Systems and — | _ Specifications - Steel Structures 8 Painting Manual ”\ Surface Preparation - Specifications - SSPC fiinting counc:" SSPC ~ Membership _ TABLE1 SUPPORTING MEMBERS = RLUMINUM ASSOCIATION AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION AMERICAN IRON & STEEL INSTITUTE AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE. AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION GaNADIAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION FEDERATION OF SOCIETIES FOR COATINGS TECHNOLOGY LEAD INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CORROSION ENGINEERS NATIGHAL PAINT & GOATING ASSOCIATION PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRAGTORS OF ANERICA STEEL PLATE FABRICATORS ASSOCIATION ‘TexAS STRUCTURAL STEEL INSTITUTE ZING INSUTUTE ADVANCED COATINGS BL CHEMICALS. ates SBYINGED COATING TECHNOLOSIES, INCORPONALED ASR ANT AND vAmfugh INCORPORATED ARRON Sano GLAST & METALLIZNG OMEANT AGRA STATE nictuvay OERARTMENT ARUANTEARATIONAL, TD. Been pnorective COMINGS DIVISION SERENE asnas ves INCORPORATED BaranSas STALE HIGHWAY & wasnt MGS aes conrnen Brannan BEM erat ein BRDEinie Saat Freee tee meor Sa gmeria Rests BARR Eoctt earowees BE ate ete eet coeerco eae ESE Decal aeSaon BEES Sots Reewour Saeco suieinieturatse Bone ane em cosas EA Tas an cea aire eae coneam : incoteaen TORQNAOC PAINT COMPANY. ° SES atte eaneenreo SSiauer tat peecee Sey SRL PR ene Baw are oat giana tay Seen Be ena € (OU PONT DE NEMQUES: acompany eat aeercoueer cov Shas ieee ceca ites tien HEAL MT I, Have sucmrteadiatian EEDesATEO wey feonba rekiee tear SEER be mperemaron sete ereaante rer cea nao te SRE CEE Sa come Rea srtctesetco TABLE 2 PATRON MEMBERS Guive Hwang inconponaTeD, Suna doll rait comporation Si eter CORPORATION. Sede SecewoLogy NGORFURATED HENKEL GORPORATION HEncuces INCORPORATED HERG PanutinG GOMPANY. LTD. ehme reas INCORPGRATED 1G AICS RY eNT OF TRENSPONTATION HME Pcont Nes INCORPORATED (RBYerivat Gunner EXTRACTIVES INCORPORATED INpuSTPLaT PATONG COMPANY, WNBYEte courinas mecaronaTeD MRSS UTORAL LEAD PING RESEARCH ‘GAUANIZATION INTERERTIONAC MINERALS & CHEMICAL ‘Epuvonaricn INVENTIVE MACHINE CORPOPATION, Haier oeoant MeN OF TRANSPORTATION IBWESGLAIR COMPANY, JORDAN Buin COMPAR sORON AINE COATINGS INCORPORATED, BOIUNe eeeereuT OF TRANSPORTATION ERATR c Long COAPORATED, HIRE RMN Banting & DECORATING WSpehe coupany moanmorATeO KieTATOA INCaRPORATED. SG GnSeaT PAINTING COMPANY TNGOAPORATED LASTING PANTS. NG. LBirasaa beraandin OF TRakSPORT ATION ELLEVELOPMENT ateecn neopmonel sRAYLAND state RISHAT Kmanisrnation MASTER MADE PAINTS, INCORPORATED YO MCLEOD & SONS QoBeME MO ULcan & SON INCORPORATED Ree rnpustas mcoReoRATEC Beralmeco INCORPORATED, Micnigau DesaRtMENT OF STATE NIGHWATS 6 THAnSEORTATION witiglegr gowyevon COMPANY INGRPCAATED. MNNESOTA.CEPARTMENT OF TRANEPORTATION. megeisen atae racuwar DEPARTMENT icone MBSE cae MicAL COMPANY, NOBLES INDUSTRTAT PAINTERS TRoRponateD maf pusTTuts INCORPORATED, MEW EVGUaNG PAINT MANUFACTURING FTATION. WCEMERTCALEE INOUSTRIES INCORPORATED MOAT DAKOTA STATE HIGHWAY. DEPARTMENT scons nce igA NG oes SRS emeeegrtion See eines base Heenan or Ri cane RENEE AR BEER Srtinsw0 ea! ronttn eoaTines SRR Nbustbves INCORPORATES, Fe US eSEARER CHEMICAL oeronanan racine pair COMPANY PECL SEcu. Sian inconponaTeo Becignents FEncx con ngs sedge tana obenntmert OF OO coor arian nace MOUNTAIN ENERRY Rect arans SoMea BUST Ba eocaces courant SE JOE 'ESatting COMPANY 8 TEXAS Sees can Liaits FOUNDALIEN SOUNDS nconranate SR tmogees rate ney eases COATINGS INCOREORATED, SOUTHERN Sug rgiow oF TEXTAON WeSaronares, ESE hn Rts TEESSE cowrncs covenant Pe craaeets TEE TSEa es coreoraren enuresis HE Sia davon rig, Tae SER ay tT Ron Be AE ate ities Fee eee cron rAve INGaEPORATED re EET CORPORATED SAREE com beam MENT OF TRANSPORTATION Wiese hrarveay DEPARTMENT fonevea, Lo"STEEL STRUCTURES PAINTING MANUAL Volume 2 : SYSTEMS AND SPECIFICATIONS CHAPTER 1 — HOWTO USE SSPC SPECIFICATIONS AND GUIDES — CHAPTER 2 — SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATIONS , SSPC-SP COM - SSPC.Guide to Vis 4 SSPC-Guide to Vis 2 SSPC-SP 1 SSPC-SP 2 SSPC-SP 3 SSPC-SP5 SSPC-SP 6 - SSPC-SP 7 SSPC-SP 8 - SSPC-SP 10 Fourth Edition Executive Editor dohn D. Keane Table of Contents Surtace Preparation Commentary Pictorial Surtace Preparation Standards for Painting Steel Surfaces........ Standard Methodoof Evaluating Degree of Austing on Painted Steel Surfaces .31 Solvent Cleaning ........-. Hand Toot Cleaning . PowerTool Cleaning..... White Metal Blast Cleaning . ‘Commercial Blast Cleaning Brush-Off Blast Cleaning . Fickting - - Near-Whita Blast Cleaning STEEL STRUCTURES PAINTING COUNCIL . 4400 FIFTH AVENUE = PITTSBURGH, PA 15213‘Those specifications, guides and recommendations have been developed in accordance with voluntary cor sensus procedures by SSPG Advisory Committees and ara believed to present ood curtent practice. They are monitored and revised as practices improve, and Suge gestions for revision are welcome. Other methods, mataria's, and specifications may be equally effective or superlor, SEPC Is not cesponsible far the application, Interpretation, or administration of these specifications, Quides and rscommendations. Moreover, SSPC does not isue interpretations of its spacifications, guides or recommendations; ancino person is authorized to issue an interpretation of an SSPC specification, guide, or recommendation on behalf af the SSPC. SSPC specifi- cally disclaims responsibifty for the use or misuse of these specifications, guides and recommendations. ‘The supplying of datails about patented formulations, treatments, or processes is not to be regarded as con- ‘yeying any right of permitting the user of this manuel to vse of sell any patented invention. ‘When it is known that the subject matter of [he text is covered by patent, such patents are reflected in the text. Goprright, 1989, by Steel Structures Painting Council ‘Ait Rights Reserved rufa book of any part tharoo! must not be reproduced it any fare without tne weitten parmission ol the publisher Fourth Edltion| Paat Printing, Cheptere 1 and 2 March 1986How To Use SSPC Speclileatians and Guides November 1, 1982 CHAPTER HOW TO USE SSPC SPECIFICATIONS AND GUIDES 1. Scope of Volume 2 Tris volume covars the saloction of painting ayatems for the protection of steel from cormosion and is organized for use primarily in preparation of procurement documents for painting work. It can also bo used aducationatly as Ilustrative of current good praciice. It is the product of many years of broad opan consensus wark by the SPC ataff and by the leading speciaiiats In each tleld of protec- tive coatings technology. Mest of the specifications presented here hava been evaluated in actual use and in the 12 principal SSPC exposure sites The alens of this third edition of Yolume 2 are: + To incorporate by means of composttion/pertorm- ance-oriented specifications the best cucront tech: nology on protective coating: + To update SSPC specifications based upon results ‘of many yoara af experience with the existing ones; + To present an association between “environmental zones" af exposure and tha selection of painting system specifications; » To implerant the recommendations of Volume 1 of the SSPC Manual: and * To facilitate the incorporation of ESPG speoition tons Inte procurement documents by reterence 2. Outline of Volume 2 Chapters CHAPTER 1 describes how to use SSAC Specifica. tions and Quides, wlth particular reference te the concep! ‘of selecting painting systems by “environmenta! zones.” CHAPTER 2 begins with a Commentary on Surface Proparation Specitications. This is totlowed by the eight SSPC surtace preparation specifications along with two visual Standards for evaluating unpainted and previously palnied steal surfeces. CHAPTER 3 begins with a Commentary on Painting System Specifications in general and the SSPC concen! In particular. It la followed by alt ef the current SSPC palnting system specifications, each of which stipulates the re ‘quired surtace preparation, paint, paint thickness, and apptication, CHAPTER 4 bagina with a Commentary on the use of SSPC Paint Specifications, Including generic types and references to other specifications. Thia ‘s followed by all Of the current SEPC paint specifications CHAPTER 5 Degins with a Commentary on Paint Ap ‘licatton. Wt ta followed by 8 381 of SSPC speciiication: methods, and guides: Paint Application Spacification (PA ¥} Dry Film Thickness Measurement Specification (PA D; Safety (PA Gulce 3}; and Maintenance Repainting (PA Gulde 4). 4. Definitions ‘The functional paris of this volume use terms such as, spacification, commentary. guide, or notes as indicated bolow: * Standaed: A specification, practice, or test method that has been formally adopted. SSPC atandards in- clude specifications and guides, each of wnich may refer ‘o other standards. ‘+ Spectficatton: A form of standard tha is a precise sialement of a set of requirements to be satisfied by 2 material, product, system, or service. = Method: A form af standard nat covers a pracise procedure oF technique used for performing inspes- lion that may ba specified. + Painting System: A term intended to inctuce, with equal emphasis, not only the well accepted com- ponents of a system such as surface preparation ‘and paint materiais, but also the application, in- spection, and safety functions. # Coating System: A term which refers to the applied and cured multilayer film. + Commentary: Explanatory remacks at the beginning of each chapter, describing the background and Proper usa of tha specifications and guides. (This is ot a part of the specifications and guidss, but ‘often is importent In thelr selaction and use.) © Guide: A sel of directions provided to ai in prepar- Ing one's own modified specifications. Painting System Guides aro coded SSPC-PS Guice 1.00, 2.00. 3.00, 4.00, ete. and ars tobs used for cases net covered by the standard painting systems. Guides to safety (SSPC-PA Guide 9) and Maintenance (SSPC-PA Gulde 4) aid in establishing standara practices, procedures, and spacifications. = Notes: Explanatory section at the ond o! @ speci fication that provides additional information. Notes are not mandatory requitements unless otherwise specitied. Other Terms sometimes Used in the Industry Include: practice — & formo! standard that ls procedure, guide or ‘service that may or may nol be auxilary to 4 test metnog orHow To Usa SSPC Specifications and Guldes November 1, 2982 8 apeciification; test method — A form of standard that ‘covers sampling ang subsequent testing procedures used In determining the proparties, composition, of perform ance for materials, products, systems, or services that ‘may be specified. A test mstnod does not include the kind af numerical fimits for the pfopertias, compositian, or par- formance that should normally be included In & specitica: tion. Other ierms ate covered In the Glossary section of Volume 1 of the Stee) Structures Painting Manual. 4. Identification Numbers Used tor SSPC Specifications and Guides Abbreviations ate used extensively in ihe designa- tions af SSPC specifications. SSPC refers to Stee! Struc- tures Painting Council, The compiete designation requires a specification number, the year of issue, and if the spect. fication Is tentative, a suffix latter “7.” For example, SSPC- Paint 8667 refers to Paint No. 8, which was Issued as tentative in 1955. When adopted in 1964, the “T* was 5 microns in length ee Graprite renee Mica 10 Gears: + 20 NOS Seren Pontand Coment Scio’ Ses ants nS Sevens Soapstone Fina ia HBS Seen Tale (Non-asbestitoa) ‘Toe Feneeus) Tremolte [11 mopck millons of parictes par euble foot of al, bated on imping {itmplos counted by ight-‘ierd techoiques, [Al The percentage of quartz Ia the formula ia te amount determined {rom Alrooma samplen, oxcopt in those Instances In which other methods have Doan shown 19 be applica. (3) Reprintea trom he American Canfarance of Governmental ingustral Hyglansate Dookie eriied “Thrwshotg Umit Values for Ghertical Su “ances and Physical Agents In tha Worksoom Eewionment,” 1061 ed tion Tene TLV are revised arauay. "SSPC-SP. COM ‘November 1, 1982 6. Surface Profile Surface profile is a measurement of the roughness of the surface'which results from abrasive biast cleaning. The height of the profile produced on the surface Is, measured from the bottoms of the lowest vaiteys to the tops of the highest peaks. ‘The profile depth (or height) Is dependent upon the size, type, and hardness of the abrasive, particle velocity ‘and angle of impact, hardness of the surface, and amount of recycling of working mixtures of grit and shot. Therefore the maximum permissible size of the abra- sive particles will depend upon the paint system thick- ness. The allowable maximum height of the profile Is usu- ally dependent upon the thickness of palnt to be applied. SSPC studies have shown that metallic abrasives larger than those which will pass through @ #16 NBS screen may produce @ profile which Is too deep to be ade ‘quately covered with a singie coat of primer. Accordingly, it Is recommended that the use of farget abrasives be avolded whenever possible, However, when heavy mill ‘scale or rust are present, abrasives of a larger size may be neaded. In these cases two coats of shop primer should be applied instead of the usual one coat. Table 8 gives the range of maximum and average max- Imum protile helghts to be expected under normal good operating conditions (whee! and nozzle). if excessively high alr pressure or whee! speed Is used, the profiia may bbe significantly higher. Profile Comparators are available irom the SSPC to ‘ald In estimating the average maximum profile of surfaces blasted with sand, steel grit, and steel shot. A report, “Surface Profite for Antl-Corrosion Paints,” Is available from the SSPC describing methods of measut- ing profie, and relating protite to blast cleaning conditions and te coating performance. TABLE 8 ‘TYPICAL MAXIMUM PROFILES PRODUCED BY SOME ‘COMMERCIAL ABRASIVE MEDIA Monsmom Parte Sea Typical Protia Helgt ie) Na Seman 40, Saab {11 Pree nights sown forse abranvas were prodced wt canted abrasires subi oarting winennveccaaing arene bat aesng mech Pe Igtaigta produces by new abrasives having vreeneatyant shown iN Tasan A tine tail be appreclby higher (Cee Seat Sret Hardon 4010 88 Roca! © ‘Cant Stee! Grn: Harneee 3820 80 Roch © 8 7. Visual Standards Note that visual standards, when used In conjunction with SSPG specifications, glve only an approximation of tho finai surtace condition. tt 1s cautioned, therefore, that any visual standards should be considered supprement to, and not a substitute for, surtace preparation specifica: tions. The use of the visual standards in conjunction with ‘SSPC spocitications is required only when they are specl- fled in the procurement document covering the work. It Is recommended, however, that the use of visual standards ‘be made mandatory in the procurement document. TA SSPCYis 1, “Pictorlal Surface Preparation Stan- dards for Painting Stee! Surfaces,” are avallable as & separate publication of color photographs. They were orig Inally prepared by the Swedish Standards Institute Corro- sion Committee, supplemented by the SSPC, and approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Swedish Standards Institution (SIS), Danish Standards Association, Standards Association of Australia, Jugo- slovenski Zavod Za Standardizaciju, European Committee of Paint and Printing ink Manufacturers’ Association, ‘American National Standards Institute (ANS), National Assoclation of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), and the Stee! ‘Structures Painting Council (SSPC). They may be obtained from the SSPC, ASTM, or SIS. ‘Tne color photographs in the pictorial standard repre- sent four rustgrades of hot-rolled structural steel surfaces, described as A, B, C, and O In Section 3.1. Approximate reproductions of some photographs are included as part of the Guide to SSPG-Vis 1. The SSPC-Vis 1 standard book also includes two degrees of thoroughness of hand clean- ing and three or four degrees of blast cleaning for each of these four rustgrades. The SSPC-Vis 1 photographs deplct- ing the grades of surface preparation prior to painting are crass-reterenced to the SSPC surtace preparation specifi. cations in the Gulde to SSPC-Vis 1, 7.2 NACE STANDARDS TM-01-70 AND TM-01-75: The National Association of Corrosion Engineers has devel- oped visual standards for evaluating the degree of cleanti- nese of steel blast cleaned with sand, steel grit, of stee! shot. Steet test panels have been individually cleaned to each of the four degrees of blast cleaning and sealed with plastic to prevent rusting. Both NAGE and SSPC have been ‘careful to see that NACE Grades 1 (White), 2 (Near-Wnite ‘3 (Commercial), and 4 (Brush-Off, and their definitions car- respond closely to those of SSPC-SP 5, 10, 6, and 7 respec- tively. 7.3 OTHER PHOTOGRAPHIC STANDARDS: The ‘American Rust Standard System, Inc., has issued photo- Graphs iilustrating 24 degrees of rustiness in uncleaned, hotrolled steel. ‘The Production Technical Soclety (Japan) has printed color illustrations of wash primed and zinc-ich primed steel before and after weathering and re-cleaning. The photographs of the Shipbullding Association of Japan il lustrate the appearance of painted, unpainted, welded,and flamecut stee! before and atter various degrees of damage or weathering. ‘The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. (GNAME) has Issued a booklet of photographs lilustrating typical appearances of painted and unpainted stee! before and after being blast cleaned to grades “in between” SSPC-SP 5,6, 7, and 10. ‘The State of Maryland pictorial standards for shot blasting contain two photographs representing the sur- face conditions of SSPC-SP 6 (Commercial) and SSPC-SP 10 (Near-White) blast cleaning. (Steet rusted beyond SSPC- Vis 1, Rustgrade G Is deemed unacceptable.) 7.4 PROJECT PREPARED STANDARDS: Prepared stee! will often appear differently from the photographic standards due to variations in initial surface conditions, abrasives being used, and s0 forth. Because of difficulties in comparisons, it is sometimes recommended that the contractor provide blast cleaned samples representative of the steel to be blasted which, by mutual agreement of the owner and the contractor, are representative af the re- quired surface cleanliness and appearance. Suggested dimension of the reference steel panels are 6" x6" x 3/16” minimum (approximately 15.cm x 15cm x 0.5.¢m), The blast cleaned panels should be completely protected from corro- sion and contamination, and maintained as visual refer- ence standards for the duration of the project. 