SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection

Copyright 2008, SSPC: Society for Protective Coatings

All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction Without Permission Prohibited.
SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection
Table of Contents

Introduction1

Key Terms.1

Owners Role and

Responsibilities..2

Contractors Role and

Responsibilities..2

Coating Inspectors Role and

Responsibilities..3

Inspection
Planning3

Developing an Inspection and Test Plan..............4

Process Control Procedures

(PCPs)..4

Required Inspection Documents..5

Required Inspection Equipment...5

Inspection Check or Hold

Points6

Coating Inspection Plan for Steel.8

Phase Inspection...8

Pre-Surface Preparation........8

Surface Preparation...12

Coating Application..14

Minimizing Problems18

Sample Inspection Plan for Concrete

Substrates19

SSPC Inspection and Test Plan Guide

 SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection
Introduction

Inspection is a key component in job quality monitoring. Proper inspection and testing
and recording tells the story of what happened at the job site: documenting when the
work was done, where it was done on the structure, when it was in conformance with
requirements, and when it was out of spec. Without good inspection data, all parties are
hard-pressed to figure out what was done and the quality monitoring process collapses.

Like any vital process, good inspection doesnt just happen. It requires planning. You
cannot show up at the job site and figure it out as you go. This does not mean that initial
inspection plans cannot change as a result of unknown conditions at the job site or
changes in contract requirements (change orders) but without a clear plan going in,
theres little chance the inspection will accomplish its intended goal of telling the project
story in the finest detail. A well-thought-out inspection and test plan greatly increases the
likelihood that key inspections and tests are done and properly recorded.

This guide is intended to assist coating and lining inspection companies, contractor
quality control personnel, and owners in developing a key tool to ensure that coating and
lining inspection is the best it can be. This tool will provide the contractor with guidance
on how to plan to do comprehensive QC which will provide a record of objective
evidence that it has met contract requirements. It also helps the contractor to track
progress of the job and to support payment of invoices for conforming work done. Good
inspection reports give the facility owner confidence that quality assurance functions
(e.g., procedural conformity surveillance; auditing) can be performed with the best
available information. Complete inspection reports will support both the contractor and
the owner in claims for extra payment, warranties both implied and express, and latent
defects later.

Good inspection practice greatly reduces the risk of premature coating failure. When
failure does occur, good inspection data will help identify the potential cause. Without
such data, hundreds of hours of expensive forensic analysis and destructive testing may
be required to identify the cause of the failure.

The primary examples used in this document focus on inspection of painted steel
structures. However, a model that can be readily adapted to inspection of coatings applied
to concrete substrates appears in the appendix. As with any model forms, it is important
to view them only as examples. A complete analysis of the project job specification is
required to develop a good inspection and test plan. Inspection report forms (IRs) must
also be adapted to the job at hand.

Some Key Terms

Owner. Organization that owns the structure, administers the long-term coatings
program, and prepares the specification for new and maintenance painting.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 1

Quality assurance inspector. The inspector working on behalf of the owner to ensure
contractor conformity to specification requirements.
Quality control inspector. The inspector working on behalf of the contractor to ensure
that the job is in conformance to the specification requirements and any deviations from
conforming work are corrected.
Corrective action. Action to identify the root cause of a nonconformity, to eliminate the
root cause, and to follow-up to ensure that the cause does not recur.
Non-conformity. Interim or final work that fails to fulfill contract requirements and
requires rework or repair, or must be scrapped.
Latent defect. A flaw or imperfection discovered after delivery.
Warranty. Written guarantee of integrity of a product and the producers responsibility
for repair or replacement of deficient parts. In contract law, an implied warranty is a
term for certain assurances that are presumed to be made in the sale of products,
including fitness for a particular purpose. An express warranty is a standard guarantee
from the seller of a product that specifies the extent to which the quality or performance
of the product is assured and states the conditions under which the product can be
returned, replaced, or repaired.

Responsibilities for Project Quality Management

Owners Role and Responsibilities

Project Specification. The facility owner for whom the work is to be done is responsible
for providing the coating or lining project specification. The specification may actually
be prepared by the owners engineering staff, a private consultant, or a coating
manufacturer. The specification writer must design the work to be done and prepare a set
of requirements that will help ensure that the final coating product meets all of the
owners needs. The specification writer should also be responsible for continuously
reviewing requests for information concerning technical issues and all specification
submittals. Prior to the start of work, the owner should hold a pre-construction
conference with all parties to the contract to ensure that they review and understand all
specification requirements. Any concerns about the specification should be expressed at
that time.

Quality Assurance. If the owner has the resources to perform quality assurance using
independent inspection, the owner should utilize qualified company or contracted third-
party inspection personnel to verify for the contract administrator that the work-to-date
conforms to specification requirements. This will permit the contract administrator to
coordinate the necessary actions to keep the project continuously moving forward.
Owners who do not have the resources to use qualified, independent inspection for
quality assurance should instead use surveillance techniques (e.g., auditing for procedural
conformity) as a viable alternative to independent inspection.

Contractors Role and Responsibilities

The painting contractor is usually responsible for buying the specified coating/lining and

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 2

surface preparation materials, preparing the surface for coating, and mixing and applying
the materials in accordance with the requirements of the specification. The contractor is
also responsible for self-inspection (quality control), testing, and documentation, as
required by the specification, to ensure that that the coating or lining work-to-date meets
specification requirements and that all specified procedures have been followed. The
contractors staff usually provides these services, but, sometimes, an independent,
certified coating inspector is hired. For each non-conformity detected by the inspector,
the contractor must invoke corrective action which includes:

Determining the root cause and a plan to prevent recurrence of the non-
conformity.
Preparing and implementing a corrective action request (CAR) for tracking and
documenting each step in the corrective action (CA) for the non-conformity.

