when using inorganic zinc-rich primer, which may be
applied to within one inch (25 millimeters) of the weld area. 9.4.4 Contact surfaces shall be cleaned and coated as
specified, unless otherwise stated in the procurement docu
ments (see Section 6.12).
8.5,2 Shop welds and areas within four inches of such
welds shall be cleaned in the shop using surface preparation
methods at least as effective as those specified for the 9.4.5 When specified, surfaces (other than contact
structure itself. All welds shall either be blast cleaned, surfaces) of fabricated assemblies that are accessible before
thoroughly power tool cleaned, chemically scrubbed, or erection but which will not be accessible after erection shall
water scrubbed of all detrimental welding deposits. receive the entire specified coating system before erection.

8.6 RUST PREVENTIVE COMPOUNDS: Machine finished 9.4.6 Coating shall be applied to all cracks and crevices as
or similar surfaces that should not be coated, but do require required by the specification.
protectionu shall be protected as specified.
9.4.7 The final coat of coating shall not be applied until
8.7 ERECTION MARKS: Erection and weight marks shall all concrete work is finished. In addition to the cleaning
be placed on areas that have been previously shop primed specified in Section 5.2, all cement or concrete spatter and
unless otherwise specified. Compatible and non-bleeding drippings shall be removed before any application of coating.
markers or coating sticks shall be used If any coating is damaged, the damaged surface shall be
cleaned and recoated before the final coat is applied.

9. Field Coating 9.4.8 Wet coating shall be protected against damage

from dust or other detrimental foreign matter as much as is
9.1 APPLICABILITY: All provisions of this specification practical,
shall pertain to the field coating of steel structures except for
inapplicable provisions of Sections 8 and 10,
9.4.9 Steel stored pending erection shall be kept free
from contact with the ground and so positioned as to
9.2 SURFACE PREPARATION: Previously applied shop minimize water-holding pockets, soiling, contamination, and
coatings must be dry or cured sufficiently for overcoating and deterioration of the coating film. Such steel shall be cleaned
be free of dirt, oil, chlorides, or other contaminants. The and recoated or touched-up with the specified coating
manufacturer's instructions shall be followed if special whenever it becomes necessary to maintain the integrity of
surface preparation procedures are required before the film,
application of the field coats. Damaged areas of shop applied
coatings are to be touched-up in compliance with the 9.4.10 All field welds and all areas within four inches of
requirements of Section 9,3. See SSPC-TU 4 for additional welds shall be cleaned before painting, using surface
information on detection of soluble salts on steel surfaces. preparation methods at least as effective as those specified
for the structure itself. All welds shall either be blast
9.3 TOUCH-UP OF SHOP COATED SURFACES: Steel that cleaned, thoroughly power tool cleaned, chemically
has been shop coated shall be touched up with the same scrubbed, or water scrubbed of all detrimental welding
coating as the shop coat unless otherwise specified. This deposits.
touch-up shall include preparing, cleaning and coating of field

