SSPC-SP 15

July 19, 2012

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

Surface Preparation Standard No. 15
Commercial Grade Power-Tool Cleaning

1. Scope 2.5 The surface profile shall be a minimum of 25 microm-

eters (1.0 mil). The peaks and valleys on the prepared surface
1.1 This standard contains the requirements for power- shall form a continuous pattern with no smooth, unprofiled
tool cleaning steel to produce a commercial grade power-tool areas.
cleaned steel surface having a minimum 25 micrometer (1.0
mil) surface profile. 2.6 The profile shall be measured in accordance with
ASTM D 4417 Method B unless otherwise specified (see
1.2 This standard is suitable where a roughened metal Notes 8.4, 8.5, and 8.6).1
surface that is free of all visible oil, grease, dirt, rust, ­coating,
oxides, mill scale, corrosion products, and other foreign matter 2.7 Reference photographs of power-tool cleaned surfaces
except as noted in Section 2.2 is required, but where abrasive found in SSPC-VIS 3 are often used to supplement the written
blasting is not feasible or permissible (see Notes 8.1 and 8.2). definition. In any dispute, the written definition set forth in this
standard shall take precedence over reference photographs.
1.3 This standard differs from SSPC-SP 3, Power-Tool Additional information on reference photographs is in Note 8.3.
Cleaning, in that SSPC-SP 3 requires only the removal of
loosely adherent materials, and contains no requirement to 3. Referenced Standards
expose bare metal or to achieve a minimum surface profile.
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the refer-
1.4 This standard differs from SSPC-SP 11, Power-Tool enced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall
Cleaning to Bare Metal, in that SSPC-SP 11 does not allow govern unless otherwise specified. Standards marked with an
stains to remain on the surface. asterisk (*) are referenced only in the Notes, which are not
requirements of this standard.
2. Definition
3.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of any
2.1 A commercial grade power-tool cleaned steel surface, of the cited reference standards and this standard, the require-
when viewed without magnification, shall be free of all visible ments of this standard shall prevail.
oil, grease, dirt, rust, ­
coating, oxides, mill scale, corrosion
products, and other foreign matter, except as noted in Section 3.3 SSPC STANDARDS:
2.2 (see Notes 8.1 and 8.3).
* PA 2 Procedure for Determining Compli-
2.2 Random staining shall be limited to no more than 33 ance to Dry Coating Thickness
percent of each unit area of surface as defined in Section 2.3. Requirements
Staining consists of light shadows, slight streaks, or minor SP 1 Solvent Cleaning
discolorations caused by stains of rust, stains of mill scale, or SP 3 Power-Tool Cleaning
stains of previously applied coating. Slight residues of rust and SP 11 Power-Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal
paint are permitted to remain in the lower portions of pits if the * SP 6 Commercial Blast Cleaning
original surface is pitted. VIS 3 Guide and Reference Photographs for
Steel Surfaces Prepared by Power-
2.3 Unit area for determining staining shall be approxi- and Hand-Tool Cleaning
mately 5800 mm2 (9 in2) (i.e., a square 76 x 76 mm [3 x 3
inches]).
1
Although ASTM D 4417 and ASTM D 7127 indicate in their titles that they
2.4 Acceptable variations in appearance that do not affect describe methods intended for use on blast-cleaned steel, there is currently
surface cleanliness as defined in Section 2.1 and 2.2 include no method specifically designed for measurement of profile on steel surfaces
prepared using power tools. Visual comparators used for ASTM D 4417
variations caused by type of steel, original surface condition, Method A represent surfaces prepared by abrasive blast cleaning and are
thickness of the steel, weld metal, mill or fabrication marks, inappropriate for comparison with power-tool cleaned surfaces. The replica
tape used for ASTM D 4417 Method C cannot accurately measure the profile
heat treating, heat-affected zones, or the texture/features produced by some types of power-tool cleaning media. A test area prepared at
associated with the use of a particular power tool. the job site can be used to assess the suitability of media and profile measure-
ment method for a project prior to full-scale production.

