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COATINGS

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 SSPC-TR 4/NACE 80200
December, 2000

Joint Technology Report

SSPC-TR 4/NACE 80200

Preparation of Protective Coating Specifications

for Atmospheric Service

This SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC)/NACE International (NACE) report represents a
consensus of those individual members who have reviewed this document, its scope, and provisions. Its
acceptance does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has adopted the report or not, from
manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not in conformance with this
report. Nothing contained in this SSPC/NACE report is to be construed as granting any right, by implication or
otherwise, to manufacture, sell, or use in connection with any method, apparatus, or product covered by Letters
Patent, or as indemnifying or protecting anyone against liability for infringement of Letters Patent. This report
should in no way be interpreted as a restriction on the use of better procedures or materials. Neither is this
report intended to apply in all cases relating to the subject. Unpredictable circumstances may negate the
usefulness of this report in specific instances. SSPC and NACE assume no responsibility for the interpretation
or use of this report by other parties.

Users of this SSPC/NACE report are responsible for reviewing appropriate health, safety, environmental, and
regulatory documents and for determining their applicability in relation to this report prior to its use. This
SSPC/NACE report may not necessarily address all potential health and safety problems or environmental
hazards associated with the use of materials, equipment, and/or operations detailed or referred to within this
report. Users of this SSPC/NACE report are also responsible for establishing appropriate health, safety, and
environmental protection practices, in consultation with appropriate regulatory authorities if necessary, to
achieve compliance with any existing applicable regulatory requirements prior to the use of this report.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE: The user is cautioned to obtain the latest edition of this report. SSPC/NACE reports
are subject to periodic review, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. SSPC and
NACE require that action be taken to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this report no later than ten years from the
date of initial publication.

Approved December 2000

©2000, SSPC and NACE International

NOTICE TO THE READER: The SSPC and NACE releases of this publication contain identical wording in the
same sequence. Publication format may differ.

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SSPC-TR 4/NACE 80200
December 2000

Foreword

The purpose of this SSPC/NACE technical committee protective coating specialists, inspectors, and others
report is to describe current practices for the preparation of responsible for protective coating work.
a protective coating specification for atmospheric service.
It provides a general description of a specification, as well This joint technical committee report was prepared by the
as a review of the contents of a specification; the typical SSPC/NACE Task Group 004 on Coating Specifications.
selection of protective coatings; and the establishment of This joint task group is administered by NACE Specific
job and inspection requirements. Format and writing style Technology Group (STG) 80 on Intersociety Joint Coatings
are stressed. There is also discussion of commercial Activities. It is also sponsored by STG 03 on Protective
aspects of the work that have not typically been contained Coatings and Linings – Immersion/Buried. This report is
in the technical specification. This report is intended for published by SSPC and by NACE under the auspices of
facility owners, engineering/erection contractors, in-plant STG 80.

Definition of a Specification

A coating specification is a document that details the There are several objectives for preparing a protective
mandatory technical requirements of work involving the coating specification. These include, but are not limited to,
use of protective coatings. It includes requirements for the the following:
quality of materials to be used during a protective coating
application and the work to be accomplished. The general • To obtain specific protective coating products or their
objective of the coating specification is to ensure that the equals;
owner or purchaser receives the finished work product that • To assure quality materials and workmanship;
is desired. This is accomplished by providing a detailed • To determine inspection requirements;
definition of work to be done in a well-designed • To assure timely completion of work;
specification. • To avoid disputes;
• To obtain reasonable costs that reflect the specifi-
Without a well-designed protective coating specification, cation requirements;
problems such as unrealistic bidding, disputes of specific
• To avoid costly change orders and claims;
requirements, inappropriate materials or workmanship,
• To meet safety, environmental, and regulatory
delays in completing the work, costly change orders, and
requirements of the protective coating operation; and
increased costs, are likely to occur. Specifications are
concise and specific, and contain essential information • To assure suitable coating systems are applied to the
and requirements. correct equipment.

