ASTM D2200-17(2021)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards and Guides for Painting Steel Surfaces
Standard Practice for Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards and Guides for Painting Steel Surfaces
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The appearance of the various degrees of dry and wet abrasive blast cleaning, hand and power tool cleaning, and water jetting are influenced by the initial rust grades of the steel being cleaned and/or the type and condition of the coating on the existing steel. The standards and guides aid visually in judging and evaluating the degree of rusting and/or paint deterioration before cleaning and the degree of cleaning of steel surfaces prior to painting.
4.2 Five methods have evolved because of differences in the practice of using visual standards and guides throughout the world, and the method of surface preparation employed. In Europe, the visual standards (Method A) are used as the primary means of assessing the degree of cleaning. In the U.S., the SSPC written definitions take precedence with the visual guides and reference photographs used as a supplement. The visual guides and reference photographs of Methods B, C, and D conform to the SSPC written definitions. There are written definitions for Method E, however, the visual guide for Method E does not contain a complete set of pictorials corresponding to each surface cleanliness definition.
SCOPE
1.1 The visual surface preparation guides and standards consist of a series of color prints available as separate publications. Five different sets of photographs are described in this standard, designated as Method A (ISO/Swedish Standard2) and Methods B through E (SSPC Guides and Reference Photographs3). The methods differ in the depiction of the initial surface, in the definition and depiction of the cleaning conditions, and in the number of cleaning methods included. Because of these differences, the specifier should state which guide to use.
1.2 The colored visual surface preparation guides represent different conditions of hot-rolled carbon steel before and after surface preparation. Prior to cleaning, there are four rust grades, A to D, that cover the range from intact mill scale to 100 % rusted and pitted steel. The standards then depict the appearance of the initial conditions after cleaning by one or more methods (for example, dry abrasive blast cleaning) to various degrees of thoroughness. In addition, Method B includes three painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide3 depicts these conditions after various degrees of dry abrasive blast cleaning. Method C includes four rust grades and three painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide4 depicts these conditions after various degrees of hand and power tool cleaning. Method D includes two rust grades and four painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide5 depicts these conditions after various degrees of water jetting, with three levels of flash rusting. Method E includes two rust grades. The Guide6 depicts these conditions after various degrees of wet abrasive blast cleaning, with three levels of flash rusting.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2021
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.46 - Industrial Protective Coatings
Overview
ASTM D2200-17(2021), "Standard Practice for Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards and Guides for Painting Steel Surfaces," establishes practical guidance for assessing the cleanliness and preparation quality of steel surfaces prior to painting or coating. Developed under internationally recognized principles by ASTM International, this standard is widely adopted for industrial protective coatings projects and referenced by infrastructure and defense agencies around the globe.
ASTM D2200 provides methodologies and visual guides based on color photographic standards, enabling users to visually evaluate and communicate the degrees of surface preparation, rust, or paint deterioration on hot-rolled carbon steel. The standard outlines five distinct methods, derived from global practices and commonly referenced guides, making it a valuable resource for specifiers, inspectors, contractors, and asset owners focused on paint and coating system performance.
Key Topics
Surface Preparation Methods: The standard covers five methods, each associated with a specific visual guide or photographic standard:
- Method A (ISO/Swedish Standard): Primary visual assessment tool in Europe for different surface cleaning methods.
- Methods B, C, D, and E (SSPC Guides): Predominantly used in the U.S., aligning with Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) definitions and including guides for abrasive blast cleaning, hand and power tool cleaning, water jetting, and wet abrasive blast cleaning.
Rust Grades and Paint Conditions: Initial condition assessments cover four rust grades (A to D, ranging from mill scale intact to fully rusted and pitted steel) and various painted conditions depicting degrees of deterioration.
Visual Assessment and Documentation: The practice provides a consistent approach to visually compare prepared steel surfaces against standard color photographs, ensuring contract-specified cleanliness and surface profile are met.
Evaluation of Abrasive and Cleaning Techniques: Supports judgment of surfaces prepared by dry or wet abrasive blast cleaning, hand and power tool cleaning, water jetting, and their respective impacts, including flash rusting.