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SSPC-SP 15
July 19, 2012

3.4 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS:2 5.2 Surface imperfections such as slivers and laminations,
sharp edges, weld spatter, or burning slag shall be removed
D 4285 Standard Test Method for Indi- from the surface to the extent specified by the procurement
cating the Presence of Oil or Water in documents [project specifications] (see Note 8.10).
Compressed Air
D 4417 Standard Test Methods for Field 5.3 When air-driven tools are used, cleanliness of the
Measurement of Surface Profile of compressed air shall be verified in accordance with the proce-
Blast Cleaned Steel dure described in ASTM D 4285.
* D 7127 Standard Test Method for Measure-
ment of Surface Roughness of 6. Procedures Following Power-Tool Cleaning
Abrasive Blast Cleaned Metal Surfaces and Immediately Prior to Coating
Using a Portable Stylus Instrument
6.1 Visible deposits of oil, grease, or other contami-
4. Tools and Methods for Commercial Grade nants shall be removed in accordance with SSPC-SP 1 or as
Power-Tool Cleaning specified.

4.1 POWER TOOLS: Any hand-held motorized tool on 6.2 Dust and loose residues shall be removed from
which the media described in Sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 are commercial grade power-tool cleaned (SSPC-SP 15) surfaces
capable of being mounted in accordance with manufacturer’s by brushing; blowing off with clean, dry air per Section 5.3;
instructions and that will produce a steel surface meeting the vacuum cleaning; or other methods established in the procure-
requirements of Sections 2.1. 2.2, and 2.5 is acceptable (see ment documents (project specification).
Notes 8.7.1, 8.7.2, 8.8 and 8.9). Sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.2
describe the two main categories of power tools. It is possible 6.3 After power-tool cleaning, any remaining surface
for power tools to alter an existing surface profile. imperfections revealed by the processing in Section 5.2 (e.g.,
laminations, sharp edges, weld spatter, burning slag, scabs,
4.1.1 Grinding Tools: Grinding tools use media containing slivers) shall be removed to the extent required by the procure-
bonded abrasive grains to cut through corroded surfaces and ment documents (project specification). Any damage to the
include, but are not limited to, discs or wheels as described in surface profile resulting from the removal of surface imperfec-
Note 8.6.1. tions shall be corrected to meet the requirements of Section
2.5 (see Note 8.10).
4.1.2 Impact Tools: Impact tools use media that repeat-
edly collide with the target surface and include, but are not 6.4 Immediately prior to coating application, the entire
limited to, various rotary and reciprocating devices as described surface to be coated shall comply with the requirements of
in Note 8.6.2. Sections 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 (see Notes 8.11 and 8.12).

4.2 The use of several different power tools meeting the 7. Disclaimer
requirements of Sections 4.1, 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 is sometimes
necessary to achieve a commercial grade power-tool cleaned 7.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
surface meeting the requirements of Sections 2.1 and 2.2 (see information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is
Note 8.7 and subsections). as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot
assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from
4.3 If the procurement documents require power-tool the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein,
cleaning to prepare surfaces for subsequent coating, the or of the specification or standard itself.
edges of remaining intact coatings shall, unless otherwise
specified, be feathered to improve the appearance of the 7.2 This standard does not attempt to address prob-
repaired coating (see Note 8.2). lems concerning safety associated with its use. The user of
this standard, as well as the user of all products or practices
5. Procedures Prior to Power-Tool Cleaning described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with
5.1 Prior to power-tool cleaning, visible deposits of oil, all appropriate governmental regulations.
grease, or other materials that may interfere with coating adhe-
sion shall be removed in accordance with SSPC-SP 1 or other 8. Notes
specified methods.
Notes are not requirements of this standard.

2
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428- 8.1 FUNCTION: The type of power-tool surface prepa-
2959. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.
org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual
ration described in this standard removes tightly adherent
Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Docu- material, producing a surface that is free from rust, mill scale,
ment Summary page on the ASTM website.