General Specification Characteristics

The following topics are frequently included in the first part cation. No reference is made to standards or
of a protective coating specification, not necessarily in the technical specifications that are not part of the
order as discussed in subsequent paragraphs. specification requirements. Generally, only one
standard method is referenced for each requirement,
• Scope of Work: A summary is used at the beginning although alternative methods are often available.
of a specification to state the scope and purpose of These documents might include, but are not limited to,
the work. It provides general information and not those of AISC,(1) ASTM,(2) AWS,(3) AWWA,(4) ISO,(5)
specific items that are described elsewhere in other SSPC, NACE, ACI,(6) ICRI,(7) PDCA,(8) and coating
specifications. A title is sometimes adequate for this manufacturers’ materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
purpose. and product data sheets.

• Reference Section: The reference section lists all

documents to be used in conjunction with the specifi-

____________________________
(1)
American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), 1 E Wacker Drive, Suite 3100, Chicago, IL 60601-2001.
(2)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
(3)
American Welding Society Inc. (AWS), 550 N W Le Jeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
(4)
American Water Works Association (AWWA), 6666 W Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235.
(5)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Case Postale 56, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland.
(6)
American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI 48333.
(7)
International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), 1323 Shepard Drive, Suite D, Sterling, VA 21064.
(8)
Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), 3913 Old Lee Highway, Suite 33B, Fairfax, VA 22030.

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December, 2000

• Definition Section: Terms that could be subject to proposed inspection plan as a submittal, because the
interpretation are defined in this section. contractor might be responsible for inspection as well
as for quality of the work. Normally, the contractor is
• Submittals Section: Documents or samples to be also responsible for meeting all applicable regulations
supplied by the coating contractor are normally as well as the owner’s working rules and safety
specified in this section. These might include the standards.
following:
Samples of coatings to be used; • Prejob Visit and Conference: Many specifications
Drawdown films of these coatings; require a jobsite visit and conference to review work
Coated reference panels; procedures and standards.
Certificates of conformance or performance;
Manufacturer’s product data sheets and appli- • Delivery, Storage, Handling, and Disposal Section:
cation instructions; Detailed in this section are requirements concerning
Material safety data sheets; delivery, storage, and handling of products to be
Contractor’s projected schedule or work plan; used. Collection, storage, and disposal of waste
Contractor certification (such as SSPC1, 2, 3 or materials and abrasive debris are also detailed.
equivalent)
Contractor's QC program and procedures; and • Site Conditions Section: Conditions at the job site that
Contractor's inspector training and certification. can affect the work are defined in this section or in
other contract documents. These conditions can
The submittals are usually kept to a minimum and are include utility availability, safety, environmental, and
not always utilized unless specified by the owner or personnel considerations. Any potentially hazardous
purchaser in order to accomplish the work. materials or operations are normally noted. Failure to
note site conditions in the specification can result in
• Quality Assurance Section: This section details all costly change orders.
items deemed necessary for quality assurance. This
can include requesting qualifications of the contractor • Resolution of Conflicts: A procedure for resolving
and his personnel, certification of the contractor and conflicts in the specification, references, or product
personnel, and field sampling. It frequently includes a manufacturer’s instructions is normally stated.

Product Specification

This portion of the specification defines the requirements practice to provide the coating contractor with a choice by
for protective coating products to be employed in the work. specifying two or more products.
Protective coating products can be specified by brand
name, performance criteria, or qualified products list. All protective coatings in a single system are usually
When specific brand names are listed, it is common supplied by the same manufacturer. Color requirements
are typically specified in this section.

