SSPC-PS 12.

01
April 1, 2002
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

PAINTING SYSTEM NO. 12.01

One Coat Zinc-Rich Painting System

1. Scope requirements of this specification shall prevail.

1.1 This specification covers a one-coat zinc-rich painting 3.3 SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS:
system to be used on carbon steel in mild to moderately severe
environments and corrosive marine atmospheric environments * Guide 14 Guide for Repair of
(see Note 10.1). Imperfections in Galvanized or
Inorganic Zinc- Coated Steel
1.2 Zinc-rich coatings, both topcoated and untopcoated, Using Organic Zinc- Rich
have been used successfully in a wide variety of environmen- Coatings
tal zones. For a detailed breakdown of applicability of various PA 1 Shop, Field, and Maintenance
types of zinc-rich coatings in different environmental zones, Painting of Steel
refer to SSPC-Guide 12.00. Consult the coating manufacturer PA 2 Measurement of Dry Coating
for specific exposure recommendations. Thickness with Magnetic Gages
Paint 20 Zinc-Rich Primers (Type I–
1.3 This specification does not pertain to weldable pre- Inorganic, and Type II–Organic)
fabrication zinc-rich primers, which are typically applied at Paint 29 Zinc Dust Sacrificial Primer,
thicknesses less than 25 micrometers (1 mil). Further informa- Performance-Based
tion regarding these and other zinc-rich primers can be found PS Guide 12.00 Guide for Selecting Zinc-Rich
in SSPC-PS Guide 12.00. Painting Systems
PS Guide 8.00 Guide to Topcoating Zinc-Rich
2. Description Primers
* SP 8 Pickling
2.1 This painting system consists of abrasive blast cleaning SP 5/NACE No. 1 White Metal Blast Cleaning
and one coat of zinc-rich coating. SP 6/NACE No. 3 Commercial Blast Cleaning
SP 10/NACE No. 2 Near-White Blast Cleaning
2.2 This specification describes the application and field * SP 12/NACE No. 5 Surface Preparation and Cleaning
performance requirements for a one-coat zinc-rich system of Steel and Other Hard Materials
and should be used with SSPC-Paint 20 or SSPC-Paint 29 by High- and Ultrahigh-Pressure
and with other SSPC specifications covering surface prepara- Waterjetting Prior to Recoating
tion, application, thickness, and inspection. SSPC-Paint 20
and SSPC-Paint 29 define the minimum compositional and 3.4 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS:1
performance requirements for zinc-rich coatings. If topcoating
will be required, refer to SSPC-PS Guide 8.00 and to Note 10.2 * D 3925 Standard Practice for Sampling Liquid
of this specification. Paints and Related Pigmented Coatings
D 4417 Standard Test Methods for Field
3. Referenced Standards Measurement of Surface Profile of
Blast Cleaned Steel
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the refer-
enced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall 4. Surface Preparation
govern, unless otherwise specified. Standards marked with
an asterisk (*) are referenced only in the Notes, which are not 4.1 DEGREE OF CLEANING: The minimum surface
requirements of this specification. preparation shall be SSPC-SP 6 for new steel and SSPC-SP
10 for previously painted or pitted steel. If specified in the pro-
3.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of any curement documents or by the coating manufacturer, higher
of the cited referenced standards and this specification, the

1
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

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SSPC-PS 12.01
April 1, 2002
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

degrees of blast cleaning (SSPC-SP 5 or SSPC-SP 10) shall performance must be included. The specifier shall determine
be substituted (see Notes 10.3 and 10.4). the applicability of this data for his specific use.

4.2 PROFILE HEIGHT: The profile height shall be within 7.2 Additionally, or in lieu of suitable in-service field expo-
the range of 40 to 90 micrometers (1.5 to 3.5 mils) or as rec- sure or application histories as described above, the coating
ommended by the manufacturer of the primer. Profile shall be supplier and the user may establish a criterion of performance
measured in accordance with ASTM D 4417. agreeable to all parties.