8. Rust Back Rust back occurs when freshly exposed bare steel is exposed to conditions of high humidity, mofsture, oF a cor- tosive atmosphere. The time interval between blast clean ing and rust back will vary greatly (rom minutes to weeks) from one environment to another. Because of this factor, timeliness of inspection is of great Importance. inspection must be coordinated with the fabricators’ schedule of ‘operation in such a way as to avoid delay. Acceptance of the prepared surface must ba made prior to application of the prime coat, because the degree of surtace preparation cannot be readily vorified after painting. To avold potential deterioration of the surface, it must be assumed that sur- face preparation Is accepted unless inspected and ro ected prior to scheduled appication of prime coat. Under normal mild atmospheric conditions it Is best to coat a blast cleaned surface within 24 hours alter biast cleaning. Under no clrcumstances should the atest be per- mitted to rust back before painting, rogardiess of the time elapsed, Moisture condenses on any surface thal is colder than the dew point of the surrounding alr. It Is therefore tecommended that dry biast cleaning should not be con: ducted when the steel surface Is less than 5 F* (3G: above the dew point. Excessive weathering or exposure of steel to chem- {eal fumes such as chlorides and sulfates prior to blast, leaning should be avoided since pitting of the steel may Increase cleaning costs and makes removal of contam- 19 . . ‘SSPC-SP COM November 1, 1982 inants difficult. After blast efeaning, even slight residues, of chiorides, sulfates, or othor electrolytes on the steal sur- face may be harmful, and for some coatings, may cause premature coating failure. 9. Inhibitors Stool that Is wet blast cleaned will rust rapidly as a result of the water. It Is essential that Inhibitors be added to the water or applied to the surtace immadiately after blast cleaning to temporarily prevent rust formation. The ‘coating should then be applied before any rusting Is visible faces is water containing 0.22% of s and 1.28% by weight of secondary ammonium phosphate {Gibasiey, alternatives are water containing about 0.2% by weight of chromic acid or sodium chromate or sodium dichromate or potassium dichromate. NOTE: If solutions containing either chromates or dichromates are used, pre- ‘cautions should be taken to protect personnel from hazards resulting {rom breathing spray or contacting the solution. 10. Film Thickness It Is essential that ample coating be applied after biast cleaning to adequately cover and protect the peaks of the aurface profile. Thus, the depth of the surface profile should be considered in determining the amount of coating to be applied. For higher profiles a larger coating thickness should be specified. To assure that coating thicknesses are properly measured from the peaks of the profile, refer to SSPG-PA 2, “Measurement of Dry Paint Thickness with Magnetic Gages.’ 11. Summary of SSPC Surface Preparation Specifications Aithough these specifications are primarily intended tor heavy metal or plate, most are also suitable for light ‘weight or thin section metal. Obviously, caution must be ‘exercised when using methods such as blast cleaning on metal of thin section since damage by warping or from ex- cessive peening of the surface may occur. Occasions will ications will not result in the type of cleaning desired. In such cases, the surface preparation specifications may be modified by the user to obtain the result desired. Regardless of which methods are used, ad- Jacent equipment, prefinished items, or surfaces that could be damaged from the method of surface preparation must be protected. Occasionally in maintenance painting the previous paint is incompatible with the new paint. Urider these cir- ‘cumstances all paint, regardless of condition, will have to be removed. A minimum of SSPC-SP 6, “Commercial Blast Cteaning” Is usually necessary. Volume 1 of the Steel Structures Painting Manual devotes several chapters to méchanicat surface prepara-SSPC-SP COM Novernber 1, 1982 ton, and It also discusses spectal surface preparation re- quirements for shops, maintenance, rallroads, highways, tanks, vessels, refineries, and various types of plants. This volume should be consulted when choosing a specifica: tion. ‘The “Commentary on Paint Specifications” (Chapter 4 ‘of Volume 2 of the Stee! Structures Painting Manual) shows the minimum surface preparation required for sach of the SSPC specification paints. Similarly, the “Commen- tary on Painting Systems" (Chapter 3 of Volume 2 of the Steel Structures Painting Manual} shows the recom. mended minimum surface preparation for each paint ‘gystem and for the various individual alternative primers ‘within each system, in ten common types of exposure. A brief summary is shown In Table 9. 11.4 SSPC-SP 1, “SOLVENT CLEANING”: This solvent cleaning specification includes simple solvent wiping, Im- mersion in solvent, solvent spray, vapor degreasing, steam cleaning, emulsion cleaning, chemical paint stripping, and alkaline cleaners. ‘Solvent cleaning Is used primarily to remove oll, grease, dirt, soil, drawing compounds, and other similar organic compounds. Solvent cleaning may also be used to remove old paint by the use of paint removers or alkaline paint strippers. Inorganic compounds such as chlorides, ‘sulfates, weld flux, rust, and mill scale are not removed by cleaning with organic solvents. Many solvents are hazardous. Care must be taken when using solvents for solvent cleaning. Special safety precautions must be followed with regard to ventilation, ‘smoking, static electricity, respirators, eye protection, oF skin contact. Alkaline cleaning compounds cover a very wide range in composition and method of use. These are discussed in detail in Volume 1 of the Steel Structures Painting Manual ‘along with suitable solvents. It ls Important that residues of alkaline compounds do not remain on the surface after Cleaning. The clean surface may be tested with litmus paper of universal indicating paper to see that It Is neutral ‘or at least no more atkaline than the rinse water that Is used. 11.4.1 Petroleum and Coal Tar Solvents, and Turpen- tine: These types of solvents clean the metal by dissclving ‘and diluting the oll and greases which contaminate the sur- face. Some solvents, especially coal tar solvents (aro- matics), will alao dissolve the vehicle of paints so they can tbe removed, It is important that the tast wash or rinse be ‘made with clean solvent in every case or a film of oll or ‘grease will be left an the surface when the solvent of the last washing evaporates: this film may interfere with the bbond of the paint to the metal. Potroloum base mineral spirits {aliphatics), with & minimum flash point of 100° F (38° C), or “Stoddard Sol- vent” as per ASTM Specitication D 484 should be used a3 ‘the general purpose solvent for cleaning under normal con ditions. in hot weather, or when the temperature Is 60 to 95° F (25 t0.35* C), high flash aliphatic mineral spirits with ‘a minimum flash point of 120° F ($0* C) should be used. 18 TABLE 9 MINIMUM SURFACE PREPARATION REQUIRED BY ‘SSPC PAINTING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS. _ ‘ssPc PAINTING. MINIMUM SURFACE SYSTEM SERIES PREPARATION’ ‘lave ‘Hand Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP 2) Ate ‘Commereat Biast Cleaning {S3PCSP 8) or Picking SSPCSPA Pronatie ‘Commercial Blast cteaning {SSPCSP 6 o Pickling BSrcsPa) vey! Commarcist Blast Cleaning {SPC-SP 8) or Picking {S5PC-SP 8) ust Prevantive Compounds Sclvent Cleaning {SSPC'SP 1) ‘or Nominal Cleaning ‘Asphalt Mastic ‘Commercial Bast Cleaning (SPC SP Bor Picking (ssrcsr a) Coat Tar Coatings Commercial Blast Clearing ‘ESPCSPO) os! Tar Epoxy tearing Zine Rich Commarcial Blast Cleaning Epoxy Polyamide ‘Commercial Blast Cleaning ‘SSPC'SP Oo Picking (SSPCSP 8) ‘Chlerinatea Rubber ‘icone Alkya retnare Commercial alast Ciaaning TESPC-SP 6) or Pickling (SSPCSP a) tae Commercial Blast Cleaning {SSPCSP 8 or Picking (ssrcer _ [1] where commercial blast cleaning isthe minimum recommended #0" Wows Souraton, better degrees of das cleaning may be aubstituied eetads sce more trerough, ad tha baer clearing thay provi, tray bs mare economies! or may be required for modersiely Cores Diattons, Gonsutt the Commentary on Painting Syston (Chapter SO Setdine Ste Stes! Suuctures Painting Manual for edsiionel detalts very hot weather, when the temperature is over 95° F G5" ©) heavy mineral spirits with a flash point over 140° F (60* C) should be used, All solvents are potentially hazard: ‘ous and they should be used under such conditions that thelr concentration In air being breathed by workmen ir tow enough for safety (see Table 10, Threshold Limi Values). When used In closed spaces where the safe con centration is exceeded, fresh air masks should be worn The fresh alr intake should be clear of carbon monoxide 0. ‘other .contaminants trom engine exhausts or othe sources. The concentration of solvent In alr should not ex ceed the lower limit of flammability as fire or explosio: may result. Gasoline and V.M. & P. Naphtha are too dar ‘gerous for use under ordinary conditions. "Aromatic of coal taf sdlvents may be used wher. ‘greater solvency Is required, but they are more toxle arr the solvents generally available have low flash pointsSSPC-SP COM November 1, 1982 TABLE 10 ‘THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES (TLV) FOR SOLVENTS* ‘Adopted Values ‘Adopted Values TWATLV! STEL-TLV" ‘Substance ppm mafcu m ppm mgicu m ‘Acetone 750 1780 1000 2375 Benzene (Benzol) — Skin 10 30 5 5 Butyicellosove — SI . 2 120 5 - 360 Carbon Tetrachloride — Skin 5 0 20 125 Gyclonexane 300 1050 378 1300 Epichtorohydrin — Skin 2 10 5 20 Ethyl Acetate 400 1400 Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol} 1000 1900 —- Ethylene Dichloride (1,2.Dichlorosthane) - 10 co 16 60 Ethylenediamine 10 2 -- a Furfuryl Alcohol — Skin 10 0 18 0 Methanol (Methyl Alcohol) — Skin 200 260 250 310 Methylene Chioride (ichloromethane) 100 380 500 1740 Naphtha, Coal Tart —- -- -- Naphtha, Petroleum? = -- —_ Parchloroethyiene — Skin 50 335 200 1340 Isopropyl Alcohol — Skin 400 980 800 1225 Stoddard Soivent 100 825 200 1050 Toluene 100 375 150 560 Trichloroethylene 50 270 200 1080 Turpentine 5 100 560 150 840 Xylene Xylol) 100 435 150 865 10] TWAATLB (Taeeshold Limit 2 40-hour work week. [2] STEL-TLY (Threshold Limit Value — Short Term Exposuee Limit: The maximum concentration to which workers can be exposed for period up to 15 minutes. {31 tn general, the aramatic hydrocarbon content will determine what TLV applies. [4] Reprinted trom the American Conference ot Governmental Industrial Hygienists booklat entitled “Threshold Limit Vaiues for Chomic. Substances and Physical Agente In the Workroom Environment,” 1984-85 aditlon. These TLVs ar@ revised annually. Note that OSt limits may ba different (eometimes lower). Theretore, following ACGIM recommendations can sometimes be Illegal, ua ~ Time Weighted Average}: The time weighted avarage concentration for a normal &hour workday ¢ Benzol (benzene) is the most toxic and should not be used, Chlorinated hycrocarbons may be used. However, due particularly in view of Its tow flash point and attendant tire. to toxicity, chlorinated hydrocarbons are not recommendec and explosion hazard. Xyior,toluol, and high flash naphtha for general use except with spectal equipment and tralnec may be used when thelr concentration in air that Is being operators. Chlorinated hydrocarbons should never be usec breathed does not exceed the safe limit (see Table 10, the where they may affect stainless steal, ‘concentration is graater, fresh air masks should be wor. ‘Safety Solvents” are satistactory'for use provider Because of the low flash points of these solvents, fira and that they meet the flash point requirements above and tha explosion hazards are inherent with their use and great cau. _they are used under such conditions that the concentrs tion should be taken to ensure safe working conditions. ton of chlorinated hydrocarbons In alr does not constitute a health hazard (see Table 10). a‘SSPC-SP COM November 1, 1982 41.1.2 Alkaline Cleaners: These cleaners saponity cor- tain olls and greases; their surface active constituents wash away other types of contaminants, such s oll. They may be particularly effective in removing paint because the alkall saponifies the dried paint vahicle. Since the soaps formed are soluble in water, the contaminants are ‘more easily temoved by washing with water after sapont- fication, and the adhesive nature of the old paint Is reduced by chemical action on the paint. ‘The most commonly used alkaline cleaner Is tr ‘sodium phosphate, but thera are other alkalies which are used, Some of these are mixtures with wetting agents and detergents. They are available as proprietary products and should be used in accordance with directions of the manufacturer. Because of the paint removal action of many alkaline cleaners, the actual cleaner to be used should be chosen after consideration of the extent to which the paint may be damaged. - Ifo manufactured alkatine cleaner is available, good results may be achieved by the use of two ounces trt- sodium phosphate per gallon of water, to which is also ‘added one to two ounces of soap or other suitable deter- ‘gent. This solution Is best used hot; I used cold, it may be advisable to Increase the concentration. This solution 1s sultable for spraying or scrubbing; it used in dip tanks, the concentration may be tripled. If not washed from the sur- face, this mixture will soften and eventually loosen most paints. Where complate paint removal Is the primary ob- ject, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) may be substituted for the trisodium phosphatt ‘Assoap film left on the surface is just as damaging to the paint bond as is an oll or grease flim; therefore the sur- face should be thoroughly washed (preferably with hot ‘water under pressure) to remove this soap and other residue. Moreover, all alkali must be thoroughly removed trom the surface or the new paint will be saponified and damaged by It. To test the effectiveness of the wash, universal pH test paper shoutd be placed against the wet steel. The pH of the washed surface should be no greater than the pH of the wash water. Following the rinsing, steel! surfaces should be passl- vated with an acidic wash containing about 0.1% by weight of chromic acid, or sodium dichromate, or potas- ‘slum dichromate, to overcome the harmful effect of traces ‘of alkall on paint adheston. This passivating treatment may be applied by brushing, spraying, or dipping, but should net be used when chromate-trae phosphatizing ‘operations are to follow. . ‘Alkaline cleanars must be used with caution since bad burns may result from contact with some solutions. Particular care should be paid to protacting the eyes of workers; safety goggles or eye shields should be worn. Rubber gloves should be worn if the solutions will contact ‘workers’ hands. Chromic acid and the chromates may ‘cause dermatitis and precautions should be taken to pro- tect the skin and hands of workers, Where alkaline clean- Ing compounds, chromic acid, or chromal respirators should be worn. 41.1.3 Emulsion Cleaners: Emulsion cleaners usually contain olf soluble soaps or emulsifying agents along with kerosene or mineral spirits. They are usually supplied as & concentrate which may be thinned with kerosene or miner: ai spirits and sprayed on the surface to be cleaned. They are emulsitied by the action of water under pressure and washed away along with oll, grease, and other contam- Inants. They may be diluted with water, emulsified, and ‘used in that condition. In any event, the directions of the manufacturer should be followed. ‘Aresidue of emulsion is almost always left on the sur face. This residue will leave a thin film of oll on the sur- face. If the paint to be applied cannot tolerate a stight ‘amount of oil, the residue must be washed from the sur- face by steam, hot water, detergents, solvents, of aikaline cleaning compounds. ‘Alkaline emutsion cleaners, which combine the ad- vantages of the alkaline cleaners and the emutsion clean- ars, are available 41.14 Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning may actually utiize either steam, hot water under pressure, or both. ‘The steam and hot water, when used to clean the sur- face, are usually used with a detergent and sometimes ‘also with an alkaline cleaner. The steam and hot water themselves tend to remove the oils, greases, and soaps by thinning them with heat, emulsifying them, and diluting ‘them with water. When used to remove old paint, the steam cooks the vehicle of the old paint so that it loses Its strength and its bonding to the metal. Itcan then be easily removed by further washing. When detergent is used, its higher affinity for the metal also causes the oil, grease, and paint to loosen, thereby increasing the rate of clean ing. “The new paint will not adhore to the metat If any of the cil, grease, soap, detergent, or alkali is left on the surtace ‘A tinal washing with clean water Is therefore always nec essary. 11.1.8 Threshold Limit Values: For threshotd timk: values of common cleaning solvents see the Americar Contorence of Governmental Industrial Hygienists bookie entitled “Threshold Limit Vatues (TLV) of Airborne Con taminants for 1978 for Chemical Substances and Physica ‘Agonts in the Workroom Environment” (see Table 10). 412 SSPC-SP 2, “HAND TOOL CLEANING": Han: toot cleaning Is an acceptable method of surface prepare tion for normal atmospheric exposures, for interiors, an for maintenance painting when using paints with goo: ‘wetting ability. Hand cleaning will not remove all rosidu oF rust nor will It remove Intact miil scale, For cleanin ‘small, limited areas prior to maintenance priming, han cleaning will usually suffice, It fa important to follow the good practices outiined | this hand cleaning specification In order to minimize u: are sprayed,necessary fallures oF to avold unnecessarily stringont ‘specifications for the preparation of surfaces which will be exposed In mild environments. Care in hand cleaning Is ‘also especially Important If the prime coat Is to be applied bby spray. ‘Tho hand cleaning specification requires that oll and ‘grease, along with any salts, be removed prior ta hand too! leaning as specified In SSPC-SP 1, “Solvent Cleaning. On welded work, particular care should be taken to remove ‘as much welding flux, slag, and fume deposit as is posst- ble since these are notorious In promoting paint failure on welded joints. All'oose matter should be remeved trom the ‘surface prior to painting; blowing it off with cléan, dry, olk {rea compressed alr; brushing; or vacuum cleaning are satisfactory methods. 