SSPC-Paint 28 August 1, 1991 Editorial Changes November 1, 2004

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

PAINT SPECIFICATION NO. 28

Water-Borne Epoxy Primer for Steel Surfaces
1. Scope
1.1 This specication covers an ambient temperature curing, two-component water-borne epoxy coating for steel that is intended for use as a primer of a multicoat water-borne epoxy or other coating system. 1.2 Primer coatings are categorized according to performance levels (Sections 2.3, 6, and 7). 1.3 Properly topcoated primers meeting this specication are suitable for exposures in Environmental Zones 1A (interior, normally dry), 1B (exterior, normally dry), 2A (frequently wet by fresh water), 2B (frequently wet by salt water) and 3C (chemical exposure, alkaline). 1.4 The specied primer is intended for application by brush, spray, or roller over steel surfaces prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. It is suitable as a shop primer, eld primer, maintenance primer, or intermediate coat and is to be applied in accordance with SSPC-PA 1. Manufacturer's recommendations should be followed when the primed steel is to be weathered prior to topcoating. Level 1: Level 2: Accelerated Testing (Section 6) Exterior Exposure (Section 7)

2.3.1 If no performance level is specied, Level 2 is assumed.

3. Referenced Standards
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the referenced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall govern unless otherwise specied. Standards marked with an asterisk (*) are referenced only in the Notes, which are not requirements of this specication. 3.2 If there is a conict between the requirements of any of the cited reference standards and this specication, the requirements of this specication shall prevail. 3.3 SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS: SSPC Guide 13 Guide for the Identication and Use of Industrial Coating Material in Computerized Product Databases Shop, Field, and Maintenance Painting of Steel Measurement of Dry Coating Thickness with Magnetic Gages Near-White Blast Cleaning Guide and Standard Reference Photographs for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces

PA 1

2. Description
PA 2 2.1 COMPOSITION: 2.1.1 The primer specied is typically based on a reactive oxirane (epoxy) functional resin with amine or acid functional curing agents (see Section 4.1). 2.1.2 The major volatile component by weight is water. Refer to ASTM D 3792 or ASTM D 4017 for determining water content of paints. 2.2 VOC LEVEL: The specied primer may or may not comply with all air pollution regulations. Consult applicable government regulations to determine maximum allowable volatile organic compounds (VOC) and proper VOC test method for a particular application. Supplier should provide VOC information on the coating as supplied (in the container) and as applied (in the eld after recommended thinning). See Notes 12.2 and 12.3. 2.3 PERFORMANCE LEVEL: Primers shall be classied according to the exposure performance achieved as follows based on testing of two coats of primer: SP 10/NACE No. 2 VIS 2

3.4 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS: A 569 (Withdrawn) Specication for Steel, Carbon (0.15 Maximum Percent), Hot-Rolled Sheet and Strip, Commercial Quality Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity Using a Stormer-type Viscometer Practice for Preparation of Cold-RolledSteel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces

B 117 D 562

D 609

D 610

6-101

SSPC-Paint 28 August 1, 1991 Editorial Changes November 1, 2004 D 714 D 1210 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints Test Methods for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-Vehicle Systems by Hegman-type Gage Test Method for Odor of Volatile Solvents and Diluents Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments Test Method for Package Stability of Paint Test Method for Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Water-Borne Coatings Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in 100% Relative Humidity Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings Test Method for Resistance of Emulsion Paints in the Container to Attack by Microorganisms Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test Test Method for Water Content of Water Reducible Paints by Direct Injection into a Gas Chromatograph Specication for Standard Environment or Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related Pigmented Coatings Practice for Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content of Paints and Related Coatings Test Method for Water in Paints and Paint Materials by Karl Fischer Method Test Methods for Field Measurement of Surface Prole of Blast Cleaned Steel Practice for Testing the Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation Practice for Characteristization of Atmospheric Test Sites

4. Composition
4.1 The manufacturer is given latitude in the selection of materials and process of manufacture, provided that the paint meets the requirements of this specication.

