SSPC-Guide 14

May 1, 1999

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

GUIDE 14
Guide for the Repair of Imperfections in Galvanized or Inorganic Zinc Coated
Steel Using Organic Zinc-Rich Coating
1. Scope 3.4 SSPC AND JOINT STANDARDS:

1.1 This guide describes one method for repairing PA 1 Shop, Field, and Maintenance
galvanizing or inorganic zinc coating using an organic zinc- Painting of Steel
rich coating. ASTM A 780 briefly describes this and other PA 2 Measurement of Dry Coating
alternative methods (metallizing and zinc-based solders) Thickness with Magnetic
for repair of damaged and uncoated areas of hot-dip galva- Gages
nized coatings. PA Guide 3 A Guide to Safety in Paint Ap-
plication
1.2 This method is intended to repair imperfections Paint 5 Zinc Dust, Zinc Oxide, and
resulting from application, welding, cutting, drilling, grind- Phenolic Varnish Paint
ing, abrading, or rough handling during transport or erec- Paint 20 Zinc-Rich Primers (Type I, In-
tion. It may also be used to repair imperfections in galvaniz- organic, and Type II, Organic)
ing or inorganic zinc coating that have occurred from Paint 29 Zinc Dust Sacrificial Primer,
weathering during storage or after erection. Performance-Based
PS Guide 8 Guide to Topcoating Zinc-Rich
1.3 This method can also be used to repair topcoated Paints
galvanizing or inorganic zinc coating. PS Guide 12.00 Guide to Zinc-Rich Coating
Systems
2. Description SP 1 Solvent Cleaning
SP 2 Hand Tool Cleaning
2.1 This method consists of selecting organic zinc-rich
SP 3 Power Tool Cleaning
coatings and topcoats and preparing and applying the
SP 5/NACE No. 1 White Metal Blast Cleaning
coatings to damaged galvanizing or inorganic zinc coating.
SP 6/NACE No. 3 Commercial Blast Cleaning
2.2 This method is intended for repairing localized SP 7/NACE No. 4 Brush-Off Blast Cleaning
imperfections where the major portion of the existing zinc SP 10/NACE No. 2 Near-White Blast Cleaning
coating is intact. SP 11 Power Tool Cleaning to Bare
Metal
2.3 Organic zinc-rich coatings are suitable for repair- SP 12/NACE No. 5 Surface Preparation and
ing damaged zinc coatings because they combine several Cleaning of Steel and Other Hard
favorable properties. They can be readily applied by brush Materials by High and Ultrahigh
or spray under field conditions to small and irregular shapes Pressure Water Jetting Prior to
and are compatible with both zinc and steel substrates. Recoating
SP 14/NACE No. 8 Industrial Blast Cleaning
3. References
3.5 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATE-
3.1 The standards listed here are listed in Sections 3.4 RIALS (ASTM) STANDARDS:
through 3.7 and form a part of this guide. A standard
marked with an asterisk (*) is referenced only in the Notes, A 123 Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized)
which are not requirements of the guide. Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
A 153 Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on
3.2 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the Iron and Steel Hardware
referenced standards in effect on the date of invitation to A 780 Practice for Repair of Damaged and Un-
bid shall govern unless otherwise specified. coated Areas of Hot-Dip Galvanized Coat-
ings
3.3 If there is a conflict between the requirements of * D 3960 Practice for Determining Volatile Organic
any of the cited reference standards and the specification, Compound (VOC) Content of Paints and
the requirements of the specification shall prevail. Related Coating*