Applications
The ASTM D2200 standard is critical for anyone involved in the protection, maintenance, or refurbishment of steel structures, including:
- Industrial and Marine Sectors: Widely used for bridges, pipelines, ships, offshore platforms, and structural steel, where surface preparation directly impacts coating durability.
- Project Specification and Quality Control: Enables clear communication between owners, specifiers, contractors, and inspectors regarding expected surface preparation levels before painting.
- Compliance Checking: Offers visual, objective means for inspectors to verify if surface cleanliness and preparation meet relevant contract requirements and industry standards.
- Globally Relevant Practices: Facilitates international projects by addressing both ISO/Swedish and SSPC/ASTM references, promoting harmonized best practices in steel surface cleaning.
Related Standards
- ISO 8501: Visual assessment for surface cleanliness of steel substrates.
- SSPC VIS 1, VIS 3, VIS 4/NACE VIS 7, VIS 5/NACE VIS 9: Pictorial standards for different cleaning methods (abrading, hand and power tool, water jetting, wet abrasive blast cleaning).
- SIS 05 59 00 (Swedish Standard): Referenced for initial rust grading and surface comparison.
- SSPC-SP7, SP14, SP6, SP10, SP5: Surface preparation specifications related to cleaning levels.
- Danish Standard DS 2019: National standard referenced in some international specifications.
Practical Value
By adopting ASTM D2200, organizations benefit from:
- Enhanced Coating Performance: Properly prepared steel surfaces assure better adhesion and coating longevity.
- Reduced Ambiguity: Pictorial guides minimize subjective interpretations of cleanliness, supporting dispute resolution and improved contractor-owner communication.
- Global Alignment: Simplifies cross-border project management by bridging ISO, Swedish, SSPC, and ASTM methodologies.
Keywords: surface preparation standards, steel cleaning, visual guides, abrasive blast cleaning, hand tool cleaning, water jetting, surface cleanliness, pictorial standards, SSPC, ISO 8501, ASTM D2200.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D2200-17(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards and Guides for Painting Steel Surfaces". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The appearance of the various degrees of dry and wet abrasive blast cleaning, hand and power tool cleaning, and water jetting are influenced by the initial rust grades of the steel being cleaned and/or the type and condition of the coating on the existing steel. The standards and guides aid visually in judging and evaluating the degree of rusting and/or paint deterioration before cleaning and the degree of cleaning of steel surfaces prior to painting. 4.2 Five methods have evolved because of differences in the practice of using visual standards and guides throughout the world, and the method of surface preparation employed. In Europe, the visual standards (Method A) are used as the primary means of assessing the degree of cleaning. In the U.S., the SSPC written definitions take precedence with the visual guides and reference photographs used as a supplement. The visual guides and reference photographs of Methods B, C, and D conform to the SSPC written definitions. There are written definitions for Method E, however, the visual guide for Method E does not contain a complete set of pictorials corresponding to each surface cleanliness definition. SCOPE 1.1 The visual surface preparation guides and standards consist of a series of color prints available as separate publications. Five different sets of photographs are described in this standard, designated as Method A (ISO/Swedish Standard2) and Methods B through E (SSPC Guides and Reference Photographs3). The methods differ in the depiction of the initial surface, in the definition and depiction of the cleaning conditions, and in the number of cleaning methods included. Because of these differences, the specifier should state which guide to use. 1.2 The colored visual surface preparation guides represent different conditions of hot-rolled carbon steel before and after surface preparation. Prior to cleaning, there are four rust grades, A to D, that cover the range from intact mill scale to 100 % rusted and pitted steel. The standards then depict the appearance of the initial conditions after cleaning by one or more methods (for example, dry abrasive blast cleaning) to various degrees of thoroughness. In addition, Method B includes three painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide3 depicts these conditions after various degrees of dry abrasive blast cleaning. Method C includes four rust grades and three painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide4 depicts these conditions after various degrees of hand and power tool cleaning. Method D includes two rust grades and four painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide5 depicts these conditions after various degrees of water jetting, with three levels of flash rusting. Method E includes two rust grades. The Guide6 depicts these conditions after various degrees of wet abrasive blast cleaning, with three levels of flash rusting. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The appearance of the various degrees of dry and wet abrasive blast cleaning, hand and power tool cleaning, and water jetting are influenced by the initial rust grades of the steel being cleaned and/or the type and condition of the coating on the existing steel. The standards and guides aid visually in judging and evaluating the degree of rusting and/or paint deterioration before cleaning and the degree of cleaning of steel surfaces prior to painting. 