Project Execution

The execution section details surface preparation and Other protective coating systems for use under insulation
application of protective coatings. Surface preparation is a or fireproofing, at elevated equipment operating temper-
vital factor in achieving long-term durability of the coat-ing atures, for safety identification, below grade, or water, and
system. Surface preparation is defined by industry other environments or situations are also specified.
standards and can include hand/power tool cleaning, Protective coating systems are frequently listed in tabular
abrasive blasting, and hydroblasting, among others, or a form within or at the end of the specification.
combination of different techniques. If an abrasive is
used, the owner generally specifies the type. However, At times, the owner specifies that hot-dip galvanizing be
depth of anchor pattern is usually specified in the coating substituted for protective coating systems, especially for
manufacturer’s data sheets. The owner also specifies any hand rails, stairs, ladders, safety cages, or other struc-
limiting conditions such as requirements for dust, debris, tures. As appropriate, galvanizing is sometimes specified
and overspray control, limiting schedules for abrasive blast for beams and columns. The standards that are to be
cleaning or coating application, and any other limitations used for galvanizing applications are usually included in
affecting the work. the reference section of the specification and can include
ASTM A 1234 and ASTM A 780.5
The protective coating systems to be used for carbon steel
piping, vessels, tankage, or other equipment exposed to
the atmosphere are typically specified, along with the level
of surface preparation, coating material, number of coats,
dry film thickness, and finish color.

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SSPC-TR 4/NACE 80200
December, 2000

The limitations on weather or other conditions that might • Nonferrous metals

adversely affect the work are normally defined by the • Thermal insulation jacketing or covering
owner in the specification or other contract documents. • Concrete
Such limitations can include temperature, humidity, and • Plastics
wind. When limits defined vary from those recommended
by the coating manufacturer, the contractor is typically Shielding or masking is frequently required by the owner to
responsible for resolving this problem with the owner. protect sensitive equipment, such as electronic equip-
ment, gauge glasses, valve stems, machined surfaces,
Purchased equipment, such as vessels, pumps, rotating equipment identification labels, lighting fixtures, compres-
machinery, valves, and other equipment items are some- sors, pumps, electric motors, or other equipment, from
times specified to be prime coated in the shop prior to field abrasive debris and dust and from overspray.
delivery. Repair and topcoat systems are included in the
specification in the event such prime-coated equip-ment is When repairs are required, the contractor typically
damaged and/or requires topcoat in the field. prepares a repair procedure that can contain surface
preparation, type and number of coats, and application
This section also includes those materials the owner does techniques. This normally includes purchased equipment.
not want coated, unless otherwise specified, such as: These repair procedures are submitted to the owner for
approval.
• Stainless steel
• Galvanized steel

Inspection

Owner inspection requirements are normally defined in this • Environmental conditions – such as temperature,
section. This has been accomplished by referencing humidity, wind, direct sunlight, rain, or other environ-
accepted industry quality criteria test methods as avail- mental conditions during storage of coating materials,
able from SSPC, NACE, ASTM, or others. Based on these surface preparation, application, and curing.
requirements, the contractor submits the inspection plan
discussed previously, and informs the owner when • Surface preparation – cleaning equipment, operation
particular inspection points are reached and available. of equipment, degree of cleaning, and anchor pat-
Inspectors are typically certified by the NACE Coating tern, if specified.
Inspector Certification Program or equivalent. It is usually
specified that the owner’s inspector has full access to all • Application – storage of materials, mixing, application
work. equipment, application, wet film thickness, dry-film
thickness, and appearance.
Owners frequently request participation of the owner's
inspector in specific areas of coating application including • Acceptance testing – appearance, hardness, cure,
but not limited to: adhesion, holiday inspection, or others.

• Coating contractor’s recordkeeping – SSPC’s The In accordance with these concerns, the owner often
Inspection of Coatings and Linings6 and the NACE establishes and lists the inspection hold points, if any, as
Coating Inspector's Logbook7 contain information and part of the specification.
forms for accurate and precise recordkeeping.

