ASTM D3276-21

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: D3276 − 21
Standard Guide for
Painting Inspectors (Metal Substrates)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3276; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.4 This guide is arranged in the following order:
Section
1.1 This guide is intended as an information aid to painting
Referenced Documents 2
inspectors in carrying out their task efficiently. It includes the
ASTM Standards 2.1
key elements of surface preparation, coatings application, and OSHA Standards 2.2
Steel Structures Painting Council Publications 2.3
final approval for both field and shop work. The items should
International Standards Organization (ISO) 2.4
beselectedthatarepertinenttothespecificationofaparticular
ASTM Adjuncts 2.6
Significance and Use 3
job.
Preparation for Inspection 4
NOTE 1—For additional helpful information, refer to the following Surface Preparation Methods and Requirements 5
Surface Preparation 5.1
documents:
Pictorial Standard D2200 5.1.1
Manual of Coating Work for Light-Water Nuclear Power Plant Primary
2 Factors Affecting Coating Performance 5.2
Containment and Other Safety-Related Facilities
Cleanliness 5.2.1
New Concepts for Coating Protection of Steel Structures
Mill Scale 5.2.2
D16 Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, andApplica-
Surface Profile 5.2.3
tions
Sharp Edges 5.2.4
D4538 Terminology Relating to Protective Coatings and Lining Work
Cleaning Procedures 5.3
for Power Generation Facilities
Chemical Cleaning 5.3.1
Solvent Vapor Cleaning 5.3.1.1
Steel Structures Painting Manual Vol 1 Good Painting Practice
Hand Tool Cleaning 5.3.2
Steel Structures Painting Manual Vol 2 Systems and Specifications
Power Tool Cleaning 5.3.3
Manufacturers Specifications and Instructions (made available to the
Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal 5.3.4
inspector for reference to special requirements for proper application)
Commercial Grade Power Tool Cleaning 5.3.4.4
Safety Data Sheets (needed to ensure that personnel take necessary
Blast Cleaning 5.3.5
precautions in handling hazardous materials). Available from Materials
Pressurized Water Cleaning 5.3.6
manufacturer.
Cleaning and Preparation of Various Surfaces 5.4
Steel Surfaces 5.4.1
1.2 Certain industries or owners may require certified in-
Galvanized Surfaces 5.4.2
spection personnel. See Guide D4537 for establishing proce-
Aluminum Surfaces 5.4.3
Precautions in Preparing Unpainted and Previously
dures to certify inspectors for coatings work in nuclear
Painted Surfaces 5.4.4
facilities.
Inspection of Surfaces Prior to Field Painting 5.5
New Construction 5.5.1
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Maintenance Repainting 5.5.2
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
Coating Storage and Handling 6
Storage of Coating and Thinner 6.1
only.
Mixing of Coatings 6.2
Thinning 6.3
Initial Samples 6.3.1
Thinning of Coating 6.3.2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
Sampling of Thinned Coating 6.3.3
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Heating of Coating 6.4
Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings.
Weather Considerations 7
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally
Drying 7.1
ɛ1
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3276–15 . DOI:
Low Temperature 7.2
10.1520/D3276-21. High Temperature 7.3
ASTM, 1979. Moisture 7.4
Wind 7.5
ASTM STP 841, ASTM, 1984.
Coating Application 8
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Residual Contaminants 8.1
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Quality Assurance 8.2
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Film Defects 8.2.1
the ASTM website.
5 Brush Application 8.3
AvailablefromAssociationforMaterialsProtectionandPerformance(AMPP),
Spray Application 8.4
15835 Park Ten Place, Houston, TX 77084, https://www.ampp.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3276 − 21
Profile of Blast Cleaned Steel
Roller Application 8.5
Miscellaneous Methods 8.6
D4537Guide for Establishing Procedures to Qualify and
Rate of Application 8.7
Certify Personnel Performing Coating and Lining Work
Additional Considerations 9
Inspection in Nuclear Facilities
Ventilation 9.1
Shopcoat Repair 9.2
D4538Terminology Relating to Protective Coating and
Painting Schedule 9.3
Lining Work for Power Generation Facilities
Film Integrity 9.4
D4541Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using
Recoat Time 9.5
Coating System Failure 9.6
Portable Adhesion Testers
Inspection Equipment 10
D4752Practice for Measuring MEK Resistance of Ethyl
General 10.1
Surface Profile Gages 10.1.1 Silicate (Inorganic) Zinc-Rich Primers by Solvent Rub
Adhesion of Existing Coating 10.1.2
D4940Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis of Water
Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers 10.1.3
Soluble Ionic Contamination of Blast CleaningAbrasives
Field Inspection Equipment 10.2
Drying and Curing Times 10.2.1 D5064Practice for Conducting a Patch Test to Assess
Thermometers 10.2.1.1
Coating Compatibility
Relative Humidity and Dew Point 10.2.1.2
D5162Practice for Discontinuity (Holiday) Testing of Non-
Wet-Film Thickness Gages 10.2.2
conductive Protective Coating on Metallic Substrates
Interchemical Gage 10.2.2.1
Notched Gage 10.2.2.2
D5402Practice for Assessing the Solvent Resistance of
Dry-Film Thickness Gages 10.2.3
Organic Coatings Using Solvent Rubs
Nondestructive Film Thickness Gages 10.2.3.1