Coating Inspectors Role and Responsibilities (Quality Assurance)

General Responsibilities. A certified coating QA inspector must verify that the result of
the coating or lining work performed by the contractor that the inspector observes meets
all of the project specification requirements, i.e., to provide project quality assurance.
Additional information on coating inspectors responsibilities and techniques to be used
can be found in the SSPC publication The Inspection of Coatings and Linings.

Making Measurements and Observations. The inspector measures and observes to

ensure conformance of the work-to-date to the project requirements. The project
requirements dictate the tests and procedures to be followed, in addition to stating
acceptance criteria such as required surface profile range or dry film thickness range.

Documentation of Findings. Inspection data are often recorded in the inspectors

logbook as they are taken and then transferred onto inspection forms. The documentation
must include all inspection findings, especially non-conformities, in a clear, concise, and
timely manner, so that findings are easily understood and not confusing, lost, or
forgotten. If a problem arises, this information can be a key component to its resolution,
especially in avoiding litigation. Copies of the documentation are periodically forwarded
to responsible contractor and owner quality assurance personnel. The owner personnel
review these documents to gain assurance that both the original work and any corrective
actions are in conformance with specification requirements. Thus, the inspector serves
both the owner and the contractor project quality management systems.

Inspection Planning for Specific Coating Projects

The Need for an Inspection Plan

Inspectors require detailed planning to conduct their work both thoroughly and
efficiently. This is best accomplished by preparing and implementing a systematic

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 3

inspection and test plan with a format that covers all phases of the work in sequence. The
inspection plan must match the contractors work plan and schedule, so that the inspector
is prepared to monitor each phase of the contractors work.

Developing an Inspection and Test Plan

Scope of Inspection Plan. Prior to the start of project work, the contractor prepares, for
the owners approval, a work plan that covers all phases of the work and completely and
accurately describes of all of the individual processes that make up each work phase.
This plan converts the project specification requirements into a practical document for
field use. The inspector must prepare an inspection plan to supplement the contractors
work plan.

Plan Schedule. The inspection plan should include a project schedule for all phases of
the work to match the schedule of the contractors work plan, so that the inspector is
ready in advance without causing any delays in work production. The inspection plan
systematically lists the inspection hold points, test methods, and acceptance criteria for
each procedure in each phase of the project work.

Plan Format. There is no standard format for an inspection plan, since plans may vary
significantly with different types of work to be done. A chart containing the following
three columns is usually adequate for most projects:

Inspection Check or Hold Points. Identification of inspection check points for each
phase of work (e.g., surface preparation, coating application, curing).
Inspection Method. Industry standards, instrumentation, and/or specific test methods
or procedures required by specification.
Acceptance Criteria. Project specification requirements that must be met.

Review and Approval of Inspection and Test Plan. Coating projects often require
project-specific inspection plans to be submitted to the owner for review and acceptance
before the start of a project. If the contract does not require submission of an inspection
and test plan, the inspector should still prepare one. An organized inspection plan, even
for the smallest job, will help to assure a more efficient and comprehensive inspection
with limited delays or items overlooked.

Process Control Procedures (PCPs)

Process control procedures are project-specific documents prepared by the contractor and
approved by the owner (if a contract requirement) before work begins. They may be used
in place of or to supplement the contractors work plan. They typically contain:

Contract data and the project specification

Process descriptions and required equipment
Inspection and test plan
Actions/authorization for addressing non-conformities

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 4

 Requirements for worker safety, environmental control, and waste management

The inspector must be familiar with these procedures and utilize the relevant information
in them to work efficiently.

Items Required for Inspection Plan Implementation

Required Documents

The inspector should become familiar with the surface preparation and coating or lining
application requirements, inspection and test methods required, and the characteristics of
the material being applied. Before the start of project work, the inspector should assemble
and completely understand these documents:

The project specification (including all amendments and pertinent appendices)

Standards referenced in project specification (SSPC, NACE, ASTM, etc.)
Manufacturers product data sheets for each material used
at the job site (e.g., coatings, thinner, abrasives, repair
materials)
Other appropriate coating or lining procedures from the
manufacturer
Test methods and inspection equipment required by the
specification
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for each product
Applicable building codes

The project specification lists all published test methods or procedures to be used. While
it may permit the inspector to choose between different options, in all cases, it does list
the test requirements. The standard test methods and procedures are usually consensus
documents of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), SSPC: The
Society for Protective Coatings, or other technical societies.

Equipment Required for Inspection

The required test methods describe the necessary instruments and procedures for
performing these tests. Depending upon the materials being applied and type of structure
or equipment to be coated, the specification requirements and the instrument
requirements may vary from one coating project to another. The most frequently used
coating inspection equipment and instruments are:

Telescoping Mirror (Multiple sizes)

Pictorial surface preparation standards (e.g, SSPC-VIS 1, 3, 4, or 5)
Replica tape and spring micrometer
Surface profile comparator
Psychrometer with psychrometric charts or tables
Air and surface thermometers

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 5

 Hypodermic needle gage for determining air/abrasive pressure at the nozzle
Equipment for soluble salt extraction and analysis
Film thickness gages calibrated by the manufacturer and shims or standard
plates for verifying gage accuracy
P.I.G. gage
Flashlight and mirror
Light meter
Holiday detector

These instruments should be kept clean and operational with instrument serial numbers
and dates of last factory calibration noted as required. For example, serial numbers and
calibration verification of DFT gages should be noted in the daily inspection
documentation. The inspector should also carry spare batteries, bulbs, thermometers, and
other expendable items so that work is not delayed due to inspection equipment
malfunctions.