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 SSPC-Guide 14
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* D 4457 Test Method for Analysis of Dichloromethane • Zinc Level 3: Minimum zinc loading of 65% by weight
and 1,1,1 - Trichloromethane in Paints and of the dry film
Coatings by Direct Injection into a Gas Chro-
matograph The above levels may be used to specify zinc loading of
D 6133 Test Method for Acetone Content of Sol- repair products meeting requirements of SSPC-Paints 5,
vent-Reducible and Water-Reducible Paints, 20, and 29 and ASTM A 780. The user may specify any
Coatings, Resins and Raw Materials by Di- percentage of zinc loading (for example 95%) if desired.
rect Injection into a Gas Chromatograph
4.4 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC) CON-
3.6 BAY AREA AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DIS- TENT: The VOC content of a merchantable coating meeting
TRICT (BAAQMD) the compositional and performance requirements of this
* Method 41 Determination of Volatile Organic specification may vary widely. The specifier should consult
Compounds in Solvent-Based applicable government regulations to determine the maxi-
Coatings and Related Material mum allowable VOC content and the proper VOC test
Containing Parachlorobenzotri- method for their application. As a part of the purchase
fluoride
4.5 TOPCOAT SELECTION: If a topcoat is to be ap-
plied over the zinc-rich primer, select the topcoat in accor-
3.7 CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (CARB):
dance with SSPC-PS Guide 8. (See Note 7.3.)
* Method 310 Test Method for Antiperspirants
and Deodorants, Consumer Prod-
5. Procedures
ucts, and Aerosol Coating Prod-
ucts 5.1 SURFACE PREPARATION:

4. Selecting Materials 5.1.1 Visually identify damaged areas based on dete-

rioration of the zinc, rusting of steel substrate, disbondment,
4.1 GENERAL: Compositions and performances of or other defects of the zinc coating.
organic zinc-rich primers vary with regard to the individual
resin system, the level of metallic zinc, the volatile organic 5.1.2 Select surface preparation methods. Suitable
compound (VOC) content, along with other formulation methods include SSPC-SP 2 or SP 3, SSPC-SP 11, SSPC-
variables. It is often desirable to require the zinc-rich coat- SP 12/NACE No. 5, or abrasive blasting (SSPC-SP 5/NACE
ings to meet performance criteria to verify that they can No. 1, SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2, SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3,
withstand the corrosion and weathering environments to SSPC-SP 14/NACE No. 8, or SSPC-SP 7/NACE No. 4),
which they will be subjected. Some performance tests are depending upon the service environment.
described in SSPC-Paint 20 and SSPC-Paint 29. Coating Table 1 can be used as a general guideline for appropri-
selection can best be made from actual field testing of ate surface preparation for a variety of exposures. In all
candidate coatings in the environment in which the coatings cases, the surface cleanliness should be at least as great as
are to be located. that recommended by the supplier of the primer.

4.2 TYPE OF BINDER: Organic zinc-rich coating 5.1.3 Surface Contaminants: Remove all grease, oil,
formulations are available with a variety of binders. The corrosion by-products, dirt, and other surface contaminants
choice of a particular generic type of binder is up to the user. from the areas with imperfections and from the existing
A list of some of the currently available generic types is intact coating within a minimum of five centimeters (two
found in Note 7.1. inches) of these areas by solvent cleaning or detergent
washing (SSPC-SP 1), or other approved method.
4.3 METALLIC ZINC LEVELS: Suppliers, applicators,
and owners do not agree on the metallic zinc level (or 5.1.4 Topcoated Areas: If any of the areas to be
loading) necessary for long-term protection of steel by repaired consist of topcoated galvanized steel or topcoated
organic zinc-rich coatings. The user can select any metallic inorganic zinc, all loose topcoat in the damaged area must
zinc level found to provide the best performance, or con- be completely removed exposing an area of intact zinc
versely, not specify a zinc level. Three levels of zinc loading coating surrounding the damaged area.
that may be useful to the user are listed below:
• Zinc Level 1: Minimum zinc loading of 85% by weight 5.1.5 Weld Preparations: If the area to be repaired
of the dry film contains welds, all flux residue and weld spatter must be
• Zinc Level 2: Minimum zinc loading of 77% by weight removed by blast cleaning or through mechanical means.
of the dry film (See Section 4.4.1 of SSPC Surface Preparation Commen-
tary regarding removal of weld spatter.)

