SSPC-Guide 11

September 1, 1997
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

GUIDE NO. 11
Guide for Coating Concrete
1. Scope 2.2.6 Hydration: The reaction of water with the
calcium silicate, aluminate or aluminoferrite components of
1.1 This Guide describes basic procedures for surface fine cement grains, necessary for the setting and densifying
preparation and application of coatings to concrete surfaces of concrete. Hydration results in the formation of calcium
in industrial plants or commercial facilities. hydroxide and colloidal gels which occupy a larger volume
than the original cement.
1.2 The Guide is pertinent for both new construction
and maintenance applications. 2.2.7 Hydrostatic Pressure: The pressure exerted by
water at rest.
1.3 This Guide is intended for use by the owner’s
representatives and applicators. 2.2.8 Laitance: A thin, weak, brittle layer of cement
and aggregate fines on a concrete surface. The amount of
2. Description and Definitions laitance is influenced by the degree of working or amount of
water in the concrete.
2.1 DESCRIPTION
2.2.9 Outgassing: The upward and outward emission
2.1.1 Coatings are applied to concrete surfaces to of air or moisture vapor from concrete.
prevent degradation, to maintain appearance and to pre-
serve purity of product contained within a concrete struc- 2.2.10 Surface Porosity: Porosity or permeability at
ture. the concrete surface that may absorb vapors, moisture,
chemicals, and coating liquids. Small interconnected voids
2.1.2 The major procedures covered in the Guide are which allow fluids to penetrate an otherwise impervious
surface preparation, coating application, inspection, and material.
safety.
2.2.11 Surface Hardeners: Compounds applied to a
2.2 DEFINITIONS concrete surface to improve hardness, and to decrease
permeability.
2.2.1 Bug Holes: Small regular or irregular cavities,
usually not exceeding 15 mm in diameter, resulting from 3. Reference Standards
entrapment of air bubbles in the surface of formed concrete
during placement and consolidation. 3.1 The standards referenced in this guide are listed in
Sections 3.3 through 3.6 and form a part of this Guide.
2.2.2 Concrete: A composite material that consists
essentially of a binding medium within which are embedded 3.2 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the
particles or fragments of aggregate, usually a combination reference standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid
of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. should govern unless otherwise specified.

2.2.3 Curing Membrane: Materials applied to prevent 3.3 SSPC STANDARDS:

the moisture in uncured concrete from evaporating too
rapidly. PA Guide 1 Shop, Field and Maintenance Painting of
Steel
2.2.4 Efflorescence: A white crystalline or powdery PA Guide 3 A Guide to Safety in Paint Application
deposit on the surface of concrete. Efflorescence results SP 1 Solvent Cleaning
from leaching of lime or calcium hydroxide out of a perme-
able concrete mass over time by water, followed by reaction 3.4 ASTM STANDARDS:
with carbon dioxide and acidic pollutants.
D 3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by
2.2.5 Form Release Agents: Compounds such as Tape Test
petroleum oils, waxes, and silicones applied to forms to
allow easy removal of forms.
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September 1, 1997
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

D 3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil 4. Surface Preparation of Concrete
Test
D 4138 Test Method for Measurement of Dry Film 4.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR PREPARING NEW CON-
Thickness of Protective Coating Systems CRETE FOR COATING APPLICATION:
by Destructive Means
D 4258 Practice for Surface Cleaning Concrete 4.1.1 Verify Concrete Cure: Unless otherwise recom-
for Coating mended by the coating manufacturer, cure new concrete a
D 4259 Practice for Abrading Concrete minimum of 28 days before application of coatings. (See
D 4260 Practice for Acid Etching Concrete Note 9.2.)
D 4263 Test Method for Indicating Moisture in
Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method 4.1.2 Check for Excess Moisture: Prior to application
D 4414 Practice for Measurement of Wet Film of coatings, check for the presence of moisture beneath the
Thickness of Organic Coatings by Notch surface according to the Plastic Sheet Method described in
Gages ASTM D 4263. Other appropriate alternate test methods
D 4541 Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings may be submitted for consideration. Conduct the test on
Using Portable Adhesion Testers representative sections of each pour. If moisture is present,
D 4787 Practice for Continuity Verification of Liq- consult the coating manufacturer for required action.
uid or Sheet Linings Applied to Concrete
Substrates 4.1.3 Remove Surface Contaminants: Remove oil,
D 5064 Process for Conducting a Patch Test to grease, dirt, water, or other foreign contaminants before
Assess Coating Compatibility applying coatings. The concrete surface also needs to be
D 6132 Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film free of excess water unless coating systems tolerant to
Thickness of Applied Organic Coatings damp surfaces are employed. Use methods described in
Over Concrete Using an Ultrasonic Gage 4.3.3.