Inspection Check or Hold Points

Definition

Inspection hold points are critical periods during the project when further work is stopped
until the work-to-date has been inspected and the contractor authorized to proceed. Hold
points will vary with the coating and lining material being applied and the type and
nature of the work and will reflect the requirements of the specification. The hold points
listed here should be considered as basic for most work; however, additional inspection
points may be added or substituted, as needed for the particular project:

Pre-surface preparation
Post-surface preparation
Coating conditions for application
Coating application
Post-application of coating
Post-curing

Pre-Surface Preparation (Prior to start of work) Hold Point

The pre-surface preparation inspection hold point occurs after the substrate is prepared
for cleaning. This hold point includes detecting grease, oil, or soluble salt deposits, metal
imperfections (such as scabs, hackles/slivers, delaminations, and metal damage),
inaccessible areas, and other problem areas. It indicates whether the substrate has been
fully prepared for surface preparation. Dew point and surface temperature measurements
should be taken immediately prior to allowing surface preparation to proceed, to help
assure that moisture will not condense on prepared surfaces.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 6

Post-Surface Preparation Hold Point

This inspection hold point follows surface preparation. It verifies that the degree of
cleanliness and surface profile meet the requirements of the project specification.
Depending on the steel, more in-depth inspection may be necessary to identify metal
imperfections that become visible after blast cleaning, such as hackles and slivers.
These imperfections can require scraping and/or grinding with re-blast cleaning.

Surface Condition for Coating Hold Point

This inspection hold point occurs immediately prior to the coating or lining application
and establishes whether the previously approved surfaces have become re-contaminated
with such things as embedded abrasive, dust and dirt, oil, flash rusting, sweat marks,
inspection markings, salt, etc. The inspector should also verify that prevailing ambient
conditions and surface temperature are acceptable before the coating is mixed by the
production crew and are likely to remain acceptable during the work shift.

Coating Application Hold Point

During coating application, ambient conditions and wet film thickness readings should be
monitored to be consistent with project specification requirements. The application
should also be checked to determine if the contractors PCP is being followed and if there
are any defects in the wet film.

Post-Coating Application Hold Point

The post-coating application inspection hold point follows the application of each coat. It
is required to check that the film thickness is within the specified range and to determine
if each individual coat is ready to receive the next coat, i.e., is within the manufacturers
stated recoat window and is free of intercoat contamination. Such observed imperfections
as overspray, pinholes, lack of adhesion, insufficient film thickness, etc., should be
corrected at this point.

Post-Curing Hold Point

The post-curing hold point will verify that the final dry film thickness requirement of the
coating system has been met. It will also include a visual inspection of the coating or
lining for surface defects. When the coating is used as a tank lining or other critical
service, a pinhole/holiday check is usually required to detect any surface imperfections
requiring repair. Several tests are available for determining if the coating system has
completely cured.

Final Inspection Hold Point

A final inspection will verify that all touch-ups or other corrective actions satisfactorily
meet project specification requirements.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 7

Example of Coating Inspection Plan

General Description

The following example of an inspection plan covers all phases involved in the
application of an amine-cured epoxy system which may be used as a protective
coating or as a lining on steel. The information provided serves only as a guide for the
inspector in writing an inspection plan for a particular project. It lists the
chronological sequence of inspection activities to be followed during the total
inspection of the coating or lining operation. It begins with the requirements of
the inspector prior to the start of the actual project production and continues
through surface preparation, coating application, and curing. The plan includes
the inspection hold points required by the specification, the test method or
procedure to be followed, and the specification acceptance criteria.

Phase Inspection

When performing the required inspection activities, each phase of the work is inspected
and approved before proceeding with the next phase. In this way, corrective action
requests for any non-conformities revealed by the inspection are issued so the work can
be corrected to conform to the project specification, re-inspected, or scrapped before
proceeding with the next phase and plans developed and actions taken to avoid
recurrence as the work progresses.

Pre-Surface Preparation Inspection Plan and Supplemental Notes

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

Coating Material: AMINE-CURED EPOXY COATING

Substrate: CARBON STEEL

INSPECTION INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

HOLD POINT METHOD
Surface Preparation and
Application of Amine-
Cured Epoxy

A. PRIOR TO THE
START OF WORK

1. Coatings Materials

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 8

 a. Age and Visually inspecting can As specified by the project
Identification labels. specification , e.g., not more that
one year since manufacture;
manufacturers name, code
number, and batch number.
b. Condition in 1. Visually inspecting 1. Absence of skins, settling,
Container and stirring can lumps, and foreign matter. 2.
contents. 2. Checking Viscosity in range acceptable to
viscosity by dipping cup manufacturer.
(ASTM D4212), if
required.
c. Storage Conditions Visually inspecting Covered area protected from
storage area. damage, moisture, direct sunlight
and with temperatures in
specified range, e.g., between 40
and 100F.
2. Abrasive Materials SSPC-AB 1, 2, 3; vial Clean, dry, oil-free abrasives
test of ASTM D4940. meeting the requirements of
SSPC-AB 1, 2, or 3 and ASTM
D4940.
3. Touch-Up Materials 1. Visually inspecting 1. Those permitted by the project
and stirring can specification in good condition. 2.
contents. 2. Checking viscosity in range acceptable to
viscosity by dipping cup manufacturer.
(ASTM D4212), if
required.
4. Thinners, Solvents, and Visually inspecting As permitted by the specification
Cleaners materials and can labels. with product numbers legible on
containers.