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Table 1

Recommended Minimum Surface Preparation

Water Jetting (SP- Hand or Power Tool
Service Environment Dry Abrasive Blast
12/NACE No 5) Cleaning

Immersion SP 10/NACE No. 2 WJ 2/SC 1* None

SP 11
Splash/Spillage SP 6/NACE No. 3 WJ 3/SC 2

Chemical Fume, Neutral

SP 6/NACE No. 3 WJ 3/SC 2 SP 11
pH

Atmospheric SP 7/NACE No. 4 WJ 4/SC 3 SP 2 or 3

* Note that SP 2 requires specification of visual cleanliness (WJ 1 through WJ 4) and non-visual cleanliness (SC 1 through
SC 3).

5.2 REPAIRS WITH ZINC-RICH COATING: 6. Disclaimer

5.2.1 Application: Apply the zinc-rich coating to the 6.1 This guide is designed to describe, review, or
prepared surface by brush or spray according to the analyze new or improved technology and does not meet the
manufacturer’s recommendations and SSPC-PA 1. If a definition of a specification as defined by SSPC. A guide
conflict exists between SSPC-PA 1 and the manufacturer’s differs from a specification in that it is not suitable for
printed recommendations, the latter should be followed. referencing in a contract specification or procurement docu-
The patch of organic zinc-rich coating must extend a ment.
minimum of five centimeters (two inches) over the undam-
aged zinc coated surface. The contracting parties shall 6.2 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
mutually agree upon the extent of repair overlap if more information furnished in SSPC guides is as accurate, com-
than five centimeters (two inches) is required. plete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot assume respon-
sibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any
5.2.2 Application Temperature: In general, solvent- materials, coatings, or methods described herein, or of the
borne organic zinc-rich coatings should be applied only at guide itself.
temperatures above 7 °C (45 °F) and relative humidities
below 85%. Waterborne products may have other limita- 7. Notes
tions. In all cases, consult the manufacturer’s literature for
temperature, humidity, and ventilation requirements (see Notes are not considered requirements of this Guide.
Note 7.4).
7.1 Organic zinc-rich primers with the following bind-
5.2.3 Pot Life: Multiple component zinc-rich coat- ers were marketed at the time of this writing: two-component
ings must be applied within the pot life specified by the epoxy, epoxy ester, and moisture-curing polyurethane. Other
supplier, and the coating should be continuously agitated organic binder types have been or may later be marketed.
during application.
7.2 ASTM D 3960 is a commonly used standard
5.2.4 Film Thickness: The dry film thickness of the practice to determine VOC, but this method may not be
organic zinc-rich coating should be that recommended by acceptable to all jurisdictions. Although ASTM D 3960 does
the manufacturer. Normally this is between 75 micrometers not address analysis of VOC exempt solvents such as
(3 mils) and 150 micrometers (6 mils). Dry film thicknesses PCBTF (parachlorobenzotriflouride), it references two other
should be measured in accordance with SSPC-PA 2. ASTM Methods which do address exempt solvents, ASTM D
6133 and D 4457. Methods published by government agen-
5.2.5 Safety: Observe all safe handling procedures cies include Bay Area Air Quality Management District
described in the product material safety data sheet (MSDS) (BAAQMD) Method 41 and California Air Resources Board
and SSPC-PA Guide 3. (CARB) Method 310.

5.3 TOPCOATING: If a topcoat is specified, the 7.3 APPROPRIATE TOPCOATING: Topcoating will
application of the topcoat should be in accordance with usually provide additional service life to both zinc-rich prim-
SSPC-PS Guide 8 or the manufacturer’s printed instruc- ers and hot-dip galvanized coating. Topcoats must be for-
tions. mulated not only for environmental resistance, but also for

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 SSPC-Guide 14
May 1, 1999

compatibility with the organic zinc-rich coating, hot-dip gal-

vanizing, or inorganic zinc coating. Generally, topcoating
will be required in more severe environments, as recom-
mended by the manufacturer.

7.4 TEMPERATURE CONSTRAINTS: Consult the

manufacturer of the organic zinc-rich coating to be used
concerning service for temperature limitations, especially
when the expected exposure is above 66 °C (150 °F).

7.5 MANUFACTURER’S LITERATURE: This guide is

intended for use to supplement the coating manufacturer’s
printed instructions and literature.

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