11.2.1 Loose Rust: Determination of the degree of cleaning required to comply with this specification is often very difficult. The problem Is in establishing whether a residue Is “adherent” or “loose.” The specification con- siders the residue adherent if It cannot be lifted with a dull patty knife, a somewnat subjective criterion. ‘One possible solution is to astabilsh a standard of cleaning through use of a specitied cieaning procedure in which the type of brush, force, speed, etc., are stipulated. ‘The surface for the standard(or the contra) shouldbe a flat portion of the surface actually to be cleaned. It Is emphasized that this establishes a standard of cleanliness, but not a production rate. As long as the sur- face Is cleaned as well as that In the standard cleaning, the actual production rate is not in question. The standard 4s of value in case of any difference of opinion as to whether or not the surface has been properly cleaned. 11.2.2 Visual Standards: &f mutually agreed upon, SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual references may be used to Sup- plement the cleaning criteria of this specification. For par- tlally rusted mill scale, for completely rusted mill scale, or tor completely rusted and pitted surfaces, the appearance of the surface after hand tool cleaning should correspond to pictorial standards B St 2, CSt2, or D St2of SSPC-Vis 1. Other cleaning spacifications and visual standards are ‘described In Sections 7 and 12 of this Commentary. 14.3 SSPC-SP 3, “POWER TOOL CLEANING”: Power too! cleaning provides a better foundation for the priming paint than hand tool cleaning. If property done in complt- ance with the specification, better paint performance should result, ‘The power tool cleaning specification requires that oll ‘and grease, along with any salts, be removed prior to power tool cleaning as specitled In SSPC-SP 1, "Solvent Cleaning.” On welded work, particular care should be taken to remove as much welding flux, slag, and fume ‘deposit as is possible since these are notorious in promot ing paint failure on welded Joints. Al! loose matter should bbe removed from the surface prior to painting. Blowing off with clean, dry, ollfree compressed alr, brushing, or ‘vacuum cleaning are satistactory methods. SSPC-SP COM November 1, 1982 Care Is necessary In the use of power tools to prevent excessive roughening of the surface as ridges and burrs contribute to paint failure because sharp edges are not protected by adequate thickness of paint. Excessive power ‘wire brushing can also be detrimentat to the performance ‘of the paint; mill scale Is easily burnished to a smooth, slick surface to which paint will not adhere. 41.3.1 Loose Rust: Determination of the degree of cleaning requirad to comply with this specification Is often very difficult. The problem is In establishing whether a residue Is “adherent” or “loose.” The specification con ‘siders the residue adherent If it cannot be lifted with a dull putty knife, a somewhat subjective criterta. ‘One possible solution Is to astablish a standard of cleaning through use of a specified cleaning procedure In which the type of brush, force, speed, etc., are all stip~ ulated. The surface for the standard (or the control) should be a flat portion of the surface actually to be cleaned. It is emphasized that this establishes a standard of cleanliness, but not a production rate. As long as the surface is cleaned as well as that in the standard cleaning, the actual production rate of cleaning is not in question. ‘The standard Is of value In case of any difference of opin- ion as to whether of not the surface has been properly cleaned, 11.3.2 Vieual Standarde: if mutually agreed upon, SSPC-Vis 1 oF other visual references may be used in place to supploment the cleaning criteria of this specification. For partially rusted mil! scale, for completely rusted mit! scale, of for completely rusted and pitted surfaces, the ap- pearance of the surface after power tool cleaning should correspond to pictorial standards 8 St 3, CSt3, or DSt 3 of SSPC-Vis 1. These pictures represent steo! given an extra- thorough hand cleaning but In appearance may be con: sidered typical of average power toot cleaned surfaces, Other cleaning specifications and visual standards are described in Sections 7 and 12 of this Gommentary. 11.4 SSPCSP 4, “FLAME CLEANING OF NEW STEEL": This specitication was discontinuad In 1962. 44.5 SSPC-SP 5, “WHITE METAL BLAST CLEANING”: White Metal Blast Cleaning Is generally used for ex- posures In very corrosive atmospheres and for immersion ‘service where the highest degree of cleaning Is required and a high surface preparation cost Is warranted. Blast cleaning to white metal will result in high per- formance of the paint systems due to the complete removal of alt rust, miil scale, and foreign matter or con- taminants from the surface. In ordinary atmospheres and ‘general use white metal Is seldom warranted. ‘The use of this grade of blast cleaning without rust back Is particulacty difficult In the environments whore itis, most needed as a praparation for painting; for example, in ‘humid chemical environments. White Metal Blast Cleaning ‘should be conducted at a time when no contamination or rusting can occur, and when prompt painting ie possible, A Good rule Is that no more surtace should be prepared for painting than can be coated the same day.SSPC-SP COM November 1, 1962 When this specification Is used in malntenance paint- Ing, specific Instructions should be given on the extent of surtace to be blast cleaned in accordance with this specl- fication and the amount of spot cleaning required. In main- tenance painting it Is not ordinarily intended that sound, adherent old paint be removed unless it is excessively thick, inflexible, or incompatible with the specified paint sm, SSPC-PA 1, “Shop, Field, and Maintenance Paint- ing,” and SSPC-PA Guide 4, “Guide to Maintenance Re- painting with Oll Base or Alkyd Painting Systems,” cover additional maintenance painting procedures. 11.5.1 Visual Standards: If mutually agreed upon, SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual references may be used to sup- plement the cleaning eriteria of this specification. For par- tially rusted mill scale, for completely rusted mill scale, or for completely rusted and pitted surfaces, the appearance of the surface after White Metal Btast Cleaning should cor- respond to pictorial standards A Sa 3, 6 Sa 3, C Sa 3, or DSa3 of SSPC-Vis 1. The color or hue of the cleaned sur- face may be affected by the nature of the steel, the abra- sives, and by previous painting. Other cleaning specifica. tions and visual standards are described in Sections 7 and 12 of this Commentary. 11.6 SSPC-SP 6, “COMMERCIAL BLAST CLEANING”: Commercial Blast Cleaning should be employed for all general purposes where a high, but not perfect, degree of blast cleaning Is required. It will remove atl rust, mill scale, and other detrimental matter from the surtace, but will per- mit a great deat of staining from rust or mill scale to re- main. The surtace will not necessarily be unitorm in color, ‘or will all surfaces be uniformly clean. It the cleaning done according to this specification is likely to result in a surface unsatisfactory for severe service, then Near-White Blast Cleaning or White Metal Blast Cleaning should be specified. The advantage of Commercial Blast Cleaning lies In the lower cost for satistactory surface preparation for the majority of cases where blast cleaning ia belleved to be necessary. ‘When this specification is used in maintenance paint- Ing, specific instructions should be given on the extent of surface to be blast cleaned in accordance with this spec- {fleation and the amount of spot cleaning required. In maintenance painting it is not ordinarily intended that sound, adherent old paint be removed unless Its exces- aively thick, inflexible, or incompatible with the specttied paint system. SSPC-PA 1, "Shop, Field, and Maintenance Painting,” and SSPC-PA Guide 4, “Guide to Maintenance Repainting with Ol! Base or Alkyd Painting Systems," cover additional maintenance painting procedures. 11.8.1 Visual Standards: If mutually agreed upon, ‘SSPC-Vis 1 of visual references may be used to supple- ment the cleaning criteria of this specification, For com- pletely rusted mill scale, or for completely rusted and pitied surfaces, the appearance of the surtace after Com- mercial Blast Cleaning should correspond to pictorial standard C Sa 2 or D Sa2 of SSPC-Vis 1. NOTE: The current 4 8 Sa 2 photograph (1982) is not representative of Commer: lal Blast Cleaning. Also note that a photograph Is not available for a commercial blast over an Intact mill-scale- bearing surface, as this Is considered impractical. The color or hue of the cleaned surtace may be atfected by the nature of the steel, the abrasives, and by previous painting, Other cleaning specifications and visual standards are described in Sections 7 and 12 of the Commentary. 11.8.2 As with all SSPC specifications, the referencec ‘standard in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall gov: ern unless otherwise specified. . 11.7 SSPC-SP 7, “BRUSH-OFF BLAST CLEANING’ Brush-Off Blast Cleaning should be employed when the en, vironment is mild enough to permit tight mill scale, paint and minor amounts of tight rust and other foreign matter to remain on the surface. The surface resulting from this ‘method of surface preparation should be free of all loose mill scale and loose rust. The smail amount of rust remain. ing should be an integral part of the surface, Tha rem: ing paint and mill scale should be tight and the surface sufficiently abraded to provide a good anchor for paint ‘The fow cost of this method may result in economical pro: tection in mild environments. It Is not intended that Brush-Off Blast Cleaning be used for very severe surroundings. Brush-Off Blast Clean: ing is generally intended to supplant power tool cleaning where facilities are avallabie for blast cleaning. With this ‘method of surtace preparation, as with any other, it is understood that the rate of cleaning will vary from one part of the structure to ancther depending upon the initial con- ition of the surface. Because of the high rate of cleaning, the cost is low relative to the higher grades of blast clean- Ing, and should be of the same order as hand cleaning. Considerable amounts of tight intact paint, tight rust, or ‘small particles of tightly adhered mill scale will remain after brush-off blasting; therefore, the paints which are used should have a fair degree of wetting. When this specification is used in maintenance paint- ing, specific Instructions should be given on the extent of surface to be blast cleaned in accordance with this spac- ification and the amount of spot cleaning required. In maintenance painting it is not ordinarily intended that ‘sound, adherent ol¢ paint be removed unless it is excos- ly thick, inflexible, or incompatible with the specified paint system. SSPC-PA 1, “Shop, Field, and Maintenance Painting,” and SSPC-PA Guide 4, “Guide to Maintenanc Repainting with Oil Base or Alkyd Painting Systems, cover additional maintenance painting procedures. 14.74 Visual Standards: If mutually agreed upon, SSPC-Vis 1 or other visuat raferences may be used to sup- plement the cleaning criteria of this specification. For par- Ually rusted mil scale, for completely rusted mill scale, or tor completely rusted and pitted surfaces, the appearance of the surface after Brush-Off Blast Cleaning should cor- respond to pictorial standards B Sa 1, C Sat, or D Sat of‘SSPC-VIs 1. Other cleaning specifications and visual stan- dards are described In Sections 7 and 12 of this Commen- tary. 11.8 SSPC-SP 8, “PICKLING”: Pickling is considered ‘4 desirable method of removing rust and mill scate trom, structural shapes, beams, and plates when the cost of ‘such removal is felt to be justified. Properly accomplished, pickling produces a surface that will promote jong paint life with most coatings. Where production is sufficiently high to keep the equipment in use, pickling results in low cost shop prepa ration. It is impractical for field use although some experi- mental work has indicated the possibility of field pickling by use of poultices, Facilities are extremely limited for pickling of large fabricated members or large structural beams. However, there are a number of facilities for large stee! plates and structural members not exceedingly long. Small scale pickling facilities are widely available. Hydrochloric acid dissolves scale faster than sulfuric acid, but hydrochloric acid is seldom heated because of the extreme difficulty associated with the fumes which evolve upon heating. Any acid which is used should be used with a suitable inhibitor. Considerable use is made ofthe duplex type of pickling where sulfuric acid is used to remove the rust and scale, and phosphoric acid is used for a final phosphate treatment. Special precautions including fresh water rinsing are necessary to remove residues of unreacted sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. Design of fabricated steel may require special con- sideration to eliminate pockets or crevices which trap acid uring pickling. This may be avoided by pickling in phos- Phoric acid. Pickled steel, like blast cleaned steel, should tbe painted as soon as possible atter cleaning. A morp detailed discussion of pickling is available in Volume 1 of the Steel Structures Painting Manual 14.9 SSPC-SP 9, “WEATHERING FOLLOWED BY BLAST CLEANING”: This specification was discontinued in 1974. Weathering prior to blast cleaning has been found {to be a very harmful practice, especially In corrosive en- Wronments, since deleterious surtace impurities are much ‘more difficult to remove after weathering away of mill scale. 11.10 SSPC-SP 10, “NEAR-WHITE BLAST CLEANING”: Jn many exposures involving a combination of high hu- midity, chemical atmosphere, marine, or other corrosive ‘environment, the use of White Metal Biast Cleaning was found to be overly expensive due to the disproportionately large amount of work required to remove the last vestiges: of streaks and shadows. Tha U.S. engineers, naval ship- yards, highway departments, and the SSPC have found that there are many applications in which these traces an be tolerated without appreciable loss in coating lite. Therefore the nead for a grade of blast cleaning beyond {that of commercial but less than White-Metal Blast Clean- SSPC-SP COM Noverber 1, 1982 ing was demonstrated. This NearWhite Blast Cleaning specification was developed to till this neod. Near White Blast Cleaning should be employed for atl general purposes where a high degree of blast cleaning is required. it will remove alt rust, mill scale, and other detri- mental matter from the surface but permits streaks and stains to remain. The surface will not necessarily be com- Pletoly uniform in color, nor will alt surfaces be uniformly ciean. However, it is explicit in this specification that shadows, streaks, or discolorations, if any, be slight and tbe distributed unitormiy over the surface — not .concen- trated in spots or areas. ‘The advantage of Near-White Blast Cleaning ties in ‘the lower cost for surface preparation that Is satistactory {or all but the most severe service conditions. Depending ‘upon the initial condition of the new or previously painted steel, it has been variously estimated that Near-White Blast Cleaning can be carried out at a cost of 10-35% less than that of White Metal Blast Gleaning. These numbers are estimates only and will not hold true in alt cases. ‘The verbal description, calling for at least 95% of the ‘surface being equivalent to White Metal Biast Cleaning, is, based upon a large number of visual observations and a limited number of light reflectivity measurements. It is hoped that the amount of surface impurity can be quan- tified by specific measurement technique, but efforts to date have been unsuccessful except on a laboratory basis. it Is believed, nowever, that a visual estimate of the amount of residuals can be agreed upon between owner and contractor. ‘When this specification is used in maintenance paint- ing, specific instructions should be given on the extent of ‘Surface to be biast cleaned in accordance with this speci- fication and the amount of spot cleaning required. in main- tenance painting it is not ordinarily intended that sound, adherent old paint be removed unless it is excessively thick, intlexible, or incompatible with the specitied paint ‘system. SSPC-PA 1, “Shop, Field and Maintenance Paint- 19," and SSPC-PA Guide 4, “Guide to Maintenance Re- Painting with Oil Base or Aikyd Painting System: additional maintenance painting procedures. 14.10.4 Visual Standards: If mutually agreed upon, ‘SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual references may be used in place to supplement the cleaning criteria of this specification For partially rusted mill scale, for completely rusted mill scale, of for completely rusted and pitted surfaces, the ap- Pearance of the surface after Near White Blast Cleaning should correspond to pictorial standards A Sa 2-1/2, 8 Sa 2-172, CSa 2-12, of D Sa 2-72 of SSPCVis 1. The color ‘or hue of the cleaned surface may be affected by the ‘nature of the steel, abrasives used, and by previous paint Ing. Other cleaning specitications and visual standards described in Sections 7 and 12 of this Commentary. 11.102 As with all SSPC specifications, the rater- ‘enced standards in effect on thedale of Invitation to bid shall govern uniess otherwise specified.