3.4.1 ASTM PUBLICATION: 4.1.4 Remove Surface Hardeners: If a surface

hardener has been used on the concrete to be coated,
ASTM 2800809014, 1990: Manual on Maintenance abrasive blasting or some other means of mechanical sur-
Coatings for Nuclear Power Plants face preparation must be used to remove the hardener and
roughen the surface. Use methods described in Section
3.5 NACE INTERNATIONAL (NACE) STANDARDS: 4.3.2.

6G191 Committee Report on Surface Prepara- 4.1.5 Remove Efflorescence and Laitance: Efflores-
tion of Contaminated Concrete for Corro- cence and laitance shall be removed in accordance with
sion Control methods described in Section 4.3.1 or 4.3.2. Laitance can
create an eggshell surface over hidden voids; if not removed
RP0188 Standard Recommended Practice for Dis- before painting, the laitance may disintegrate and leave
continuity (Holiday) Testing of Protective unfilled holes on the surface, or cause the coating to disbond.
Coatings
4.1.6 Remove Curing Membrane: Remove any curing
RP0172 Surface Preparation of Steel and Other membrane if required by the specification or if it is deter-
Hard Materials by Water Blasting Prior to mined that the membrane would interfere with the adhesion
Coating or Recoating or performance of the applied coating. Membranes shall be
removed in accordance with methods in Section 4.3.2 or
RP0288 Inspection of Lining on Steel and Concrete 4.3.4; consult manufacturer for recommended method.

3.6 AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE (ACI) STAN- 4.1.7 Roughen Concrete Surface for Improved Ad-
DARDS: hesion: Roughen the concrete if required by the specifica-
tion using the methods specified in 4.3.1 or 4.3.2. (See Note
116R Cement and Concrete Terminology 9.3.)
224.1R Causes, Evaluation, and Repair of Cracks
in Concrete Structures 4.1.8 Repair Forming Defects: The contracting par-
504R Guide to Joint Sealants for Concrete Struc- ties should agree in advance on the treatment of defects
tures which must be repaired. Repair and remove or fill all form
voids, honeycombs, fins, and other surface irregularities

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 SSPC-Guide 11
September 1, 1997
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

