This Surface Preparation Commentary (SP COM) is
intended to be an aid for the coating specifier in selecting
methods, materials, and standards for specifying the proper
surface preparation for steel, and other metals (not including
ductile iron pipe). The use of these standards in a coating
specification will give direction to the contractor regarding
what is required and give direction to the inspector on verifying
compliance to the specification.The SSPC standards, summarized in Table 1A, represent
a broad consensus of users, suppliers, and public interest
groups. Details of the methods used to verify many of the
properties discussed in this SP COM are described in SSPC
publication 03-14, "The Inspection of Coatings and Linings,
A Handbook of Basic Practice for Inspectors, Owners, and
Specifiers, 2nd Ed."Table 1B includes similar standards published by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)(1). It
should be noted that that while the ISO and SSPC standards
are similar and commonly deemed equivalent, they are not
identical. Tables 3A, 3B, and 3C provide a comparison of the
ISO and SSPC standards.