‘SSPC-SP COM November 1, 1982 42, Other Cleaning Specifications ‘The recommendations, specifications, and guides ot ‘a number of other associations reference the Steel Struc- tures Painting Council Surface Preparation Specifications, including: American Association of State Highway and ‘Transportation Officials (AASHTO); American Institute of Steet Construction (AISC}; American Iron and Steel In stitute (AISI; American Petroleum Institute (API; Amori- can Railway Bridge and Bullding Association (ARBBAY: “American Water Works Association (AWWA); Canadian In- stitute of Steel Construction (CISCy; Painting and Decorat- ing Contractors of America (PDCA}; Steel Plate Fabrl- ators Association (SPFAY: Institute (TSSI) They are also used by many state highway departments and other federal, state, and local agencies. ‘The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) has cooperated closely with the SSPC and in the NAGE standards TMO170 and TMOV-75 has adopted definitions essentially the same as those given in the definition sections of the four corresponding SSPC sur face preparation specifications. Visual standard paneis ‘ara Included in TM.01-70 and TM.01-75 which show each of the four grades of cleaning on surfaces which have Deen air blasted with sand and centrifugal wheel blasted with cast ste! shot and grit. Govarnmental agencies have been active in preparing ‘good surface preparation specifications, but most of these deal with thin metal and do not particularly apply to struc- tures. The Corps of Engineers Civil Works Division hi Issued CW 09940, “Guide Specifications for Painting Hydraulle Structures and Appurtenant Works.” This speck fleation covers the cleaning and treating of structural stoo! ‘as well as the application of paint and the paints to be used. t makes use of the SPC surface preparation specl- tlcations. Federal Specification TT-C-490, “Cleaning Methods land Pretreatmont of Ferrous Surtaces for Organic Coatings," covers various types of surface preparation and pretreatments. US. Military Specification MILT-704, “Treatment and Painting (for Construction and Engineering Equipment)” gives detailed instructions for surtace preparation of steel, Corrosion-resistant steel, zinc, aluminum and alurninurs ‘alloys, magnesium alloys, and wood. For intemal use, the U.S. Department of the Navy. Naval Sea Systems Command, has prepared Chapter 631, “Preservation of Ships in Service (Surtace Preparation and Painting) NAVSEA-S9066-VO-STM-000C/H-831," which in ‘cludes surface preparation specitications in addition tc painting specifications and paint systems. Detallec specifications for pickling are included. ‘The British Standards Institution has adopted thres grades of blast cleaning roughly equivalent to SSPC-SP & and 10. The Swedish Standards Institution has adopter set of photographs SIS 05 59 00 upon which SSPC-Vis fo based, Several of these photographs were provided b the SSPC. “The International Organization for Standardizatio (80) is planning a set of surface preparation dafinitior and photographic references.I . - Steel Structures Painting Council SSPO-Gulde to Vis November 1, 19 GUIDE TO VISUAL STANDARD NO. 1 Guide to Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting Steel Surfaces The pictorial standard, Vis 1, described below was pre- pared by the Swedish IVA Corrosion Committee with input from the Steel Structures Painting Council and has been Jointly approved by the Steel Structures Painting Council, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and the Swedish Standards Association. Copies of the pictorial standard can be obtained trom any one’ of these three associations. 4. Scope 11 This guide only describes the pictorial standard ‘and does not constitute the standard. The pictorial stan- dard when used in conjunction with the SSPC surface preparation specifications gives only an approximation of the final surface condition. These visual standards should be considered a supplement to, and not a substitute for, surtace preparation spacifications, 2. Description 2.1 The pictorial surtace preparation standard con- sists of a series of color prints which represent various conditions of unpainted steel surtaces prior to and after surface preparation. 22 The standard illustrates four initial rusigrades before surlace preparation and covers the range from in- tact mill scale to badly rusted and pitted steel. These rust- grades are: A Stee! surface covered completely with adherent mill Scale with little, if any, rust. 8 Steel surface which has begun to rust, and from which the mili scale has begun to flake. © Steel surface from which the mill scais has rusted away ‘or from which it can be scraped, but with little pitting visible. © Stee! surface on which the mill scale has rusted away and where pitting Is visibte, 23 The standard also illustrates surtaces prepared bby hand tool, power tool, and blast cleaning. The various, Grades of thoroughness of surface preparation are repro- ‘sented in Table 1. This table also shows the approximate correlation between the SSPG surface preparation speci fications and the photographic standard, SSPC-Vis 1. For ‘each of the four rustgrades detinad, the standard addresses ‘six degrees of cleaniiness. The first two degrees are desig- ated “St” for hand and power tool cleaning while the last four are designated "Sa" for blast cleaning. 24 Stool surtaces will show variations in shades, co ‘or, tone, pitting, flaking, mill scale, etc. These variation should be considered and compensated for when makin: comparison with the photographic standard. 28 This pictorial standard should not be used as substitute for complete surface preparation specifics tions, since it is based upon appearance only and does nc attempt to deal with other necessary factors such as su. face profile, remaval of contaminants, degree of remove of rust or impurities, permissible cleaning procedures equipment, rust back, etc. 3. Procedures 3.1 Select the photographs) of unprepared surface 1A, B, G, or D) that most closely represent{s) the appea ance of the steel to be cleaned. NOTE: Occasionally th ‘material tobe cleaned will contain more than one of the ir tial surface conditions. the method of surtace preparation the hand tool cleaning — SSPC-SP 2, whit metai blast cleaning ~ SSPC-SP §, etc). 3.8 Use Table 1 to determine which photograp depicts the finished surface. For example, if the initial su face condition is rusted (C) and commercial blast clear ing (SSPC-SP 6) is specified, use photograph C Sa 2, 3.4 Compare the prepared surface with the phot: ‘graph selected in Section 33 to evaluate the cleaninc NOTE: Stee! surfaces will show variances in colo shading, etc., both before and after cleaning. Therefore th photographs can be used only as a guide and one can nc expect an exact correlation when comparing a photograr to the surface. 4, Inspection 4.1 When this guide is used as part of a specificatio, ¢ procurement document, all work supplied shall be su! ject to timely inspection by the purchaser or his authorize representative, The contractor shall correct such work « teplace such matarial as is found defective. In case « dispute the arbitration or settlement procedure esta lished In the procurement documents, if any, shall t followed. ino arbitration or settlement procedure is esta. lishad, the procedure specified by the American Arbitr tion Association shall be used.SSPC-Guide to Vis 4 November 1, 1982 TABLE 1 Dogee of ‘Adherent Rusting Rusted Pitted and Cleaning Mill Seate Mill Seale Rusted A 8 ¢ > Initiat Surtace esto cso Dsto Condition asa0 Bsa0 Gsa0 osa0 Manual Cleaning: ‘Thorough o Bst2 cstz2 * Dste Hand Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP 2 Manual Cleaning: Very Thorough ® asta css ost3 Power Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP 3 Blast Cleaning: ght o Bsat csat Dsat Brush-Off Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP 7 Blast Cleaning: ‘Thorough @ cSa2 osaz Commercial Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP 6 Blast Cleaning: Very Thorough ASa242 BSa2we c saz Dsa2we Near-White Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP 10 Blast Cleaning: Extremely Asa BSa3 csa3 osa3 ‘Thorough (3) White Metal Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP 5 (1) No photograph available. {The photograph (through the 1982 printing) corresponding with “Bl Sa 2" shows dark areas that could be interpreted af mil ot recommended a3 an lilustration of SSPC-SP 6, "Gommercial Blast Cleaning.” through 1962 printing) illustrating “A Sa," "B Sa3," and“ Sa" do not adequately Mlustrate the surtace te” 4.2 The procurement documents covering work or plete, and useful as possible, the SSPC cannot assume purchase should establish the responsibifity for testing responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the Gnd for any required alfidayit certifying full compliance —_use of any materials, paints, or methods specified therein, ‘with the specification. or of the guide itself. 5.1. While every precaution Is taken to Ingure that all Information furnished in SSPC guides Is as accurate, comRUST GRADE C—RUSTED csat csa2b Brush-Ott Near White Note: These color reproductions may not be representative of the colors in the standard booklet, They are shown only for ilustrative purposes, The standard booklet contains equivalent photographs for Rust Grades A.B, and O, 23 welRUST GRADES D Pitted & Rusted 8 Rusting Mill Scale ay not be representative of the colors inthe standard booklet Note: These color reproductions m: tative Purposes. : They are shown only for Must reeksSteel Structures Painting Council SSPCGulde to Vis 2 November 1, 1982 GUIDE TO VISUAL STANDARD NO. 2 Guide to Standard Method of Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces The pictorial standard, SSPC-Vis 2, desoribed below was Prepared by the American Society for Testing and Mater- fals with input from the Steel Structures Painting Council and has been jointly approved by both organizations. Copies of the pictoriat standard can be obtained from elther of these associations. 1. Scope 1.1 This guide only describes the pictorial standard and does not constitute the standard. It ls to be used for comparative purposes and isnot intended to have a direct relationship to a decision regarding painting require: ments. 2. Description 2.4 The pictoriat rusting standard consists of a series of color photographs that represent various amounts of visible rusting on painted steel surfaces. 2.2 Tho standard illustrates tour fevels of rusting on painted steel surfaces that rango from 0.03% to 10% rust. ‘These levels correspond to rust grades of 9, 8,6, and 4. 23 The rust grading scale ranges from 10 (no rusting or less than 0.01% rusted) to.0(100% rusted). This numer- eal rust grade scale is an exponential function of the amount of rust and Is described in Table 1. Note that initial slight rusting has the largest effect on fowering the rust grade, 24 The pictorial representations of Figure 1 show ex: amples of area percentages which may be helpful in rust ‘grading painted steot surfaces. 3. Procedures 3.1 Surlace staining by rust, accumulated dirt, or dirt ‘containing iron of Iron compounds should not be confused with the actual rusting involved. 3.2 In evaluating surtaces, consideration should be ‘iven to tha color af the finish coating, since failures will ‘be more apparent on a tinish that shows color contrast with rust such a8 used in the photographic standards, than on @ similar color, such as an iron oxide colored finish. 3.3 Coating failure Is likely to vary over a givan are: Therefore, discretion should be used when selecting & single grade that Is to be representative of « large area or structure, a 3.4 The photographic reference standards are not re- Qulced when estimating the levet of rusting since the rust ‘grade scale Is based upon the percent of the area rusted. ‘Any method of assessing area rusted (Including Figure 1) may be used to determine the rust grade. 9.5 This standard may be projected to Inctude bilster- {ing beneath the paint by including the blistered area as #f it were rust. 4. Notes 4.1 While every precaution Is taken to Insure that all information furnished in SSPC guides is as accurate, com- plete, and useful as possible, the SSPC cannot assume responsibility or Incur any obligation resulting from the use of any materials, paints, or methods spacified therein, ‘or of the guide itselt. TABLE 1 DESCRIPTION OF RUST GRADE 10 —_no-rusing or tess than 0.01% of ‘unnecessary ‘of surface rusted ® ——eirute ruttog, less than 003% of Nae ertoce rssted 8 fow igclatad ruat spots tess than No.8 "01M of surface rested 7 tans than 02% of surtace rusted one © axtangive spots but leas than 1% of No.8 ‘surtace rusted 5 rung to tm antnt of 3% of ertace sone 4 raningte a ectenof 10% ot sutace No.4 3 approximately one-ssth of he surface none usted 2 approximately onetnird of tne surtace none rusted 1 approximately one-half of the surtace one usted © approximately 100% of the surface: ‘unnecessary rusted‘SSPC-Gulde to Vis 2 November 1, 1982 FIGURE 1 pagrama Representing Rust Grades andthe Corresponding Aree PercentagesSteel Structures Painting Council SSPC-SP November 1, 19¢ SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 1 Solvent Cleaning 1. Scope 4.4 This specification covers the requirements for the ‘solvent cleaning of steel surfaces. 2. Definition 24 Solvent cleaning is a method for removing all visi- bie oil, grease, soll, drawing and cutting cémpounds, and ‘other soluble contaminants from steel surfaces, 22 Its intended that solvent cleaning be used prior to the application of paint and in conjunction with sur- face preparation methods specified for the removal of rust, mill scale, or paint. 3. Surface Preparation Before and After Solvent Cleaning 3.1 Prior to solvent cleaning, remove foreign matter {other than grease and oil) by one or a combination of the following: brush with stiff fiber or wire brushes, abrade, scrape, or clean with solutions of appropriate cleaners, provided such cleaners are followed by a fresh water rinse. 3.2 After solvent cleaning, remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the surface prior to paint appli- cation. Acceptable methods include brushing, blow off with efean, dry air, or vacuum cleaning. 4, Methods of Solvent Cleaning 4.1 Remove heavy oil or grease first by scraper. Then remove the remaining oil or grease by any of the following methods: 4.1.1 Wipe or scrub the surtace with rags or brushes wetted with solvent. Use clean solvent and clean rags oF brushes for the final wiping. 4.1.2 Spray the surface with solvent, Use clean sok vent for the finat spraying. 4.1.3 Vapor degrease using stabilized chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents. 4.1.4 Immerse compietely in a tank or tanks of sol- vent. For the last immersion, use solvent which does not contain detrimental amounts of contaminant. 4.1.5 Emulsion or alkalina cleaners may be used In blace of the methods described. After treatment, wash the. surface with fresh water or steam to remove detrimental residues. 5. Inspection 5.1 All work and materiais supplied under this spec fication shall be subject to timely Inspection by the pu chaser or his authorized representative. The contracte shall correct such work or replace such material as i ound detective under this specification. Incase of disput the arbitration of settlement procedure established in th. Procurement documents, if any, shall be followed. if no a bitration of settlement procedure Is established, the pre cedure specitied by the American Arbitration Association shall be used. 5.2 The procurement documents covering work © Purchase should establish the responsibility tor testin, and tor any required affidavit certifying full complianc: with the specification. 6 Safety 6.1 All safety requirements stated in this specifica tion and its component parts apply in addition to any ap Bllcable federal, state, and jocal rules and requirements. They also shall be in accord with instructions and require ‘ments of insurance underwriters, 7, Notes 7.1 While every precaution is taken to insure that a! information furnished in SSPC specifications Is as ac Curate, complete, and useful as possible, the SSPC canna: assume responsibility or incur any obligation resulting trom the use of any materials, paints, or methods specified therein, or of the specitication itself. 7.2 A Commentary Section is available (Chapter 2 of Volume 2 of the Stee! Structures Painting Manual) and con: tains additional information and data relative to this ‘specification. The Surface Preparation Commentary, ‘SSPC-SP COM, is not part of this specification, The table below fists the subjects discussed relevant to solvent cleaning and appropriate Commentary Section. Subject SSPC-SP COM Section Solvents and Cleaners ......, 11.1 through 11.1.3, ‘Steam Cleaning . W414 Threshold Limit Values HAS Film Thickness. 10~ sspcsP 1 November 1, 1082Steel Structures. Painting Council SSPC-S November 1, 1: SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 2 Hand Tool Cleaning 1. Scope 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the hand tool cleaning of stee! surtaces. 2. Definitions 2.1 Hand tool cleaning is a method of preparing steel Surfaces by the use of non-power hand tools. 22 Hand toot cleaning removes all loose mill scale, foose rust, toose paint, and other loose detrimental foreign ‘matter. it is not intended that adherent mill scaie, rust, and Paint be removed by this process. Mill scale, tust, and aint are considered adherent if they cannot be removed by lifting with a dull putty knife. 2.3 SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual standards of surtace reparation agreed upon by the contracting parties may be used to further define the surtace, 3. Reference Standards 3.4 The standards referenced in this specification are listed in Section 3.4 and form a part of the specification, 3.2 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the reference standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall govern unless otherwise specified, 3.3 If there Is a conflict between the requirements of any of the cited reference standards and the specification, the requirements of the specification shall prevail, 3.4 STEEL STRUCTURES PAINTING COUNCIL (SPC) SPECIFICATIONS: SP1 Solvent Cleaning Vist Pictorial Surtace Preparation Standards for Painting Steet Surtaces 4. Surface Preparation Before and After Hand Tool Cleaning 41 Before hand tool cleaning, remove visible oil, Grease, soluble welding residues, and salts by the meth. ds outlined in SSPC-SP 1. 42 After hand tool cleaning and prior to painting, reclean the surtace if it does not conform to this speci. fication, 4.3 After hand tool cleaning and prior to painting, remove dirt, dust, or similar contaminants from the sur- face. Acceptable methods include brushing, blow off with lean, dry alr, or vacuum cleaning. 5. Methods of Hand Too! Cleaning 5.1 Use Impact hand toois to ramove stratified re (rust scaie). 52 Use impact hand tools to remove all weld stag 5.3 Use hand wire brushing, hand abrading, ‘Scraping, or other similar non-impact methods to remo all toose mill scale, all loose or non-adherent rust, and « loose paint. 