D 1296 D 1475 D 1654

5. Standard Testing Conditions

5.1 The standard testing conditions shall be in accordance with the standard atmosphere in ASTM D 3924, unless indicated otherwise. Standard temperature shall be 73.5 3.5F (23 2C) and standard relative humidity 50 5%. 5.2 The standard substrate shall be 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) thick ASTM A 569 hot rolled steel abrasive blasted in accordance with SSPC-SP 10 to a prole of 2.0 0.5 mils (50 13 micrometers) unless indicated otherwise. Measure blast prole in accordance with ASTM D 4417. 5.3 The standard dry lm thickness of the primer shall be 2.5 0.5 mils (64 13 micrometers) per coat unless indicated otherwise. Measure dry lm thickness in accordance with SSPC-PA 2.

D 1849 D 2243 D 2247 D 2369 D 2574

D 3363 D 3792

D 3924

6. Laboratory Performance Testing Requirements

6.1 For Level 1, the paint shall meet the requirements of Sections 6.2 through 6.13. For Level 2, the paint shall meet the requirements of Sections 6.2 through 6.13 and Sections 7.1 and 7.2. 6.2 RESISTANCE TO MICROORGANISMS IN CONTAINER: The paint shall be resistant to attack by microorganisms when tested according to ASTM D 2574. 6.3 FREEZE-THAW RESISTANCE: Test each of the components separately in accordance with ASTM D 2243. At the end of three cycles there shall be no gelling or excessive thickening, coagulation, lumps or coarse panicles. The maximum allowable increase or decrease in viscosity shall not exceed 10 Krebs units. 6.4 PACKAGE STABILITY: Perform the following tests in accordance with ASTM D 562. Place each component in closed containers in an oven for one month at 25 2F (52 1C). The maximum allowable increase or decrease in viscosity shall not exceed 10 Krebs Units. After brushing out, the lm shall be free from grains, lumps, or streaks. 6.5 MECHANICAL STABILITY: Test each component separately by lling a one-quart friction top can three-quarters full and closing the can tightly. Rotate on a jar roller for one week at 120 to 170 rpm. At the end of one week, there shall be no indication of separation, coagulation, excessive thickening or

D 3925 * D 3960

D 4017 D 4417 D 4585 G 92

3.5 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ANSI) STANDARD: Z129.1 Hazardous Industrial Chemicals Precautionary Labeling

3.6 FEDERAL STANDARD: 40 CFR 60, Appendix A, Method 24Determination of Volatile Matter Content, Water Content, Density, Volume Solids, and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings

6-102

SSPC-Paint 28 August 1, 1991 Editorial Changes November 1, 2004 loss in mechanical stability. The maximum allowable increase or decrease in viscosity shall not exceed ten Krebs Units when tested according to ASTM D 562. 6.6 POT LIFE: The term pot life, as used for solvent-borne or solventless epoxies, generally does not have the same meaning for water-borne epoxies. The usable life of mixed components of water-borne epoxies cannot be determined simply by measuring changes in viscosity. To determine usable pot life of water-borne epoxies, thoroughly mix together both components of the primer to yield one quart of mixed primer. Allow the mixed primer to stand at standard conditions under Section 5.1 for the pot life time specied by the manufacturer. At the end of this time period, the mixed primer shall show no evidence of gellation and must meet the requirements of Sections 6.7, 6.8, 6.10, 6.11, and 6.13. 6.7 LABORATORY APPLICATION PROPERTIES: Thoroughly mix together both components of the primer. Allow mixed primer to stand for manufacturer's specied induction time (if any). Apply (brush, roll, or spray) the primer in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to a vertical steel substrate under the standard conditions specied in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. Allow to dry in a well-ventilated room or chamber free from drafts and dust in diffuse light (not in direct sunlight). There shall be no runs, sags, streaks, ashes, laps, pinholing, eyeing, or cratering. 6.8 ADHESION: Condition a primed panel for seven days at standard temperature and humidity (Section 5.1). Evaluate adhesion in accordance with ASTM D 3359 Method B, Cross Cut Tape Test using one mm spacing of cuts. A rating of 5B is required. 6.9 RECOAT TESTS: Apply a second coat following the manufacturer's recommendations. There shall be no picking-up or rolling-up of the rst coat during applications. After 24 hours, the lm shall be smooth and uniform. 6.10 FILM IRREGULARITY: Apply one coat of the primer by the drawdown method to a 4 inch x 8 inch (10 cm x 20 cm) cold-rolled steel panel to produce the standard dry lm thickness (Section 5.3). Allow to dry for 24 hours in accordance with the standard testing conditions specied in Sections 5.1. Examine the lm for mud-cracking, alligatoring, or other lm irregularity; there shall be none. 6.11 RUST AND BLISTER RESISTANCE: Spray apply two coats (allowing 24 hours drying time between coats) to four panels in accordance with the standard testing conditions specied in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. Allow to dry for seven days after application of the second coat. Coat and seal all edges and the back side of each panel with a coating that will provide the necessary protection to these surfaces. Scribe a two-inch (ve cm) vertical line through the lower middle portion of the primed panels so as to expose the underlying metal before testing. The conditions of making the scribe shall be as described in ASTM D 1654. 6.11.1 SALT SPRAY: Expose duplicate panels in the salt fog cabinet for 600 hours according to ASTM B 117. At the end of 600 hours, immediately examine for rusting and blistering. The rusting shall not exceed 8 according to SSPCVIS 2 or ASTM D 610, and the blistering shall not exceed 8F according to ASTM D 714. After examining the panels for blistering, immediately remove the paint lm with a suitable organic solvent, for example chlorinated hydrocarbon or other solvent recommended by the paint manufacturer. If scraping of the paint lm is necessary to remove it, do not use a metal spatula or razor blade. Use a piece of soft wood. Examine the steel substrate. The rusting shall not exceed 8 as judged by SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D 610. The rust creep, as judged by the bare panel, shall not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) from the center of the scribe. 6.11.2 CONDENSATION: Expose the other pair of duplicate panels in a condensing cabinet according to ASTM D 4585 for 500 hours at 100F (38C). At the end of 500 hours, immediately examine for rusting and blistering. The rusting shall not exceed 8 according to SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D 610, and the blistering shall not exceed 8F according to ASTM D 714. After examining the panels for blistering, immediately remove the paint lm with a suitable organic solvent. If scraping of the paint lm is necessary to remove it, do not use a metal spatula or razor blade. Use a piece of soft wood. Examine the steel substrate. The rusting shall not exceed 9 as judged by SSPCVIS 2 or ASTM D 610. The rust creep, as judged by the bare panel, shall not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) from the center of the scribe. 6.12 FLASH RUST RESISTANCE TEST: Apply one coat of the paint in accordance with the standard testing conditions specied in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 and allow to dry in a horizontal position for 24 hours. At the end of the drying period, examine for ash rusting or rust bleeding. The paint shall show no rust bleed-through. After examining the panel for rust bleed-through, immediately remove the paint lm with a suitable organic solvent. If scraping of the paint lm is necessary to remove it, do not use a metal spatula or razor blade. Use a piece of soft wood. Examine the steel substrate. There shall be no rusting of the steel substrate. 6.13 EARLY WATER RESISTANCE: Apply one coat of the primer in accordance with the standard testing conditions specied in Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. After six hours of drying, immerse one half of the panel into distilled water for ve minutes. Remove and allow to condition for ten minutes at standard temperature (Section 5.1). The section exposed to the water shall have the same hardness as the unexposed section when checked with either the ngernail or ASTM D 3363 pencil hardness.

6-103

SSPC-Paint 28 August 1, 1991 Editorial Changes November 1, 2004

7. Test Fence Performance Requirements

7.1 Triplicate panels shall be prepared as described in Section 6.11 except that the coating thickness shall be 3.5 1.0 mils (89 25 micrometers) as measured by SSPC-PA 2. 7.2 EXTERIOR EXPOSURE: Triplicate test specimens shall be exposed for a minimum of 18 months on a test fence at an industrial or marine exposure site having a minimum annual mean precipitation of 25 inches (635 mm) per year. Other criteria for classifying the environment such as corrosion rate of bare steel or bare zinc (in accordance with ASTM G 92), or mean annual temperature may also be required when agreed to between contracting parties. Each specimen shall meet the following requirements (Note 12.4): Minimum rust rating of 9 in accordance with SSPCVIS 2/ASTM D 610 Maximum scribe undercutting of 1/16 inch (1.6 mm)

8.7 SOLIDS BY WEIGHT: Solids by weight of the mixed primer shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 2369. Variance shall be within 2% of the nominal percent solids by weight of the previously qualied primer (Note 12.5).