Format/Writing Style

A specific format for preparing specifications for coating versely affect clarity are avoided. Terminology commonly
work facilitates the logical and systematic presentation of employed by the coatings industry is used. Terminology
all requirements and other items. This makes it easier for that is not universally understood, or is subject to inter-
the specification writer to prepare and for the bidder to pretation, is defined.
understand and find specific requirements, so that he or
she can prepare a realistic bid. Conventionally, each requirement is stated in the
appropriate section of the specification and stated only
Writing style for the presentation of information is also a there. If stated more than once, each description might be
consideration. Either the imperative manner of describing slightly different from the other, and thus the desired
requirements (“Abrasive blast all steel surfaces . . .”) or the requirement might be susceptible to different interpret-
passive manner (“All steel surfaces shall be abrasive ations. This is especially true of standards referenced in
blasted . . .”) is normally used, but one method is typically the reference section. For example, if SSPC-PA 18 is a
used throughout the entire document. In either case, all referenced standard, the requirements therein are typi-
descriptions are normally as clear and concise as pos- cally not inserted into the specification.
sible. Complex wording and lengthy sentences that ad-

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December, 2000

In describing work requirements, a description of the a specification format frequently used by the civil/
desired product is frequently provided rather than instruc- architectural industry and most U.S. governmental
tions on how to achieve it. For example, a specification agencies. This format divides construction work into six-
would normally state, “Abrasive blast to an SSPC-SP teen basic divisions according to different construction
10/NACE No. 2,”9 rather than describe the pressure at the trades. Protective coatings are located in Division 9.
nozzle, distance from the nozzle to the surface being Each division is divided into three basic parts: (1) General,
blasted, or other requirements. The latter is vague and the (2) Products, and (3) Execution. The CSI format for use
result can be less than satisfactory. during the preparation of a coating specification is shown
in Appendix A. There might be other organizations that
For comparison, the Construction Specifications Institute provide these services.
(CSI)(9) provides a systematic and stylized format for
preparation of specifications. CSI has published details of
Other Contracting Documents

The conventional protective coating technical specific- These items are usually not the responsibility of the tech-
ation defines the work to be accomplished during protect- nical expert preparing the protective coating specification.
ive coating system application. Typical technical specific- They are the concern of others in the owner’s organiz-
ations do not include nontechnical or commercial items, ation or the general engineering contractor organization
such as: who are specialists in the area of commercial and overall
project planning and execution, as well as health, safety,
• Coating contractor bidding slate or invitation to bid; and environmental issues. These individuals can contact
• Coating contractor selection procedures; those responsible for the technical specifications to ensure
• Contracting routes; items such as prebid conferences and reviews of technical
• Prebid meeting and site inspection (included in the proposals from contractors are included in the overall bid
invitation to bid); package.
• Bonus/penalty plans, warranties, or guarantees; and
• Commercial bid review procedures.

References

1. SSPC-QP 1 (latest revision), “Standard Procedure for Galvanized Coatings” (West Conshohocken, PA:
Evaluating Painting Contractors (Field Application to ASTM).
Complex Industrial Structures)” (Pittsburgh, PA:
SSPC). 6. “The Inspection of Coatings and Linings” (Pittsburgh,
PA: SSPC, 2003).
2. SSPC-QP 2 (latest Revision), “Standard Procedure
for Evaluating the Qualifications of Painting Con- 7. "NACE Coating Inspector's Logbook" (3rd ed.,) Houston,
tractors to Remove Hazardous Paint” (Pittsburgh, PA: TX: NACE, 1996).
SSPC).

3. SSPC-QP 3 (latest revision), “Standard Procedure for 8. SSPC-PA 1 (latest revision), “Shop, Field and Main-
Evaluating the Qualifications of Shop Painting tenance Painting” (Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC).
Contractors” (Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC).
9. SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2 (latest revision), “Near-
4. ASTM A 123/ASTM A123M (latest revision), Standard White Blast Cleaning” (Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC and
Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings Houston, TX: NACE).
on Iron and Steel Products” (West Conshohocken,
PA: ASTM). 10. Section Format: A Recommended Format for Con-
struction Specifications Sections, 1997 ed.
5. ASTM A 780 (latest revision), “Standard Practice for (Alexandria, VA: CSI, 1997), p. 6.
Repair of Damaged and Uncoated Areas of Hot-Dip

____________________________
(9)
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), 99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314.