5.4 Regardless of the method used for cleaning, ‘specified in the procurement documents, feather edges « femaining ofd paint so that the repainted surface can hav 4 reasonably smooth appearance. ‘55 If approved by the owner, use power tools or bla: Cleaning as a substitute cleaning method tor this specit cation, 6. Inspection 8.1 All work and materials supplied under this spec: fication shail be subject to timely inspection by the pur chaser or his authorized representative. The contract shall correct such work or replace such material as found detective under this specification. In case of dispute {the arbitration or settlement procadure established In the Procurement documents, if any, shal! be followed. If no ar bitration or seitiement procedure is established, the pro cedure specified by the American Arbitration Association shall be used, 6.2 The procurement dacuments covering work or Purchase should establish the responsibility for testing and for any required affidavit certifying full compliance with the specification, 7. Safety 7.4 All safety requirements stated in this specifica: tion and its component parts apply in addition to any ap- pllcable federal, state, and local rules and requirements. They also shail be In accord with instructions and require. ‘ments of insurance underwriters, 8. Notes 8.1 While every precaution Is taken to Insure that all Information furnished in SSPC specitications Is aa ac- curate, complete, and useful as possible, the SSPC cannot assume responsibility or incur any obligation resulting from tho use of any materials, palnts, or methods specified therein, oF of the specification itself,sgPc-sP 2 November 1, 1982 ‘A-commentary Section i avaliable {cnapter 2 of he Stoel Structures Painting ‘Manual and con ‘gaitional information and date retevant to this ‘the Surtace Preparation ‘Commentary, ssi . this specification. The table soto tiate the subjects discussed relevant to hand tool leaning and appropriate Comment?! Section. sSPC-SP COM Section . " : 0 a2 . 8 v ad Degree of Cleaning Film Thickness --.--- Maintenance Painting Rust Gack «- Visual Standards - ‘Yeld Spatter -Steel Structures Painting Coun . SSPC-sP November %, 196 SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 3 Power Tool Cleaning 1. Scope 1.4. This specification covers the requirements for the Bower toot cleaning of stee! surfaces. 2. Definition 2.1 Powor tool cleaning is a mothod of preparing steel surfaces by the use of power assisted hand tools. 22 Power tool cleaning removes all loose mill scal foose rust, loose paint, and other loose detrimental foreign ‘matter. It Is not intended that adherent mill scala, rust, and Paint be removed by this process. Mill scale, rust, and aint are considered adherent If they cannot be removed by lifting with a dull putty knife, 23 SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual standards of surta: reparation agreed upon by the contracting parties may be used to further define the surface. 4. Reference Standards 3.1 The standards referenced in this specification are sted In Section 3.4 and form a part of the specification. 32 The latest issue, revision or amendment of the reference standards in effact on the date of invitation to bid shail govern unless otherwise specified. 3 If there Is a conflict between the requirements of any of the cited reference standards and the specification, the requirements of the specification shall prevail. 3.4 STEEL STRUCTURES PAINTING COUNCIL (SSPC) SPECIFICATIONS: SP1 Solvent Cleaning Vis 1 Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting Steel Surfaces 4 Surface Preparation Before and After Power Tool Cleaning 4.1 Before power tool cleaning, remove visible of ‘grease, Soluble welding residue, and salts by the mathods ‘outlined in SSPC-SP 1, 4.2 After power tool cleaning and prior to painting, feclean the surface If Ht does not conform to this specifi ‘ation. 4.3 Alter power tool cleaning and prior to painting, femove dirt, dust, or similar contaminants from the sur- lace, Accoptable methods include brushing, blow off with ‘Sloan, dry alr, or vacuum ‘cleaning. ‘5. Methods of Power Tool Cleaning §.1 Use rotary or impact power tools to remove stratified rust (ust scale), 5.2 Use rotary or Impact power tools to remove al weld slag. 5.3 Use power wire brushing, power abrading, power Impact or other power rotary tools to remove all loose ‘mill scale, al! loose or nonadherent rust, and all loose aint. Do not burnish the surface. 5.4 Operate power tools ina manner that prevents the formation of burrs, sharp ridges, and sharp cuts, 5.8 Regardless of the method used for cleaning, if ‘specified in the procurement documents, feather edges of remaining old paint so that the repainted surface can have | reasonably smooth appearance. 5.6 If approved by the owner, use blast cleaning as a Substitute cleaning method for this specitication, 6. Inspection ‘8.4 All work and materials supplied under this spec fication shall be subject to timely inspection by the pur chaser or his authorized representative. The contractor shall correct such work or replace such material as Is found defective under this specification. In casa of dispute the arbitration or settlement procedure established in the Procurement documents, if any, shail be followed. If no ar- bitration or settlement procedure is established, the pro- cedure specified by the American Arbitration Association shall be used, 2 The procurement documents covering work or Durchase should establish the responsibility for testing ‘and for any required affidavit certifying full compliance with the specification. 7. Safety 7.4 All safety requirements stated In this specifica: tion and its component parts apply in addition to any ap- plicable federal, state, and local rules and requirements. They also shall be in accard with instructions and require. ‘ments of Insurance underwriters, 8. Notes 8.1 While every precaution is taken to insure that all ‘nformation furnished in SSPC specifications is as ac. urate, complete, and useful as possible, the SSPC cannot assume responsibility of incur any obligation resulting from the use of any materials, paints, or methods specified therein, oF of the specification itself.SSPCSP3 November 1, 1982 82 A Commentary Section Is available (Chapter 2 of Volume 2 of the Steel Structures Painting Manual) and cor tains additional Information and data relevant to thie wecification. The Surface Preparation Commenter SEPCSP COM, Is not part of this specification, The table Seow lists the subjects discussed relavant to power t00! cleaning and appropriate Commentary Section. SSPC-SP COM Section " Degree of Cleaning Flim Thickness ..... 10 Maintenance Painting ....-+- a2 Aust Back ....0+++ 8 Visual Standards «22-000 7 aa Weld Spatter -ee ee SSPC-SP 5 March 1, 1985 Steel Structures Painting Council SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 5 White Metal Blast Cleaning Scope 44 This specification covers the requirements for ‘white Metal Blast Cleaning of stee! surfaces by the use of abrasives. 2. Definition 2A A White Metal Blast Cleaned surtaco, when fewed without magnification, shail be free of all visible oll, grease, dirt, dust, mill scale, rust, paint, oxides, cor- ‘sion products, and other foreign matter. 2.2 ACCEPTABLE VARIATIONS IN APPEARANCE THAT DO NOT AFFECT SURFACE CLEANLINESS as defined in Section 2.1 include variations caused by type of steel, original surface condition, thickness of the steel, ‘weld metal, mil or fabrication marks, heat treating, heat affected zonas, blasting abrasive, and differences in the biast pattern, 2.3 When painting is specified, the surtace shall be roughened to a degree suitable for the specitied paint system. 2.4 Immediately prior to paint application the surtace ‘shalt comply with the degree of cleaning as specified herein. 25 SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual standards of surtace preparation may be specified to supplement the written definition. “NOTE: Additional information on visual standards is available in section A of the Appendix. 3, Blast Cleaning Abrasiv 3.4 The selection of abrasive size and type shall be based on the type, grade, and surface condition of the steel to be cleaned, type of Dlast cleaning system employed, the finished surface to be produced (cleanli- ness and roughness), and whether the abrasive will be recycled. 3.2 The cleanliness and size of recycled abrasives shall be maintained to insure compilance with this specification. 3.3 The blast cleaning abrasive shall be dry and {ree of oll, grease, and other harmful materials at the time of Use. . 4 Any limitations or restrictions on the use of Notes are not requirements of this specitic lon. specitic abrasives, quantity of contaminants, of degree of ‘embedment shali be included in the procurement docu- ments (project specification) covering the work, since abrasive embedment and: abrasives containing - con: taminants may not be acceptable for some service re- quirements. NOTE: Additional information on abrasive selection is available in Section A2 of the Appendix. 4, Reference Standards 4,1 If there is a conflict between the cited reference standards and this specification, this specification shall prevail unless otherwise indicated in the procurement documents (project specification). 42 The standards referenced in this specification are: SSPC-SP 1 Solvent Cleaning 'SSPCVis 1 Pictorial Surtace Preparation Standards for Painting Steel Surfaces 5. Procedure Before Blast Cleaning Bl Before blast cleaning, visible deposits of oil or ‘grease shall be removed by any of the methods specitied In SSPC-SP 1 oF other agreed upon methods. 5.2 Before blast cleaning, surface impertections such ‘as sharp fins, sharp edges, weld spatter, or burning slag should be removed from the surface to the extent required by the procurement documenta (project specification). “NOTE: Additional information on surtace imperfections is available in Section AS of the Appendix. 6. Blast Cleaning Methods and Operation G1 Clean, dry, compressed air shall be used for nozzle blasting. Moisture separators, oll separators, traps ‘or other equipment may be necessary to achieve this re- * quirement. 6.2 Any of the following methods of surtace prepara- tion may be used to achieve a White Metal Blast Cleaned surtace: 8.2.1 Ory abrasive blasting using compressed alr, blast nozzles, and abrasive. 8.2.2 Dry abrasive blasting using a ciosed cycle, recir- culating abrasive system with compressed alt, blast noz~ zle, and abrasive, with or without vacuum for dust and National Attociton of Corrosion Eagnaara {wace] Endorsement, October 31, 1964SSPC-SP 5. March 1, 1985 abrasive recovery. 82. Ory abrasive blasting, using a closed cycle, recirculating abrasive system with cantrifugal wheols and abrasive. &3 Other methods of surface preparation (such as wet abrasive blasting) may be used to achieve a White Metal Blast Cleaned surface by mutual agreament Be tween the party responsibie for performing the work and the party responsible for establishing the requirements or his representative. NOTE: If wet abrasive blasting is used, information on the use of inhibitors to prevent the formation of rust im nadiately after wet blast cleaning is contained in Section Ag of the Appendix. 7, Procedures Following Blast Cleaning and immediately Prior to Painting =~ 7.1 Visible deposits of oll, grease, of other con- taminants shall be removed by any of the methods specified in SSPC- SP 1 or other methods: agreed upon by se party responsible for establishing the requirements wes tne party responsible for performing the work. 7.2 Dust and loose residues shall be removed from prepared eurtaces by brushing, Blowing off with clean, 7y vie wacuum cleaning of other methods agraed unON BY Ne sany responsible for establishing the requirements 67 ree arty responsible for performing the work. Moisture Separators, oil separators, traps, or other equipment may be necessary to achieve clean, dry alt. 7.3 Alter biast cleaning, surtace imperfections which remain (ve. sharp fins, sharp edges, weld spatter, Durning Slag, scabs, slivers, etc) shall be removed to the extee 1 Guired in the procurement documents (project specifics lon). Any damage to the surtace profile resulting ftom the Vomoval of surface imperfections shall be corrected to meet the requirements of section 2.3. “NOTE: Additional information on surta contained in Section A.5 of the Appendix, “LA Any visible rust that forms on the surtace of ne steo! after blast cleaning shail be removed by rebiasting The rusted areas to mest the raquirements of this ‘specification before painting. SROTE: Information on rustback (rerusting) and surlace cEhensation le contained in Sections AT and A@ of the Appendix. imperfections is 8. Inspection 8.1 Work and materials supplied under this specifica- tion are subject to inspection by ‘the party responsible tor ishing. the requirements of his representative. Statoriaia and work areas shall be accessibie to the in- Spector, The procedures and times of Inspection shall be ‘as agreed upon by the party responsibie for estabtishing the requirements and the party responsible for performing the work. {82 Conditions not complying with this specification shall be corrected. In case of dispute the arbitration of Settlement procedure established In the procuremont documents (project specification) shail be followed. If no ‘grbitration or settlement procedure Is established, then the procedure established by the American Arbitration Association shall be used. . 183 The procurement documents (project specifica tion) should establish the responsibility for inspection and for any required affidavit certifying compliance with the specification. 9, Safety and Environmental Requirements ‘a1 Blast cleaning 's a hazardous operation. “Therefore, all work shail be conducted in such a manner to comply with all applicable insurance underwriter, local: ‘Stato, and federal safety and environmental rules and requirements. SNOTE: SSPC-PA Guide 9, “A Guide to Safety in Paint “Application,” addresses safety concerns for coating work, 10. Comments 140.1 while every precaution is taken to insure that all information furnished in SSPC specifications is as ac ‘curate, complete, and useful as possible, the Steet Struc: {ures Painting Council cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any male als, paints, or methods specitied therein, or of the specification itself. 40.2 Additional information and data relative to this ‘specification are contained in the following brial AppSn. ix, More detailed information and data are presented in a ‘separate document, SSPC-SP COM, "Surface Preparation Commentary.” The recommendations contained in the Notes, Appendix, and SSPC-SP COM are believed to repre: ‘sent good practice, but are not to be considered 2s 16° Quirements of the specification. The table below lists tne Tubjects discussed relevant to White Metal Blast Clearing ‘and appropriate section of SSPC-SP COM. Subject ‘Commentary Section ‘Abrasive Selection . 5. Degree of Cleaning. a8 Film Thickness 10. ‘Wot Abrasive Blast Cleaning. ....- 9. Maintenance Painting « a2 Rust Back (Rerusting) - a Surface Profile ... 8 Visual Standards « a Weld Spatter . an—_ = =- =— A. Appendix A.1 FUNCTION — White Metal Blast Cleaning (SSPC- SP 8) provides a greater degros of cleaning than Near White Blast Cleaning (SSPC-SP 10). it should be used A2 ABRASIVE SELECTION — Types of metallic and Gormetallic abrasives are discussed in the Surlace Preparation Commentary (SSPC-SP COM) It Is important {0 recognize that blasting abrasives may become embed. Ged in of leave residues on the surface of the steel duting Preparation. White normally such embedment or residues are not detrimental, care should be taken (particularly if {he prepared steel Is to be used in an immersion environ. ment) to assure that the abrasive ie tree from detrimental Amounts of water soluble, solvent soluble, acid soluble, or other such soluble materi AS SURFACE PROFILE — Surface profile Is the roughness of the surface which results from abrasive blast cleaning. Tha pratile depth (or height) is dependant upon the size, type, and hardness of the abrasive, particle veloc!. ty and angle of impact, hardness of the surface, amount of recycling, and the proper maintenance of working mixtures of grit andior shot The allowable minimum/maximum height of profile is usually dependent upon the thickness of the paint to be applied. Large particle sized abrasives (particularly metallic) can produca a profile which may be too deep to be adequately covered by a single thin film coat. Accord- ingly, it le recommended that the use of larger abrasives be avoided In these cases. However, larger abrasives may be needed for thick film coatings or to facilitate removal of heavy mill scale or rust. If control of profile. (min- imumimaximum) is deemed to be significant to coatings Performance, It should be addressed in the procurement documents (project specification), Typical maximum profile heights achieved with com. ‘mercial abrasive media are shown in Table 8 of the Surface Preparation Commentary (SSPC-SP COM). Methods (Le. comparators, replica tape, depth micrometers) a available to aid in estimating the profile of surfaces blast cleaned with sand, steel grt, and steet shot. ‘AA VISUAL STANDARDS — Note that the use of visual standards in conjunction with this specitication is aquired only when they are specitied in the procurement documents (project specification) covering the work. It Is recommended, however, that the use of visual standards be made mandatory in the procurement documents (proj. et apecitication) a SSPCSF March 1, 191 SSPC-Vis 1, “Pictorial Surface Preparation Standar- for Painting Steel Surfaces,” provides color photograp for the various grades of surtace preparation as a functi (Of the intial condition of the stes!. The following table lis the pictorial standards for this specification that are a Blicable to the rust grades given, Adherent Mill Rusting Milt Pitted ar Rust Grade Scale Scale Rusted Rusted Pictorial Standards = ASa3 8Sa3 CSa3 Dsa3 Many other visual standards are available and ar ‘described in Section 7 of the Commentary (SSPC-SP COM AS SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS — Surtace impertec tions can cause premature failure when the service i Severe. Coatings tend to pull away from sharp edges anc Projections, leaving little or no coating to protect the underlying steel. Other features which are difficult to prop erly cover and protect include crevices, weid porosity laminations, ete. The high cost of the methods to remedy the surface imperfections requires weighing the benefits Of edge rounding, weld spatter removal, etc, versus a Potential coating failure. Poorly adhering contaminants, such as weld stag Fesidues, loose weid spatter, and some minor surface laminations, may be removed during the blast cleaning ‘operation. Other surface defects (stee! laminations, weld Porosities, or deep corrosion