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 SSPC-SP 15
July 19, 2012

and old coatings. The surface must also have a minimum 8.4 PROFILE: The profile created by any cleaning media
25-micrometer (1.0 mil) surface profile. Commercial Grade depends on many factors, including the composition and hard-
Power-Tool Cleaning produces a greater degree of cleaning ness of the steel, the presence and depth of any pre-existing
than SSPC-SP 3, which does not remove adherent material, profile, and the hardness and thickness of any existing coating
but a lesser degree of cleaning than SSPC-SP 11, which materials.
requires removal of all surface staining. Commercial Grade The ability of various media to produce a profile or main-
Power-Tool Cleaning may be considered for coatings that tain an existing profile depends upon physical characteristics
require a very clean surface, but where the extra effort required such as hardness, angularity or sharpness, size,and mass;
to remove all surface staining is not required. spacing; speed (velocity) of impact on the steel; and ability to
This standard is suitable where a roughened, cleaned fracture the coating material and alter the steel surface.
surface is required, but where abrasive blasting is not feasible The media indicated in Section 4.1.1 are capable of
or permissible. The surfaces prepared according to this stan- producing a profile of 12.5 micrometers (0.5 mil) on mild (struc-
dard should not be compared to surfaces cleaned by abrasive tural) steel, while the media in Section 4.1.2 are capable of
blast cleaning. Although this method produces surfaces that producing a profile of 25 micrometers (1.0 mil) and greater on
resemble SSPC-SP 6 (Commercial Blast Cleaning), with mild steel. The same media may not be capable of producing
the exception of material allowed in pits, power-tool cleaned the same profile depth in other steels, e.g., weathering steel,
surfaces are not necessarily equivalent to surfaces produced stainless steel, welds, et al. These capabilities are possible
by abrasive blast cleaning. The contracting parties should when the tools are used by an experienced operator.
agree on the appropriateness of the finished surface to accept Power tools are also capable of reducing existing deeper
the specified coating system. Selection of power tools and profiles by partial removal of the tops of the existing profiles,
cleaning media should be based on (1) the condition of the especially by grinding, sanding and the use of rotary flaps.
surface prior to surface preparation; (2) the extent of cleaning In cases of excessive pressure or dwell period at a specific
that is required; and (3) the surface profile required. location, the power tools can cause sharp edges and cuts in
The SSPC Surface Preparation Commentary (SSPC-SP the steel. Rotary power tools can cause a burnishing of profile
COM) provides additional information on subjects related previously imparted to steel or of the existing profile, thereby
to power-tool cleaning. The recommendations contained in reducing that profile. Impact power tools can cause burrs and
SSPC-SP COM are believed to represent good practice, but gouges.
are not to be considered requirements of this standard. It is important to determine prior to the start of produc-
tion if the power tool[s] to be used is capable of creating a
8.2 MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PAINTING: When profile that meets the requirement of the project specification
this standard is used in maintenance painting, specific instruc- or the manufacturer’s requirement for the specified coating.
tions should be given on the extent of surface to be power-tool Concerns about the suitability of a tool to achieve the require-
cleaned, including any additional requirements for retaining old ments of this standard should be discussed in advance with
paint, removing unsound paint, feathering and spot cleaning. the tool manufacturer’s technical representative.

8.3 VISUAL GUIDES AND COMPARATORS: Note that 8.5 FILM THICKNESS: It is essential that ample coating
the use of visual guides or comparators in conjunction with be applied after power-tool cleaning to adequately cover the
this standard is required only when they are specified in the peaks of the surface profile. The dry film thickness above the
procurement documents (project specification) covering the peaks of the profile should equal the thickness needed for the
work. It is recommended, however, that the use of visual desired protection. If the dry film thickness over the peaks is
guides or comparators be made mandatory in the procurement inadequate according to contract documents or manufactur-
documents. er’s specifications, premature rust-through or failure will occur.
SSPC-VIS 3 provides a suitable comparative visual guide The procedures in SSPC-PA 2 should be used to ensure that
for SSPC-SP 3, SSPC-SP 11, and SSPC-SP 15. However, coating thickness is properly measured.
visual comparators for blast-cleaned steel (e.g., SSPC-VIS
1) are not suitable for assessing power-tool cleaned surfaces. 8.6 SUITABLE TOOLS AND MEDIA: The tools/media in
Because power-tool cleaning is a time- and labor-intensive the text of this standard are intended solely to guide the user
method of cleaning, it is advisable to prepare a test area of 1 to typical types of equipment and media that are available to
x 1 sq meter (3 x 3 sq. ft.) for large areas or 30 x 30 cm (12 x meet the standard. The tools/media cited in this document
12 inch) for spot cleaning to an acceptable level agreed upon do not include all of the tools, devices, or products available,
by the contracting parties, and cover it with a clear lacquer to nor does their mention constitute an endorsement by SSPC.
save it as a standard during the power-tool cleaning operation. The presence of hazardous material in the coatings, cleaning
A 30 x 30 cm (12 x 12 inch) steel test plate can also be power- media, or in the work area itself, can place restrictions on the
tool cleaned to an acceptable level and sealed to serve as a methods of cleaning permitted.
project standard. Alternatively, such a field standard could be
protected with a volatile corrosion inhibitor, tablet or impreg- 8.6.1 Grinding tools/media: Any rotary or reciprocating
nated paper, with or without a desiccant, and kept in a sealed tool that uses bonded abrasives as the cutting media for
plastic bag to permit examination of the surface profile. generating surfaces meeting requirements of Sections 2.1, 2.2