Magnetic-Type Gages 10.2.3.2 D6386Practice for Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galva-
Current-Type Gages 10.2.3.3
nized) Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware
Destructive Thickness Gage 10.2.3.4
Surfaces for Painting
Holiday Detectors 10.2.4
Comparison of Surface Preparation D6677Test Method for Evaluating Adhesion by Knife
Specifications Table 1
D6913Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada-
Comparison of Water Jetting Standards Table 2
tion) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
Inspection Checklist Appendix X1
D7091Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Ferrous Metals and Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coat-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ings Applied to Non-Ferrous Metals
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D7127Test Method for Measurement of Surface Roughness
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of Abrasive Blast Cleaned Metal Surfaces Using a Por-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
table Stylus Instrument (Withdrawn 2021)
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D7393Practice for Indicating Oil in Abrasives
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
E337Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psy-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
chrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Tem-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
peratures)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.2 OSHA Standard:
29 CFR 1926.59Hazard Communication
2. Referenced Documents
2.3 SSPC Standards:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
SSPC-AB 1Mineral and Slag Abrasives
D16TerminologyforPaint,RelatedCoatings,Materials,and
SSPC-AB 2Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous MetallicAbra-
Applications
sives
D1212Test Methods for Measurement of Wet Film Thick-
SSPC-AB3NewlyManufacturedorRe-ManufacturedSteel
ness of Organic Coatings
Abrasives
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
SSPC-AB 4Recyclable Encapsulated Abrasive Media
Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
SSPC-SP 1Solvent Cleaning
D2200Practice for Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation
SSPC-SP 2Hand Tool Cleaning
Standards and Guides for Painting Steel Surfaces
SSPC-SP 3Power Tool Cleaning
D3359Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1White Metal Blast Cleaning
D3363Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3Commercial Blast Cleaning
D4138Practices for Measurement of Dry FilmThickness of
SSPC-SP 7/NACE No. 4Brush-off Blast Cleaning
Protective Coating Systems by Destructive, Cross-
SSPC-SP 8Pickling
Sectioning Means
SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2Near-White Blast Cleaning
D4212Test Method for Viscosity by Dip-Type Viscosity
SSPC-SP 11Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal
Cups
SSPC-SP 14/NACE No. 8Industrial Blast Cleaning
D4285Test Method for Indicating Oil or Water in Com-
SSPC-SP 15Commercial Grade Power Tool Cleaning
pressed Air
D4414Practice for Measurement of Wet Film Thickness by
Notch Gages
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
D4417Test Methods for Field Measurement of Surface www.astm.org.
D3276 − 21
SSPC-SP16Brush-Off Blast Cleaning of Non-Ferrous Met- 4. Preparation for Inspection
als
4.1 The guide describes the duties of the inspector and
SSPC-SP WJ-1/NACE WJ-1Clean to Bare Substrate
discusses inspection methods, both visual and instrumental,
SSPC-SP WJ-2/NACE WJ-2Very Thorough Cleaning
that can be used to determine that the specification require-
SSPC-SP WJ-3/NACE WJ-3Thorough Cleaning
ments have been met by the painting contractor.
SSPC-SP WJ-4/NACE WJ-4Light Cleaning
4.2 Before painting is started the project engineer should
SSPC-PA 1Shop, Field and Maintenance Painting of Steel
provide the inspector with information from the official plans
SSPC-PA2Procedure for Determining Conformance to Dry
andspecificationsastocoatingtype,thinnertobeused,mixing
Coating Thickness Requirements
ratios to be used, specified application thickness, primer, tie
SSPC-PA Guide 11Protecting Edges, Crevices, and Irregu-
coat, topcoat, time between coats, surface preparation, method
lar Steel Surfaces by Stripe Coating
ofapplication,andanyspecialprecautionstobefollowedsuch
SSPC-PA 17Procedure for Determining Conformance to
as limits on ambient conditions. These details should be
Steel Profile/Surface Roughness/Peak Count Require-
recorded in an inspector’s record book to eliminate any
ments
misunderstanding between the inspector and the contractor.
SSPC-VIS 1Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel
Surfaces Prepared by Dry Abrasive Blasting
4.3 The inspector should obtain copies of the Safety Data
SSPC-VIS 5/NACE VIS 9Guide and Reference Photo- Sheets (SDS) for all products that will be used on the project,
graphs for Steel Surfaces Prepared by Wet Abrasive
review any hazard communications program in accordance
Blasting with29CFR1926.59thatwillapplytotheproject,andreview
SSPC-VIS 3Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel
other safety information related to the work that will be
Surfaces Prepared by Hand and Power Tool Cleaning performed by the contractor. The inspector should examine
SSPC-VIS4/NACENo.7VisualStandardforSteelCleaned
these materials and be supplied with appropriate protective
by Water Jetting equipment and devices.