The first hold point addresses the materials to be used in the project. This includes the
coating or lining materials themselves, any touch-up or repair materials, thinners, and the
abrasives/cleaners to be used to prepare the surface. The inspector must verify that the
correct materials are on-site and are in good condition.

Material mix-ups do not occur often in field work, but are more likely to occur in shop
work, where a shop warehouse may store many different coating or lining materials. The
shelf life of a coating or lining material is defined as the length of time from its
manufacture until its time of use. The inspector must verify that the material is within its
shelf life and will remain current during the course of the application. This is not usually
a problem on small jobs, but on a job that extends over a long period of time, the material
may exceed its shelf life prior to completion of the work.

Coating and lining materials must be properly labeled. Containers with missing or
illegible labels should be set aside and disposed of properly. All coating and lining
materials should have legible batch numbers printed on the label. These batch numbers

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 9

are extremely important in identifying a material in the event that a problem arises. The
batch number is usually a several-digit number, occasionally consisting of both letters
and numbers. The inspector should record all batch numbers in the reports, before the
containers are opened.

Dented containers do not have to be rejected unless the dents are so severe that the
containers have leaked or the contents have been exposed to the atmosphere. If leakage
or exposure has occurred, the material must be rejected. Such materials must be
segregated and removed from the area containing good materials.

The storage temperature range of most coating and lining materials is usually specified
either in the specification or on the manufacturers product data sheet. Touch-up or repair
materials are not always identical to the coating or lining materials initially applied.

The inspector should check the abrasive to be used for surface preparation, when abrasive
blast cleaning is specified. The specification may require that the abrasive conform to one
or more of the requirements of SSPC-AB 1, 2, or 3. In all cases, the abrasive should be
inspected for labeled name and size range and freedom from moisture, oil, and other
visible contaminants. Note that the SSPC surface cleanliness standards for dry abrasive
blast cleaning invoke the abrasive cleanliness requirements of SSPC AB1, AB2, and
AB3.

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

(CONTINUED)
Coating Material: AMINE-CURED EPOXY COATING
Substrate: CARBON STEEL
INSPECTION INSPECTION METHOD ACCEPTANCE
HOLD POINT CRITERIA
A. PRIOR TO THE
START OF WORK
(continued)
5. Equipment Readiness

a. Environmental Control Air and surface As listed in specification.

temperature, dew point, and Typically, surface
RH (ASTM E337) must be temperature at least 5F
taken at start of work and above dew point and 50-
every four hours or at 100F during application
intervals listed in the and curing.
specification.
Visual inspection for Blowers, filters,
functioning dehumidifers to meet
ventilation/dehumidification specification
equipment. requirements. RH

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 10

 typically no more than
80% .

b. Abrasive Blast Cleaning 1. Safe, properly sized 1. Manufacturers

Equipment equipment. 2. ASTM recommended
D4285 for clean air. 3. equipment. 2. Clean
Hypodermic needle gage blotter. 3. Manufacturers
test for air pressure at recommended pressure,
nozzle. e.g., 90 to 100 psig.
Mfg. recommended size;
c. Spray Equipment
Visual inspection. airless guards

The next table is a check of the equipment the applicator and/or inspector will need to
accomplish their work. The environmental control equipment should be capable of
maintaining the specified relative humidity, temperature, and dew point. The abrasive
blast cleaning and spray application equipment should be those required by the
specification or recommended by the manufacturer. One very frequent cause of poor
coating or lining application is the use of incorrect or worn spray equipment. The blotter
test and hypodermic needle gage test (listed in the table above) are used to ensure a clean
compressed air supply and operation under optimum conditions.

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

(CONTINUED)
Coating Material: AMINE-CURED EPOXY COATING
Substrate: CARBON STEEL
INSPECTION HOLD POINT INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE
METHOD CRITERIA
A. PRIOR TO THE START OF
WORK (continued)

5. Equipment (continued)

d. Inspection instruments
required
Psychrometers and ASTM E337 and Typically, surface
psychrometric tables manufacturers temperature at least 5F
instructions. above dew point and RH
not over 80%.
Contact, remote, or recording Following As required by the
thermometers manufacturers specification, typically 50-
instructions. 100F during application
and curing.

Standards for abrasive Required SSPC-SP Good comparison to

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 11

 blast cleaning. standard and specification description
SSPC-VIS 1. and pictorial standard.
Profile measurement equipment: ASTM D4417, Measurements in range
1. Replica tape and micrometer. Method C, A, or B permitted by
2. Metal comparator disc and (in preferred order) specification.
lens, or profile depth gage.
Wet and 1. ASTM D4414 1. Used only as an aid in
dry film thickness gages [WFT]. obtaining acceptable dry
2. SSPC-PA 2 film thickness. 2. DFT in
[DFT]. range specified.
Low and high voltage holiday ASTM D5162 All holidays detected
detector. marked, repaired, re-
inspected, and approved

The next part of the inspection plan covers the pre-inspection of the completed surface
immediately prior to the start of abrasive blast cleaning.