pits} may not be evident untit the surface preparation has been completed. Therefor Proper planning for such surtace repair work is essential since the timing of the repairs may occur before, during, or after the blast cleaning operation. Section 4 of the Com- mentary (SSPC-SP COM) contains additional information ‘on surtace impertections. A6 CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION — Steal contam- inated with soluble salts (ie, chlorides and sulfates) develops rust-back ‘rapidly at intermediate and high humidities. These soluble salts can be present on the stee! ‘surface prior to blast cleaning as a result of atmospheric contamination, In addition, contaminants can be de. Posited on the steel surface during biast cleaning Whenever the abrasive is contaminated. Therafore, rust. back can be minimized by removing these salts from the Steel surface, preferably before blast cleaning, and eliminating sources of recontamination during and after blast cleaning. Identification of the contaminants along with their concentrations may be obtained from laboratory ‘and fiold tests. A number of tests for soluble salts are now under study by the SSPC, ASTM, Maritime Administration, and 1S0, AT RUST-BAGK — Rust-back (rerusting) occurs when freshly cleaned steel Is exposed to conditions of highSSPC-SPS March 1, 1985 humidity, moisture, contamination, of a corrosive al mosphere. The time interval between blast cleaning and rustback will vary greatly from one environment 10 another. Under mitd ambient conditions it is best to biast clean and coat a surface the same day. Severe conditions may require coating more quickly while for exposure under ‘controlled conditions the coating time may be extended. Under no circumstances should the steel be permitted to tustback before painting regardiess of the time elapsed {see Appendix AS). AB DEW POINT — Moisture condenses on any sur- face that Is colder than the dew point of the surrounding nit Is, therefore, cecommended that the temperature of Stee! surface be at least 5 degrees F (3 degrees C) above ‘the dew point during dry blast cleaning operations. tis ad- visable to visually inspect for moisture and periodically ‘check the surface temperature and dew.point during blast Cleaning operations. It is advisable to visually inspect for moisture and periodically check the surface temperature ‘and dew point duting blast cleaning operations. It is im portant that the application of paint over @ damp surface bbe avoided. AS WET ABRASIVE BLAST CLEANING — Stee! that js wet abrasive blast cleaned may rust rapidly. Clean water ‘should be used for rinsing (studies have shown that water “of at least 15,000 ohm-cm resistivity is preferred), It may De necessary that inhibitors be added to the water or applied to the surface immediately after blast cleaning to tem porarly prevent rust formation. The coating should then be Gpplied before any rusting is visible. One innibitive treat ent for blast cleaned surfaces 1s water containing 0.32% ‘Sodium nitrite and 1.28% by weight secondary ammonium phosphate (dibasic). CAUTION: Some inhibitive treatments may interfere witt the performance of certain coating system: 'A.10 FILM THICKNESS — It is essential that amplc coating be applied after biast cleaning to adequately cove the peaks of the surface profile, The dry paint fin thickness above the peaks of the profile should equal th thickness known to be needed for the desired protection. | the ary Iilm thickness over the peaks is inadequate premature custhrough a failure will occur. To assure the Coating thicknesses are properly measured, refer to SSPC PA2, “Measurement of Dry Paint Thickness with Magnet! Gages.” ‘AMT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PAINTING ~ When this specification is used in maintenance paintin specific instructions should be given on the extent of st face to be blast cleaned or spot blast cleaned to th degree of cleanliness. SSPC-PA Guide 4, “Guide to Mai tenance Repainting with Oil Base or Alkyd Paintir Systoms,” provides a description of accepted practices | Fetaining old sound paint, removing unsound pair feathering, and spot cleaning,— —-—- - Le SSPC-SP 6 March 1, 1985, Steel Structures Painting Council SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 6 Commercial Blast Cleaning 1. Scope 4.1 This specification covers the requirements for Commercial Blast Cleaning of steel surfaces by the use of abrasives. 2, Definition 2.1. A Commercial Blast Cleaned surtace, when viewed without magnification, shall be tree of all visible oil, grease, dirt, dust, mill scale, rust, paint, oxides, corro- sion products, and other foreign mattar, except for stain- ‘ng, as noted in Section 2.2. 22 Staining shall be limited to no more than 33 per- cent of each square inch of surface area and may consist of light shadows, slight streaks, or minor discolorations caused by stains of rust, stains of mill scale, or stains of previously applied paint. Slight residues of rust and paint may also be left in the bottoms of pits if the original sur- face is pitted. 2.8 ACCEPTABLE VARIATIONS IN APPEARANCE. THAT 00 NOT AFFECT SURFACE CLEANLINESS as defined in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 include variations caused by type of steel, original surface condition, thickness of the steel, weld metal, mill or fabrication marks, heat treating, heat affected zones, blasting abrasive, and dif- farences In the blast pattern. 2.4 When painting is specified, the surface shall be. roughened to a degree suitable for the specified paint system. 28 Immediately prior to paint application, the surface shall comply with the degree of cleaning as specified herein. 2.8 SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual standards of surface preparation may be specified to supplement the written definition. "NOTE: Additional Information on visual standards is available in Section A.4 of the Appendix. 3. Blast Cleaning Abrasives 3.1 The selection of abrasive size and type shall be based on the type, grade, and surface condition of the steal to be cleaned, type of blast cleaning system employed, the finished surface to be produced (cleanti- ness and roughness), and whether the abrasive will be recycled, “Notes are not requirements of this specification. 2 The cleanliness and size of recycled abrasives: shall be maintained to insure compliance with this specitication. 3.3 The blast cleaning abrasive shall be dry and tree of olf, grease, and other harmful materials at the time of use, 3.4 Any limitations or restrictions on the use of specific abrasives, quantity af contaminants, or degree of ‘embedment shall be included in the procurement docu- ments (project specification) covering the work, since abrasive embedment and abrasives containing contam- Inants may not be acceptable for some service re ‘quirements. “NOTE: Additional information on abrasive selection Is available in Section A.2 of the Appendix. 4, Reference Standards AA If there is a conflict between the cited reference standards and this specification, this specification shall prevail uniess otherwise indicated in the procurement documents (project specification). 42 The standards referenced in this specification are: SSPC-SP 1 Solvent Cleaning SSPC-Vis 1 Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards {for Painting Steet Surfaces 5. Procedure Before Blast Cleaning 81 Betore blast cleaning, visible deposits of oil or grease shail be removed by any of the methods specified in SSPC-SP 1 or other agreed upon methods. 8.2 Before blast cleaning, surtace imperfections such ‘as sharp fins, sharp edges, weld spatter, or burning stag should be removed trom the surface to the extent required by the procurement documents (project specitication). *NOTE: Additional information on surface imperfections is available in Section A.5 of the Appendix. Blast Cleaning Methods and Operation 6.1 Clean, dry, compressed air shall be used for nozzle blasting. Moisture separators, oit separators, traps or other equipment may be necessary to achieve this re- quirement. SAX National Association of Corrosion Engineers: HIRES] Endorsement, October 31, 1984 “aSSPC-SP 6 March 1, 1985 6.2 Any of the following methods of surface prepara. tion may be used to achieve a Commercial Blast Cleaned surface: 2.1 Dry abrasive blasting using compressed ait, blast nozzles, and abrasive. 6.2.2 Dry abrasive blasting using a closed cycle, recir- culating abrasive system with compressed air, biast noz- zle, and abrasive, with or without vacuum for dust and abrasive recavery. 8.2.3 Dry abrasive blasting, using a closed cycle, recirculating abrasive system with centrifugal wheels and abrasive. 8.3 Other methods of surface preparation (such as wet abrasive blasting) may be used to achieve a Commer- cial Blast Cleaned surface by mutual agreement be- tween the party responsible for performing the work and the party responsible for establishing the requirements or his representative. “NOTE: 1 wat abrasive blasting is used, information on the use of Inhibitors to prevent the formation of rust int mediately after wet blast cleaning is contained in Section A of the Appendix. 7. Procedures Following Blast Cl Immediately Prior to Painting TA Visible deposits of oil, grease, oF other con- taminants shall be removed by any of the methods specified in SSPC-SP 1 or other methods agreed upon by the party responsible for establishing the requirements and the party responsible for performing the work. 7-2 Dust and loose residues shall be temoved from prepared surfaces by brushing, blowing off with clean, dry air, vacuum cleaning or other methods agreed upon by the party responsible for establishing the requirements and the party responsibte for performing the work. Moisture separators, ofl separators, traps, or other equipment may be necessary to achieve clean, dry air. 7.3 After blast cleaning, surtace Imperfections which remain {ie., sharp fins, sharp edges, weld spatter, burning slag, scabs, slivers, etc.) shall be removed to the extent re- quired in the procurement documents (project specifica tion). Any damage to the surface profile resulting from the removal of surface imperfections shalt be corrected to meet the requirements of Section 2.4. “NOTE: Additional information on surface imperfections is contained in Section A.5 of the Appendix. 7.4 Any visible rust that forms on the surface of the steel after blast cleaning shalt be removed by rebiasting the rusted areas to meet the requirements of this specification before painting. “NOTE: Information on rust-back (rerusting) and surface ning and condensation is contained in Sections A7 and AB of the Appendix. 8. Inspection ‘8:1 Work and materials supplied under this specifica: tion aré subject to inspection by the party responsible for establishing the requirements or his representati Materiais and work areas shall be accessible to the in ‘spector. The procedures and times of Inspection shall be a8 agreed upon by the party responsible for establishing ‘the requirements and the party responsibte for performing the work. 6.2 Conditions not complying with this specification shall be corrected. In case of dispute the arbitration or settlement procedure established in the procurement documents (project specification) shail be followed. If no arbitration or settlement procedure is established, then the procedure established by the American Arbitration Association shail be used. 1&3 The procurement documents (project specific tion) should establish the responsibility for inspection and for any required affidavit certifying compliance with the specitication. 9. Safety and Environmental Requirements: 94 Blast cleaning is a hazardous operation. ‘Therefore, all work shall be conducted in such a manner to comply with all applicable insurance underwriter, local, state, and federal safety and environmental rules and requirements. “NOTE: SSPC-PA Guide 3, “A Guide to Safety in Paint Application,” addresses safety concerns for coating work. 10. Comments. 10.1 While every precaution Is taken to insure that aly information furnished in SSPC specifications is as ac: curate, complete, and useful as possible, the Steel Struc tures Painting Council cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any mate tials, paints, or methods specified therein, or of the specification it 40.2 Additional information and data relative to this specification ara contained in the following brief Appen dix. More detailed information and data ara presented in: separate document, SSPC-SP COM, “Surface Preparatior Commentary.” The recommendations contained in the Notes, Appendix, and SSPC-SP COM are believed to repre sent good practice, but are not to be considered as re quirements of the apecification. The table below lists the ‘subjects discussed relevant to Commercial Blast Cleanins and appropriate section of SSPC-SP COM.Subject Abrasive Selection ..... Degree of Cleaning. Film Thickness . seveeteeee ‘Wot Abrasive Blast Cleaning... Maintenance Painti 9 Rust Back (Rerusting) Surface Profile . Visual Standards . Weld Spatter.....- ‘A. Appendix A.1 FUNCTION — Commercial Blast Cleaning (SSPC- SP 6} provides a greater degree of cleaning than Brush-Off Blast Cleaning (SSPC-SP 7) but less than Near White Blast Cleaning (SSPG-SP 10). it shoutd be used where a high but Rot perfect degree of blast cleaning Is required. Tho Primary functions of blast cleaning before painting are: (a) to remove materia! from the surface that can cause early failure of the coating system, and (b) to obtain a suitable surface roughness. A.2 ABRASIVE SELECTION — Types of metallic and nonmetallic abrasives are discussed in the Surface Preparation Commentary (SSPC-SP COM). It is important {0 recognize that blasting abrasives may become embed- ded in of leave residues on the surtace of the steel during Preparation. While normally such embedment or residues a8 not detrimentat, care should be taken (particularly if the prepared stee! is to be used in an immersion environ- ment) to assure that the abrasive is free from detrimental amounts of water soluble, solvent soluble, acid soluble, or ‘other such soluble materiats, A.3 SURFACE PROFILE — Surface profile is the roughness of the surtace which rasults trom abrasive blast leaning. The profile depth (or height) is dependent upon ‘the size, type, and hardness of the abrasive, particle volocl- sy and angle of impact, hardness of the surface, amount of recycling, and the proper maintenance of working mixtures of grit andior snot. Tae allowable minimumimaximum height of profile is usually dependent upon the thickness of the paint to be applied. Large particle sized abrasives (particularly metal- Nc) can produce a profile which may be too deep to be ade- quately covered by a single thin film coat. Accordingly, itis recommended that the use of larger abrasives be avoided in these cases. However, larger abrasives may be needed {for thick film coatings or to facilitate removal of heavy mill Scale or rust. If control of profile (minimurn/maximum) ia deemed to be significant to coatings performance, it should be addressed in the procurement documents (roject specitication). Typical maximum profile heights achieved with com. “5 SSPC-SP 6 March 1, 1985 ‘merctal abrasive media are shown In Table 8 of the Surtace Preparation Commentary (SSPC-SP COM), Methods (1.2, comparators, replica tape, depth micrometers) are avaitable to aid in estimating the profile of surfaces blast cleaned with sand, stee! grit, and stee! shot. AA VISUAL STANDAROS — Note that the use of visual standards in conjunction with this specification is, ‘required only when they are specified in the procurement ‘documents (project specification) covering the work, It is recommended, however, that the use of visual standards be made mandatory in the procurement documents (pro}- ect specification). SSPC-is 1, “Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards. for Painting Steel Surfaces,” provides color photographs for the various grades of surface preparation as a function of the initial condition of the steel. The following tabte lists {the pictorial standards for this specification that are ap- Dlicable to the rust grades listed befow. Pitted and Rust Grade Rusted Rusted Pictorial Standards csa2 Dsa2 Many other visual standards are available and ar described in Section 7 of the Commentary {SSPC-SP com), AS SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS — Surface imperfec- tions can cause premature failure when the service is ‘severe. Coatings tend to pull away from sharp edges and Projections, leaving little or no coating to protect the ‘underlying steel. Other features which are difficult to prop- erly cover and protect include crevices, weld porosity, laminations, etc. The high cost of the methods to remady the surface imperfections requires weighing the benefits of edge rounding, weld spatter removal, etc., versus a potential coating failure, Poorly adhering contaminants, such as weld slag residues, loose weld spatter, and some minor surface laminations, may be removed during the blast cleani operation. Other surface defects (steel !aminations, weld Porosities, or deep corrosion pits) may not be evident until the surface preparation has been completed. Therefore, Proper planning for such surtace repair work Is essential ‘since the timing of the repairs may occur before, during, of after the biast cleaning operation. Section 4 of the Com- ‘mentary (SSPC-SP COM) contains additional information ‘on surtace impertections, A.8 CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION — Steal contam- inated with soluble salts (.e., chlorides and sulfates) Geveiops rust-back rapidly at intermediate and high ‘humidities. These soluble salts can be present on the steel Surface prior to blast cleaning as a result of atmospheric‘ssPC-sP 6 March 1, 1985 contamination. In addition, contaminants can be de- posited on the stool surface during biast cleaning whenever the abrasive Is contaminated. Therefore, rust: back can be minimized by removing these salts from the steel! surface, preferably before blast cleaning, and ‘eliminating sources of recontamination during and after blast cleaning. tdentification of the contaminants along ‘with theit concentrations may be obtained from laboratory land field tests. A number of tests for soluble salts are now Under study by the SSPC, ASTM, Maritime Administration, and 1SO. AT RUST-BACK — Rust-back (rerusting) occurs when freshly cleaned steel is exposed to conditions of nigh humidity, moisture, contamination, of @ corrosive at- “nosphere. The time intervat between blast cleaning and justback will vary greatly from one environment to another. Under mild ambient conditions It is best to biast clean and coat a surface the same day: Severe conditions may require coating more quickly while for exposure under controlled conditions the coating time may be extended. Under no circumstances should the steel be permitted to rustback before painting regardiess of the time elapsed {see Appendix A.6). AS DEW POINT — Moisture condenses on any Sur tace that is colder than the dew point of the surrounding air It Is, therefore, recommended that the temperature of ‘Steel surface be at least 5 degrees F (8 degrees C) above the dew point during dry blast cleaning operations. tis ag visable to visually inspect for moisture and periodically ‘check the surface temperature and dew point during blast loaning operations. Its important that the application of paint over a damp surtace be avoided. A® WET ABRASIVE BLAST CLEANING — Stee! that Is wet abrasive blast cleaned may rust rapidly. Clean water ‘should be used for rinsing {studies have sown that water of at least 15,000 ohm-cm resistivity is preferred. It may be to the surtace porarily prevent rust formation. The coating shou'd then be ‘Applied before any rusting is visible, One inhibitive treat- rent for blast cleaned surfaces is water containing 0.32% ‘Sodium nitrite and 1.28% by weight secondary ammontum phosphate (dibasic). . CAUTION: Some inhibitive treatments may interfere with the performance of certain coating systems. ‘AAO FILM THICKNESS — It is essential that ample coating be applied after blast cleaning to adequately cover the peaks of the surface profile. The dry paint film thickness above the peaks of the profile should equal the thickness known to be needed for the desired protection. It the dry film thickness over the peaks 1s Inadequate, prema jure rustthrough or failure wll ocour. To assure that coating thicknesses are properly measured, refer to SSPC-PA 2, “Measurement of Dry Paint Thickness with Magnetic Gages.” JAAt MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PAINTING — when this specification is used in maintenance painting, specitic instructions should be given on the extent of sut- face to be biast cleaned or spot blast cleaned to this degree of cleanliness. SSPC-PA Guide 4, “Guide to Main- tenance Repainting with Ol Base or Alkyd Painting Systems,” provides a description of accopted practices for Tetaining old sound paint, removing unsound paint, feathering, and spot cleaning.SSPC-SP+ March 1, 198¢ Steel Structures Painting Council SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 7 Brush-Off Blast Cleaning ‘4.1 This specification covers the requirements for Brush Off Blast Cleaning of steel suraces by the use of abrasives. 