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1
10. Repair of Damaged Intact Coatings
10.1 APPLICABILITY: All provisions of this specification 1i
shall pertain to maintenance coating except the inapplicable chlorinated rubber finish coatings shall be applied by spray
portions of Sections 8 and 9. with application by brush limited to small areas and touch-up.
Primers may be brushed or sprayed. These coatings shall be
10.2 SURFACE PREPARATION FOR thinned as recommended by the manufacturer. They shall be
applied at a coverage that will result in the dry film thickness
RECOATING specified or, if not specified, the dry film thickness
recommended by the manufacturer. When vinyl or
10.2.1 Only loose, cracked, brittle, or non-adherent
chlorinated rubber coatings are applied by brushl coatings
coating shall be removed in cleaning unless it is otherwise
shall be applied to the surface with a minimum of brushing so
specified. Cleaning shall be performed two inches (50
that there is little or no lifting or softening of the undercoats.
micrometers) beyond the damaged areas in all directions or
until tightly adhered coating is obtained. Where the
remaining coating is thick, all exposed edges shall be 11.4 BITUMINOUS COATINGS
feathered. Rust spots shall be thoroughly cleaned and the
edges of all old coating shall be scraped back to sound 11.4.1 Bituminous coating (thin film): The term
material (see Note 16.9). bituminous coating (thin film) refers to low consistency
solutions of coal tar or asphalt without filler or with only a
10.2.2 The contractor shall have the option to remove slight amount of filler. They shall be applied in the same
all coating from large areas containing smaller areas of manneras conventional coatings and shall be applied at a
coating which are required to be removed by the contract coverage that will result in the dry film thickness specified.
specification, The expected range of dry film thickness for these thin film
bituminous coatings is from 1.7 to 3.0 mils (40 to 75
10.3 INCOMPATIBILITY: Only coatings compatible with micrometers). Unless othe rwise specified, the necessary
the existing coatings and the service environment shall be number of coats shall be applied to provide a total minimum
used. All defects arising from unexpected incompatibility shall dry film thickness of 5 mils (125 micrometers).
be corrected as specified.
11.4.2 Cold-applied bituminous coating (medium film): The
10.4 WORK TO BE PERFORMED: The amount of clean. ing term cold-applied bituminous coating (medium film) refers to high
and coating should be described in the procurement consistency filled solutions of coal tar or asphalt. They shall be
documents covering the work. It is important that the applied by brushing or spraying. If spray applied, special heavy-duty
procurement documents cover precisely the work to be pump type spray equipment shall be used. This material
performed to avoid misunderstandings. In the absence of should be stirred without thinning until it attains proper consistency
such specific provisions, the guidelines given in Note 16.9 for application, It shall be applied at a coverage that will result in
may be used, the dry film thickness specified or, if not specified, the dry film
thickness as recommended by the manufacturer. The expected
range of dry film thickness for the cold-applied bituminous coating
11. Application Procedures for Generic (medium film) is from 5 to 10 mils (125 to 250 micrometers) per
Groups of Coatings coat and unless otherwise specified, the necessary number of coats
shall be applied to provide a minimum dry film thickness of 12 mils
(300 micrometers).
11.1 GENERAL: The materials covered herein are to be
applied as specified. In case of conflict with any other portion
of this specification, these special provisions shall govern. 11.4.3 Cold-applied bituminous coating (thlck film): The
Minimum and maximum dry film thicknesses are indicated, term cold-applied bituminous coating (thick film) refers to
but thicker coatings should be applied when recommended very high consistency filled solutions of coal tar or asphalt.
by the manufacturer's instructions. Materials which are not They shall be applied by brushing or spraying, If spray applied,
specifically covered in this specification shall be applied in special heavy-duty pump type spray equipment shall be used.
accordance with the directions of the manufacturer. These materials must be stirred without thinning until they
attain the proper consistency for application, They shall be
applied at a coverage that will result in the dry film thickness
11.2 DRYING OIL CURING COATINGS: Coatings that cure specified or, if not specified, the dry film thickness
by air oxidation of drying oils alkyds, unmodified drying oils,
as recommended by the manufacturer. The expected range of
epoxy esters, etc.) shall be applied in accordance with the
dry film thickness for the cold-applied bituminous coating
preceding provisions of this specification.
(thick film) is from 15 to 18 mils (380 to 460 micrometers) per
coat and unless otherwise specified the necessary number of
.3 VINYLS AND CHLORINATED RUBBER coats shall be applied to provide a minimum dry film
COATINGS: Where permitted by local regulations, vinyl thickness of 25 mils (635 micrometers),
and

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that the surface is free of moisture (unless formulation
I, permits it) and ice at the time of application.