Surface Preparation Inspection Plan and Supplemental Notes

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

(CONTINUED)

Coating Material: AMINE-CURED COATING

Substrate: CARBON STEEL
INSPECTION INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE
HOLD POINT METHOD CRITERIA

B. SURFACE
PREPARATION
1. Cleaning to remove 1. Ultraviolet light 1. No contamination visually
grease or oil. or water break test detected or complete flow-out
described in SSPC of water.
Inspection Manual.
2. Blast Cleaning

a. Blast Cleanliness: 1. 1. Visual inspection 1. Good comparison to visual

General cleanliness. using SSPC-VIS 1. standard and to SSPC-SP
2. Soluble salt surface 2. Extraction and specification description. 2.
concentration. analysis systems Surface salt concentrations at
required by or below allowable level.
specification and
described in SSPC-
Guide 15 and SSPC
Inspection Manual.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 12

 b. Surface Profile ASTM D 4417, Surface profile required (e.g.,
Method C, A, or B 1.0 to 3.0 mils) by
(in preferred order). specification.
c. Abrasive Cleanliness ASTM D4940 No floating oil sheen, color,
(vial test); SSPC or suspended material visually
AB 1, 2, or 3. detected.

d. Blast Cleaning Visual observations Conformance to PCP

Operations

Surface preparation includes the removal of visible grease or oil deposits, in accordance
with the requirements of SSPC-SP 1, prior to the start of abrasive blast cleaning. The
blast cleaned surface must conform to the specified degree of cleanliness in the SSPC
standard required by the specification and must have the specified surface profile. Also,
the soluble salt concentration on the surface must not exceed the specified limit (when
soluble levels are specified).

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

(CONTINUED)

Coating Material: AMINE-CURED EPOXY COATING

Substrate: CARBON STEEL

INSPECTION INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE

HOLD POINT METHOD CRITERIA
B. SURFACE
PREPARATION
(continued)

4. Removal of Dust and ISO 8502.3 (tape test) As required by

Blast Cleaning specification.
Products

5. Environmental
Conditions
a. Substrate Thermometer; Surface temperature
Temperature manufacturers at least 5F above
instructions. dew point
and in range required
by specification or
manufacturers
product data sheet.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 13

 b. Dew Point ASTME337. Temp. and Surface temperature
dew point must be taken at least 5F above
at start of work and dew point.
every 4 hours or at time
intervals required by
specification.

6. Protection of Surfaces Visual Assessment Visual observation.

and Equipment Surfaces and
equipment not to be
coated must be
protected from
abrasive blast
cleaning and coating
overspray.

The protection of surfaces and equipment not to be prepared or coated is important. All
necessary masking or other protection should be in place and inspected prior to the start
of any surface preparation.

The final step of surface preparation, prior to the application of the coating or lining, is
to ensure that the surface is free of all dust or other contaminants. In addition, the
inspector must verify that the surface is free of unacceptable embedment, sweat marks,
and oil contamination from air tools and from the operating mechanisms of access
equipment (spiders or sky climbers). The inspector should be alert for imperfections in
the base material that may be revealed by the surface preparation, such as laminations
(also called hackles or slivers).

Coating Application and Curing Inspection Plan and Supplemental Notes

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

(CONTINUED)

Coating Material: AMINE-CURED COATING

Substrate: CARBON STEEL

INSPECTION INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
HOLD POINT METHOD
C. COATING
INSPECTION
1. Mixing of Visual Containers not to be opened except for
coatings observations inspection or immediate use.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 14

 Visual Mix in accordance with
observations specification/manufacturers
instructions. Mix each component
separately prior to mixing combined
materials. Mix only complete pre-
measured units, i.e., full containers.
Visual Mix until smooth and free from lumps,
observations typically with a slow speed stirrer.
Strain through a suitably sized screen, if
necessary.
2. Environmental Temperature Within range listed in
Conditions (and dew point, specification/manufacturers product
and RH) taken data sheet. Surface temperature at least
at start of work 5F higher than the dew point
and every four temperature.
hours.
ASTM E337 Relative humidity as specified, typically
no more than 80% during coating/curing

When the surface has been approved for the application of coating or lining, the materials
to be used should be brought from storage to the work area in unopened containers. The
containers should remain unopened until just prior to mixing. Under no circumstances
should the applicator attempt to mix partial containers. Only complete, factory-measured
units should be mixed.

Some applicators may attempt to proportion a small quantity of coating material for
touch-up rather than use a full 5-gallon container to save material. Most coating or lining
manufacturers supply materials in 1-gallon, or smaller, containers for this purpose, along
with the appropriate amount of catalyst or hardener required. Components of two- or
three-component materials should be mixed separately and in the proper order, in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Some materials require straining prior to
mixing.

Induction time (sometimes called sweat-in time) is the period after mixing multiple-
component coatings that is allowed to elapse before application. The induction time
simplifies coating application to vertical surfaces and ensures complete curing. If an
induction time is required at the particular application temperature, this will be noted on
the coating or lining manufacturers product data sheet.

Temperatures of the individual components of a coating or lining should be within the

range of the specification or manufacturers product data sheet before mixing.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 15

 COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN
(CONTINUED)
Coating Material: AMINE-CURED EPOXY COATING
Substrate: CARBON STEEL
INSPECTION INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
HOLD POINT METHOD

C. COATING
INSPECTION
(continued)
3. Application

a. Number of coats Visual inspection, Visually conforming to

preferably with specification.
adjacent coats of
different colors
b. Checking coated Coated before Visually conforming to
surfaces for surface becomes specification.
cleanliness before contaminated by
topcoating moisture, dirt, rust,
oil or grease
c. Complete curing ASTM D3363 Within minimum and maximum
(pencil hardness); range of specification.
ASTM D2240
(durometer
hardness); ASTM
D5402 (solvent
resistance).
d. Force curing Substrate Time and temperature as specified.
temperature
monitored manually
or with a recording
thermometer.
e. Touch-up Verified visibly As required by specification.
and/or with a
holiday detector.