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December, 2000

Bibliography

Drisko, R.W. “Reviewing and Preparing Inspection Docu- Reddi, S.V. “Structure Better Engineering Specs.”
ments.” In The Inspection of Coatings and Linings. Hydrocarbon Processing 7 (1997): pp. 121-125.
Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC, 2003.
Rosen, Harold J. Construction Specifications Writing. 4th
Munger, C.G. Corrosion Prevention by Protective Coat- ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998.
ings. Houston, TX: NACE, 1984.
Szokolik, Alex. “The Making of a Qualified Specification
NACE Publication 6D161 (withdrawn). “Specification For- Writer.” Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings 13,
mat for Surface Preparation and Material Application 4 (1996): pp. 64-71.
For Industrial Maintenance Painting.” Houston, TX:
NACE, 1961. Weaver, P.E. Industrial Maintenance Painting. Houston,
TX: NACE, 1981.
NACE Publication 6J162 (withdrawn). “Guide to the
Preparation of Contracts and Specifications for the
Application of Protective Coatings.” Houston, TX:
NACE, 1962.

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December, 2000

APPENDIX A:
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS INSTITUTE (CSI) SECTION FORMAT OUTLINE OF A TECHNICAL
10,(A)
SPECIFICATION

PART 1: GENERAL PART 2: PRODUCTS PART 3: EXECUTION

SUMMARY MANUFACTURERS INSTALLERS
Section Includes EXISTING PRODUCTS EXAMINATION
Products Supplied but Not Installed MATERIALS Site Verification of Conditions
Under This Section MANUFACTURED UNITS PREPARATION
Products Installed but Not Supplied EQUIPMENT Protection
Under This Section Surface Preparation
COMPONENTS
Related Sections ERECTION
ACCESSORIES
Allowances INSTALLATION
Unit Prices MIXES
FABRICATION APPLICATION
Measurement Procedures
Shop Assembly Fabrication Tolerances CONSTRUCTION
Payment Procedures
FINISHES Special Techniques
Alternates
Shop Priming, Shop Finishing Interface with Other Work
REFERENCES
SOURCE QUALITY CONTROL Sequences of Operation
DEFINITIONS Site Tolerances
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION Tests, Inspection
Verification of Performance REPAIR/RESTORATION
Design Requirements, Performance
REINSTALLATION
Requirements
FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
SUBMITTALS
Site Tests, Inspection
Product Data
Manufacturers’ Field Services
Shop Drawings
ADJUSTING
Samples
Quality Assurance/Control Submittals CLEANING
Design Data, Test Reports, DEMONSTRATION
Certificates, PROTECTION
Manufacturers’ Instructions, SCHEDULES
Manufacturers’ Field Reports,
Qualification Statements
Closeout Submittals
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Qualifications
Regulatory Requirements
Certifications
Field Samples
Mock-Ups
Pre-installation Meetings
DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND
HANDLING
Packing, Shipping, Handling, and
Unloading
Acceptance at Site
Storage and Protection
Waste Management and Disposal
PROJECT/SITE(B) CONDITIONS
Project/Site Environmental
Requirements
Existing Conditions
SEQUENCING
SCHEDULING
WARRANTY
Special Warranty
SYSTEM STARTUP
OWNER’S INSTRUCTIONS
COMMISSIONING
MAINTENANCE
Extra Materials
Maintenance Service
(A)
Reprinted with permission from the CSI.
(B)
Project Conditions is the preferred term in the U.S. Site Conditions is the preferred term in Canada.

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