11.4.4 Cold-applied bituminous mastic (extra-thick film): 11.6 ZINC-RICH COATINGS: For additional Information
The term cold-applied bituminous mastic (extra-thick film) refer also to SSPC Paint 20, "Zinc-Rich Primers" and PS Guide
refers to very thickly applied filled solutions of coal tar or 12.00, "Guide to Zinc-Rich Coating Systems."
asphalt applied by brushing, troweling, or spraying. If spray
applied, special heavy-duty pump type spray equipment 11.6.1 Inorganic zinc-rich: Inorganic zinc-rich coatings
shall be used. Thinning should not be necessary and shall not shall be applied by spray. Application by brush shall be limited
take the place of adequate stirring. They shall be applied at a to small areas and touch-up work. If the zinc powder is
coverage that will result in the dry film thickness specified or, packaged separately, mix with the vehicle just before use.
if not specified, the dry film thickness as recommended by Inorganic zincs shall be thinned as recommended by the
the manufacturer. The expected range of dry film thickness manufacturer. The coatings shall be applied to a dry film
for the cold-applied bituminous mastic (extra-thick film) is thickness between 2 to 4 mils (50 and 100 micrometers),
about 35 to 65 mils (890-1650 micrometers) per coat and it unless otherwise stated in the specification or
is preferable that it be applied in two coats, For additional manu•facturer's written instructions. When applying by
information, refer to Paints 12, 32, and 33. A minimum total spray, the zinc dust shall be kept in suspension by use of a
dry film thickness of 70 mils (1780 micrometers) is mechanical agitator for both airless and air atomized
suggested. (conventional) spray. The vessel containing the coating and
the spray gun shall be kept at approximately the same
11.4.5 Bituminous emulsion: The term "bituminous elevation (e.g., within 3 feet Il meter)) while spraying. Prior to
emulsion" refers to high consistency filled emulsions of coal topcoating, a barrier or tie coat may be required for
tar or asphalt and water. Since they are compounded with overcoating with certain generic coatings. The manufacturer's
water they must not be permitted to freeze at any time recommendations shall be followed. Sufficient curing of the
before drying. These emulsions shall be applied by brushing, zinc-rich primer is necessary before topcoating. The coating
spraying, or troweling. If spray applied, special heavy-duty manufacturer may require a minimum relative humidity to
pump type spray equipment shall be used. Thinning should ensure curing. Dry spray of the zinc-rich primer will result in
not be necessary and shall not take the place of adequate improper adhesion of the topcoat. Dry spray shall be
stirring. They shall be applied at a coverage that will result in removed with a stiff bristle brush or wire screen without
the dry film thickness specified or, if not specified, the dry polishing the surface of the coating.
film thickness as recommended by the manufacturer. The
expected range of dry film thickness for the bituminous 11.6.2 Organic zinc-rich: Most of the provisions of
emulsion is from 8 to 15 mils (200 to 380 micrometers) per Section 11.6.1 are also applicable for the application of
coat and unless otherwise specified the necessary number of organic zinc-rich coatings except that they may also be
coats shall be applied to provide a minimum dry film applied by brush or roller when permitted by the
thickness of 20 mils (500 micrometers). manufacturer's written recommendations.

11.4.6 Coal tar primer and enamel: Coal tar primer and 11.7 URETHANE COATINGS: For additional information,
enamel for the interior and exterior of steel pipe, tanks and refer also to PS Guide 17.00, "Guide for Selecting Urethane
hydraulic structures shall be applied in accordance with the Coating Systems:
requirements of American Water Works Association (AWWA)
specification C-203 unless otherwise specified. This 11.7. I Single component moisture cured urethane
specification is not intended to cover application of coal tar coatings which meet ASTM D 16, Type Il may be applied by
primers and enamel to steel structures of oil and gas pipelines brush, roller, conventional spray, and airless spray. Special
when a low penetration enamel is considered desirable. Such care shall be taken to ensure that all spray equipment is
ap• plication shall be done in accordance with specifications moisture free. Since these coatings cure by reaction with
of the purchaser. moisture in the air, it should be noted that application on
days when the humidity is low will result in slow cure. The
11.5 EPOXY AND COAL TAR EPOXY COATINGS: Two- manufacturer's di rections shall be followed concerning
package chemically cured epoxy and coal tar epoxy coatings thinning and application parameters, Type Il urethane
shall be stored, mixedi thinned. applied, and cured in coatings shall be mixed by a mechanical mixer prior to
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and with the application. This shall be done slowly so as not to create a
provisions of Sections 5.4. Il and 6. Also, any special vortex and introduce moisture into the coating which could
precautions and instructions by the manufacturer shall be reduce the pot life.
followed. Chemically cured coatings shall not be applied
when the surface, coating, or air temperature is below the 11.7.2 Two component polyisocyanate polyol-cured
manufacturer's published minimum recommendation. When urethane coatings maybe applied bybrush, roller,
coatings formulated for low temperature application are conventional
applied at temperatures below 40 O F (40 C), it shall be verified

