SSPC-PA 7

November 16, 2017

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

COATING APPLICATION STANDARD NO. 7
Applying Thin Film Coatings to Concrete

1. SCOPE 3.3 SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS:

PA 9 Measurement of Dry Organic
1.1 This standard covers methods and procedures for Coating Thickness on Cementitious
applying thin film (less than 500 µm [20 mils] thickness) Substrates Using Ultrasonic Gages
organic coatings to concrete surfaces by brush, roller, or
* SP 13/
spray. It is not intended for coatings applied to concrete floors
NACE Surface Preparation of Concrete
or similar surfaces where thick film (greater than 500  µm
No. 6
[20 mils]) coatings or surfacings are applied by trowel or
TU 2/ Design, Installation, and Mainten-
mechanical equipment. Surface preparation, pretreatments,
NACE ance of Coating Systems for
and selection of coatings are not addressed, except where
application requirements are affected, since these are 6G197 Concrete Used in Secondary
Containment
discussed in referenced documents.

3.4 ACI INTERNATIONAL (ACI) STANDARDS(2)

1.2 This standard is intended for use by owners,
applicators, and others in the coating industry. CT-16 ACI Concrete Terminology
* 224.1R Causes, Evaluation, and Repair
2. DESCRIPTION of Cracks in Concrete Structures

2.1 This document was prepared to meet the unique 3.5 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
physical and chemical properties of concrete and shall not C1583/ Standard Test Method for Tensile
be used for the coating of other substrates. C1583M Strength of Concrete Surfaces and
the Bond Strength or Tensile Strength
2.2 This standard is only applicable to thin-film coatings. of Concrete Repair and Overlay
Materials by Direct Tension (Pull-Off
2.3 Units of Measure: This standard makes use of
Method)
both the IEEE/ASTM(1) SI 10, “American National Standard
for Metric Practice” International System Units (SI) units D16 Standard Terminology for Paint,
and U.S. Customary units. The measurements are not Related Coatings, Materials, and
exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used Applications
independently of the other without combining in any way. This D4138 Standard Practices for Measurement
standard uses SI units with the U.S. Customary conversions of Dry Film Thickness of Protective
shown in parentheses. Coating Systems by Destructive,
Cross-Sectioning Means
3. REFERENCED STANDARDS D4263 Standard Test Method for Indicating
Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic
3.1 The date of the referenced standard in effect at Sheet Method
the time of publication of this standard shall govern unless
D4285 Standard Method for Indicating Oil or
otherwise specified. Standards marked with an asterisk (*)
Water in Compressed Air
are referenced only in the Notes, which are not requirements
of this standard. D4414 Standard Practice for Measurement of
Wet Film Thickness by Notch Gages
3.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of * D4541 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off
any of the cited referenced standards and this standard, the Strength of Coatings using Portable
requirements of this standard shall prevail. Adhesion Testers

(1)
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
Phone: 610-832-9500. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website,<http://
www.astm.org>
(2)
ACI International, 38800 Country Club, Farmington Hills MI 48331. Phone 248-848-
3700, <http://www.concrete.org>

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SSPC-PA 7
November 16, 2017

D4787 Standard Practice for Continuity Curing Agent: An additive component, sometimes
Verification of Liquid or Sheet Linings called a hardener or (incorrectly) a catalyst, which helps a
Applied to Concrete Substrates coating film on concrete cure by chemical reaction.
Efflorescence: A white crystalline or powdery deposit
* D5064 Standard Practice for Conducting
on the surface of concrete. Efflorescence results from
a Patch Test to Assess Coating
leaching of lime or calcium hydroxide out of a permeable
Compatibility
concrete mass over time by water, followed by reaction with
D6132 Standard Test Method for carbon dioxide and acidic pollutants.
Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Feathering: Reducing the thickness of the edge of a dry
Film Thickness of Applied Organic paint film, such as the edge of a damaged area, by sanding
Coatings Over Concrete Using an or rubbing down prior to repainting.
Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage Form Release Agents: Compounds, such as petroleum
* D7234 Standard Test Method for Pull Off oil, wax, and silicone, applied to concrete forms to allow easy
Adhesion Strength of Coatings on removal from placed concrete after it has cured.
Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Laitance: A thin, weak, brittle layer of cement and
Adhesion Testers aggregate fines on a concrete surface. The amount of
* F710 Standard Practice for Preparing laitance is influenced by the type and amount of admixtures,
Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient the degree of working, and the amount of water in the
Flooring concrete.
Maintenance Coating: A coating designed to protect
F1869 Standard Test Method for Measuring
highway and railroad structures, chemical and manufacturing
Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of
plants, public utilities, and other heavy-duty industrial
Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous
facilities from deterioration.
Calcium Chloride
Outgassing: The spontaneous discharge of air or
F2170 Standard Test Method for Determining moisture vapor from concrete.
Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Surface Air Void: A small hole in a coating or on a
Slabs Using in situ Probes surface of a coating, sometimes called a “bug hole.”