9. Labeling
9.1 Labeling shall conform to ANSI Z129.1. 9.2 Technical data shall be provided for at least all data elements categorized as essential in SSPC-Guide 13. 9.3 MARKING OF CONTAINERS: Each container of each component shall be legibly marked with the following information: Name: Water-Borne Epoxy Primer Specication: SSPC-Paint 28 Component: Color: Lot Number: Batch Number: Stock Number: Date of Manufacture: Quantity of Paint in Container: Information and Warnings as may be required by Federal and State Laws: Manufacturer's Name and Address: 9.4 DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Directions for use of waterborne epoxy primer must include information on storage, surface preparation, mixing, thinning, application, and recoatability.

8. Material Quality Assurance

8.1 The manufacturer should measure and record batch testing information that would allow certication that a batch meets the necessary standards established by the manufacturer for the primer as tested per Section 6. 8.2 CONDITION IN CONTAINER: Each component as received shall show no evidence of livering, skinning, or hard settling of the pigment. The inside of the container shall not be corroded. The material shall be easily dispersed in the liquid portion by hand stirring to form a smooth, homogeneous paint. 8.3 COLOR: The color shall be as specied in the procurement documents. 8.4 POT LIFE: Mix the primer as specied in Section 6.6. Allow the mixed primer to stand at standard conditions (Section 5.1) for the pot life specied by the manufacturer. At the end of this time period, the mixed primer shall show no evidence of gelation. 8.5 VISCOSITY: The viscosity of the mixed primer shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 62. Variance shall be within 5 Krebs units or equivalent units of another viscometer of the viscosity of the previously qualied primer. For viscosities lower than 55 KU, a number 4 Ford Cup shall be used in accordance with ASTM D 1200. Variations shall be within 5 seconds of the viscosity of the previously qualied paint. 8.6 DENSITY: The density of the mixed primer shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 1475. Variance shall be within 0.4 pounds per gallon (50 g/L) of the nominal density of the previously qualied primer.

10. Inspection
10.1 All materials (coatings) supplied under this specication are subject to timely inspection by the purchaser or his authorized representative. The purchaser shall have the right to reject any materials supplied which are found to be defective under this specication (see Note 12.1). In case of dispute, unless otherwise specied, the arbitration or settlement procedure established in the procurement documents shall be followed. If no arbitration or settlement procedure is established, then a procedure mutually agreeable to the purchaser and material supplier shall be used. 10.2 Samples of paints may be requested by the purchaser and shall be supplied upon request along with the manufacturers name and identication for the materials. Samples may be requested at the time the purchase order is placed or may be taken from unopened containers at the job site. 10.3 Unless otherwise specied, the sampling shall be in accordance with ASTM D 3925.

6-104

SSPC-Paint 28 August 1, 1991 Editorial Changes November 1, 2004

11. Disclaimer
11.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all information furnished in SSPC standards and specications is as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specied herein, or of the specication or standard itself. 11.2 This specication does not attempt to address problems concerning safety associated with its use. The user of this specication, as well as the user of all products or practices described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with all governmental regulations.

12.2 VOC information may be supplied on the label or the technical data sheet. 12.3 ASTM D 3960 and EPA Method 24 are commonly used methods to determine VOC, but these methods may not be acceptable to all jurisdictions. 12.4 The 250 meter lot (800 ft lot) at the LaQue Center, Wrightsville (Kure) Beach, NC and the Neville Island and coke works sites in Pittsburgh, PA with average bare steel corrosion rates of one to three mils (25 to 75 micrometers) per year based on panels exposed for 12 months, have been shown suitable for this specication's exterior exposure. The test coatings used to establish the performance requirement were evaluated at these test sites. 12.5 The supplier should also furnish information on the volume solids and the theoretical spreading rate (square feet per gallon for one mil of dry paint) [square meters per liter for one micrometer of dry paint]. 12.6 ASTM and Federal Standard Test Methods listed as canceled or withdrawn are no longer maintained, but are still available as historical documents.

12. Notes
Notes are not requirements of this specication. 12.1 The procurement documents should establish the responsibility for samples, testing, and any required afdavit certifying full compliance with the specication.

6-105