2. Definition 21 A Brush-Off Blast Cleaned surface, when viewed without magnification, shall be free of all visible oil, grease, dirt, dust, loose mill scale, loose rust, and loose: Paint. Tightly adherent mill scale, rust, and paint may re- ‘main on the surface. Milt scale, rust, and paint are con- sidered tightly adherent if they cannot ba removed by lift- ing with a dul! putty knife. 22 The entire surface shail be subjected to the abrasive blast. The remaining mill scale, rust, or paint shall be tight. 2.3 When painting is specified, the surface shal! be roughened to a degree suitable for the specified paint system. 2.4 immediately prior to paint application, the surface shall comply with the degree of cleaning as specified herein, 28 SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual standards of surtace preparation may be specified to supplement the written definition. ‘NOTE: Additional information on visual standards Is available in Section A.4 of the Appendix. 3. Blast Cleaning Abrasives 3.1 The selection of abrasive size and type shall be based on the type, grade, and surtace condition of the steei to be cleaned, type of blast cleaning system employed, the finished surface to be produced (cleanl!- ness and roughness), and whether the abrasive will be recycled. 3.2 The cleanliness and size of recycled abrasives shall be maintained to insure compliance with this specification. 11.3 Tho blast cleaning abrasive shall be dry and free of oil, grease, and other harmful materials at the time of use. 3.4 Any limitations or restrictions on the use of ‘embedment shall be included in the procurement doct ments (project specification) covering the work, sinc abrasive embedment and abrasives containing cor taminants may not be acceptable for some service re quirements. “NOTE: Additional information on abrasive selection i available in Section A.2 of the Appendix. 4. Reference Standards 4.4 It there is a conflict between the cited referenc: ‘standards and this specification, this specification shat prevail unless otherwise indicated in the procuremen documents (project specification). 42 The standards referenced in this specificatior are: SSPC-SP 1 Solvent Cleaning SSPC-Vis 1 Pictorial Surtace Preparation Standards for Painting Stee! Surtaces 5. Procedure Before Blast Cleaning 5.1 Before blast cleaning, visible deposits of oil or ‘tease shall be removed by any of the methods specitiec in SSPC-SP 1 or other agreed upon methods. 6. Blast Cleaning Methods and Operation 8.1 Clean, dry, compressed air shall be used for nozzle blasting. Moisture separators, oil separators, traps oF other equipment may be necessary 10 achieve this re. quirement. &2 Any of the following methods of surface prepara. tion may be used to achieve a Brush-Off Blast Cleaned sur. face: 6.2.1 Dry abrasive blasting using compressed ait, blast nozzies, and abrasive. 6.22 Ory abrasive blasting using a closed cycle, recir- culating abrasive system with compressed air, blast noz- zle, and abrasive, with or without vacuum for dust and abrasive recovery. 8.2.3 Dry abrasive biasting, using a closed cycle, recirculating abrasive system with centrifugal wheels and abrasive. 3 Other methods of surtace preparation (such as wet abrasive blasting) may be used to achieve a Brush- Off Blast Cleaned surface by mutual agreement between the ar Natlonal Association of Corrosion Engineers Endorsement, October 31, 1984SSPC-SP7 March 1, 1985 party responsibie for performing the work and the party Fosponsible for establishing the requirements or his representative. NOTE: H wet abrasive blasting Is used, information on the use of inhibitors to prevent the formation of rust ier mediately after wet Blast cleaning is contained In Section AB of the Appendix 7. Procedures Following Blast Cleaning and Immediately Prior to Painting 7A Visible deposits of oll, grease, or other con: taminants shail be removed by any of the methods specified in SSPC-SP 1 or other methods agreed upon bY the party responsible for establishing the requirements land the party responsible for performing the work, 7.2 Dust and loose residues shall be removed from prepared surfaces by brushing, blowing off with clean, ay fir, vacuum cleaning or other methods agreed upon bY the party responsible for establishing the requirements and he party responsible for performing the work. Moisture separators, olf separators, traps, or other equipment may be necessary to achieve clean, dry alt. 8. Inspection ‘4 Work and materials supplied under this specifica: tion ave subject to inspection by the party responsible for Getablishing the requirements or Nis representative, Materials and work areas shall be accessible to the in spoctor. The procedures and times of inspection shal] bs ge agreed upon by the party responsible for establishing the raquirements and the party responsible for performing the work, 18.2 Conditions not complying with this specification shall be corrected. In case of dispute the arbitration oF Settiement procedure established in the procurement Gocuments {project specification} shall be followed. I! no: Sroitration or settlement procedure is established, then the procedure established by the American Arbitration ‘Association shall be used. 18.3 The procurement documents (project specitica, tion) should establish the responsibility for inspection and for any required affidavit certifying compliance with the specification. 9. Safety and Environmental Requirements @1 Blast cleaning Is a hazardous operation. ‘Therefore, all work shall be conducted in such a manner to Comply with all applicable insurance underwriter, local, Sito, and federal safety and environmental rules and requirements. TNOTE: SSPC-PA Guide 3, “A Guide to Safety in Paint ‘Application.” addresses safety concerns for coating work: 40, Comments 40,1 While every precaution is taken to insure that att Information furnished in SSPC specifications 8 89 8% curate, complete, and useful as possible, the Steel Struc: tures Painting Council cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any male- sials, paints, or methods specified therein, or of the specification itself. 102 Additional information and data relative to this specification are contained in the following brief APpen- ‘dix, More detailed information and data are presented in & separate document, SSPC-SP COM, “Surface Preparation Gammentary.” The recommendations contained in the Notes, Appendix, and SSPC-SP COM are delleved to repre sent good practice, but are not to be considered as 1e- Guirements of the specification. The table below lists the subjects discussed relevant to Brush-Off Blast Cleaning ‘and appropriate section of SSPC-SP COM. ‘Subject ‘Commentary Section Abrasive Selection . .. 5 7 Degree of Cleaning. Film Thickness 10. ‘Wot Abrasive Blast Gleaning. - 9. ‘Maintenance Painting .-..+.++++ a2 Rust Back (Rerusting) - 8 Surface Profile : 6. Vigual Standards . . 7 Weld Spatter...- : ad A. Appendix AA FUNCTION — Brush-Oft Biast Cleaning (SSPC- ‘SP 7) provides @ lesser degree of cleaning than Commer Sint Blast Cleaning (SSPC-SP 6). It should be used where the service environment is mild enough to permit tight mitt Seale, paint, rust, and other foreign matter to remain on the Scriace The primary functions of blast cleaning before painting aro: (a) to remove material from tne surface that tan cause early falure of the coating system, and (B}t0,ob- tain a suitable surface roughnass. (A2 ABRASIVE SELECTION — Types ‘of metallic and nonmetallic abrasives are discussed in the Surface Preparation Commentary (ssPc-sP COM). A3 SURFACE PROFILE — Surface profite is the coughness of the surface which results trom abrasive Blas! SJoaning, The profile depth (or height) is dependent upor he size type, and hardness of the abrasive, particle velocl ty and angle of impact, hardness of te surface, amount o reveling, and the proper maintenance of working rit of ofit andior shot. ‘AA VISUAL STANOAADS — Note that the use o visual standards In conjunction with this specification ° Tequired only when they ere spacified in the procuremer cesaments (project specification) covering the work. Ii fecommended, however, that the use of visual standarc tbe made mandatory In the procurement documents (Pre ‘ect specification). SSPC-Vis 1, “Pletorial Surface Preparation Standarc {or Painting Steel Surfaces,” provides: color photograph for ine various grades of surtace preparation as a functicot of the Initial condition of the steel. The following tablo lists tho pletorial standards for this specification that are ap- Bllcable to the rust grades iisted below. Fusting Mil Pitted and Rust Grade Scale Rusted Rusted Pictoriat ‘Standards Bsat csat Osa Many other visual standards are available and are ‘described in Section 7 of the Commentary (SSPC-SP.COM)- ‘AS DEW POINT — Moisture condenses on any sur- face that is colder than the dew point of the surrounding ait I is, therefore, racommended that the temperature of Stoel surface be at least 5 degrees F (3 degrees C) above {the dew point during dry blast cleaning operations. iis ad. visable to visually inspect for moisture and periodically ‘check the surface temperature and dew point during blast Cleaning operations. itis important that the application of Paint over a damp surtace be avoided. A.8 WET ABRASIVE BLAST CLEANING — Stee! that |s wet abrasive blast cleaned may rust rapidly. Clean water ‘should be used for rinsing (studies have shown that water of at least 18,000 ohm-cm resistivity is preferred). t may be necessary that inhibitors be added to the water or applied to the surface immediately after blast cleaning to tem- orarily prevent rust formation. The coating should then be “ SSPC-SP 7 March 1, 1985 appiled before any rusting Is visible. One inhibitive treat ‘ment for blast cleaned surfaces is water containing 0.32% Sodium nitrite and 1.28% by weight secondary ammoniur Phosphate (dibasic). CAUTION: Some inhibitive treatments may interfere with the performance of certain coating systems, Az FILM THICKNESS — It is essential that ample Coating be applied after blast cleaning to adequately cover the peeks of the surface profile. The dry paint film thickness above the peaks of the profile should equal the thickness known to be needed for the desired protection. the dry film thickness over the peaks is inadequate, Premature rust-through or failure will occur. To assure that Coating thicknesses are properly measured, refer to SSPC- PA2, "Measurement of Dry Paint Thickness with Magnetic Gages” AS MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PAINTING — When this specification is used in maintenance painting, Specific Instructions shouid be given on the extent of sur. face to be blast cleaned or spot blast cleaned to this degree of cleanliness. SSPC-PA Guide 4, “Guide to Main- tenance fapainting with Oil Base or Alkyd Painting Systems,” provides a description of accepted practices for retaining old sound paint, removing unsound paint, feathering, and spot cleaning.SSPC-SP7 March 1, 1985Steel Structures Painting Council SSPC-SP 8 November 1, 1982 SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 8 Pickling 1. Scope 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the pickling of steel surlaces. 2. Definition 241 Pickling Is a method of preparing steel! surfaces by chemical reaction, electrolysis, or both. The surfaces when viewed without magnification shall be free of all visi- ble milt scale and rust. 3. Appearance of the Completed Surface 3.1 The surface shalt be etched to a degree sultable Jor the specified painting system. . 32 Uniformity of color may be affected by the grado, criginal surface condition, and configuration of the matarl- al being cleaned, as well as by discolorations from mill or {abrication marks, and the shadowing from etching pat: torn, 2.3 Visual standards of surface preparation agreed upon by the contracting parties may be used to further define the surface. 4. Reference Standards 4.1 The standards referenced In this specitication are listed in Section 4.4 and form a part of the specification. 42 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the reference standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall govern unless otherwise specified. 42 It there Is a conflict between the requirements of any of the cited reference standards and the specification, the requirements of the specification shall prevall. 4.4 STEEL STRUCTURES PAINTING COUNCIL (SSPC) ‘SPECIFICATIONS: SP 1 Solvent Cleaning SP2 Hand Too! Cteaning SP3 Power Tool Cleaning SP6 © Commercial Blast Cleaning SP7 —_Brush-Off Blast Cleaning 5. Pickling Methods and Operation 5.1 BEFORE PICKLING, PERFORM THE FOLLOWING: 5.1.1 Remove heavy deposits of oil, grease, soll, draw- ing compounds, and forign matter other than rust, scale, oF oxide by any of the methods specified in SSPC-SP 1. ‘Small quantities of such foreign matter may be removed in the pickling tanks provided no detrimental residue remains ‘on the surface. 51 5.12 Remove heavy deposits of rust, rust scale, and. ail paint by any one of the methods specified In SSPC-SP2, SP 3, SP 6, or SP 7, Rust deposits which can be removed without unduly protonging the pickling time may be so- ‘moved in the pickling tanks. 52 REMOVE ALL MILL SCALE AND RUST BY ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PICKLING METHODS: 5.2.1 Pickling in hot or cold solutions of sulfuric, hydrochtoric {muriatic}, or phosphoric acid to which suffi. cient inhibitor has been added to minimize attack on the ‘base metal, followed by adequate rinsing in hot water above 140* F (60° C). 52.2 Pickling in 5%-10% (by weight) sulfuric acid, containing an inhibitor, at a minimum af 140° F (60° C) until all rust and scale is removed; then thorough rinsing in lean water, then immersion for one to tive minutes In 1% 2% (Oy weight) phosphoric acid containing about 0.3%-0.5% ton phosphate, at a temperature of about 180° F @0* C). 5.23 Pickling In 5% (by volume) sulturle acid at 170-180° F (750° C), with sutticient Inhibitor added to minimize altack on the base metal, until all rust and scale is removed, followed by a two minute rinse in hot water at 170-180" F (75-00* C). Next, immerse the pickled and rinsed steel for at least two minutes in a hot, inhibitive solution maintained above 190° F (@5* C) and containing about 0.75% sodium, dichromate and about 0.5% orthophos- Phoric acia 5.24 Electrolytic pickling in an acid or an alkaline bath using alternating or direct current. If (when using direct current) the workpiece is mada the cathade, hydro- ‘gen embrittlement must be prevented or minimized by ade- quate treatment. tH carried out in an alkaline bath, the electrolytic pickling must be followed by a thorough rinse In hot water; then followed by a dip in a dilute solution of phosphoric acid, or chromic acid, or solution of dichromate until no trace of alkall remains on the surface, 5.2.5 “Hydride” descaling, pickling in baths of acid salts, pickling In baths of molten salts, or pickling in any ‘other manner than outlined in the praceding sections shalt be permitted anly when specified, since their details are beyond the scope of this specification. 4&3 Do not exceed a dissolved ron content of 8% in sulfuric acid baths, or 10% in hydrochloric (murlatic) acid baths,“SSPC-SP 8 “tovember 1, 1982 ~ BA Use only clean water oF steam condensate for solutions and rinses, Supply rinse tanks continuously with new water. Do not permit the total amount ot acid or dis ~ solved salts due to carry-over to excead two grams per iter (02% by weight 5.5 To minimize carry-over, suspend all steel briefly — over the acld tank from which It has bean withdrawn and permit the major portion of the acid to drain. 