5. Coatings 8. Inspection

5.1 COATING: The coating shall be in accordance with 8.1 All work and materials supplied under this specifica-
SSPC-Paint 20 or SSPC-Paint 29. tion are subject to timely inspection by the purchaser or his
authorized representative. The contractor shall correct such
6. Coating Application work or replace such material as is found defective under this
specification. In case of dispute, unless otherwise specified,
6.1 COATING APPLICATION: The coating shall be applied the arbitration or settlement procedure established in the
in accordance with SSPC-PA 1 (see Notes 10.5 and 10.6). procurement documents shall be followed.If no arbitration or
settlement procedure is established, then a procedure mutually
6.2 TOUCH-UP COATING: Touch-up coating shall be done agreeable to purchaser, material supplier, and contractor shall
in accordance with SSPC-PA 1 and in particular with the section be used.
thereof entitled “Field Painting.” Unless otherwise specified,
touch-up coating shall be done in the field with a compatible 8.2 Samples of paints under this painting system may be
zinc-rich coating (see Note 10.7). requested by the purchaser and shall be supplied upon request
along with the manufacturerʼs name and identification for the
6.3 NUMBER OF COATS: This coating system shall consist materials. Samples may be requested at the time the purchase
of one coat. order is placed or may be taken from unopened containers at
the job site (see Note 10.10).
6.4 DRY FILM THICKNESS (DFT): The dry film thickness
shall be a minimum of 64 micrometers (2.5 mils) or as specified 8.3 Unless otherwise specified, the sampling shall be in
by the manufacturer of the primer. DFT shall be measured in accordance with ASTM D 3925.
accordance with SSPC-PA 2. Refer to manufacturerʼs data
sheet for maximum allowable dry film thickness (see Note 9. Disclaimer
10.8).
9.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
6.4.1 Low Dry Film Thickness: Low dry film thickness information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is
shall be repaired based upon the written recommendations of as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot
the zinc-rich coating manufacturer. assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from
the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein,
6.4.2 Excessive Dry Film Thickness: Excess thickness or of the specification or standard itself.
above the maximum acceptable levels shall be repaired
according to the recommendations of the coating manufacturer. 9.2 This specification does not attempt to address problems
This may require the removal of excessive thickness only, concerning safety associated with its use. The user of this
or complete removal and reapplication of the coating (see specification, as well as the user of all products or practices
Note 10.9). described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with
6.5 REPAIR: In the event of mudcracking or loss of adhe- all governmental regulations.
sion, the defective zinc-rich coating shall be suitably removed
and the affected area shall be recoated. 10. Notes

7. Field Performance Notes are not requirements of this specification.

7.1 Upon request of the purchaser, the coating supplier shall 10.1 MANUFACTURERʼS LITERATURE: This specifica-
furnish case histories of satisfactory service in an environment tion is intended to be supplemented by the coating manufac-
similar to that intended. The names and addresses of previ- turerʼs instructions and literature. If the manufacturerʼs literature
ous users who can give information regarding coating service or recommendations are to become part of the requirements

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 SSPC-PS 12.01
April 1, 2002
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