The specified number of coats, the timing of the applications, time and temperature of any
force curing that may be required, and touch-up requirements are specified in the
inspection plan.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 16

Wet film thickness readings (usually done by the painter) are required as the coating or
lining work proceeds so the painter can adjust technique and settings to achieve
conforming coating thicknesses. However, it is still necessary to verify the required dry
film thickness of each coat as soon as it has cured sufficiently for measuring. Coatings and
linings applied too heavily are susceptible to incomplete curing, trapping of solvents, and
later blistering, cracking, and/or peeling. Coatings and linings are applied in multiple coats
to minimize the possibility of pinholes in different coats penetrating to the substrate.
Contrasting colors for adjacent coats will help in the detection of skips or thin areas.

The curing time between coats is of utmost importance. If a coating or lining is applied too
soon over the previous coat, solvents in the underlying coating may be trapped there, or
the underlying coat may be lifted or otherwise adversely affected. In the case of most
coatings, the succeeding coats must be applied before the underlying coats have cured to a
stage at which inter-coat adhesion is significantly reduced.

When force-curing of a coating or lining is required, the final curing temperature must be
carefully monitored and recorded. The temperature specified is usually the substrate
temperature, and this can vary greatly from surface to surface, depending on the
configuration of the object being cured and on the method and equipment being used to
accelerate the cure. Remote thermometers are best used to measure temperatures of
uncured coatings. Note that remote thermometers have an optimal measuring distance
which must be observed by the operator.

Tank bottoms sitting on concrete slabs or on sand beds, tank saddle supports, and
reinforced sections around openings or brackets are all notorious heat sinks. When force-
curing a lining, the temperature is normally raised in measured increments (for example, a
40o F rise in temperature every 30 minutes) until the desired temperature is reached and
then maintained there for the required period of time.

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

(CONTINUED)
Coating AMINE- CURED EPOXY COATING
Material:
Substrate: CARBON STEEL
INSPECTION INSPECTION METHOD ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
HOLD POINT
C. COATING
INSPECTION
(continued)
4. Applied
Coatings
a. Dry Film Calibration, verification of As required in the project
Thickness accuracy, measurements, and specification (e.g., primer: 3-5
frequencies as required by mils).
SSPC-PA 2.
b. Film Visual estimation of extent of Visually conforming to

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 17

 Imperfections sags, voids, drips, overspray, specification.
loss of adhesion, blistering,
peeling, etc. Standard
photographs may be helpful.

c. Film ASTM D5162 (low-voltage All holidays detected marked,

holidays holiday detector) repaired, re-inspected, and
approved.

The final part of the inspection plan covers the determination of the dry film thickness of
the applied coating or lining system in accordance with the procedures in SSPC-PA 2.
The inspector is often required to make an inspection of the coated surface for coating or
lining imperfections, such as overspray, major runs or sags, drips, blistering, pinholes,
any loss of adhesion, inadequate cure, etc. Any such imperfections must be corrected and
approved as conforming to the project specification.

When the coating application is to be used as a tank lining or in other severe chemical
service, a holiday test for pinholes or other film discontinuities is usually required. Any
holidays, pinholes, or other imperfections revealed by this test must be marked with
grease-free chalk or other suitable means and repaired and re-inspected for conformance
to the specification.

The inspector should look for areas lacking easy access that are difficult to blast or coat,
such as brackets, or behind pipes, inside channels, etc. A telescoping mirror can be useful
in inspecting areas not readily visible. The coating of structural steel in a fabricators yard
may be straight forward, but the lining of a tank interior can be much more complicated.
Inspectors should look for imperfections first in irregular areas and then continue with the
inspection of the large, flat surfaces. They should never accept the premise that, Since
the coating on the walls of a tank looks good, the limited-access or difficult-to-coat areas
are also good. Rust stains running down a tank wall after six months in service will be a
testament to an incomplete inspection.

Tips For Minimizing Problems

Use of Pre-Construction Conference to Clarify Requirements and

Authorizations for the Inspector and Other Personnel

All coating projects should start with a pre-construction conference that

includes the owner, contractor, coating manufacturer, and inspection personnel.
Items that should be discussed include:

Procedures for clarification of any vague, inadequate, or conflicting

specification requirements.
RFIs and RFDs (requests for information or deviation from the specification).

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 18

 Identification of personnel conducting different phases of the project work
and the extents of their authority.
An inclusive list of difficult-to-access and obstructed surfaces, along with
a procedure for dealing with each area or location. The procedure should
include surface preparation, acceptance criteria, and coating system (e.g., non-
blasted areas may not be suitable for zinc-rich primers).
Responsibilities for supplying materials and equipment, including access and
safety equipment.
Work hazards associated with the project and safety controls to be utilized to
avoid accidents and injuries.
Procedures for resolving disagreements at the job.
Procedures for issuing corrective action requests (CARs).
Procedures for processing change orders and notifying the appropriate parties.

At this time, the inspector should make sure that the extent of inspection
responsibilities is defined and precisely how to perform each task is completely
understood.