3.6 INTERNATIONAL CONCRETE REPAIR 5. PRE-APPLICATION PROCEDURES

INSTITUTE (ICRI)(3)
* Guideline Selecting and Specifying Concrete 5.1 MATERIALS HANDLING AND USE
No. Surface Preparation for Sealers,
310.2R Coatings, Polymer Overlays and 5.1.1 All coating products shall be delivered to the work
Concrete Repairs site in original, unopened containers with labels intact. Minor
damage to containers is acceptable if the container has not
3.7 NACE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD(4) been punctured or crimped or has had the lid seal broken.
SP0188 Discontinuity (Holiday) Testing of New Each product shall have a readily accessible safety data
Protective Coatings on Conductive sheet.
Surfaces
5.1.2 Each container shall be clearly marked or labeled
4. DEFINITIONS(5) to show coating identification, date of manufacture, batch
number, basic chemical composition, special instructions,
Coating: A thin, liquefiable, or mastic composition that is and other information as needed to meet governmental
converted by evaporation, cross-linking, or cooling to a solid requirements.
or semisolid protective, decorative, or functional adherent
film after application as a thin layer. The solid or semisolid 5.1.3 All containers of coating shall remain unopened
layer resulting from application of the composition above until required for use and must be stored at temperatures
(ASTM D16). Generic term for paint, lacquer, enamel, etc. between 10 and 32°C (50 and 90°F) unless otherwise stated
Concrete: A mixture of hydraulic cement, aggregates, by the manufacturer. Containers shall be opened only as
and water, with or without admixtures, fibers, or other necessary to provide material to the installers. Any mixed
cementitious materials (ACI). material that has exceeded the stated pot life shall be
disposed of promptly and not used. The data on the container
(3)
International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), 10600 West Higgins Road, Suite 607
Rosemont, IL 60018. Phone: 847-827-0830. Pdf downloads available online from < label shall remain legible throughout the use of the contents.
https://icri.site-ym.com/store/>
(4)
NACE International, 15835 Park Ten Place, Houston, Texas 77084. Phone: 218-281-
6200 Pdf downloads available online from <https://store.nace.org/> 5.1.4 Coating that has livered, gelled, or otherwise
(5)
Definitions from SSPC Protective Coatings Glossary 2011, except as noted. deteriorated during storage shall not be used but removed

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from the work site. However, the use of thixotropic materials 5.2.6 Power Mixing: The coating manufacturer’s
capable of being stirred to attain normal consistency is instructions shall be followed when power mixing (see Note
permitted. 13.1).