SSPC Paint 27Basic Zinc Chromate-Vinyl Butyral Wash
4.4 TheProductDataSheets(PDS)forthecoatingproducts
Primer
to be used, including thinners where applicable, shall be
SSPC Guide 6Guide for Containing Debris Generated
provided with the procured product. Note that the coating
During Paint Removal Operations
specification may allow only specific pre-qualified coatings to
SSPCGuide7GuidefortheDisposalofLeadContaminated
be used.
Surface Preparation Debris
SSPC Guide 15Field Methods for Retrieval andAnalysis of
5. Surface Preparation Methods and Requirements
Soluble Salts on Steel and Other Nonporous Surfaces
5.1 Surface Preparationisoneofthemostimportantfactors
2.4 ISO Standards:
affectingtheperformanceofcoatings.Thespecifierdetermines
ISO 8501-4Preparation Grades and Flash Rust Grades in
the proper level in accordance with the expected service life
Connection with High-Pressure Water Jetting
and type of coating specified.
ISO 8502–3Preparation of Steel Substrates beforeApplica-
5.1.1 Pictorial Standard D2200 (SSPC-VIS 1) should be
tion of Paints and Related Products – Tests for the
provided to the inspector on a job involving blast cleaning of
assessment of surface cleanliness
structural steel. The standard is used by the inspector to assist
2.5 NACE International:
in determining whether the degree of surface preparation
SP0178–2007 (formerly NACE RP0178) Design,
specified in a contract has been attained by the contractor. For
Fabrication, and Surface Finish Practices for Tanks and
large jobs it is recommended that before work starts, an actual
Vessels to be Lined for Immersion Service
steel sample of adequate size be blasted to the satisfaction of
2.6 ASTM Adjuncts:
the project engineer. This blasted surface should be protected
Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting Steel
by a clear acrylic coating or encased in plastic and used for
Surfaces
reference purposes as the work progresses.
3. Significance and Use
5.2 Factors Affecting Coating Performance—There are a
number of factors that should be considered to ensure a proper
3.1 Thisguideisintendedasareferenceforthoseconcerned
painting job.
with the inspection of industrial coating work. The require-
5.2.1 Cleanliness—Manymaterials,ifnotremovedfromthe
ments for inspection should be addressed in all protective
surface, will affect the life of the coating. These include oil,
coatingandliningworkspecifications.Thisguidemaybeused
grease, soil, weld spatter, and slag, that make it impossible to
by specification writers when selecting and establishing the
obtain proper adhesion to the metal surface. Surface soluble
inspectionrequirementsforcoatingandliningspecifications.A
salts shall be removed to the degree specified or long term
checklist for use by inspectors in the field is included in
coating performance may be adversely affected. SSPC/NACE
Appendix X1.
issues detailed surface preparation specifications that cover
various methods for cleaning.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
5.2.2 Mill Scale, The bluish-black oxide resulting from the
la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
hot-rolling process, is a constant source of trouble leading to
ThepictorialsurfacepreparationstandardMethodA(ISO/SwedishStandard)is
availablefromASTMInternationalHeadquarters.RequestAdjunctNo.ADJD2200. coating failure. This scale is very brittle and can crack or
D3276 − 21
loosen due to temperature changes (both in fabricating and theadvantagesoversolventwipinginthathotsolventsareused
weathering in the field) leading to failure of the coating. and the solvent condensation removes oils without recontami-
nation.
5.2.3 Surface Profile—The texture of the metal surface has
5.3.2 Hand Tool Cleaning is the method used for the
a significant effect on the performance of coatings, since it
removal of loose mill scale, loose rust, loose or otherwise
increases the surface area to which the coating can develop
defective coating, weld flux, slag and spatter from metal
adhesion. In fact, the term “anchor pattern” is sometimes used
surfaces by hand brushing, hand sanding, hand chipping or
to describe the depth of profile. Profile varies both with the
scraping using wire, fiber or bristle brushes, sandpaper, steel
type and size of the abrasive used. Coarser abrasives generally
wool, hand scrapers or chisels, and chipping hammers. Mate-
produce a coarser and deeper profile. Deep profiles are advan-
rial is considered tightly adherent if it cannot be lifted with a
tageous for adhesion, but require more coating to fill in the
dull putty knife. SSPC provides a detailed specification,
valleys and cover the peaks of the profile; they cannot be used
SSPC-SP 2. A visual standard, SSPC-VIS 3, may be used to
with low-build coatings that do not cover the peaks even when
assist in determining compliance.
several coats are applied. The angularity (sharpness) and
5.3.2.1 Handtoolcleaningrequiresthatallweldflux,tar,oil
density of the profile may affect adhesion. Methods for
and grease, and other greasy contaminants be removed first by
measuringsurfaceprofilecanbefoundinTestMethodsD4417
solvent cleaning (5.3.1).
and D7127. Frequency of surface profile measurement and the
5.3.2.2 Wire brushes should be rigid enough to clean the
acceptabilityofthemeasurementsisdescribedinSSPC-PA17.
surfacethoroughly,andshapedtopenetrateintoallcornersand
5.2.4 Sharp Edges—Sharp edges and rough welds can
joints. Brushes should be kept free of all materials that may
compromise coating performance, particularly in immersion clog the wires of the brush.
service. Sharp edges and outside corners should be radiused, 5.3.2.3 Hand scrapers should be made of tool steel, tem-
pered and ground to a sharp edge, and should be of the proper
and rough welds should be smoothed or ground flat. NACE
size and shape to enable cleaning to be done as specified.