with a suitable repair or patching product which is compat- special methods to be established. If deep penetration is
ible with the coating to be applied. Grind all form ties or other suspected, core sampling to at least one-third of the slab
metallic protrusions below the surface and then patch or fill depth is recommended. Refer to NACE 6G1-91.
with a suitable material prior to coating. Consult manufac-
turers for recommendation on suitable patching materials 4.2.6 Produce Sound Surface: Ensure a sound
and cure times before coating application. surface with adequate surface roughness using methods in
4.3.1 or 4.3.2. If the surface or subsurface integrity is
4.1.9 Repair Cracks: Concrete cracks may be caused questionable, tapping on the surface with a small hammer
by external factors, concrete shrinkage, or thermal stress. will detect hollow spots or weak concrete. See Note 9.6.
Some may be anticipated to exhibit movement in the future.
The contracting parties should agree in advance on the 4.2.7 Repairing Defects: Evaluate and repair cracks,
treatment of cracks which must be repaired. Critical factors voids, and other defects in the concrete in accordance with
include cleaning and preparation methods, and the physical owner’s specifications. Refer to ACI 224.1R-89.
dimensions of the crack, as well as the anticipated future
movement of the crack. 4.3. METHODS OF CONCRETE SURFACE PREPA-
RATION:
4.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR PREPARING AGED CON-
CRETE FOR COATING APPLICATION: 4.3.1 Acid Etching: A procedure for acid etching of
concrete surfaces is given in ASTM D 4260. Acid etching
4.2.1 Evaluate General Condition of Concrete: Visu- must be used with caution because of the detrimental effect
ally inspect for loose or deteriorated concrete. Identify any of residual acid or unremoved salts on coating adhesion and
previous coatings and any deterioration in the condition performance. This method is primarily used for horizontal
(e.g., flaking, peeling, delamination). If possible, identify surfaces. Practicality and personnel safety make it prohibi-
any contaminants on the surface such as chemicals, oil, or tive to acid etch overhead concrete surfaces at the present
grease, residues of concrete, hardeners or curing mem- time. While vertical surfaces are not normally acid etched,
brane. Refer to NACE Standard 6G1-91. if acid etching is used on those surfaces, care must be taken
to keep the concrete wet with the acid until the desired end
4.2.2 Determine Compatibility of New Coating with result is achieved. Acid etching with hydrochloric acid may
Existing Coating: If portions of the existing coating are be prohibited because of its residual effects upon various
sound and intact, determine the compatibility of the new metal surfaces (such as stainless steel) located in the area.
coating with the existing coating in accordance with ASTM Hydrochloric acid is not permitted to be used in nuclear
D 5064. If coating is incompatible with the existing coating, facilities.
the existing coating must be removed using methods in
Sections 4.3.2 and 4.3.4. 4.3.2 Abrading Concrete: Concrete may be abraded
by methods such as air abrasive blasting, portable centrifu-
4.2.3 Remove Surface Contaminants: Oil, grease, gal wheel blasting, power tool cleaning, water jetting, wet
dirt, or other foreign contaminants should be removed be- blasting with abrasive injection, rotary peening, or scarify-
fore applying coatings. Use methods described in 4.3.3. ing. Relevant standards include ASTM D 4259 and NACE
The concrete surface also needs to be free of excess water RP 0172-72. A representative area of concrete at the jobsite
unless coating systems tolerant of damp surfaces are em- can be prepared as specified and used as an acceptance
ployed. standard after its acceptability is agreed on by involved
parties. Note that some methods of abrading concrete may
4.2.4 Remove Efflorescence and Laitance: Efflores- result in surface or subsurface weakening which is not
cence and laitance shall be removed in accordance with immediately detectable.
methods described in Section 4.3.1 or 4.3.2. The contract-
ing parties should agree in advance on the amount of 4.3.3 Surface Contaminant Removal: Cleaning meth-
laitance which may remain on the surface. Laitance can ods include vacuuming, broom cleaning, air blast cleaning,
create an eggshell surface over hidden voids; if not removed low pressure water cleaning (less than 5,000 psi, [34 mPa])
before painting, the laitance may disintegrate and leave detergent cleaning, and steam cleaning. These methods
unfilled holes on the surface, or cause the coating to disbond. are described in ASTM D 4258 and SSPC-SP 1. If solvent
cleaning is needed to remove oil and grease, it is to be
4.2.5 Remove Chemical Contaminants: Chemicals performed before abrading. Consult coating manufacturers
may have contaminated the surface due to exposure to for recommended methods for cleaning of concrete. Before
chemical fumes, chemical immersion, or other conditions. recoating, remove all residues of cleaning agents and strip-
Remove chemical contaminants using methods in 4.3 or by pers from surface. Refer to NACE Publication 6G1-91.

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 SSPC-Guide 11
September 1, 1997
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

4.3.4 Chemical Stripping: Previously applied coat- 5.3.2 Mixing and Thinning: Ensure that each indi-
ings will usually be removed using the methods given in vidual coating or component is thoroughly mixed before
4.3.2 but some coatings may be removed by chemical combining them. Any required induction or “sweat-in” time
stripping. Chemical stripping consists of the application of must be observed. Any thinning should be performed only
a solvent or alkaline gel which strips the existing coating after this time period, and in conformance with manufacturer’s
from the underlying concrete. Perform chemical stripping recommendations and applicable VOC regulations. See
only after consulting with the coating manufacturer. SSPC-PA 1 for general guidelines.
Before recoating, remove all residues of cleaning agents
and strippers from surface. 5.3.3 Equipment: All application and mixing equip-
ment shall be free of contaminants and be operated and
4.4 SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Expansion/control joints, maintained in accordance with the latest published instruc-
joint sealants, floor drains, and floor termination points and tions from the manufacturer.
corners, floor-to-wall intersections, or upturns all require
special attention. High traffic areas may require additional 5.4 COATINGS APPLICATION
coating thickness or entail rebuilding during maintenance.
Consult respective manufacturers for recommended proce- 5.4.1 General: Coating shall be applied in accordance
dures for surface preparation and coating application. Refer with the manufacturer’s recommendations and according to
to ACI 504R-90 for information on joint sealants. good coating application practice as described in SSPC-PA
1.
5. Application of Coatings
5.4.2 Surface Cleanliness: The surface cleanliness of
5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Apply coat- all prepared surfaces should be inspected after cleaning
ings according to specifications regarding the air and sub- and drying but prior to making repairs or applying the
strate temperature, dew point, and relative humidity. Con- coating. Prepared concrete surfaces may be inspected for
sult the manufacturer’s latest published technical data sheets surface cleanliness by lightly rubbing the surface with a dark
and application instructions. Also observe recommenda- cloth or pressing a translucent adhesive tape on the surface.
tions given in SSPC-PA 1. The acceptable level of residual dust should be consistent
with the coating manufacturer’s recommendations for the
5.2 SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: type of coating to be applied. (See Section 4.3.3 for a
discussion of removal of chemical contaminants.)
5.2.1 Protecting Below-Grade Concrete: For con-
crete slabs or walls at or below grade that will be internally 5.4.3 Wet and Dry Film Thickness: The film thickness
coated with essentially impervious systems, a vapor barrier shall be within the minimum and maximum levels specified
is mandatory on the unprotected side of the concrete. These for each coat. Wet film thickness should be monitored in
below-grade exterior surfaces of concrete structures need a accordance with ASTM D 4414. Dry paint thickness can be
complete vapor barrier system, such as a coating or sheet estimated based on coverage rates and volume solids, or
membrane, to create a continuous barrier in order to be can be measured using methods stated in 6.1.
effective.
6. Inspection
5.2.2 Outgassing: To minimize problems associated
with outgassing, coatings should not be applied when con- 6.1 DRY FILM THICKNESS: Measure dry film thick-
crete temperature is rising. ness of coatings up to 50 mils (1.2 mm) in accordance with
ASTM D 4138. This method will require patching of the
5.2.3 Surface Porosity: For concrete with unaccept- coating. Dry film thickness may also be measured with an
able porosity, a filler or surface sealer may be required. ultrasonic gauge, in accordance with ASTM D 6132, which
will not damage the coating film.
5.2.4 Observe other special precautions or require-
ments as specified by the owner. 6.2 ADHESION: Measure the bond strength of the
coating to the concrete in accordance with ASTM D 3359 or
5.3 PRE-APPLICATION PROCEDURES: ASTM D 4541. These methods will usually require patching
of the coating and may require patching of the concrete.
5.3.1 Data Sheets: Ensure that the manufacturer’s
latest published product application data sheets and mate- 6.3 HOLIDAY DETECTION: When specified, inspect
rial safety data sheets (MSDS) are available and reviewed for holidays in accordance with NACE RP-0188-90 or ASTM
before starting any job. D 4787. If holidays are found, or if holidays have to be