5.1.5 No coating shall be used which has exceeded its 5.2.7 Straining: All pigmented coating shall be strained
manufacturer’s listed shelf life. While this is normally one after mixing except where application equipment is provided
year for most conventional coatings, products such as 100% with strainers. Strainers shall be of a size to remove
solids coatings often have longer shelf lives, and some vinyl only skins and undesirable matter but not to remove the
esters have much shorter shelf lives. Materials shall be pigment.
rotated; the oldest material shall be used first.
5.2.8 Skins: Where a skin has formed in the container,
5.2 MIXING: In all cases, the manufacturer’s written the skin shall be cut loose from the sides of the container,
instructions for mixing shall be followed. Care shall be taken removed, and discarded. If the volume of such skins is
to avoid air entrainment during the mixing process, and visually estimated to be more than 2% of the remaining
the products shall be checked for complete uniformity. The coating, the coating shall not be used.
mixing container shall be scraped periodically to ensure
complete blending. 5.2.9 Ventilation: Mixing of solvent-containing coatings
in open containers shall be done in a well-ventilated area
5.2.1 Single Component Coatings: Single component away from sparks or flames.
coatings shall be thoroughly mixed to obtain a uniform
composition. If settling or phase separation has occurred 5.2.10 Air Mixing: Coating shall not be mixed or kept
in the time between mixing and the start of application, the in suspension by means of an air stream bubbling under the
coating must be remixed immediately before using. Coating coating surface.
shall not remain in spray pots, etc., overnight, but shall be
stored in a sealed container and remixed before use. 5.2.11 Plural Component Spray: When plural
component spray equipment is used for application, each
5.2.2 Multiple Component Coatings: For multiple component of the coating shall be thoroughly mixed in
component coatings, each component shall be thoroughly accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and then
mixed before combining and further mixing. Normally, applied by the plural component equipment in the ratio
catalysts, curing agents, or hardeners are added to the base recommended by the manufacturer.
resin. The manufacturer’s recommended induction time and
pot life for the ambient temperature and volume of coating 5.3 THINNING
used shall be observed. Any unused catalyzed coating shall
5.3.1 No thinner shall be added to the coating unless
be discarded at the end of its pot life, or each work day,
necessary for proper application (see Note 13.2).
whichever occurs first.

5.3.2 The type of thinner shall be that recommended by

5.2.3 Mixing Dry Pigments: Dry pigments that are
the coating manufacturer, and the amount of thinning shall
separately packaged shall be mixed into coatings in such a
not exceed that recommended by the manufacturer.
manner that they are uniformly blended and all particles of
the dry powder are wetted by the vehicle.
5.3.3 Each coating, after thinning, must conform to
published government regulations regarding volatile organic
5.2.4 Mixing Pastes: Pastes shall be made into coatings
compound (VOC) content.
in such a manner that the paste shall be uniformly blended
and all lumps and particles broken up to form a homogenous
6. FACTORS AFFECTING APPLICATION OF
coating.
COATINGS TO CONCRETE
5.2.5 Manual (Hand) Mixing: Most of the vehicle shall
6.1 MOISTURE
be poured off into a clean container. The pigment in the
coating shall be lifted from the bottom of the container with a 6.1.1 The moisture in the concrete shall be tested by
broad, flat paddle, lumps shall be broken up, and the pigment ASTM D4263, ASTM F1869, or ASTM F2170, to establish that
thoroughly mixed with the remaining vehicle. The poured-off the moisture content meets the manufacturer’s requirements
vehicle shall be returned to the coating with simultaneous for the specific coating used (see Note 13.3).
stirring, or boxed until the composition is uniform. “Boxing” is
the process of mixing coating by pouring from one container 6.1.2 Coating shall not be applied in rain, fog, or mist or
to another. The maximum container size for “boxing” shall be when the surface temperature is less than 3 °C (5 °F) above
five gallons. the dew point.

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6.1.3 For moisture-curing coatings, waterborne 7. SURFACE PREPARATION

coatings, or other moisture-sensitive coatings, the humidity
shall remain within the range recommended by the coating 7.1 Immediately prior to coating application, the surface
manufacturer. to be coated shall meet the level of cleanliness, surface profile
and other surface condition requirements specified in the
6.2 TEMPERATURE procurement/specification documents. If surface preparation
requirements are not addressed in the procurement/
6.2.1 Coating shall not be applied when the temperature specification documents, the surface shall meet the level of
of the substrate, coating, or surrounding air is outside cleanliness and surface profile requirements stated in the
the manufacturer’s recommended range without the coating manufacturer’s written recommendations. Unless
written approval of the manufacturer and the owner. If no otherwise specified by the facility owner or authorized
recommendation is given, use a minimum of 13 °C (55 °F) representative, the surface cleanliness and profile shall be
for chemically curing coatings, and 4 °C (40 °F) for others, within the coating manufacturer’s written recommendations
and a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F). for the intended service environment. (Notes 13.7 through
13.9 provide additional information about evaluating the
6.2.2 Unless otherwise recommended by the
condition of the concrete prior to coating application.)
manufacturer, no coating shall be applied when the
temperature of the concrete substrate exceeds the 7.2 If the surface to be coated is degraded or
surrounding air temperature by more than 10 °C (18 °F) (see contaminated subsequent to surface preparation and prior to
Note 13.4). coating, the contractor shall verify that the surface has been
restored to the specified condition before coating application.
6.3 TOPCOATING OR OVERCOATING
When verified in accordance with ICRI 310.2R, the prepared
6.3.1 Each coat of a multiple coat system shall be in surface shall be within the CSP range appropriate for
a proper state of drying or curing before application of the the coating as specified in the procurement/specification
succeeding coat, in accordance with the manufacturer’s documents, as shown on the product data sheet, or in the
written recommendations (see Note 13.5). manufacturer’s written application instructions.