of a procurement document, they must be submitted as part of closely followed to ensure maximum performance.
the design or bidding document. The date of the manufacturerʼs A general guideline for surface preparation under various
literature and the number of sheets should be listed. In the exposures is as follows:
event of a conflict between the manufacturerʼs written instruc- Recommended
tions and this specification, the specifier, or other appropriate Exposure Minimum Surface
authorities, shall be notified to provide clarification. Preparation
Immersion–continuous immersion or
10.2 TOPCOATING: Although not required by this speci- condensation SSPC-SP 5
fication, suitable topcoating may provide additional service Splash/Spillage–Frequent condensation,
life. Topcoats must be formulated not only for environmental splash, spray, spillage, and high
resistance, but also for suitable application (to minimize pinhol- fume concentrations SSPC-SP 5
ing, bubbling, etc.) over a zinc-rich primer. Topcoating will be Chemical Fume–Relatively high fume
required in service environments with pH below 5 or above 10. concentrations, no splash SSPC-SP 10
The following is a guide: Atmospheric–Non-corrosive fume con-
centrations and outside SSPC-SP 6
10.2.1 Immersion: For aqueous immersion service, the weathering
zinc-rich coating may be topcoated with a suitable topcoat. Zinc- Marine Atmospheric SSPC-SP 10
rich coatings are satisfactory for many non-aqueous immersion
services provided trace zinc contamination is not important. If
contamination can occur, a suitable resistant topcoat may be 10.4 WET ABRASIVE BLAST CLEANING: Under certain
employed. circumstances, wet abrasive blast cleaning or waterjetting
(SSPC-SP 12/NACE No. 5) may be an alternative to dry
10.2.2 Splash/Spillage: When coatings for appearance abrasive blast cleaning.
and protection of process equipment and structural materials
are within a process area and exposed to process fumes and 10.5 APPLICATION METHOD: Zinc-rich coatings are
frequent splash and spillage of process chemicals, resistant preferably applied by spray due to advantages of this method,
topcoats may provide additional service life. but some may be roller coated or brushed to force paint into
surface irregularities. Normally, inorganic zinc-rich coatings
10.2.3 Chemical Fume: Coatings that are exposed to should not be applied by brush or roller. During application,
moderate and high concentrations of corrosive fumes and frequent mixing of the coating is essential to ensure uniform
weather, but no splash or spillage, may be topcoated to provide pigment suspension. For spray application, use of a continu-
additional service life. ously agitated pot is recommended. The coating manufacturerʼs
recommendations should be followed.
10.2.4 Atmospheric: Coatings primarily for appearance
in yard areas and service buildings (exposure to non-corrosive 10.6 MIXING: The coating should be mixed in accordance
fumes and weathering only) may be topcoated to provide with the manufacturerʼs written instructions. Generally, the mix-
additional service life, but a zinc-rich primer alone is sufficient ing procedure of a multi-package zinc-rich coating is as follows:
to provide long-term protection. stir the fluid vehicle until homogeneous and then pour it into
the mixing container. Sift in the zinc dust in small quantities,
10.3 DEGREE OF BLAST CLEANING: While blast cleaning mixing it in thoroughly. Mix until the dust is well dispersed. Pass
to white metal is always preferred, this surface preparation is the mixture through a 30-mesh screen to remove any lumps.
often difficult and expensive to achieve. A near-white metal blast When spraying, it is also good practice to use a 30-mesh in-line
cleaning, or in some cases, a commercial blast cleaning, will screen at the coating intake.
often provide a satisfactory surface for these coatings. Although
this specification is written for blast cleaned surfaces, under 10.7 Refer to SSPC-Guide 14 “Guide for Repair of
certain conditions pickling can be used for Type IC (solvent base Imperfections in Galvanized or Inorganic Zinc Coated Steel
inorganic) and Type II (organic) zinc-rich primers if agreed upon Using Organic Zinc-Rich Coatings” for additional information
by the contracting parties. The pickling procedures shall be in about touch-up coating.
accordance with paragraph 5.2.1 of SSPC-SP 8. Specifically,
this requires adequate rinsing of all pickling residues with 60°C 10.8 It is generally recommended that zinc-rich coatings not
(140°F) hot water and prohibits subsequent phosphoric acid or be applied at dry film thicknesses greater than 125 micrometers
dichromate immersion. (5 mils) per coat because of their tendency to mudcrack at film
The degree of deviation from the ideal that zinc-rich coat- thicknesses greater than 125 micrometers (5 mils). Refer to
ings will tolerate without serious loss of their properties varies manufacturerʼs data sheet for dry film thickness limits.
considerably from coating to coating. Therefore, adequate
instructions from the manufacturer are essential and must be 10.9 The amount of zinc-rich coating that is excessive

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SSPC-PS 12.01
April 1, 2002
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

is highly dependent on the formulation, the environment, the

requirements for use, and the curing conditions. Based on a
survey of suppliers, specifiers, and applicators, the most common
value for maximum acceptable DFT is 125 to 150 micrometers
(5 to 6 mils). For some zinc-rich coatings, the maximum DFT
may be as low as 90 micrometers (3.5 mils), while for certain
organic zinc-rich coatings, a maximum DFT of 250 micrometers
(10 mils) is acceptable.

10.10 The procurement documents should establish the

responsibility for samples, testing, and any required affidavit
certifying full compliance with the specification.

10.11 FAYING SURFACES: Certain zinc-rich primers,

when untopcoated, provide sufficient friction to allow their use
on faying surfaces of high-tensile bolt connections. The coat-
ing manufacturer should be consulted regarding the suitability
of the zinc-rich primer for this purpose and should submit test
data and parameters for use.

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