SP0178 and SSPC-PA Guide 11 may be used as guides. This
Scrapers should be kept sharp at all times.
operation should be specified during fabrication, but is fre-
5.3.3 Power Tool Cleaningisamethodusedfortheremoval
quently done by the coating contractor. The coating inspector
of loose mill scale, loose rust, loose or otherwise defective
should verify that such work has been done, if required by the
coating, and weld flux from metal surfaces by power wire
coating job specification prior to other steps in surface prepa-
brushes,powerimpacttools,powergrinders,powersanders,or
ration.
by a combination of these methods. Material is considered
5.3 Cleaning Procedures—Safety precautions are not ad-
tightly adherent if it cannot be lifted with a dull putty knife.
dressed separately for each of the following cleaning methods.
SSPC-SP3isthedetailedspecificationforpowertoolcleaning.
Eachhasitsownsafety-relatedhazards,andU.S.Occupational
A visual standard, SSPC-VIS 3, may be used to assist in
Health and Safety Administration regulations should be fol-
determining compliance.
lowed. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the solvents and cleaning
5.3.3.1 Power tool cleaning requires that all oil, grease,
compounds provided by the manufacturer should also be
weld flux, and other contaminants be removed first by solvent
consulted for proper worker protection.
cleaning (5.3.1). Hand tool cleaning in accordance with 5.3.2
may be used prior to power tool cleaning.
5.3.1 Chemical Cleaning—Solvents are used to remove oil,
5.3.3.2 All equipment should be suitable for the configura-
grease, and related materials. The solvent is applied to the
tion of the work to be cleaned and maintained free of material
surface by wiping or scrubbing with rags or brushes. The
thatclogsthewireordisksmakingthemineffective.Allimpact
contaminants should be removed (not simply spread out) by a
tools should be kept sharp.
thoroughwipingoftheaffectedareaswithclothssaturatedwith
5.3.4 Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal is a method used
clean solvent. Contaminated cloths should not be dipped into
for the total removal of coating, rust, and mill scale. It also
clean solvent.The cleaning should be repeated with clean rags
requires a minimum of 1-mil anchor profile. Surface cleaning,
and fresh clean solvent. Emulsions, cleaning compounds,
power tools, and surface profile producing media are used to
steam cleaning, or similar methods and materials may also be
used. Where emulsion cleaners, soaps, or detergents are used,
they should be removed completely by washing with clean hot
TABLE 1 Comparison of Surface Preparation Standards
water. SSPC-SP 1 covers cleaning procedures using these
ASTM D2200
materials.
Preparation Guide SSPC NACE
Method Method
A B
5.3.1.1 Solvent Vapor Cleaning is a procedure that can be
A B
adapted to a production line or piecework operation. Vapor
Blast clean to white metal SSPC-SP 5 Sa 3 SP 5 1
Blast clean to near-white metal SSPC-SP 10 Sa 2 ⁄2 SP 10 2
cleaningremovesallsolublecontaminantsbutdoesnotdisturb
C
Commercial blast cleaning SSPC-SP 6 Sa 2 SP 6 3
thenaturaloxidefilm.Ifthisfilmshouldberemoved,mechani-
Brush-off blast cleaning SSPC-SP 7 Sa 1 SP 7 4
cal cleaning will be necessary as well. The part to be cleaned Industrial blast cleaning SSPC-SP14 . . 8
A
isplacedinthesaturatedvaporabovetheheatedsolventsothat
Method A is ISO/Swedish Standard.
B
Method B is SSPC- VIS-1.
the solvent vapor condenses on the metal surface. Vapor
C
Pictorial Standard Sa 2 shows mill scale and conflicts with SSPC definition of
degreasing does not remove particulate matter, so parts should
commercial blast (SP 6), which does not allow mill scale.
be wiped to remove any insoluble soils. Vapor degreasing has
D3276 − 21
TABLE 2 Comparison of Water Jetting Standards
D4940, D7393, or the appropriate SSPC abrasive specification
Cleanliness Description SSPC/NACE ISO (AB 1,AB 2,AB 3, orAB 4) for the type of abrasive material.
Clean to Bare Metal SSPC-WJ-1/NACE WJ-1 Wa 3
5.3.5.3 Blast-cleaning operations should be performed so
Very Thorough Cleaning SSPC-WJ-2/NACE WJ-2 Wa 2.5
that no damage is done to the completed portion of the work.