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free. The manufacturer's directions shall be followed 1
conceming thinning and application parameters, The two
components (isocyanate and polyol) shall be mixed as coating. Always check with the coating manufacturer before
specified by the manufacturer. Mixing shall be done slowly force drying a coating.
so as not to create a vortex and introduce moisture into the
coating which could reduce the pot life. These urethane 12. I .3 Coating shall be protected from rain,
coatings are extremely susceptible to moisture condensation, contamination, snow, and freezing until
contamination and shall not be applied unless temperatures, sufficiently cured for exterior exposure.
both during application and up to three hours after
application, will be at least 5 FO (3 c o) above the dew point. 12.1.4 No coating shall be subjected to immersion
before it is thoroughly dried or cured in accordance with the
11.8 WATERBORNE THERMOPLASTIC COATINGS manufacturer's written instructions.

11.8.1 Waterborne thermoplastic coatings (commonly 12.2 HANDLING OF COATED STEEL

called "latex coatings") may be applied by spray, brush, or
roller. Cross brushing or cross spraying application is highly 12.2.1 Coated steel shall not be handled, loaded for
desirable. Application by spray tends to provide the best shipment, or shipped until the coating has dried except as
leveling. Conventional or airless spray can be used with most necessary in turning for coating or stacking for drying.
latex coatings. Since one-coat systems have very limited
protective properties, multiple-coat systems shall always be 122.2 Coating which is damaged in handling shall be
applied. On structural steel, the preferred system is two coats removed and touched up with the same number of coats and
of primer and one or more topcoats to achieve the specified kinds of coatings as were previously applied to the steel or as
dry film thickness. Where the dry film thickness is not specified by the procurement documents
specified, apply each coat at a minimum dry film thickness of
2.5 mils (64 micrometers) to achieve a total dry film thickness 13. Inspection
of 7.5 mils (190 micrometers). For additional information,
refer to SSPC Paints 23 and 24. 13.1 Unless otherwise specified in the procurement
documents, the contractor or material supplier is responsible
11.8.2 The atmospheric conditions at the time the latex
for quality control to assure that the requirements of this
coating, especially the primer, is applied are extremely
document are met. Work and materials supplied under this
important. A latex primer shall not be applied at a
standard are also subject to inspection by the purchaser or an
temperature below 50 O F (10 00) or above 120 O F (50 •C) or
authorized representative. Materials and work areas shall be
when curing (coalescence) is expected outside this range. It
accessible to the inspector
should be noted that some waterborne thermoplastic
coatings are formulated for application at temperatures below
50 O F (10 QC). High humidities (e.g., 80%) will slow the drying 13.2 Conditions not complying with this standard shall be
of these coatings (see Sections 6.2 and 6.3). corrected. In the case of a dispute, an arbitration or
settlement procedure established in the procurement
documents (project specification) shall be followed, If no
11.8.3 The best conditions for storage of latex coatings
arbitration or settlement procedure is established, then a
are at temperatures between 40 OF (4 00), and 80 OF (27 00).
procedure mutually agreeable to purchaser and material
supplier (or contractor) shall be used,
12. Curing and Handling of Coatings
12.1 DRYING OF COATINGS 14. Safety and Environmental Concerns

12.1.1 The minimum and maximum curing times before 14.1 All safety and environmental requirements stated
overcoating an existing coat of coating shall conform to the primer in this specification and its component parts apply in
and ove rcoat manufacturer's written recoat instructions. If the addition to any applicable federal, state, and local rules and
maximum time is exceeded, the cured coating shall be roughened requirements. They also shall be in accord with instructions
or otherwise treated as recom mended by the manufacturer of of the coating manufacturer and requirements of insurance
the overcoat before applying another coat. underwriters.