6.3.2 When the maximum recoat time is exceeded or 8. APPLICATION

when overcoating an existing fully cured coating, the existing
8.1 GENERAL: The methods of application covered by
coating shall be mildly abraded, solvent washed, or otherwise
this standard are brush, roller, air spray, airless spray, plural
treated according to the manufacturer’s recommendation
component spray, or any combination of these methods.
before applying the next coat.
Methods of application not covered by this standard are
6.3.3 In a multiple coat system, with the exception dipping, troweling, flow coating, and fluidized bed. Daubers,
of floors, different colored coats shall be used to produce natural or synthetic wool mitts, or other applicators are
enough contrast to indicate complete hiding of the undercoat. permitted in places of difficult access when no other method
Unless otherwise specified, multiple-coat systems shall is practical (see Note 13.11). In all cases, application shall
incorporate different colors in each coat to ensure complete occur as soon as practical after surface preparation and
hiding of the undercoat. before the surfaces become contaminated by dirt, dust,
grease, oil, or other interference material. Cleaning and
6.4 SURFACE DEFECTS coating shall be scheduled so that detrimental amounts
of dust or other contaminants do not fall on newly coated
6.4.1 Concrete air pockets, surface air voids, cracks and surfaces.
other surface defects shall be filled or sealed as directed by
the procurement documents (project specification) (see Note 8.1.2 Excessive runs or sags as defined by the project
13.6). specification shall be repaired in accordance with the coating
manufacturer’s written recommendation as approved by the
6.4.2 The prime coat for rough concrete surfaces shall be facility owner.
applied as directed by the procurement documents (project
specification). If the contract documents do not address the 8.1.3 An attempt shall be made to minimize brush
means and methods for the application of the primer, the marks, roller marks, and other surface irregularities.
manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed.
8.1.4 Surfaces not to be coated shall be suitably
6.5 JOINTS: Isolation, expansion, construction, or protected from the effects of cleaning and coating operations.
contraction joints shall receive any special treatment
specified (see SSPC-TU 2/NACE 6G197). 8.2 COATING THICKNESS: Whichever application
method is used, the dry film thickness of each coat shall

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meet the requirement of the standard or the manufacturer’s 8.7 SPRAY APPLICATION (GENERAL)
recommendation, whichever has precedence, as agreed
upon by the contracting parties. Thickness requirements 8.7.1 The equipment used shall be suitable for the
for coatings which dry immediately upon application are intended purpose, shall be capable of properly atomizing the
determined by use of dry film thickness readings alone. coating to be applied, and shall be equipped with suitable
Dry film thicknesses of coatings shall be measured in pressure regulators and gages. The equipment shall be
accordance with ASTM D6132 (nondestructive) or ASTM maintained in proper working condition. Spray equipment
D4138 (destructive), or SSPC-PA 9. For coatings that have shall meet the material transfer requirements of the local air
longer dry times, wet film thickness shall be measured pollution or air quality management district.
periodically in accordance with ASTM D4414 to determine
if the specified dry film thickness will be met. This test will 8.7.2 Coating ingredients shall be kept uniformly mixed
require repair of the damaged wet coating. in the spray pots or containers during coating application
either by continuous mechanical agitation or by intermittent
8.3 CONTINUITY: All coatings shall be applied so that agitation as frequently as necessary.
the cured film is continuous, i.e., breaks in the cured film are
not visible without magnification. 8.7.3 Spray equipment shall be kept sufficiently clean
so that dirt, dried coating, and other foreign materials are
8.3.1 When specified, the dried/cured film of coating not deposited in the coating film. Any solvents left in the
shall be inspected for discontinuities in accordance with equipment shall be removed before the equipment is used.
ASTM D4787 or NACE SP0188. Any discontinuities found
or areas damaged during this testing shall be repaired 8.7.4 The air from the spray gun shall show no
satisfactorily for the owner. condensed water or oil as tested in accordance with ASTM
D4285.
8.3.2 If a continuous film, as defined above, is not
required, the contracting parties must agree on the size, 8.7.5 Coating shall be applied in a uniform layer with
type, and frequency of allowed discontinuities. overlapping at the edges of the spray pattern.

