
SSPC standards are guidelines for cleaning and preparing surfaces before coating them with paint or other materials. SSPC-SP6, or Commercial Blast Cleaning, is a standard for cleaning unpainted and painted steel surfaces before protective coating or lining systems are applied. It is a joint standard developed by the SSPC (Society for Protective Coatings) and NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) to ensure consistency across industries. Commercial Blast Cleaning is a more affordable alternative to other blast cleaning methods, such as White Metal Blast Cleaning (SSPC-SP5), while still providing a high level of surface preparation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | SSPC-SP6 Commercial Blast Cleaning |
| Joint Standard | NACE No. 3 |
| Purpose | To clean unpainted and painted steel surfaces prior to protective coating or lining systems |
| Cleanliness | Higher than SSPC-SP 14/NACE No. 8 industrial blast cleaning but lower than SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2 near-white blast cleaning and SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1 white blast cleaning |
| Cleanliness Limit | Stains or shadows are allowed up to 33% of each unit area of the surface |
| Surface Requirements | Surface should be free from oil, grease, dust, dirt, mill scale, rust, and any other visible debris without using magnification |
| Surface Cleanliness | Light shadows, streaks, or small discolorations are allowed on less than one-third of the area |
Explore related products
$11.99 $15.5
$13.99 $16.29
What You'll Learn

SSPC-SP6 is a standard for commercial blast cleaning
SSPC-SP6 is used to clean painted or unpainted steel surfaces. It requires the surface to be free from oil, grease, dust, dirt, mill scale, rust, and any other visible debris without using magnification. The surface must be clean on at least two-thirds of a 9-inch square area. Light shadows, streaks, or small discolorations are allowed on less than one-third of the area. This standard provides a lower-cost option for surface preparation when blast cleaning is necessary.
The abrasive used for SSPC-SP6 commercial blast cleaning should be dry and free of any contaminants, such as oil and grease. The size and type of abrasive should be selected based on the blast cleaning system used, the surface being cleaned, the finished requirements of the surface, and whether abrasive recycling is necessary. The air compressor should be checked for oil and water contamination.
Before applying SSPC-SP6, it is important to ensure that all visible oil, grease, and other contaminant residues are removed. This can be achieved using standard SSPC-SP 1 Solvent cleaning or other methods. A chloride test may be required before solvent cleaning to identify the amount of deposited soluble salts. Environmental conditions should also be considered, such as temperature and humidity, to prevent moisture condensation on the cleaned surface.
Following SSPC standards, such as SSPC-SP6, ensures consistency and quality across industries. It helps to improve the lifespan of the finish by providing a clean and ready surface for the application of protective coatings.
The Easter Egg Hunt: Painting Eggs and Easter Traditions
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is a joint standard between SSPC and NACE
SSPC (Society for Protective Coatings) and NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) are two organisations that have established standards for surface preparation and corrosion protection. SSPC focuses on creating guidelines for cleaning and preparing surfaces before coating them with paint or other materials. This is especially relevant for steel structures. NACE, on the other hand, focuses on preventing corrosion in various industries, including oil, gas, and infrastructure. They provide standards for protecting materials from corrosion, which can damage metals and structures over time.
In 2000, SSPC and NACE issued joint standards in anticipation of a potential merger. Although the merger fell through, the joint standards remained and are now known as AAMP (The Association for Materials Protection and Performance). These joint standards aim to ensure consistency across industries in surface preparation and corrosion control. The SSPC/NACE standards are text descriptions, accompanied by visual guides (VIS) with photo references. They are numbered in reverse order, with higher numbers indicating a lower degree of surface preparation.
One example of an SSPC/NACE joint standard is NACE No. 1/SSPC-SP-5: White Metal Blast Cleaning. This standard describes the process of cleaning a steel surface to a white metal condition using abrasive blast media. White metal refers to a surface that is uniformly free of all foreign matter and appears white or grey. Another example is NACE No. 3/SSPC-SP-6: Commercial Blast Cleaning, which also involves the use of abrasive blast media to clean a steel surface. This standard includes instructions for pre-blast cleaning and the inspection of the cleaning process.