Thorough Cleaning SSPC-WJ-3/NACE WJ-3 Wa 2
Blastcleaningisoftenperformedfromthetoptobottomofthe
Light Cleaning SSPC-WJ-4/NACE WJ-4 Wa 1
structure and should only be carried on downwind from any
recentlypaintedareas.Dryblastcleaningoperationsshouldnot
be conducted on surfaces that will be wet after blasting and
beforepainting.Steeltemperatureshouldbeatleast3°C(5°F)
obtainthespecifiedfinish.Surfacecleaningpowertoolsconsist
above the dew point temperature.
of non-woven abrasive wheels and discs, coated abrasive discs
5.3.5.4 The degree of blast cleaning required should be at
or sanding pads, coated abrasive fly wheels, and coated
least equal to the appropriate surface preparation specification
abrasive bands. Surface profile producing media consist of
and the applicable visual standard. Standards from ASTM,
rotaryimpactflapwheelassembliesandneedleguns.SSPC-SP
SSPC, and National Association of Corrosion Engineers
11 is the detailed specification for power tool cleaning to bare
(NACE) are listed in Table 1. Note that Pictorial Surface
metal.
Preparation Standards D2200 is divided into two methods for
5.3.4.1 Dependingontheinitialconditionofthesurfaceand
abrasive blasting. Method A describes photographic standards
existing profile conditions, it may be necessary to use one or
available from International Standards Organization (ISO)
both of the types of power tools.All oil, grease, weld flux, and
Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards. Method B describes
othercontaminantsshouldberemovedfirstbysolventcleaning
photographic standards available from SSPC. The two sets of
(5.3.1). Hand tool cleaning (5.3.2) or power tool cleaning
photographs are not directly comparable.
(5.3.3) may be used prior to power tool cleaning to bare metal.
5.3.5.5 Blast cleaned surfaces should be examined for any
5.3.4.2 All equipment should be suitable for the configura-
traces of oil, grease, or smudges; where present, the contami-
tion of the work to be cleaned and maintained free of material
nants should be removed by solvent cleaning (5.3.1). Surfaces
that clogs the wire or discs making them ineffective. For
that have been dry blasted should be brushed with clean
example, needle guns require 2mm diameter needles to
brushes,blownwithcompressedairfreeofoilandmoisture,or
produce a suitable surface profile.
vacuum cleaned to eliminate any traces of blast products, dust,
5.3.4.3 The finished surface should be bare, bright metal.
or dirt from the surface. This also serves to remove abrasive
Slight residues of rust and paint may remain in the lower
from pockets and corners.
portions of pits if the original surface was pitted. SSPC-VIS 3
5.3.5.6 Blast cleaned surfaces should be further treated,
is a visual standard to assist in determining compliance.
primed or painted on the same day they are blasted, preferably
Surface profile is determined by procedures in 10.1.1.
within 8 h, or in any event before any visible flash rusting
5.3.4.4 Commercial Grade Power Tool Cleaning, SSPC-SP
occurs. Reblasting will be necessary on any surface if rust
15is performed in a manner similar to SSPC-SP 11. The
bloom forms before coating can be applied.
finished surface should be bare, bright metal. Staining is
5.3.6 Pressurized Water Cleaning—A high-pressure water
allowed on 33 percent of the evaluation unit area, and slight
blast using potable water, either with or without an abrasive
residues of rust and paint may remain in the lower portions of
injected into the stream, is used as an alternative to open
pitsiftheinitialsurfacewaspitted.Italsorequiresaminimum
blasting, since it reduces the release of dust into the atmo-
of 1mil anchor profile.
sphere. Pressures over 137900 KPa (20000 psi) are needed to
5.3.5 Blast Cleaningisusedtoremovecoating,rustandmill
achieve total coating removal when using only water. Pressur-
scale from a metal surface and to provide a roughened surface
ized water alone will not remove mill scale efficiently, or
by striking the surface with a stream of small, hard abrasive
impart an anchor profile. Inhibitors may be added to the water
particles such as (dry) sand, grit, or shot.
topreventflashrusting.Thesurfaceshouldbedriedorallowed
5.3.5.1 One method utilizes compressed air, special blast
to dry before coating. Table 2 contains a comparison of the
nozzles,andabrasive.Watermaybeinjectedintotheairstream
SSPC/NACE water jetting standards to the ISO 8501-4 stan-
to control dust, and a rust inhibitor may be needed (5.3.6). In
dard.SSPC-VIS4/NACENo.7isavisualstandardtoassistin
another method used primarily in fabricating shop, wheels
determining compliance with the SSPC/NACE joint standard.
propel the abrasive centrifugally against the work. The mini-
It includes photographs with three levels of rustback, if
mum and maximum particle size of the abrasive may be
allowed by the specification.
specified as a means of controlling the surface profile. The
particle size can be verified by sieve test in accordance with 5.4 Cleaning and Preparation of Various Surfaces—Before
Test Method D6913. application of any coating, all surfaces to be coated should be
5.3.5.2 Blast cleaning requires that all oil, grease, and weld thoroughly cleaned and properly prepared to the requirements
flux be removed by solvent cleaning (5.3.1). The compressed of the specification. All dust, dirt, oil, grease, moisture, soot,
airusedforblastcleaningshouldbefreeofcondensedwateror tar, or other contaminants should be removed from unpainted
oil by making certain that separators and traps are in working surfaces. Previously painted surfaces should be similarly
order. Test the compressed air supply in accordance with Test cleanedofallforeignmatter;alldeterioratedcoatingshouldbe
MethodD4285.Theabrasivematerialshouldbefreeofsoluble removed as well. Mortar or cement drippings from earlier
contaminants when tested in accordance with Test Methods repairs should be removed by mechanical or chemical means.