8.4 CURE: The adequacy of cure of coatings shall 8.7.6 Cracks, crevices, blind areas, and all other areas
be determined by a test method specified by the owner. that are difficult to access shall be coated by brush or
Inadequately cured coatings shall be replaced or properly daubers.
cured as specified by the owner.
8.7.7 Observe manufacturer recommendations for
8.5 BRUSH APPLICATION: Brushes shall be of a style type of thinner, amount of thinner, coating temperature, and
and quality that will enable proper application of coating. operating techniques to avoid deposition of coating that is
Round or oval brushes are generally considered most too viscous, too dry, or too thin.
suitable for irregular surfaces and rough or pitted concrete.
8.8 AIR ATOMIZING SPRAY APPLICATION: Air
Wide, flat brushes are suitable for large flat areas, but they
atomizing spray application of coating shall be in accordance
shall not have a width over 12.5 cm (5 inches). The brushing
with all the provisions of Section 8.7 and in addition shall
shall be done so that a smooth coat as uniform in thickness
comply with the following:
as possible is obtained.
8.8.1 The air caps, nozzles, and needles shall be those
8.6 ROLLER APPLICATION
recommended by the manufacturers of the material being
sprayed and the manufacturers of the equipment being
8.6.1 Rolling shall be done so that a smooth coat as
used.
uniform in thickness as possible is achieved.
8.8.2 Traps or separators shall be provided to remove
8.6.2 Roller covers shall be selected that do not shed
any oil or condensed water from the air. The traps or
fibers into the coating. Their nap shall be appropriate for the
separators must be of adequate size and must be bled
particular surface roughness.
continuously or drained periodically during operations. The
8.6.3 Roller application is permitted on flat or slightly air from the spray gun shall show no condensed water or oil
curved surfaces and shall be in accordance with the as tested in accordance with ASTM D4285.
recommendations of the coating manufacturer and the roller
8.8.3 The coating pressure to the gun shall be adjusted
manufacturer. Coating rollers shall be of a style and quality
for optimum spraying effectiveness. The pressure on the
that will enable proper application of coating having the
material in the pot shall be adjusted when necessary for
continuity and thickness required (see Note 13.12).
changes in elevation of the gun with respect to the elevation

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of the pot. The atomizing air pressure at the gun shall be high 9.2 Spray equipment shall be kept sufficiently clean
enough to properly atomize the coating but not so high as to so that dirt, dried coating, and other foreign materials are
cause excessive fogging of coating, excessive evaporation not deposited in the coating film. Any solvents left in the
of solvent, or loss by overspray. equipment shall be removed before the equipment is used.

