Surface Preparation

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 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.

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 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 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 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 how and where to use a chipping hammer as a method of pre-surface treatment. Various names are used to describe the tool including:

• Rust chisel
• Rust hammer
• Chipping hammer

Objective

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

• The protective coatings applicator will almost certainly use a hand wire brush.
• A non-mechanical form of preparation.
• Low-level tool used in preparation.
• A wire brush will not remove mill scale.

Objective

To understand how a scraper is used as a method of surface preparation.

• A scraper is a universal tool to the painter.
• Simple and non-expensive tool.
• Made from various types of material.
• Used in pre-preparation and general preparation.

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 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 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 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 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 compressed air for methods of surface preparation and coating activities. Also to understand the set-up, operational use and basic safety requirements.

• The protective coatings applicator will use compressed air in many day to day tasks.
• Compressed air is economical.
• Compressors come in various sizes.
• Compressors are available in diesel or electric.

Objective

To understand the types and methods of heaters to be used in the protective coatings application industry.

• The protective coatings applicator will certainly use or work with heaters some time in preparation and coatings activities.
• Contract specifications usually specify a minimum temperature for coating application.
• Temperature has a major effect on the cure, overcoating paint times in particular high-performance coatings.

Objective

To understand why and where lighting is used by the protective coatings applicator in both surface preparation and coating activities.

• Due to nature of protective coatings industry, lighting will be utilised by the protective coatings applicator.
• Direct lighting can be used or background lighting.
• The best light is natural light.
• Lighting can be a safety issue and is generally expensive although essential such as coating operations at night.
• Guides such as SSPC-Guide 12 are available for lighting requirements.

Objective

To understand how site abrasive blast cleaning creates dust, spent abrasive and debris during the preparation process. Also to gain an understanding of collection, removal and disposal of such items.

• Blast cleaning operations are not covered in this unit.
• The protective coating applicator may assist blast cleaning operations
• Spent abrasives have to be safely removed.
• Specialist equipment is available for safely removing spent abrasives.

Objective

To understand the use of de-humidification as a method of controlling environmental conditions during preparation and coating activities.

• Relative humidity is expressed as the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount possible.
• Relative humidity has a major bearing on surface preparation and coating application.
• If we had very little relative humidity we would have little corrosion.
• Relative humidity is expressed as 1-100%.

Objective

The objective of this unit is to gain an insight into the principles of high-pressure water jetting and it's use as a method of surface preparation.

Water jetting is also commonly referred to as ultra high pressure water washing (UHPP), hydrojetting or aquablasting.

Objective:

The objective to this training module is to give an overview of the BS EN ISO 8501-4:2006 which is titled "Preparation of Steel Substrates before Application of Paints and Related Products - Visual assessment of surface cleanliness - Part 4: Initial surface conditions, preparation grades and flash rust grades in connection with high-pressure water jetting"

This standard is widely used in the protective coatings industry.

Objective

The objective of this training unit is to give a full and comprehensive review of SSPC-VIS 4/NACE VIS 7, titled "Guide and Reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by water jetting".

On completion of this training unit, the student should be able to use the guide for inspection duties.