4.2 Five methods have evolved because of differences in the practice of using visual standards and guides throughout the world, and the method of surface preparation employed. In Europe, the visual standards (Method A) are used as the primary means of assessing the degree of cleaning. In the U.S., the SSPC written definitions take precedence with the visual guides and reference photographs used as a supplement. The visual guides and reference photographs of Methods B, C, and D conform to the SSPC written definitions. There are written definitions for Method E, however, the visual guide for Method E does not contain a complete set of pictorials corresponding to each surface cleanliness definition. SCOPE 1.1 The visual surface preparation guides and standards consist of a series of color prints available as separate publications. Five different sets of photographs are described in this standard, designated as Method A (ISO/Swedish Standard2) and Methods B through E (SSPC Guides and Reference Photographs3). The methods differ in the depiction of the initial surface, in the definition and depiction of the cleaning conditions, and in the number of cleaning methods included. Because of these differences, the specifier should state which guide to use. 1.2 The colored visual surface preparation guides represent different conditions of hot-rolled carbon steel before and after surface preparation. Prior to cleaning, there are four rust grades, A to D, that cover the range from intact mill scale to 100 % rusted and pitted steel. The standards then depict the appearance of the initial conditions after cleaning by one or more methods (for example, dry abrasive blast cleaning) to various degrees of thoroughness. In addition, Method B includes three painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide3 depicts these conditions after various degrees of dry abrasive blast cleaning. Method C includes four rust grades and three painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide4 depicts these conditions after various degrees of hand and power tool cleaning. Method D includes two rust grades and four painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide5 depicts these conditions after various degrees of water jetting, with three levels of flash rusting. Method E includes two rust grades. The Guide6 depicts these conditions after various degrees of wet abrasive blast cleaning, with three levels of flash rusting. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D2200-17(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.020 - Paint coating processes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D2200-17(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D2200 − 17 (Reapproved 2021) Swedish Standards Association
Standard SIS 05 59 00
ISO 8501
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings
SSPC VIS 1, VIS 3, VIS 4/NACE VIS 7, VIS 5/NACE VIS 9
Danish Standards Association
Danish Standard DS 2019
European Committee of Paint and Printing
Ink Manufacturers’Association
Standard Practice for
Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards and Guides
for Painting Steel Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2200; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope various degrees of dry abrasive blast cleaning. Method C
includes four rust grades and three painted conditions that
1.1 The visual surface preparation guides and standards
contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide depicts
consist of a series of color prints available as separate
these conditions after various degrees of hand and power tool
publications.Fivedifferentsetsofphotographsaredescribedin
cleaning. Method D includes two rust grades and four painted
this standard, designated as Method A (ISO/Swedish Stan-
2 conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The
dard ) and Methods B through E (SSPC Guides and Reference
Guide depicts these conditions after various degrees of water
Photographs ).Themethodsdifferinthedepictionoftheinitial
jetting, with three levels of flash rusting. Method E includes
surface, in the definition and depiction of the cleaning
two rust grades. The Guide depicts these conditions after
conditions, and in the number of cleaning methods included.
various degrees of wet abrasive blast cleaning, with three
Because of these differences, the specifier should state which
levels of flash rusting.
guide to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2 The colored visual surface preparation guides represent
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
different conditions of hot-rolled carbon steel before and after
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
surface preparation. Prior to cleaning, there are four rust
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
grades, A to D, that cover the range from intact mill scale to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
100 % rusted and pitted steel. The standards then depict the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
appearance of the initial conditions after cleaning by one or
more methods (for example, dry abrasive blast cleaning) to
2. Referenced Documents
various degrees of thoroughness. In addition, Method B
2.1 Other Documents:
includes three painted conditions that contain various degrees
2,3,4,5,6
3 Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards and Guides
of deterioration. The Guide depicts these conditions after
3,4
Surface Cleanliness Definitions
3. Terminology
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
3.1 Definitions:
Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings.