8.9 AIRLESS SPRAY APPLICATION: Airless or high 9.3 SPRAY EQUIPMENT MATERIAL PRESSURE:
pressure spray application of coating shall be in accordance High- or low-pressure plural-component spray equipment
with all of the provisions of Section 8.7 and in addition shall is used for processing these coatings. For high-pressure
comply with Sections 8.9.1 through 8.9.5. spraying, equipment shall be capable of producing the
required fluid pressures in order to get adequate mixing in
8.9.1 Fluid tips shall be of proper orifice size and fan the spray gun.
angle and the fluid control gun of proper construction, as
recommended by the manufacturer of the material being 9.4 PROCESS TEMPERATURE CONTROL: The spray
sprayed and the manufacturer of the equipment being used. equipment shall be capable of heating the fluid materials
Fluid tips shall be of the safety type, with shields to prevent consistently and continually to the processing temperatures
accidental penetration of the skin by the high-pressure recommended by the coatings manufacturer. Machine and
stream of coating. hose heaters shall be capable of preheating material stored
in accordance with requirements of the product data sheet to
8.9.2 The coating pressure at the pump shall be adjusted its required application temperature.
so that the coating pressure to the gun is proper for optimum
spraying effectiveness. This pressure shall be sufficiently 9.5 SPRAY GUN PARAMETERS: The spray gun shall
high to properly atomize the coating. Pressures considerably be able to mix and dispense the coating in a desired pattern
higher than those necessary to properly atomize the coating defined by the coating manufacturer. The gun and tip sizes
shall not be used. shall be chosen to make the designated dry film thickness
attainable in one to three overlapping passes.
8.9.3 Spraying equipment shall be kept clean and shall
utilize proper filters in the high-pressure line so that dirt, dry 10. COATING REPAIR
coating, and other foreign materials are not deposited in
the coating film. Any solvents left in the equipment shall be 10.1 Coating shall be repaired in accordance with
completely removed before applying coating. manufacturer’s stated procedures and recommendations.

8.9.4 The trigger of the gun shall be pulled fully open 10.1.1 All loose, cracked, brittle, or non-adherent coating
and held fully open during all spraying to ensure proper shall be removed in cleaning, unless otherwise specified,
application of coating (see Note 13.13). until only tightly adhered coating remains (see Notes 13.14
and 13.15).
8.9.5 Airless coating spray equipment shall always be
provided with an electric ground wire in the high-pressure 10.1.2 After spot removal of deteriorated coatings, the
line between the gun and the pumping equipment. Further, edges of the intact coating shall be feathered.
the pumping equipment shall be suitably grounded to avoid
the buildup of any electrostatic charge on the gun. The 10.2 COMPATIBILITY: Repair coating shall be selected
manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed regarding the in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations to
proper use of the equipment. ensure the compatibility of all coatings to be applied over
existing coatings (see Notes 13.16 and 13.17). Only coatings
8.10 PLURAL COMPONENT SPRAY APPLICATION: compatible with the existing coatings and the service
Plural-component spray shall be in accordance with all the environment shall be used.
provisions of Section 8.7 and use either fixed or variable
ratio systems depending upon the ratio of components. 10.3 The contractor shall receive approval of owner’s
representative before performing repair of areas in excess
9. PLURAL-COMPONENT APPLICATION EQUIPMENT of the contract area.
REQUIREMENTS
11. CURING, HANDLING AND PLACEMENT IN
9.1 The equipment used shall be suitable for the SERVICE OF APPLIED COATINGS
intended purpose, shall be capable of properly atomizing
the coating. The equipment shall be maintained in proper 11.1 No coating shall be force-cured under conditions
working condition. Spray equipment shall meet the material that will cause checking, wrinkling, blistering, formation of
transfer requirements of the local air pollution or air quality pinholes, or detrimentally affect the protective properties
management district. of the coating. Always check with the coating manufacturer
before force-curing a coating.