Addressing Deviations from the Specification

Coating inspectors should document and report but not approve deviations from
specification requirements without proper written authorization unless they are
assigned additional responsibilities. They should not tell contractor personnel how to do
their work or otherwise interfere with their work.

Assistance from the Manufacturer

If inspectors are not familiar with the products being used and desire more
information than provided in the manufacturers product data sheets, they can
request it from the manufacturer. However, the contractor is the party who should
request field support from manufacturers in applying their products, if they consider
it important.

Appendix: Sample Inspection Plan for Concrete Substrates

Equipment Required for Concrete Inspection

Visual Profile Coupons for surface preparation (ICRI CSP 1-9)

Profile Replica Putty and micrometer (TCP)
Dew Meter/Psychrometer with psychrometric charts or tables, as necessary
Air, surface, and paint thermometers
Water drop test/black light
pH test
Acoustics test
Impact hammer
Calcium Chloride test/RH test

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 19

 Anemometer/Volometer
Light meter
WFT gages for concrete
Ultrasonic Film Thickness (DFT) gages calibrated by the manufacturer and
shims for verifying the accuracy
Tooke or Paint Inspection Gage (PIG)
Flashlight and pocket magnifier
Holiday detector
Adhesion test equipment
ISO 8502-3 Dust Test
Slip Meter
Covermeter

Inspection of Pre-Surface Preparation

Note: Soundness of concrete is always checked before beginning any coatings job
(ASTM D4541 and ACI 503R).

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

Coating Material: _________________________________

Substrate: CONCRETE____________________

INSPECTION HOLD INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

POINT PRIOR TO THE METHOD
START OF WORK

1. Coatings Materials

a. Age, identification, and 1. Visually inspect 1. As specified by the project

condition of containers. container labels. specification , e.g., not more that
2. Condition of one year since manufacture;
container. manufacturers name, code
number, and batch number; no
missing labels, all in tact.
2. No dents or leaks.
b. Condition of paint in 1. Visually inspect and stir 1. Absence of skins, settling,
container. container contents. lumps, and foreign matter.
2. Check viscosity. 2. Viscosity in range acceptable
to manufacturer.
3. Coating temp. as specified.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 20

c. Storage conditions for 1. Visually inspect storage 1. Covered area -- protected from
all materials. area. damage, moisture, direct sunlight.
2. Check ambient 2.Temperatures in specified
conditions. range, e.g., between 50 and
100F.
2. Abrasive Materials

a. Identification and 1. Name and size of 1. As permitted by the

Cleanliness. abrasive. specification.
2. SSPC-AB 1, 2, or 3. 2. Requirements of SSPC-AB 1,
3. Verify doable field test 2, or 3 are compliant per
of SSPC-AB 1, 2, or 3, manufacturers data.
i.e., oil, ASTM D4940. 3. Doable SSPC-AB 1, 2, or 3
field tests verify cleanliness,
i.e., rust, oil, ASTM D4940.
3. Wash Water

a. Cleanliness 1. Supply source. 1. Factory DI water as specified.

2. Cleanliness. 2. Conductivity as specified.

4. Crack Fill Materials

a. Age, identification, and 1. Visually inspect 1. As specified by the project

condition of containers. container labels. specification , e.g., not more that
2. Condition of one year since manufacture;
container. manufacturers name, code
number, and batch number; no
missing labels, all in tact.
2. No dents or leaks.
b. Condition of fill 1. Visually inspect Those permitted by the project
material in container. contents. specification in good condition.

5. Thinners, Solvents
and Cleaners
a. Age, identification, and 1. Visually inspect 1. As specified by the project
condition of containers. container labels. specification , e.g., not more that
2. Condition of one year since manufacture;
container. manufacturers name, code
number, and batch number, no
missing labels, all in tact.
2. No dents or leaks.
6. Equipment and Test
Equipment Readiness

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 21

a. Condition of 1. Visual inspection for 1. Blowers, filters, dehumidifiers
Environmental functioning ventilation or to meet specification
Equipment. dehumidification requirements. RH typically no
equipment. Test A/C- more than 80%. A/C-Heater as
Heater. listed in specification and in
2. Temperature, dew point, working order.
and RH (ASTME337) must 2. Typically, temperature at least
be taken at start of work 5F above dew point and 50-
and every four hours, or at 100F during application and
intervals listed in the curing.
specification.
b. Condition of 1. Safe, whip check, 1. Manufacturers recommended
Blasting/Washing properly sized equipment. equipment.
Equipment. 2. ASTM D4285 for clean 2. Clean blotter or meets
air or ASTM D4940. conductivity requirement.
3. Wedge-shaped orifice 3. Maximum 2 nozzle size
gage test for nozzle size. increase in nozzle number or flat
4. Hypodermic needle gage fan nozzle as specified. 4.
test for air pressure at Specified blasting pressure, e.g.,
nozzle. 70 to 80 psig or minimum 3000
psig water pressure.
c. Condition of Paint
Mfg. recommended size; airless
Spray Equipment and
guards, gages working.
Crack Fill Equipment. Visual inspection.
d. Inspection instruments 1. Dew meter or 1. Within calibration limits;
required. Psychrometer and 2. Typically, temperature at least
psychrometric tables. 5F above dew point and RH not
2. ASTM E337 and over 80%.
manufacturers
instructions.
3. Water drop 3. Penetrates.
4. Black light 4. Does not fluoresce.
5. Calcium chloride. 5. Building acclimatized test
6. Insit tu RH test. duration 72 hours as required by
specification, typically 3 pounds
or less.
6. Building acclimatized test
duration 72 hours as required by
specification, typically 75% or
less.
7. pH test 7. As required by specification
typically 8-10 pH.
8. Contact, remote, or 8. Following directions of
recording thermometers. manufacturer and, as required by
the specification, typically 50-
100F during application and

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 22

 curing.

