Surface Preparation

Objective

To understand where steam cleaning can be used as a method of preparation or a pre-cleaning process. The protective coating applicator may encounter this process

• Formal training will be necessary
• Specialist equipment is required.
• Use of high-pressure steam, with or without cleaning solution, at high pressures.

Objective

To understand when and how to use a solvent as a method of surface cleaning.

• The process is not considered a method of surface preparation.
• The process is a pre-surface preparation technique.
• The process has reduced in use due to health concerns.
• The process is generally only conducted on small areas.
• The only standard available is SSPC SP 1 Solvent Cleaning.

Objective

To understand the requirement for water washing as a method of pre-cleaning

• Used as pre-surface preparation requirement and prior to coating application.
• Not to be confused with Ultra High Pressure (UHP) water jetting.
• Pressures usually used range from 70-350 bar (1 - 5,000 psi).
• SSPC-SP 1 Solvent Cleaning is a requirement of all SSPC surface preparation standards.

Objective

To have a basic understanding of the different types and methods of surface preparation that are available.

The methods of surface preparation include:

• Abrasive Blast Cleaning.
• High-Pressure Water Washing (waterjetting)
• Mechanical Preparation.

The unit also reviews the dry ice blast cleaning process.

Objective

To understand how and where to use a wire brush as a method of surface preparation.

• Almost certain to be used by the protective coatings applicator.
• Powered by air or electricity.
• Faster than hand wire brush.
• More economical than hand wire brush.
• Product training will be required.

Objective

To understand why and where a needle gun is used as a method of surface preparation on steel structures.

• Classified as an impact tool.
• Limited use due to vibration action.
• Low-level vibration tools available.
• Used for removing coatings and surface preparation.

Objective

To understand why and how to pre-prepare steel surfaces, both bare and previously painted prior to re-coating. The performance of a coating is highly dependent upon the correct level of surface preparation.

Objective

To understand the importance of pre-surface condition requirements on steel surfaces and the implications on coating performance.

• Coating performance is dependent upon the level of preparation.
• Abrasive blast cleaning will not remove defects in steel.
• Pre-surface preparation is a requirement in most paint specifications.

Objective

To understand that mechanical and hand preparation standards exist in the protective coatings industry and these standards will be specified on contracts.

• Some contracts will specify a mechanical and hand preparation as opposed to abrasive blast cleaning.
• The process is used extensively for previously coated steel, but never on mill scale as mechanical hand preparation will not remove mill scale from the surface.

Objective

To understand the required criteria when reviewing or conducting surface preparation to previously painted and coated substrates in readiness for new coatings.

• Relates to maintenance painting and new works.
• Paint specification, survey or suppliers recommendations.
• Compatibility trials - recommended.
• Feasibility trials - recommended.

Objective

To have a basic understanding of the numerous types of substrates and materials that the protective coatings applicator may encounter, these include:

• Steel.
• Stainless Steel.
• Concrete.
• Aluminium.
• Zinc.
• Copper.
• Plastic.
• Wood.
• Cast Iron.
• Wrought Iron

All the above materials may be classified as substrates for paint coatings.