8.6 Romove deleterious smut, unreacted acid or alka, etal deposits, or other contaminants, 8.7 Do not stack pickled steel surtaces in ‘contact ‘with one another until completely dry. 5.8 Apply paint before visible rusting occurs. Inspection 6.1 All work and materials supplied under this spec: *catlon shall be subject to timely inspection by the pure ager or his authorized representative. The contractor — shall correct such work or replace such material as is found detective under this specification. in cas¢ of dispute ‘the arbitration or settlement procedure established In the ___ procurement documents, if any, shall be followed. Ino ar- bitration or settlement procadure is established, the pro- cedure specified by the American Arbitration Association shall be used. 62 The procurement documents covering work oF purchase should establish the responsibility for testing ‘and for any required affidavit certifying full compliance -- with the specification. 7. Safety TA Ail safety requirements stated in this specifica: tion and its component parts apply in addition to any ap plicable federal, state, and local rules and requirements. ‘They also shall be In accord with Instructions and require- ments of Insurance underwriters. 8. Notes 8:1 While every precaution Is taken to insure that all information furnished in SSPC specifications Is as ac- curate, complete, and useful as possible, the SSPC cannot ‘assume tesponsibility or Incur any obligation resulting from the use of any materials, paints, ormethods specitied therein, or of the specification itself. 8.2 ACothmentary Section Is avaitable (Chapter 2 of Volume 2 of the Steel Structures Painting Manual) and con taing additional Information and data relevant to this specitication. The Surface Preparation Commentary, SSPC-SP COM, is not part of this specification. The table below tists the subjects discussed relevant to pickling and appropriate Commentary Section. Subject SSPC-SP COM Section Degree of Cleaning ......--- 1" Flim Thickness . .. sees 10 Inhibitors. . a Rust Back 8 Weid Spatter at Visual Standards .....+.++ 7SSPC-SP 10 March 1, 1985, Steel Structures Painting Council SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 10 Near-White Blast Cleaning Specification covers the requirements for Blast Cleaning of steel surfaces by the use of 2. Definition 21 ANear-White Blast Cleaned surface, when viewed without magnification, shall be tree of all visible oil, ‘grease, ditt, dust, mill scale, rust, paint, oxides, corr Products, and other foreign matter, except for staining as Roted In Section 22. - 22 Staining shail be limited to no more than 5 per- cent of each square inch of surface area and may consist Of light shadows, slight streaks, or minor discolorations caused by stains of rust, stains of mill scale, or stains of Previously applied pi 2.3 ACCEPTABLE VARIATIONS IN APPEARANCE THAT DO NOT AFFECT SURFACE CLEANLINESS as defined in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 include variations-caused by type of steel, original surface condition, thickness of the steel, weld metal, mill or fabrication marks, heat treating, heat affected zones, blasting abrasives, and dif- ferences in the blast pattern. 2.4 When painting is specified, the surface shall be Toughened to a degree suitable for the specified paint system. 2.8 Immediately prior to paint application, the surface shall comply with tha degree of cleaning as specified herein, 2.8 SSPC-Vis 1 or other visual standards of surface Preparation may be specified to supplement the written definition, “NOTE: Additional information on visual standards is available in Section A.4 of the Appendix. 3. Blast Cleaning Abrasives 3.1. The selection of abrasive size and type shall be based on the type, grade, and surface condition of the steel to be cleaned, type of blast cleaning system ‘employed, the finished surface to be produced (cleanll- ness and roughness), and whether the abrasive will be recycled, “Notes ara not requirements of this specification. 8.2 The cleanliness and size of recycled abrasives shall be maintained to insure compliance with this specification. 3.8 The blast cleaning abrasive shall be dry and free. of oil, grease, and other harmful materials at the time of use. 3.4 Any limitations or restrictions on the use of specific abrasives, quantity of contaminants, or degree of embedment shall be included in the procurement docu: ments (project specification) covering the work, since abrasive embedment and abrasives containing con- taminants may not be acceptable for some service re quirements. “NOTE: Additional information on abrasive selection is available in Section A.2 of the Appendix. 4. Reference Standards 44 if there is a conflict between the cited reference standards and this specification, this specification shal! Prevail unless otherwise indicated in the procurement documents (project specification). 42 The standards referenced in this specification are: SSPC-SP 1 Solvant Cleaning SSPG-Vis 1 Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting Stee! Surfaces §. Procedure Before Blast Cleaning 5.1 Before blast cleaning, visible deposits of oit or ‘grease shall be removed by any of the methods specified in SSPC-SP 1 or other agreed upon methods. 52 Betore blast cleaning, surface imperfections such as sharp fins, sharp adgos, weld spatter, or burning slag should be removed from the surface to the extent required by the procurement documents (project specification}. “NOTE: Additional information on surface imperfections is avaitabie in Section AS of the Appendix. 6. Blast Cleaning Methods and Operation 6.1 Clean, dry, compressed air shall be used for nozzle blasting. Moistura separators, oll separators, traps GBS) rational Aaseciation of Corrosion Engineers iwaes) Endorsement, October 31, 1984 53SSPC-SP 10 __ March 1, 1985 or other equipment may be necessary to achieve thls re quirement. 6.2 Any of the following methods of surface prepara tion may be used to achieve a Near White Blast Cleaned surface: 21 Dry abrasive blasting using compressed ait, blast nozzles, and abrasive. 6.2.2 Dry abrasive blasting using a closed cycte, recit- _. eulating abrasive system with compressed air, blast nor She. and abrasive, with or without vacuum for dust and abrasive recovery. G23 Dry abrasive blasting, using a closed cyclo, recitculating abrasive system with centrifugal wheels and abrasive. 63 Other methods of surface preparation (such a8 wet abrasive blasting) may be used to achieve a Near: White Blast Cleaned surface by mutual agreemant be {ween the party responsible for performing the work and the party responsible for establishing the requirements oF his rapresentativ “NOTE: If wet abrasive blasting is used, information on the use of inhibitors to prevent the formation of rust im mediately after wot blast cleaning is contained in Section ‘Ag of the Appendix 7. Procedures Following Blast Cleaning and Immediately Prior to Painting 7A Visible deposits of oil, grease, or other con taminants shall be removed by any ‘of the methods Specified In SSPC-SP 1 or other methods agreed upon by ‘the party responsible for ‘establishing the requirements: and the party responsible for performing the work. 7.2 Dust and loose residues shalt be removed from prepared surfaces by brushing, blowing off with clean, dry Fie vacuum cleaning or other methods agreed upon by the party responsible for establishing the requirements and the party responsible for performing the work. Moisture: ‘separators, olf separators, traps, of other equipment may be necessary to achieve clean, dry air. 7.3 Alter blast cleaning, surtace imperfections which remain (.e., sharp fins, sharp edges, weld spatter, Durning Slag, scabs, slivers, etc.) shal be removad to the extent re- quired in the procurement documents (project specifica: ‘tlon), Any damage to the ‘surface profile resuiting from the: removal of surface imperfections ‘shall be corrected to meat the requirements of Section 2.4, “NOTE: Additional information on surface imperfections 1s contained In Sectian A'S of the Appendix. 7.4 Any visible rust that forms on the surface of the steel after blast cleaning shall be removed by rebiasting the tusted areas to meet the requirements of this specification betore painting. NOTE: Information-on rust-back (rerusting) and surface ‘condensation is contained in Sections A.7 and AB of the ‘Appendix. . Inspection 18.1 Work and materials supplied under this specifica: tion are subject to inspection by the party responsible for Getabishing the requirements or his representative. Materials and work areas shall be accessible to the irr ‘spector. The procedures and times of inspaction shall DS ge agreed upon by the party responsible for establishing the requirements and the party responsible for performing the work. ‘82 Conditions not complying with this specification ‘shalt be corrected. In case of dispute the arbitration or Settlement procedure established in the procurement Gocuments (project specification) shall be followed. If no Grbitration or settiement procedure is established, then the procedure established by the American Arbitration Association shall be used. 183 The procurement documents (project specifica: tion) should establish the responsibility for inspection and for any required affidavit certifying compliance with the specification. 9. Safety and Environmental Requirements ‘9.1 Blast cleaning Is a hazardous operation. ‘Therefore, all work shall be conducted in such a manner to Comply with all appiioable insurance underwriter, toca) Stare, and federal safety and environmental rules and requirements. CNOTE: SSPC-PA Guide 3, "A Guide to Safely In Paint Application," addresses safety concerns for coating work. 10. Comments 10.1 Wnite every precaution is taken to insure that all information furnished In SSPC specifications 1s 48 ac- urate, complete, and useful as possible, the Stee! Struc tures Painting Council cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any mate. Tats, paints, or methods specified therein, or of Ine specification itself. 140.2 Additional information and data relative to this specitication are contained in the following brie! Appen, dix, More detailed information and data are presented in & separate document, SSPC-SP COM, “Surface Preparation Commentary.” The recommendations contained in the Notes, Appendix, and SSPC-SP COM are believed to repre” Sent good practice, but are not to be consicorad a8 Guirements of the specification. The table below {ists tne SMpjects discussed relevant to Near-White Blast Cleaningand appropriate section of SSPC-SP COM. Subject ‘Commentary Section Abrasive Selection . see 5. Degree of Cleaning... : 11.10 Fim Thickness ... : 10. Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning. 8 Maintenance Painting . 32 Rust Back (Rerusting) - a Surface Profile . 6 isual Standards ... 7. Weld Spatter 4a A. Appendix ‘AA FUNCTION — Near-White Blast Cleaning (SSPC- SP 10) provides a greater degree of cleaning than Commer- cial Blast Cleaning (SSPC-SP 6) but leas than White Metal Biast Cleaning (SSPC-SP 5). should be used where a high degree of biast cleaning is required. The primary functions of blast cleaning before painting are: (a) 10 remove material from the surface that can cause early failure of the coating system, and (b} to obtain a suitable surface roughness. ‘A2 ABRASIVE SELECTION — Types of metailic and non-metallic abrasives are discussed in the Surtace Preparation Commentary (SSPC-SP COM). It is important to recognize that blasting abrasives may become embed- ‘ded in oF leave residues on the surface of the steel during Preparation. While notmatly such embedment or residues ‘are not detrimental, care should be taken (particularly it the prepared steel is to be used in an immersion environ: ment) to assure that the abrasive is free from detrimental amounts of water soluble, solvent soluble, acid soluble, ot other such sotuble materials. AS SURFACE PROFILE — Surface profile is tne Foughness of the surface which results from abrasive blast cleaning, The profile depth (or-height) is dependent upon the size, type, and hardness of the abrasive, particle veloci- ty and angle of impact, hardness of the suriace, amount of recycling, and the proper maintenance of working mixtures ‘of grit andior shot. The allowable minimumimaximum height of profile is usually dependent upon tha thickness of the paint to be applied. Large parlicie sized abrasives (particularly metatlic) can produce a profile which may be too deep to be adequately covered by a single thin fllm coat. Accor- dingly, it Is recommended that the use of larger abrasives be avoided in these cases. However, larger abrasives may bbe needed for thick film coatings or to facilitate romoval of heavy mill scale or rust. If control of profile (minimumimax- imum) is deemed to be significant to coatings pertorm- ‘ance, it should be addressed in the procurement documents (project specitication). Typical maximum protlle heights achieved with com- SSPC-SP 10 March 1, 1985, mercial abrasive media are shown In Table 8 of the Surtace Preparation Commentary (SSPC-SP COM). Methods (I comparators, replica tape, depth micrometers) are available to aid in estimating the protile of surfaces blast cleaned with sand, steel grit, and steat shot. ‘AA VISUAL STANDARDS — Note that the use of visual standards in conjunction with this specification is required only when they are specified in the procurement documents (project specification) covering the work. It is recommended, however, that the use of visual standards be made mandatory in the procurement documents (proj- ect specification). ‘SSPC-Vis 1, “Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting Steel Surfaces,” provides color photographs for the various grades of surface preparation as a function of the initial condition of the steel. The fotlowing table lists the pictorial standards for this specification that are ap- plicable fo the rust grades listed below. Adherent Mill Rusting Mill Scale Scale Pitted and Rust Grade Rusted Rusted Pictorial Standards ASa2% BSa2% CSa2% DSa2y% Many other visual standards are available and are described in Section 7 of the Commentary (SSPC-SP com), AS SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS — Surface impertec- tions can cause premature failure when the service is, Severe. Coatings tend to pull away from sharp edges and Projections, leaving little or no coating to protect the Uunderiying steel. Other features which are difficutt to prop- erly cover and protect include crevices, weld porosity, laminations, etc. The high cost of the methods to remedy the surface imperfections requires weighing the benefits of edge rounding, weld spatter removal, etc. versus a potential coating failure. Poorly adhering contaminants, such as weld slag fesidues, loose weld spatier, and some minor surface laminations, may be removed during the blast cleaning ‘operation. Other surtace defects (steel taminations, weld Porasities, ar deep corrosion pits) may not be evident until {the surface preparation has been completed. Therefore, proper planning for such surface repalt work is essential ‘since the timing of the repairs may occur betore, during, oF later the blast cleaning operation. Section 4 of the Gom- mentary (SSPC-SP COM) contains additional information on surface imperfections. AS CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION — Stes! contam. inated with soluble salts (Le, chiorides and sullates) develops rust-back rapidly at intermediate and high humidities. These soluble salts can be prosert on the stee! Surface prior to biast cleaning as a result of atmospheric contamination. In addition, contaminants can be de-SSPC-SP 10 March 1, 1985 posited on the steol surface during blast cleaning ‘whenever the abrasive Is contaminated. Therefore, rust: back can be minimized by removing these salts from the steel surface, preferably before blast cleaning and eliminating sources of recontamination during and after blast cleaning. Identification of the contaminants along ‘with their concentrations may be obtained from laboratory and field tests. A number of tests for soluble salts are now under study by the SSPC, ASTM, Maritime Administration, and ISO. AT RUST-BACK — Rust-back (rerusting) ocaurs when freshly cleaned steel is exposed to conditions of high humidity, moisture, contamination, or a corrosive at- ‘mosphere. The time interval between blast cleaning and rustback will vary greatly from ons environment to another. Under mild ambient conditions it is best to blast clean and coat a aurtace the same day. Severe conditions may require coating more quickly while for exposure under controlled conditions the coating time may be extended. Under no circumstances should the steel be permitted to rust-back before painting regardiess of the time elapsed (sea Appendix A.6). ‘AB DEW POINT — Moisture condenses on any sur face that ig colder than the dew point of the surrounding alt. It is, therefore, recommended that the temperatura of steel surface be at least 5 degrees F (3 degraes C) above the dove point during dry blast claaning operations. Itis ad- visable fo visually inspect for moisture and periodically ‘check the surface temperature and dew point during blast ‘leaning operations. itis important that the application of paint over a demp surface be avoided. AS WET ABRASIVE BLAST CLEANING — Stee! that Is wet abrasive blast cleaned may rust rapidly. Clean water should be used for rinsing (studies have shown that water of at least 15,000 ohm-cm resistivity is preferred). It may be necessary that inhibitors be added to the water or applied to the surface immediately after blast cleaning to term porarily prevent rust formation. The coating should then be applied betore any rusting is visible. One inhibitive treat- ment for blast cleaned surfaces is water containing 0.32% ‘sodium nitrite and 1.28% by weight secondary ammonium phosphate (dibasic). . CAUTION: Some inhibitive treatments may interfere with the performance of certain coating systems. ‘Aso FILM THICKNESS — It [s essentlal that ample coating be applied after blast cleaning to adequately cover the peaks of the surface profile. The dry paint film thickness above the peaks of the protile should equal the thickness known to be neaded for the desired protection. If the dry film thickness over the peaks Is inadequat premature rust-through of failure will occur. To assure that ‘coating thicknesses are properly measured, refer to SSPC- PA2, "Measurement of Dry Paint Thickness with Magnetic Gages ALA MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PAINTING — When this specification is used in maintenance painting, ‘specific instructions should be given on the extent of sur- face to be biast cleaned or spot blast cleaned to this degree of cleanliness. SSPC-PA Guide 4, “Guide to Main- tenance Repainting with Oil Base or Alkyd Painting Systems,” provides a description of accepted practices for retaining old sound paint, removing unsound paint, feathering, and spot cleaning.