Surface Preparation

Solvent Cleaning (SSPC-SP1)
Solvents such as water, mineral spirits, xylol, toluol, etc., are used to remove solvent-soluble foreign matter from the surface of ferrous metal. Rags and solvents must be replenished frequently to avoid spreading the contaminant rather than removing it. Low-pressure (1500-4000 psi) high volume (3-5) gal./min.) water washing with appropriate cleaning chemicals is a recognized "solvent cleaning" method. All surfaces should be cleaned per this specification prior to using hand tools or blast equipment.

Hand Tool Cleaning (SSPC-SP2)
A mechanical method of surface prepartion involving wire brushing, scraping, chipping and sanding. Not the most desirable method of surface preparation, but can be used for mild exposure conditions. Optimum performances of protective coatings systems should not be expected when hand tool cleaning is employed.

Power Tool Cleaning (SSPC-SP3)
A mechanical method of surface preparation widely used in industry and involving the use of power sanders or wire brushes, power chipping hammers, abrasive grinding wheels, needle guns, etc. Although usually more effective than hand tool cleaning, it is not considered adequate for use under severe exposure conditions or for immersion applications.

Power Tool Cleaning To Bare Metal (SSPC-SP11)
Utilizing same equipment as Power Tool Cleaning to remove all visible coatings and contaiminants to bare metal substrate.

White Metal Blasting (SSPC-SP5) (NACE #1)
The removalof all visible rust, mill scale, paint and contaminants, leaving the metal uniformly white or gray in appearance. This is the ultimate in blast cleaning. Use where maximum performance of protective coatings is necessary due to exceptionally severe conditions such as constant immersion in water or liquid chemicals.

Commercial Blast (SSPC-SP6) (NACE#3)
All oil, grease, dirt, rust scale and foreign matter are completely removed from the surface and all rust, mill scale and old paint are completely removed by abrasive blasting except for slight shadows, streaks or discolorations caused by rust stain, mill scale oxides or slight, tight residues of paint or coating that may remain. If the surface is pitted, slight residues of rust or paint may be found in the bottom of pits: at least two-thirds of each square inch of surface area shall be free of all visible residues and the remainder shall be limited to the light residues mentioned above.