12.1.2 No coating shall be force dried under conditions 14.2 Coatings may be hazardous because of their
which will cause checking, wrinkling, blistering, formation of flammability ortoxicity. Proper safety precautions shall be
pores, or detrimentally affect the protective properties of observed to protect against these recognized hazards. Safe
the handling practices are required and should include, but not
be limited to, the provisions of PA Guide 3. "A Guide to
Safety in Coating Application."
1,
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 SSPC-PA
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14.3 Some coatings specified he rein may not comply 16.4 Cold weather, high humidity, water, fog and mist,
with some air quality regulations because of their organic and rain during coating application, drying, or curing are
solvent content. detrimental to the performance of most coatings. It is
impossible to set down specific rules which govern the limits
14.4 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDSs): in which the coating application should be done since the
Information pertaining to the safe handling, application, and variation from one coating to another may be large.
disposal of coatings can be obtained from their MSDS$* Generally speaking, application should be done only under
which are supplied by the manufacturers. The MS DSS for all conditions which are conducive to quick evaporation of
materials shall accompany them wherever they are stored or water. This generally means that the relative humidity should
used. be low, Steel should not be coated when it is below the dew
point since condensation of water on the steel will result.
The only exception is for coatings to be applied that are
15. Disclaimer formulated to tolerate moisture or liquid water on the
surface.
15.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
information furnished in SS PC standards and specifications is Coatings which dry solely by evaporation of organic
as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot solvent are not believed to be harmed by application to steel
assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from which is below 32 O F (0 QC); however, under such conditions,
the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specified the danger always exists that there will be a layer of ice on the
herein, or of the specification or standard itself. surface of the steel. This same condition may prevail for
application of conventional, air-oxidizing coatings. When the
humidity is low and the steel is thoroughly dry beyond
15.2 This specification does not attempt to address
question, it is believed that coatings may be applied, provided
problems concerning safety associated with its use. The user
the coating is of a type which will not be injured or whose
of this specification, as well as the user of all products or
drying will not be impaired by low temperature or low
practices described herein, is responsible for instituting
humidity.
appropriate health and safety practices and for ensuring
Generally speaking, coatings should not be applied in
compliance with all governmental regulations.
weather which will subject them to damage, nor should they
be applied when it is expected that the temperature will vary
16. Notes either below or above the temperature range recommended
in writing by the manufacturer or drop to freezing before they
Notes are not requirements of this specification. have cured.
The dew point (see Section 6.2) is the temperature
16.1 It is recommended that coating be stored in a warm below which moisture from the air will begin to condense. If
building during very cold weather so that it is not necessary to the surface temperature of the substrate is at or below the
thin the coating excessively for application since excessive dew point, moisture will condense on it, It may be
thinning will result in a low solids content, and the dry film determined with a sling psychrometer, or other instrument,
thickness will be below that intended for the particular usually requiring determination of wet and dry bulb
material. It is advantageous to the contractor that this temperatures (ASTM E 337, "Relative Humidity by Wet- and
material be kept warm or heated prior to use, inasmuch as Dry-Bulb Psychrometer"). Hand-held, digital moisture
less material will be required. application will be easier, and meters, hygrometers, etc„ can make measurement of
the resulting film will meet the intent of the specification. relative humidity and dew point simple and instantaneous.
When warming coatings, their temperature should not be These electronic instruments can also provide simple
permitted to exceed 100 O F (38 QC) unless special coating measurement of relative humidity and dew point of a surface
heating equipment is used. When the coating (or thinner) has that is at a different temperature than ambient conditions,
a flash point below 100 OF (38 QC) it should not be heated In practice, the dew point requirement can be
above its flash point if it is heated in an open container. presumed to be satisfied if a thin, clearly defined film of
water applied to the cleaned surface with a damp cloth
16.2As much care as deemed practical should be evaporates within 15 minutes.
exercised to prevent contamination of coated surfaces with Low temperatures greatly reduce the curing rates of
particulate materials, soluble salts, and other foreign matter chemically cured coatings (certain epoxies, urethanes,
before overcoating. Thus, overcoating should be inorganic zinc-rich coatings, coal tar epoxies, etc.). Unless
accomplished as soon as possible after curing requirements otherwise permitted, chemically cured coatings should not
of undercoats are met. When intercoat contamination occurs be applied when the surface, coating, or ambient
before overcoating, the surface shall be washed with water temperature is outside the range recommended by the
and detergent or other approved material to remove as coating manufacturer's written instructions.
many contaminants as possible. 16.5 Coatings on structural steel are generally applied
by brush or by spray. Either method is satisfactory if
16.3 A number of instruments are available that measure properly performed and the coating is formulated for the
temperature with great accuracy. Some are described in The application method being used. The variations are slight,
Inspection of Coatings and Linings. Also refer to Volume 1 of and often over shadowed by variations in workmanship.
the SSPC Painting Manual. Brushing of primers has the advantage of working
coating into cracks and crevices and other surface