9. TCP Profile Replica 9. As required by

putty and micrometer. specification.
10. ICRI CSP 1-9. 10. Visual comparators.
11. Wet film strips. 11. Used only as an aid in
12. Ultrasonic dry film obtaining acceptable dry film
thickness gages. thickness.
13. SSPC-PA 9. 12. Within gage tolerance.
13. As specified e.g., Level 4
(no maximum--within 75%
minimum thickness.)
14. Low/high voltage 14. As specified.
holiday detector. 15. All holidays to be marked,
15. ASTM D5162 or repaired, re-inspected, and
NACE RP0188. approved.

Inspection of Surface Preparation

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

Coating Material: ___________________________

Substrate: _CONCRETE___________
INSPECTION INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE
HOLD POINT METHOD CRITERIA
DURING SURFACE
PREPARATION

1. Environmental
Conditions

a. Substrate Thermometer Not required in the

Temperature manufacturers specification.
instructions
b. Dew Point ASTM E337, Not required in the
Temp. and dew specification.
point must be taken
at start of work and
every 4 hours, or at
time intervals
required by
specification.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 23

 c. Protection of Surfaces Surfaces and Visual observation.
and Equipment equipment not to be
coated must be
protected from
abrasive blast/water
cleaning and
coating overspray.

2. Cleanliness

a. Cleaning to remove 1. Ultraviolet light 1. No Contamination

grease/oil (SSPC-SP 1). 2. Water drop test 2. Complete flow-out.
described in SSPC
Inspection Manual.

b. Abrasive cleanliness. 1. ASTM D 4940 1. No floating oil sheen, color

(vial test 1:1 or suspended material visually
volume ratio). detected.
2. SSPC-AB 1, 2, 2. Requirements of SSPC-AB
or 3. 1, 2, or 3 are compliant per
manufacturers data.

c. Shot blast cleanliness. 1.ASTM 4940 (vial 1. No oil sheen, turbidity, or

test 1:1 volume floating material.
ration)
d. Water cleanliness Vial test potable Less than 500 microSiemens,
water clear.
2. Profile
a. Blasted/Shot 1. TCP Replica 1. Surface profile required
blasted/Washed Putty (e.g., 56-75 mils).
profile. 2. ICRI CSP 2. Visual - Matches CSP 4-5.
visual coupons.
Blasting/Shot Visual Conformance to PCP.
blasting/Water observations.
washing
operations
c. Removal of dust and 1. ISO 8502-3. 1. As required by specification.
blast products. 2. Clear tape test. 2. As agreed upon by owner.

3. Finish of Surface
Preparation

a. Prepared surface 1. Water drop. 1. Penetrates.

cleanliness. 2. Black light. 2. Does not fluoresce.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 24

 b. Moisture Vapor 1. Calcium 1. Building acclimatized test
Emission/RH test. Plastic chloride. duration 72 hours as required
sheet method. 2. Insit tu RH test. by specification, typically 3
3. Sheet sealed pounds or less.
against surface for 2. Building acclimatized test
16 hours. duration 72 hours as required
by specification, typically 75%
or less.
3. Visually inspect underside
of sheet and the concrete for
presence of moisture.
c. pH of concrete surface. Electronic/ pH strip As required by specification
test. typically 8-10 pH.

Inspection for Coating Application

COATINGS INSPECTION PLAN

(CONTINUED)

Coating Material: ___________________________

Substrate: _CONCRETE________
INSPECTION INSPECTION ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
HOLD POINT METHOD
DURING
INSPECTION
1.
Environmental
and Surface
Conditions
Temperature, RH Surface, Within range listed in
ambient specification/manufacturers product data sheet.
temperature,
dew point
temperature,
and RH, taken
at start of work
and every four
hours
afterward.
ASTM E337 Relative humidity as specified, typically no
more than 80% during coating/curing.
1. Mixing of
Coatings

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 25

a. Lighting SSPC Guide 12 Light as required (20 foot candles).
Containers Visual Containers not to be opened except for
observations inspection or immediate use.
b. Mix single Visual Mix in accordance with
components and observations. specification/manufacturers instructions. Mix
multi- Coating temp. each component separately prior to mixing
components. check. combined materials. Mix only complete pre-
measured units, i.e., full containers. Check that
coating is at recommended temp. found on
product data sheet.
c. Sweat-in/dwell 1. Time. 1. Record mix time for pot life, dwell.
time, pot life. 2. Visual 2. Mix until smooth and free from lumps,
observation. typically with a slow speed stirrer. Strain
through a suitably sized screen, if necessary.
3.
APPLICATION

a. Lighting SSPC Lighting as specified (20 foot candles).

Guide 12

b. Number of Visually Visually conforms to the specification.

coats and colors inspect colors.
of each coat.

c. First coat color 1. Color 1. Blue Conforms to specification.

and WFT. 2. WFT 2. WFT gages conforms to specification.
d. First coat 1. Visually 1. No visible moisture, dust, rust, fish eyes,
cleanliness/amine check for amine blush, or contamination.
blush prior to top moisture, dust, 2. Verify accuracy - DFT measurements
coating. rust, fish eyes, conform to SSPC PA 9.
and amine
blush
contamination.
2. Ultrasonic
DFT test.

SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection 26