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11.2 Coated concrete shall be protected from all F1869 is used to determine moisture vapor emission and
detrimental effects and materials, such as rain, condensation, ASTM F2170 is used to determine the relative humidity of
contamination, snow, and freezing, until drying or curing the concrete. Moisture meters give only qualitative results
has occurred to the extent that no damage will occur to the but do so quickly. For some types of moisture meters, only
protective film. the surface moisture is recorded unless nails are driven into
the concrete.
11.3 No coating shall be subjected to immersion before
it is thoroughly cured in accordance with the manufacturer’s 13.4 The requirement that the concrete temperature be
written recommendations. within 10 °C (18 °F) of the surrounding air temperature is a
general caveat to prevent outgassing for rising temperatures
11.4 HANDLING OF COATED SUBSTRATES and the detrimental curing or skinning of the coating
being applied. Additionally, the concrete may still have a
11.4.1 Coated substrates shall not be handled, loaded temperature below 0 °C (32 °F) when the air temperature
for shipment, shipped, or placed in service until the coating is adequate for the coating application. This can develop
has sufficiently cured in accordance with manufacturer’s condensation on the underside of the coating, in which case
recommendations. it may not adhere to the concrete. This can be a particular
problem with latex coatings. The exact temperatures will
11.4.2 Damaged coating shall be removed and touched
vary among manufacturers for the various formulations, but
up as specified by the procurement/specification documents.
this can be used as a general rule of thumb.
If the procurement documents do not address repair of
Outgassing can be minimized by avoiding application
damaged coatings, repairs shall be performed using the
when the surface temperature is rapidly rising.
originally specified coating system.
13.5 Application of coating before the preceding coat
12. DISCLAIMER has dried/cured may result in such adverse effects as lifting,
wrinkling, or loss of adhesion of undercoats.
12.1 This is a consensus standard developed by
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. While every 13.6 Surface air voids or “bug holes” may have to be
precaution is taken to ensure that all information furnished in fully opened to expose the interior before repairing prior
SSPC standards is as accurate, complete, and as useful as to coating. SSPC-SP 13/NACE No. 6 provides additional
possible, SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any information on preparing concrete surfaces for coating.
obligation resulting from the use of any materials, coatings,
or methods described herein, or of the standard itself. 13.7 BELOW-GRADE CONCRETE

12.2 This standard does not attempt to address problems 13.7.1 New Construction: Concrete slabs and walls
concerning safety and health associated with its use. The at or below grade to be internally coated with relatively
user of this standard, as well as the user of all products impervious systems should receive a moisture barrier such
or practices described herein, is responsible for instituting as a sheet membrane on the side of the concrete in contact
appropriate health and safety practices and for ensuring with the soil or rock. Use of penetrating waterproofing
compliance with all appropriate governmental regulations. systems may be helpful.

13. NOTES 13.7.2 Existing Structures: Concrete slabs and walls

at or below grade that do not have an effective vapor barrier
Notes are not requirements of this standard. in place are generally not acceptable substrates over which
to apply impervious coating systems. Moisture testing
13.1 Power mixing will usually give better mixing in a in accordance with ASTM F710 should be conducted to
much shorter time than mixing by hand. Some materials for determine specific suitability for manufacturer acceptance.
coating concrete should not be mixed by hand.
13.8 PRE-SURFACE PREPARATION
13.2 Coatings to be applied by brush usually require
no thinning. Some coatings may give the user the option of 13.8.1 The soundness (surface tensile strength) of the
brush or spray application; however, the spray application concrete surface should be tested prior to cleaning for coating
option may require thinning of the coating. Thinning should for conformance to project specification requirements (see
be done slowly during the final mixing process, using the ASTM C1583). All structural concrete members should be
product recommended by the manufacturer. inspected by a professional engineer or authorized project
quality control personnel prior to coating to avoid masking
13.3 The plastic sheet test (ASTM D4263) is a simple any structural defects or deficiencies.
test to indicate the presence of moisture in concrete. ASTM