D3276 − 21
Tree limbs or other growth obstructing the structure should be environment,andsulfatecontaminationfromairpollutionhave
cut away to provide ready access. been recognized as main factors in premature breakdown of
existing coating systems. High-pressure water blasting is often
5.4.1 Steel Surfaces—Removal of rust and scale should be
used to remove these contaminants.
done in the manner and to the degree specified, that is, hand,
power tool, or blast cleaned. 5.4.4.4 Current regulations require containment and collec-
5.4.1.1 On complex structures, all dirt and debris should be tion of surface preparation debris for disposal. When the
existing coating contains regulated heavy metals such as lead
removed from pockets, crevices, obstructed areas such as
orchromium,orotherregulatedcompoundssuchasorganotin,
gusset plates and connections, and tops of horizontal surfaces.
special precautions and handling of debris may be necessary.
Blasting debris that accumulates on horizontal surfaces should
Inspection of contaminant and disposal requirements, espe-
be removed. Special attention should be placed on examining
cially site storage requirements, are part of a Coating Inspec-
hard to reach areas, the back side of nuts and bolts, sides of
tor’s activities. SSPC Guides 6 and 7 present information
members in close proximity to other members or walls, and
useful to the inspector and sections of these guides may be
undersides of members.
referenced in the specification. On lead removal projects,
5.4.2 Galvanized Surfaces that are to be painted should be
inspectors should be familiar with OSHA requirements for
cleaned and then treated in accordance with the specified
their own health and safety.
method in Practice D6386. Alternatively, the surface may be
allowed to weather a minimum of 6 months before cleaning
5.5 Inspection of Surfaces Prior to Field Painting:
and painting. The method and inspection of brush-off blast
5.5.1 New Construction—It should be emphasized that the
cleaning of galvanized surfaces is presented in SSPC-SP 16.
first coat should be applied to the cleaned surfaces before any
5.4.3 Aluminum Surfaces:
soiling or deterioration can occur. If painting is done outside,
5.4.3.1 Complete removal of oil and grease and, for unan-
the cleaned areas should receive the first protective coat well
odized aluminum, treatment is essential. Vapor degreasing or
before nightfall brings lower temperatures and possible mois-
immersion in an alkaline or acid cleaning solution are com-
ture condensation on the surfaces. When surface preparation
monly used in shop work. In the field, water wash followed by
and painting are carried on indoors, overnight delays between
solvent, steam or detergent cleaning is a good starting point.
coating and painting may be permissible except on blast-
Consult SSPC-SP 16 if brush-off blast cleaning is performed.
cleaned surfaces.
5.4.3.2 Vinyl wash primer is one of the metal pretreatments
5.5.1.1 Shop-coated steel that has been shipped to the
commonly used on unanodized aluminum. The material is
erectionsiteshouldbestoredonblockstopreventcontactwith
describedinPracticesD1730,TypeB,Method8andiscovered
theground,andwhereitisleastlikelytobemarred,scratched,
by SSPC in Paint 27. Lead pigmented primers should never be
or subjected to harmful contamination by grease, oil, salt, etc.
used over aluminum surfaces. The minimum treatment for
Insofar as practicable, the steel should be stored to avoid the
aluminum is Type B, Method 3 of Practices D1730, which
formation of waterholding pockets. If outdoor storage lasts for
describes the use of an alcoholic phosphoric acid cleaner.
several months, the inspector should check the integrity of the
5.4.4 Precautions in Preparing Unpainted and Previously coating from time to time and verify that deficiencies are
Painted Surfaces—Cleaning should proceed by sections, bays,
corrected in accordance with the contract document. The
or other readily identifiable parts of the work. The cleaning of length of time between shop priming and erection and subse-
each section, bay, or part of the work should be entirely
quent topcoating should be kept to a minimum to avoid the
completed, inspected, and accepted before any coating is problem of intercoat adhesion.
applied. The specification should contain limits on the amount
5.5.1.2 Immediately before applying the first field coat, the
orareathatcanbecleanedandpaintedatonetime.Thesystem
shop-coatedsurfacesshouldbecleanedofdust.Ifnecessaryto
of alternately cleaning and painting short sections by one
remove grime and oil substances, they can be wiped, steam
workman is not good practice since this can lead to surface or
cleaned, power washed with detergents or cleaned with sol-
intercoat contamination.
vents selected so as not to soften the film appreciably.
