SSPC PS Guide 12 PDF
SSPC PS Guide 12 PDF
SSPC PS Guide 12 PDF
00
September 1, 1994
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
1.4 Certain zinc-rich coating systems are suitable for 2.2.2 Organic Vehicles: Type II vehicles include those
use in protecting steel surfaces either topcoated or with thermoplastic binders (IIA) and thermoset binders
untopcoated. Zinc-rich systems are not suitable for certain (IIB). Type II thermoplastic vehicles include polymers of
exposure conditions. (See Section 4 and Table 1.) chlorinated rubber, styrene, vinyl, and other organic mate-
rials that soften upon exposure to heat. Type IIB thermoset
2. Description vehicles do not soften upon heating, and include polymers
of epoxy, polyurethane, polyester, silicone, and other chemi-
2.1 GENERAL USAGE: cally cross-linked materials.
2.1.1 Zinc-rich coatings are primarily formulated to 2.3 PIGMENTATION FOR ZINC-RICH COATINGS:
provide protection to steel by virtue of the galvanic protec- The major pigment component in these coatings is zinc dust
tion provided by the zinc. They also typically provide hard, of the type described in ASTM D 520. Inorganic zinc-rich
abrasion-resistant coatings, but flexibility and impact resis- coatings contain a minimum zinc dust content of 74 percent
tance may vary widely. These coatings normally require a by weight in the dry film. Organic zinc-rich coatings contain
blast cleaned surface for best results, and are usually a minimum zinc dust content of 77 percent by weight in the
applied in one coat 50 to 125 micrometers (2 to 5 mils) dry dry film.
film thickness over the cleaned steel.
2.4 NUMBER OF COMPONENTS: Inorganic and or-
2.1.2 Some are used as prefabrication primers or shop ganic zinc-rich coatings are supplied as a single package or
primers, where they are applied to freshly blast cleaned multi-component package. Many multi-component pack-
steel plates and sections. The prefabrication primers, often ages have the zinc pigment packaged separately to be
at a lesser thickness, are intended to protect the steel mixed with the vehicle at the time of application. All multi-
throughout the fabrication period until the final painting component coatings have a limited pot life after mixing.
system can be applied to the finished structure. At that
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4.4.2 Topcoated Organic Zinc-Rich Coating Sys- pH range from about 5 to 10. Variations in properties of
tems: These systems may be suitable for the following these coatings depends largely on the vehicle, whether
environmental zones: 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3B, and 3C. These inorganic or organic. The choice of best coating for a
systems are not recommended for environmental zone 3E. specific end use must be made by a comparison of proper-
These systems are questionable for the following environ- ties with the requirements of the service. Application and
mental zones: 2C,2D, 3A, 3D. surface preparation constraints may limit the choice. The
degree of corrosion protection desired may be a prime
4.5 These guidelines are based on the general charac- consideration. Zinc-rich coatings are characterized by their
teristics of the different types of zinc-rich coating systems abrasion resistance, toughness of film, and galvanic action
and exposure environments. Substantial formulation differ- of the zinc. In wet conditions above 60°C (140°F), zinc-rich
ences exist among zinc-rich coatings. The ability of a primers are not recommended, due to rapid depletion of
topcoated system to perform adequately is strongly depen- zinc.
dent on the generic type and formulation of the topcoat.
(See Section 6.3.) Therefore, the recommendations of the 6.1.2 Inorganic: Inorganic zincs, while requiring more
coating manufacturer regarding the use of a zinc- rich care in surface preparation and application compared to
coating (organic or inorganic, topcoated or untopcoated) in organic zincs, have a greater ability to withstand exposure
a given environment should be solicited. This is particularly to most solvents, oils, and neutral petroleum products.
critical when considering use of a zincrich system in a Some types of inorganic zincs require moisture to cure.
questionable category of Sections 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.4.1, 4.4.2 Inorganic zincs have a tendency to mudcrack at heavier
and Table 1. thicknesses, and dry spray may occur under certain ambi-
ent conditions. They function well up to 400°C (750°F) in dry
5. Surface Preparation conditions. In wet conditions, zincrich primers function well
up to 50°C (120°F). Within the range of 50° to 60°C (120°
5.1 DEGREE OF CLEANING: Although blast cleaning to 140°F), performance depends upon formulation and the
to SSPC-SP 5 may be preferred, it is also the most costly; coating manufacturer should be consulted. Compared to
in most cases a near-white metal blast (SSPC-SP 10) or in organic zincs, inorganic zinc-rich primers generally exhibit
some cases even a commercial (SSPC-SP 6) blast may more pinholing and bubbling upon topcoating. The mini-
provide a satisfactory surface for these coatings. Table 1 mum zinc loading is 74 percent by weight of zinc in dry film.
provides minimum surface preparation guidelines for zinc-
rich coating systems in various environments. Although this 6.1.3 Organic: Compared with the inorganic type, the
specification is written for blast cleaned surfaces, under organic zinc primers are generally more tolerant of surface
certain conditions pickling can be used as a surface prepa- preparation and are easier to topcoat. This type generally
ration for zinc-rich primers if agreed upon by the contracting does not require moisture to cure, has less tendency to
parties. The pickling procedures shall be in accordance mudcrack, and has less tendency to dry spray. Organic
with SSPC-SP 8, “Pickling”, paragraph 5.2.1. Specifically, zincs generally provide less resistance to abrasion, sol-
this requires adequate rinsing of all pickling residues with vents, and high temperatures than the inorganics. When
60°C (140°F) hot water, and prohibits subsequent phos- left untopcoated, organic zincs may provide less galvanic
phoric acid or dichromate treatment. protection than untopcoated inorganic zincs. This type
combines the properties of the organic vehicle with the
5.2 SURFACE PROFILE: Surface profile should be in abrasion resistance and the galvanic action of the zinc
the range of 25 to 90 micrometers (1.0 to 3.5 mils) unless pigment. The minimum zinc loading is 77 percent by weight
otherwise recommended by the coating manufacturer. of zinc in dry film.