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13.8.2 Prior to actual surface preparation of concrete on with the least difficulty and results in better adhesion
for coating, surface conditions and irregularities should to the surface than spraying. Finish coats of lacquer type
be addressed. All projections, cracks, and other surface coating tend to lift underlying coats by solvent action and
irregularities should be repaired before cleaning (see brushing combined; for this reason such finish coatings are
SSPC-SP 13/NACE No. 6 and ACI 224.1R) to meet project best applied by spraying.
specification requirements and to permit application of With many types of coatings, properly used high-pressure
protective coatings. spray methods can result in a thicker, less permeable film.
Spray operators must be properly selected and trained.
13.8.3 Many coating manufacturers recommend a Careful supervision and inspection are necessary with the
moisture emission rate of less than 15 g/m2 (3.0 lb/1000 ft2) various spray application methods to ensure against such
per 24 hours as measured in accordance with ASTM F710. imperfections as dirty surfaces, dry spray, pinholes, holidays,
missed areas, blind spots, contamination of coating or air,
13.8.4 Generally, all efflorescence and laitance should wind loss, or excessive outdoor overspray.
be removed from the concrete surface by mechanical Several advantages are possible with the various high-
surface preparation (see SSPC-SP 13/NACE No. 6). The pressure airless methods of coating application, both hot
surface should be repaired as necessary to permit good and cold spray. These include labor savings because of
primer adhesion. reduced application time and a greater thickness per coat.
Additional savings also can be traced to less flowback, less
13.9 SURFACE PREPARATION overspray, power (compressor) savings, use of higher solids
in coating formulations, and less sensitivity to changes in
13.9.1 The concrete surface should be cleaned as
ambient temperature during application.
specified in the procurement documents to remove form
release agents, curing agents, dirt, grease, and other
13.12 With roller application of coating on concrete,
deleterious contaminants, such as soluble salts. In the event
high production rates approaching that of conventional
that no cleaning has been specified, the surface preparation
spraying may be possible. The method works best on large
should be no less than the coating manufacturer’s
smooth areas, such as tanks or walls. Difficulties may
recommendations for the intended service environment.
be encountered when coating rough spots, pits, edges,
High pressure water cleaning and waterjetting are often used
corners, etc., to ensure that adequate coating is applied.
to clean concrete (see the SSPC/NACE joint waterjetting
Supplementary brush coating is mandatory for those areas
standards for surface preparation alternatives).
on concrete, even though special rollers for these areas are
available for general work. The requirements are generally
13.9.2 The surface of the bare concrete should be
the same as for brush and spray coating. Excellent results
roughened to the profile recommended by the manufacturer
have been achieved, and it is possible to build up specified
of the primer. (ICRI Guide No. 310.2R provides information
film thicknesses by this method. Roller coating is particularly
on the proper concrete profile for different coating thickness
useful where spraying cannot be undertaken due to the
and how to obtain the profile.)
hazards from overspray or the flammability of solvent.
13.10 New concrete generally requires a minimum of
13.13 Except for plural component spray, the trigger of
28 days curing time unless both parties agree to a lesser
the gun should be released at the end of each stroke. There
time. Additives, admixtures, type of cement, sand, and
is a possibility that the mix ratio in the initial discharge from a
aggregate can influence shrinkage and may require a longer
plural component spray may not be correct.
cure time. During this period, most of the shrinkage cracks
occur. Certain coatings, however, are designed to be applied
13.14 Loose, cracked, or brittle coating can usually be
over “damp” or “green” concrete and can be used as curing
removed by moderate pressure with a dull putty knife.
membranes
13.15 The bond strength of the coating to the concrete
13.11 Coatings on concrete are generally applied by
should be measured in accordance with manufacturer’s
brush, roller, or spray. Any of these methods is satisfactory
requirements. ASTM D4541 and D7234 provide some
if properly performed and if the coating is formulated for the
methods for measuring bond strength of the coating to the
application method being used. The variations are slight and
concrete (or the surface tensile strength of the concrete).
often overshadowed by variations in workmanship.
These methods will require patching of damaged coating
Brushing of primers has the advantage of working coating
and may require patching of concrete.
into cracks and crevices and other surface irregularities.
It may create brush marks, however, with coatings having 13.16 A field test for coating compatibility is ASTM
limited leveling. D5064.
Lacquer-type coatings, such as vinyls, may be applied by
brush with considerable difficulty. The priming coat brushes

8
 SSPC-PA 7
November 16, 2017

13.17 In all cases, coatings applied to concrete must

be compatible with the alkali normally present on concrete.
SSPC-TU 2/NACE 6G197 provides data on the chemical
and physical properties of commonly used generic types of
coatings.

Summary of 2017 Revisions to SSPC-PA 7

Section 1.1: Added clarification that “thin film” coatings have dry film thickness less than 500 µm or 20 mils.
Section 7.1: Added requirement that contractor must verify that the surface preparation meets specified requirements prior
to application of coating.
Section 11.4.1: Added requirement that applied coatings must be cured in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
prior to handling, shipping, or placement into service.
Section 11.4.2: Added requirement that touchup must be performed in accordance with project requirements, or using the
coating system originally specified for the project.
Nonmandatory notes have been reorganized. Definitions and referenced standards list have been updated.
A redline version is available from SSPC upon request.

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