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Editorial Revisions November 2004
irregularities. It may create brush marks, however, with coating is usually formulated to provide short-term
coatings having limited leveling. Lacquer type coatings, such protection and a good bond between the steel substrate and
as vinyl* may be applied by brush with considerable subsequent coats. Many shop-applied primers are not
difficulty only; the priming coat brushes on with least intended to provide long-term protection of the steel,
difficulty and results in better adhesion to the surface than particularly during exposure to dampness, bad weather, and
spraying, Finish coats of lacquer type coating tend to lift industrial fumes.
underlying coats by solvent action and brushing combined;
for this reason such finish coatings are best applied by 16.8 For high-performance coating service, special weld
spraying. surfacing maybe required to provide suitable surface
With many types of coatings, properly used high conditions for the coating system specified. NACE RPOI 78
pressure spray methods can result in a thicker, more provides one method of specifying weld surfacing
impermeable film. Spray operators must be properlyselected requirements, as well as other design and fabrication
and trained. Careful supervision and inspection are requirements for improving coating serviceability. Other
necessary with the various spray application methods to methods of specifying and accepting weld surfacing
insure against such difficulties as dirty surfaces, dry spray, conditions are employed in various industries. The weld
pinholes, holidays, missed areas, blind spots, contamination surfacing requirements should generally be placed in the
of coating or air, wind loss, or excessive outdoor overspray. project specifications so that the painting contractor will
Several advantages are possible with the various high not have to perform welding or grinding to provide the
pressure airless methods of coating application, both hot and specified final surface conditions.
cold spray. These include labor savings as a result of fast
application and a greater thickness per coat. Additional 16.9 In maintenance coating it is not ordinarily intended
savings also can be traced to less flowbackj less overspray, that sound, adherent, old coating be removed unless it is
power (compressor) savings, use of higher solids in coating excessively thick or brittle or is incompatible with the new
formulations, and less sensitivity to changes in ambient coating, It is essentiali however, that the removal of
temperature during application. deteriorated coating be carried back around the edges of the
spot or area until an area of completely intact and adherent
16.6 With roller application of coating on structural coating film, with no rust or blisters underneath, is attained,
steel, high production rates approaching that of conventional Edges of tightly adherent coating remaining around the area
spraying maybe possible. The method works best on large to be recoated must be feathered so that the recoated surface
smooth areas such as tanks or walls. Difficulties may be can have a smooth appearance to provide a transition from
encountered when coating welds, rough spots, pits, rivet the area of repair to the intact coating. The remaining old
heads, edges, corners, etc., to ensure that adequate coating coating should have sufficient adhesion so that it cannot be
is applied. Supplementary brush coating is mandatory lifted as a layer by inserting the blade of a dull putty knife
forthose areas on structural steel, even though special rollers under it using moderate pressure.
for these areas are available for general work. The Unless experience or spot tests have shown otherwise, it
requirements are generally the same as for brush and spray is usually preferable to use the same generic type of coating in
coating. Excellent results have been achieved, and it is recoating as in the original coating. If the new coating curls or
possible to build up specified film thicknesses by this lifts after application to an existing coating, the cleaning and
method. Roller coating is particularly useful where spraying application procedures should be reviewed to determine if
cannot be undertaken due to the hazards from overspray or good coating practices have been followed, If the new coating
the flammability of solvent. is found to be incompatible with the previous coating system,
either the primer should be replaced with one more
16.7 Selection for the type of shop primer to be used should compatible, or the old coating should be completely removed
take into consideration the length of time anticipated between before application of a new system.
the shop applied coat and the first coat applied in the field. The Coating records should be kept by the owner for the
period before a shop coat is to be topcoated in the field can vary purpose of determining information on the durability of
from the construction schedule. Long periods of field exposure coatings and the economic protection afforded by them.
may degrade the shop coating so that it may have to receive Refer to Volume 1 of the SSPC Painting Manual for additional
periodic maintenance to continue to protect the steel from information and a suggested record form.
corrosion and be in a suitable condition for overcoating.
1

i,
When longer periods of exposure are anticipated,
special consideration should be given to surface preparation,
coating selectiont film thickness, and to early application of
a second primer/overcoat. Between shop priming and field
coating, structural steel is often exposed to the most severe
environments it will ever encounter and at a time when it is
protected by only one coat of primer. The prime coat of