5.4.4.1 Iftraffic,oranyothersource,producesanobjection-
Miscellaneous scratches and breaks in the shop coat, including
ableamountofdust,itiscustomarytocontrolthedustbyusing those occasioned by field welds, bolts, or rivets, should be
tarpaulins, etc., for a sufficient distance around the structure
cleaned, feathered and touched-up as specified before the steel
andtakeanyotherprecautionnecessarytopreventdustanddirt receives the first overall field coat.
from coming into contact with the cleaned or freshly painted
5.5.1.3 The inspector should ensure that field rivets have
surfaces.Itmaysometimesbenecessarytocleannewlycoated
beencleanedofslagandweldspatter.Itisimportantthatevery
surfaces using some of the specified methods between the
coat of the system be applied over dry, soil-free surfaces, and
various coats.
that all previous coats be free of mechanical damage. Great
5.4.4.2 Some areas to be painted or repainted may be care should be exercised to prevent trapping corrosive salts
exposed to chemical fumes and, if so, should be washed with under or between coats.
waterbeforepainting.Washingmayalsobenecessarybetween
5.5.1.4 The inspector should determine whether the speci-
coats of paint. Be aware that standing water on uncured paint
fications are being followed with reference to the painting or
can result in early failure.
prohibition of painting of contact surfaces in bolted or riveted
5.4.4.3 Residual contaminants present on pitted steel can be surfaces of construction. He should ensure that surfaces not in
a problem. Chloride from deicing salts or a marine contact but that will be made inaccessible by assembly or
D3276 − 21
erection, have received the full number of specified coats 6.1.1 Coating containers should remain unopened until
before they become inaccessible. needed,andtheoldestshouldbeusedfirst.Themanufacturer’s
5.5.2 Maintenance Repainting—In most cases, maintenance written instructions should be followed regarding shelf life.
repainting will consist of spot-cleaning and priming of small
Coatings that have livered, gelled, skinned, or otherwise
isolated areas of deterioration, followed by application of one
deteriorated during storage should not be used. If a particular
overall new finish coat to all surfaces of the structure. The
material is in question, do not use it until it has been tested by
inspector of maintenance repainting should be alert for several
the manufacturer or independent laboratory and found to be
conditions not encountered in the painting of new work.
satisfactory.
5.5.2.1 Sound coating not intended to be removed should
6.1.2 Where a skin has formed in the container, the skin
not be damaged by cleaning operations on adjacent areas.This
should be cut loose from the sides of the container, removed,
is particularly important with spot-blast cleaning.
and discarded. If it is felt that the skins are thick enough to
5.5.2.2 The junctions between sound coating and spot-
have a practical effect on the composition, the remaining paint
cleaned areas should present a smooth, feathered appearance.
should not be used until it has been tested and found to be
Theapplicationofcoatingtospot-cleanedareasshouldoverlap
satisfactory.
the old, adjacent coating to a slight extent to ensure full
coverage of the cleaned areas. Before the overall finish coat is 6.2 Mixing of Coatings—All coatings should be thoroughly
and completely mixed in the containers in which they were
applied, the inspector should ensure that oil, grime, dust, and
other contaminants are cleaned from the old coating surfaces. supplied.Whenitisnotpossibletousethesuppliedcontainers
5.5.2.3 Salt contamination of the substrate for both total other clean containers may be used for mixing. Where there is
coating removal and overcoating can be an issue. Some noticeable settling, and mixing is done either by power
specifications put limits on the allowable amount of surface agitators or by hand, most of the vehicle should be poured off
solublesalts.Inspectorsmaybecalledupontomeasuresoluble into a clean container. The pigment is then lifted from the
salt concentrations on the substrate surface. SSPC Guide 15
bottom of the container with a clean, broad, flat paddle, lumps
presents several methods for extracting salts from the surface
broken up and the pigment thoroughly mixed with the vehicle
andseveralmethodsformeasuringthesaltconcentrationinthe
present. The poured-off vehicle should be returned slowly to
extract.Surfacesolublesaltconcentrationsshouldbemeasured
the original container with simultaneous agitation. It is also
in areas where salt would most likely be present such as pitted
useful at this point to mix or pour repeatedly from one
areas.
container to another (boxing) until the composition is uniform.
5.5.2.4 Adhesion of the newly applied coat to the old
The bottom of the original container should be inspected for
coating should be carefully checked. Practice D5064 presents
the unmixed pigment. Two component paints should be mixed
theprocedureforevaluatingadhesionofmaintenancecoatings.
by agitation only, and not with boxing. After the individual
5.5.2.5 Under the direction of the engineer, the inspector
components are homogenous, they are intermixed with agita-
mayexplorebeneaththesurfaceoftheexistingornewcoating
tion in the order stated in the manufacturer’s instructions, that
film for covered-over rust or loosening of the old film, and
is, add Part B to Part A. The coating should not be mixed or
where he discovers such conditions, require that the surface be
kept in suspension by means of an air stream bubbling under
cleaned and repainted.
the coating surface.
5.5.2.6 The effect of the newly applied coating on the old
6.2.1 Some coatings may require straining after mixing, to
underlying coating should be noted. Any coating that shows
ensure homogeneity and to remove skins and foreign matter.
curling,lifting,orwrinklingshouldbereportedtotheengineer
Thestrainersshouldbeofatypetoremoveonlyskins,etc.,but
immediately since it may have to be removed and the area
not to remove pigment. For example, a 297-µm (50-mesh)
repainted. If the defects are general, rather than existing in a
strainerisnormallysatisfactoryformostcoatings,unlesssome
few isolated areas, use of a different type of coating may be
specific size is required in the specification. Containers should
necessary.
be covered when not in use, to reduce volatile losses and
skinning.