3.1.1 The cleanliness definitions for the Method A visual
The pictorial standards described were prepared by the Swedish Corrosion
surface preparation standard appear in the text of the pictorial
Institute and have been jointly approved by ASTM, The Society For Protective
Coatings (SSPC) (VIS 1), and the Swedish Standardizing Commission.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. Originally
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D2200 – 17. DOI: The Visual Guide for Method C and the surface cleanliness definitions are
10.1520/D2200-17R21. available from The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Drive,
The pictorial surface preparation standard Method A is available from The Pittsburgh, PA 15205-4365, http://www.sspc.org.
Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, PA The Visual Guide for Method D and the surface cleanliness definitions are
15205-4365, http://www.sspc.org and Sveriges Standardiseringskommission, Box available from The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Drive,
3295, Stockholm 3, Sweden. Pittsburgh, PA 15205-4365, http://www.sspc.org.
3 6
TheVisualGuideforMethodBandsurfacecleanlinessdefinitionsareavailable The Visual Guide for Method E and the surface cleanliness definitions are
from The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, available from The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Drive,
PA 15205-4365, http://www.sspc.org. Pittsburgh, PA 15205-4365, http://www.sspc.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2200 − 17 (2021)
surface preparation standards publication. The definitions for 5.6.1 Condition A: Tightly adhering mill scale.
3,
Methods B, C, D, and E are found in a separate publication.
5.6.2 Condition B: Mill scale and rust.
4,5,6
5.6.3 Condition C: Rusted with little or no pitting.
5.6.4 Condition D: Rusted and pitted.
4. Significance and Use
5.6.5 Condition G : Deteriorated coating with extensive
4.1 The appearance of the various degrees of dry and wet
pinpoint rusting.
abrasive blast cleaning, hand and power tool cleaning, and
5.6.6 Condition G : Deteriorated coating with moderate
waterjettingareinfluencedbytheinitialrustgradesofthesteel
pitting.
being cleaned and/or the type and condition of the coating on
5.6.7 Condition G : Deteriorated coating with severe pit-
the existing steel. The standards and guides aid visually in
ting.
judging and evaluating the degree of rusting and/or paint
5.7 Following the abrasive blast cleaning operation, com-
deterioration before cleaning and the degree of cleaning of
steel surfaces prior to painting. pare the prepared surface to the photograph corresponding to
the degree of surface cleanliness required by the contract
4.2 Five methods have evolved because of differences in the
documents (SSPC-SP7, SP14, SP6, SP10, SP5) for the particu-
practice of using visual standards and guides throughout the
lar initial condition. Determine whether the prepared surface
world, and the method of surface preparation employed. In
meets the cleanliness requirements.
Europe, the visual standards (Method A) are used as the
primary means of assessing the degree of cleaning. In the U.S.,
5.8 Repeat the procedure for all representative areas of
the SSPC written definitions take precedence with the visual
structure and record for each area the initial condition and
guides and reference photographs used as a supplement. The
degree of cleanliness achieved.
visual guides and reference photographs of Methods B, C, and
5.9 When abrasives other than silica sand are used for blast
D conform to the SSPC written definitions. There are written
cleaning, consult the photographs in the Appendix A of the
definitionsforMethodE,however,thevisualguideforMethod
SSPC VIS 1 Guide for variations in appearance created by the
Edoesnotcontainacompletesetofpictorialscorrespondingto
abrasive type.
each surface cleanliness definition.
5.10 Consult Appendix B of the SSPC VIS 1 Guide for
5. Procedure and Interpretation
photographs illustrating the effect of variations in surface
profiledepth,observationangle,andlightingontheappearance
Method A — ISO/Swedish Standard
of prepared surfaces.
(Hand Tool Cleaning, Power Tool Cleaning, Abrasive
NOTE 1—Different steel surfaces show differences in shade, color, tone,
Blast Cleaning, Flame Cleaning)
pitting, flaking, mill scale, etc. To some extent, these differences between
theactualsteelsurfaceandthevisualguidecanbereconciledbypreparing
5.1 Determine the method of cleaning to be used (for
a project-sp
...
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