scope:

Introduction

This Surface Preparation Commentary (SP COM) is intended to be an aid in selecting the proper surface preparation method, materials, and specification for steel, concrete, and other metallic substrates. A compilation of standards, guides, and specifications related to the surface preparation and coating of concrete is available as a separate publication from SSPC. The SP COM is not part of the actual specification, but is included to provide a better understanding of the SSPC surface preparation specifications. In addition, surface preparation specifications other than those published by SSPC are referenced.

The SSPC specifications, summarized in Table 1, represent a broad consensus of users, suppliers, and public interest groups. Details of the methods used to measure many of the properties in this SP COM are described in SSPC publication 97-07, The Inspection of Coatings and Linings, A Handbook of Basic Practice for Inspectors, Owners, and Specifiers.