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SSPC-SP 15
July 19, 2012

and 2.5. These include, but are not limited to, reciprocating 8.9 CLEANING LIMITED ACCESS AREAS: SSPC
sanders, orbital sanders, or any grinding device, whether right defines a “limited access area” as a location in which the
angle or straight shaft, that utilizes abrasive cloths, discs, configuration of a structure or surface or the characteristics
wheels, or flaps. of a tool restrict the use or performance of that tool at that
location. Alternative methods should be considered for limited
8.6.2 Impact tools/media: Any rotary or reciprocating tool access areas.
that uses repetitious impact for generating surfaces meeting
requirements of Sections 2.1, 2.2, and 2.5. This includes, but is 8.10 SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS: Surface imperfec-
not limited to: rotary flap, cutter bundle, needle gun, wire bristle tions can cause premature failure when the environment
impact and hammer flail assemblies. is severe. Generally, coatings tend to pull away from sharp
edges and projections, leaving little or no coating to protect the
8.7 SELECTION OF TOOLS AND MEDIA underlying steel. Other features that are difficult for a coating
to properly cover and protect include crevices, weld porosity,
8.7.1 Selection of Tools: Power tools should be selected laminations, etc. Poorly adherent contaminants, such as weld
on the basis of the size and speed rating of the media. These slag residues, loose weld spatter, and some minor surface
requirements may differ from one type of medium to another laminations, should be removed during the power-tool cleaning
and should be taken into consideration if more than one type of procedure. Other surface defects may not be evident until the
medium will be used in the surface preparation process. Power surface preparation has been completed. Therefore, proper
tools should be selected that will produce enough power to planning for such repair work is essential, since the timing of
perform the cleaning operation efficiently. Operator fatigue the repairs may occur before, during, or after the power-tool
should be considered in the selection of power tools. cleaning operations.

8.7.2 Selection of Media: When power-tool cleaning 8.11 RUST-BACK: Rust-back (rerusting) occurs when
rusted surfaces, it is important to avoid embedding rust into freshly cleaned steel is exposed to conditions of high humidity,
the substrate. Use of more than one type of medium may be moisture, contamination, or a corrosive atmosphere. The time
required in order to obtain the desired end result. interval between power-tool cleaning and rust-back will vary
Power wire brushes or sanding discs when used alone greatly from one environment to another. Under mild ambient
may not produce the required surface profile and may remove conditions, it is best to clean and coat a surface the same day.
or degrade an existing profile to an unacceptable level. Exceed- Severe conditions may require coating more quickly to avoid
ingly heavy deposits of corrosion products should be removed contamination. For exposure under controlled conditions, the
using hand or power tools prior to using surface profiling media. coating time may be extended. Under no circumstances should
After removal of excessive corrosion, a structural inspection the steel be permitted to rust-back before painting, regardless
may be warranted to ascertain if the metal thickness remains of time elapsed.
in compliance with the governing requirements, including
applicable codes (e.g. ASME codes for pressure vessels). 8.12 DEW POINT: Moisture condenses on any surface
that is colder than the dew point of the surrounding air. It is
8.8 CAUTION: Improper use of power tools can result in recommended that the temperature of the steel surface be
damage to the surface being cleaned. Excessive pressure or at least 3 °C (5 °F) above the dew point during power-tool
an overly long dwell time on a surface being cleaned using cleaning operations. It is advisable to visually inspect for
impact tools can result in formation of burrs and gouges. moisture and periodically check the surface temperature and
Rotary or grinding tools that remain over a specific location too dew point during cleaning. It is equally important to continue
long can bend the peaks of an existing profile and damage the to monitor the surface temperature/dew point relationship until
anchor pattern. In extreme cases, burnishing of the surface the coating is applied in order to avoid painting over a damp
may result. Improper use of tools with embedded abrasive surface, unless the selected coating is specifically intended for
media, including, but not limited to discs, wheels, pads, and application on damp substrates.
flappers may result in partial melting and smearing of the
matrix on the surface. A review of the manufacturer’s literature
or with the technical representative about the tool and its use
on the intended substrate should be undertaken if the operator
has little or no experience with the tool.

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