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 SSPC-Guide 11
September 1, 1997
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

intentionally made to ground the holiday detector, patching 302.1R-89 Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Con-
of the coating may be required. struction
224R-89 Control of Cracking in Concrete Struc-
6.4 CURE OF THE APPLIED COATING: Determine tures
adequacy of cure using a method agreed upon by the 503.3-92 Standard Specification for Producing
coating applicator, the coating manufacturer, and the speci- Skid-Resistant Surface on Concrete by
fier. Suitable methods may include solvent rub, Barcol the Use of a Multi-Component Epoxy
hardness test for thick films, or pencil hardness test (ASTM System
D 3363). (See Note 9.4.) 515.1R-79A Guide to the Use of Waterproofing,
Damp-proofing, Protective and Deco-
7. Safety, Health, and Environmental Compli- rative Barrier Systems for Concrete
ance
9.2 New concrete generally requires a minimum 28-day
7.1 SAFETY AND HEALTH: Activities described in curing time under favorable environmental conditions to
this standard shall be done in accordance with all safety and achieve its design strength. Certain products, however, are
health precautions as described in the MSDS and relevant designed to be applied over “damp” or “green” concrete, and
portions of SSPC-PA Guide 3, in addition to any applicable can serve as curing membranes.
Federal, state, and local rules and requirements.
9.3 Roughening the concrete surface will provide
7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE: Activities de- greater surface area for adhesion between the coating and
scribed in this standard shall be done in compliance with the concrete. The finishing method for the concrete should
applicable Federal, state and local environmental regula- be specified, taking into consideration the type of coating
tions. system to be used.

8. Disclaimer 9.4 The cure of the coating needs to be considered

when using chemically cured or moisture-cured coating
While every precaution is taken to ensure that all infor- materials. Factors influencing the cure are temperature,
mation furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is as humidity, formulation, film thickness, and reduction (“thin-
accurate, complete and useful as possible, SSPC cannot ning”). Follow the coating manufacturer’s recommenda-
assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from tions before applying additional coats and before placing the
the use of any materials, paints or methods specified therein, coated surface in service.
or of the specification or standard itself.
9.5 The ASTM Manual of Coating Work for Light-Water
9. Notes Nuclear Power Plant Primary Containment and Other Safety-
Related Facilities contains photographs of bug holes.
Notes contain supplementary information and are not
9.6 For information on surface preparation of contami-
considered part of the guide.
nated concrete, refer to NACE Publication 6G1-91, “Surface
Preparation of Contaminated Concrete for Corrosion Con-
9.1 The following ACI Standards, while not referenced
trol.”
in this document, may provide additional helpful informa-
tion:

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