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be requested by the purchaser and shall be supplied upon Rich Primers (Type I-”Inorganic” and Type II-”Organic”), or
request along with the manufacturer’s name and identifica- other test methods or procedures will not be different from
tion for the materials. Samples may be requested at the those actually applied at the jobsite. This assurance can be
time the purchase order is placed, or may be taken from obtained for vehicle components by obtaining infrared spec-
unopened containers at the job site. trographic curves from the laboratory test sample and
comparing them with curves obtained from IR spectra on
9.3 Unless otherwise specified, the sampling shall be selected field samples. Pigment components may be simi-
in accordance with ASTM D 3925. larly compared using atomic absorption or other spectro-
graphic analyses. If there are any significant differences
10. Disclaimer between the spectra obtained from the laboratory and field
coating samples, the coating manufacturer should be con-
10.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all sulted. Physical tests, such as weight/gallon, viscosity,
information furnished in SSPC standards and specifica- solids by weight, etc., can also assure quality. If differences
tions is as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, occur beyond the coating manufacturer’s published toler-
SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obliga- ance or 15%, the manufacturer should be consulted.
tion resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or
methods specified herein, or of the specification or stan- 11.3 The degree of deviation from the ideal surface
dard itself. preparation which zinc-rich coatings will tolerate without
serious loss of their properties varies considerably from
10.2 This specification does not attempt to address coating to coating. Therefore, adequate instructions from
problems concerning safety associated with its use. The the manufacturer are essential and must be closely fol-
user of this specification, as well as the user of all products lowed to ensure maximum performance.
or practices described herein, is responsible for instituting
appropriate health and safety practices and for insuring 11.4 VOC CONTENT: Each coating, after recom-
compliance with all governmental regulations. mended thinning, must conform to published government
regulations regarding volatile organic compound (VOC)
11. Notes content. VOC information should be supplied on the label or
the technical data sheet. Various governmental agencies
Notes are not a requirement of this specification. may have different VOC limits or use different methods of
testing. The owner may modify this specification as neces-
11.1 The procurement documents should establish the sary to specify a particular VOC content limit consistent
responsibility for samples, testing, and any required affida- with local regulations. Coatings meeting the composition
vit certifying full compliance with the specification. and performance requirements of this specification usually
have a VOC level between 0 and 500 g/L (0 and 4.2 lb/gal).
11.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE: The user should ensure
that coatings qualified according to SSPC-Paint 20, Zinc-
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TABLE 1
Guidelines for Surface Preparation and Topcoating
of Zinc-Rich Primers in Various Environments
Note: This table provides general guidelines only. Its use should be limited to determination of generic suitability and
minimum surface preparation requirements. There are substantial differences in performance between the various types of
zinc-rich coatings in a given environment. These recommendations provide minimum acceptable surface preparation,
primer, and topcoating requirements for the designated environmental zones. However, recommendations do not imply
equivalent system performance. For specific conditions, the coating manufacturer should be consulted.
1A Interior, Normally Dry R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6
1B Exterior, Normally Dry R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6
2A Frequently Wet, R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10
Fresh Water
2B Frequently Wet, R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 NR R-SP 10 NR R-SP 10
Salt Water
2C Fresh Water Immersion Q-SP 5 Q-SP 5 Q-SP 5 Q-SP 5 Q-SP 10 Q-SP 10 NR Q-SP 10 Q-SP 10 Q-SP 10
2D Salt Water Immersion Q-SP 10 Q-SP 10 Q-SP 10 Q-SP 10 Q-SP 10 Q-SP 10 NR Q-SP 10 NR Q-SP 10
3A Chemical Exposure, NR Q-SP 10 NR Q-SP 10 NR Q-SP 10 NR Q-SP 6 NR Q-SP 6
Acidic (pH 2 to 5)
3B Chemical Exposure, R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 10 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6 R-SP 6
Neutral (pH 5 to 10)
3C Chemical Exposure, NR R-SP 10 NR R-SP 10 NR R-SP 6 NR R-SP 6 NR R-SP 6
Alkaline (pH 10 to 12)
3D Chemical Exposure, R-SP 10 Q-SP 10 R-SP 10 Q-SP 10 R-SP 6 Q-SP 6 NR NR NR Q-SP 6
Solvent
3E Chemical Exposure, NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR
Severe
BINDER TYPES:
IA = Inorganic; post-cured, waterborne alkali silicates
IB = Inorganic; self-cured, waterborne alkali silicates
IC = Inorganic; self-cured, solvent-borne alkyl silicates
IIA = Organic; thermoplastic binders (e.g., phenoxy)
IIB = Organic; thermoset binders (e.g., epoxy polyamide, moisture-cured polyurethane)
RECOMMENDED USAGE:
R = Recommended
NR = Not Recommended
Q = Some products recommended, others not recommended. (See Sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5.)
RECOMMENDED SURFACE PREPARATION:
The number refers to the minimum SSPC blast cleaning surface preparations as follows:
SP 5 = SSPC-SP 5, White Metal Blast Cleaning
SP 6 = SSPC-SP 6, Commercial Blast Cleaning
SP 10 = SSPC-SP 10, Near-White Blast Cleaning
NOTE: For pitted old steel, the blast cleaning requirement should be the next higher degree of cleanliness,
i.e., the SP 10 shown above should be SP 5, the SP 6 shown above should be SP 10.
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