6. Coating Storage and Handling
6.2.2 Coatingsshouldbeagitatedenoughduringapplication
6.1 Storage of Coating and Thinner—All coatings and
to ensure homogeneity. Some materials may even require
thinners should be stored in areas or structures that are
constant agitation during use.
well-ventilated and not subject to excessive heat, open flames,
6.2.3 Coating materials which cure by chemical reaction
electricaldischarge,ordirectraysofthesun.Storageshouldbe
may require an induction time to allow the components to
in compliance with applicable regulations and the manufactur-
partially react prior to thinning or application.
er’s written instructions. Materials susceptible to damage at
6.2.4 The components of plural component coatings should
low temperatures should be stored to prevent freezing, such as
be thoroughly mixed as described in 6.2.1 and then pre-heated
in heated areas. Too high a storage temperature reduces the
to the temperature recommended by the coating manufacturer.
shelf life of the coating. If a coating is stocked for a
The two components are subsequently pumped in the required
considerable length of time (several months), it is desirable to
invert the containers at monthly intervals. This will prevent volumeratiobypluralcomponentequipmentthroughheatedor
insulated lines coating lines to specialized mixing equipment
hardsettlingandthusmakemixingquickerandeasierwhenthe
coating is to be used. located immediately before the spray gun.
D3276 − 21
6.3 Thinning—Some specifications permit field thinning of is not permitted, the coating may be heated. Should the
coatings while others do not. This section describes some contractor wish to reduce the viscosity by heating, to make
commonly accepted procedures when thinning is permitted. application easier, the containers may be warmed in hot water,
on steam radiators, by storing in a warm room, or by other
6.3.1 Initial Samples—When thinning on the job site is
acceptable indirect heating processes. In-line heaters are also
permitted unless other arrangements have been made, (for
available for application equipment. Direct application of
example using manufacturer-supplied thinner from unopened
flame to the containers is forbidden by fire regulations. It
containers and complying with the manufacturer’s written
shouldbenoted,however,thatheatingofthecoatingalonewill
thinning instructions), the painting inspector may need to
notcompensateforambientorsurfacetemperatures,orboth,if
submit to an agreed-upon testing laboratory a sample from
they are below the minimum specified for that material. For
each batch to be thinned, together with a sample of the thinner
products to be applied by plural component spray this section
to be used, using clean sample containers in both cases. A
does not apply, see 6.2.4.
request is submitted with these samples for advice on the
proper thinning rate for the conditions prevailing and the
7. Weather Considerations
consistency limits of the thinned coating.
6.3.2 Thinning of Coating—All additions of thinner should
7.1 Drying—Temperature and relative humidity limitations
be made in the presence of the inspector, and only amounts or
presented in the specification or manufacturer’s product data
typesofthinnerpermittedbythespecificationormanufacturer,
sheet are mandatory. Environmental conditions such as tem-
or both, should be added. Thinning is carried out by pouring
perature and relative humidity can affect the cure of most
abouthalfofthethoroughlymixedcoatingintoanempty,clean
coatings.
container. The required thinner is then added and the two
7.2 Low Temperature—Many specifications indicate tem-
portions are remixed to obtain a homogenous mixture.
perature limits between which painting may be undertaken.
6.3.3 Sampling of Thinned Coating—During the work, un-
Thetypicalminimumtemperature(air,materialandsurface)is
less otherwise specified, additional samples need not be sub-
usually 5°C (40°F), but may be as low as −18°C (0°F) for
mitted for testing unless a deviation is noted in the coating
“cold-curing” one or two component systems or 10°C (50°F)
consistency,orifitissuspectedthattherehasbeenachangein
for conventional two component systems. The requirements
the thinner.
may state further that painting should not be undertaken when
6.3.3.1 Whenaninspectorisqualifiedandhasthenecessary
thetemperatureisdroppingandwithin3°C(5°F)ofthelower
equipment available at the field office, arrangements may be
limit. However, some authorities believe that some coatings
made for on-site inspection of thinning and of the thinned
may be applied at (or below) 0°C (32°F) without adverse
coating. This speeds acceptance of a coating. The inspector
effects. Within the limitations of the composition of the
should keep a record of all paint modifications, amount of
coating, this may be satisfactory, depending upon the type of
thinning, weight per gallon, and viscosity. Where dry-film
coating and providing the surface is dry. Painting over ice or
thickness is specified, the inspector should verify the new wet
frost will result in early adhesion failure of the coating.
film thickness necessary to obtain the desired dried thickness
7.3 High Temperature—The maximum reasonable surface
with the thinned coating. Compliance with the specification
temperature for application is 50°C (125°F) unless clearly
should be based on dry-film thickness when specified.
specified otherwise. A surface that is too hot may cause the
6.3.3.2 To estimate the wet-film thickness of the thinned
coatingsolventstoevaporatesofastthatapplicationisdifficult,
coating required to obtain the specified dried-film thickness,
blistering takes place, or a porous film results. To keep the
the percent volume of the nonvolatile (solids) in the original
temperaturedownitmaybedesirable,
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