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11

1,
Primer for Use Over H
APPENDIX A - ADDITIONAL REFERENCE Steel
MATERIALS Paint 25 BCS Zinc Oxide, Alkyd, Lins
Primer for Use Ove
The standards, reports, and publications listed below are QP3 not Cleaned Steel
required as part of the specification but are recommended resources (note
Paint 32 Coal Tar Emulsion Coa
that the standards listed in Section 3 are required parts of this
specification). Paint 33 Coal Tar Mastic - Cold-Ap
SP 2
SSPC PUBLICATIONS AND STANDARDS: SP 5/NACE No. i
SP 6/NACE No. 3
AB 1 Mineral and Slag Abrasives SP 7/NACE No. 4
AB 2 Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous SP IO/NACE No. 2 Standard Procedure for
Metallic Abrasives Evaluating Painting Contractors
SP 11 (Field Application to Complex
AB 3 Ferrous Metallic Abrasives SP 12/NACE No. 5 Industrial Structures)
Shop, Field, and Maintenance Standard Procedure for
Painting of Steel Evaluating
Qualifications of Shop Painting
PA Guide 4 Guide to Maintenance Recoating SP 13/NACE No. 6
Contractors
with Oil Base or Alkyd Coating SP 14/NACE No. 8
Hand Tool Cleaning
Systems TR 2JNACE 6G198 Power Tool Cleaning
White Metal Blast Cleaning
PA Guide 5 Guide to Maintenance Coating
Commercial Blast Cleaning
Programs
Brush-Off Blast Cleaning
Guide 6 Guide for Containing Debris
Near-White Blast Cleaning
Generated During Paint Removal TU 2 Power Tool Cleaning to Bare
Operations Metal Surface Preparation and
Guide 7 Guide for the Disposal of Cleaning of Metals by Water
LeadContaminated Surface Jetting Prior to Recoating
Surface Preparation of Concrete
Preparation
Industrial Blast Cleaning
Debris TU 3 Joint Technical Report,
Guide 8 Guide to Topcoating Zinc-Rich Primers WetAbrasive Blast Cleaning
Surface-Tolerant Coatings for
Guide 11 Guide for Coating Concrete Steel
Design, Installation. and
Guide 12 Guide of the Illumination of VIS 1 Maintenance of Coating Systems
Industrial Painting Products for Concrete Used in Secondary
Test Panel Preparation Method No. Containment Facilities
1, Uncontaminated Rusted Steel VIS 3 Technology Update on Ovecoating
Field Methods for Retrieval and
Paint 15 Steel Joist Shop Primer Analysis of Soluble Salts on
Substrates
Paint 20 Zinc Rich Primers (Type I - "Inor-
ganic" and Type Il "Organic") VIS 4/NACE No. 7 Guide and Reference
Photographs for Steel
Paint 23 Latex Primer for Steel Surfaces Surfaces Prepared by Dry
Paint 24 Latex Semi-Gloss Exterior Topcoat SSPC 97-07 Abrasive Blast Cleaning
Paint 25 Zinc Oxide, Alkyd, Linseed Oil

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SSPC-PA 1
April 2000
Editorial Revisions November 2004
Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel Surfaces Prepared by Hand and Power Tool
Cleaning
Guide and Reference Photographs for Surfaces Cleaned by Watejetting
The Inspection of Coatings and Linings

Standard Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement
of Wet- and
Dry-Bulb Temperatures)

Paint 34 Water-Borne Epoxy Topcoat for AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION (AWWA)
Steel Structures STANDARD:
Paint 35 Medium Oil Alkyd Primer (Air Dry/ c 203 Coal-Tar Protective Coatings and Linings
Low Bake) for
PS Gulde 17.00 Guide for Selecting Urethane Steel Water Pipelines - Enamel and
Painting Systems Tape - Hot Applied
PS Guide 12.00 Guide to Zinc-Rich Coating Systems

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