These joint standards are widely accepted by contractors and organisations as they standardise surface preparation results and provide templates to meet job specifications. They help ensure that surfaces are properly prepared for coating, improving the adhesion and lifespan of the finish. By following these standards, industries can achieve consistency and quality in their surface preparation and corrosion protection practices.
Primer Prep: Why Sanding Before Painting is Essential
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It requires the removal of visible oil, grease, dust, dirt, etc
SSPC-SP6, or Commercial Blast Cleaning, is a standard used for blast cleaning unpainted and painted steel surfaces before the application of a protective coating or lining system. It requires the removal of visible oil, grease, dust, dirt, and any other foreign matter on the surface.
The removal of visible oil, grease, dust, and dirt is a critical step in preparing a surface for paint or other protective coatings. These contaminants can interfere with the adhesion of the coating, leading to premature paint failure and reducing the lifespan of the finish. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned before proceeding with the coating application.
There are various methods that can be employed to achieve this level of cleanliness. One approach is to use standard SSPC-SP 1 Solvent Cleaning, which involves the use of solvents such as steam, emulsifying agents, or other cleaning compounds to dissolve and remove contaminants. This method effectively breaks down and lifts away visible oil, grease, and other residues, leaving the surface clean and ready for the next steps in the preparation process.
Another method to eliminate visible oil, grease, dust, and dirt is through the use of abrasive blast media. This process involves propelling abrasive materials at high speeds onto the surface, dislodging and removing any contaminants. The size and type of abrasive used in this process should be carefully selected based on the specific requirements of the surface and the desired finish. It is important to ensure that the abrasive media is dry and free of any contaminants itself, such as oil or grease, to avoid introducing new impurities to the surface.
Additionally, after the initial cleaning process, it is crucial to perform a thorough inspection to ensure that all visible residues have been removed. This can be achieved through methods such as brushing, blowing off residue with clean, dry air, and even vacuum cleaning. A surface dust test can also be conducted to verify the complete removal of dust and residue, ensuring that the surface is truly ready for the subsequent coating application.
Copying Selection Cells in Paint Tool Sai: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$59.99 $67.99

It allows for light shadows, streaks, and minor discolourations
SSPC-SP6, also known as Commercial Blast Cleaning, is a standard used for blast cleaning unpainted and painted steel surfaces before protective coating or lining systems are applied. It is a joint standard developed by the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) and NACE International Standard (National Association of Corrosion Engineers).
SSPC-SP6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast cleaning allows for light shadows, streaks, and minor discolourations on the surface. Specifically, it permits these imperfections on up to 33% of each unit area of the surface. This means that for every 9-inch square area, at least two-thirds should be free from any visible imperfections, while light shadows, slight streaks, or minor discolourations from rust, mill scale, or other types of stains are allowed on the remaining one-third.
The allowance for minor imperfections on one-third of the surface area provides a balance between achieving a clean surface and keeping costs manageable. This standard ensures that the surface is adequately prepared for the application of a protective coating, such as paint, while also being a more cost-effective option compared to more intensive cleaning methods like SSPC-SP5 White Metal Blast Cleaning.
It is important to note that while light shadows, streaks, and minor discolourations are acceptable under SSPC-SP6, all visible oil, grease, dust, dirt, mill scale, rust, coating, and other foreign matter must be removed from the surface. This initial cleaning can be achieved through standard SSPC-SP1 Solvent Cleaning or other methods, ensuring that the surface is properly prepared for the subsequent blast cleaning process.
Harley Engine Paint Job: Will it Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It is used to clean unpainted and painted steel surfaces
SSPC-SP 6 Commercial Blast Cleaning (NACE No. 3) is a standard cleaning procedure for unpainted and painted steel surfaces. It is used to prepare steel for protective coatings or lining systems.
The process involves using abrasives to remove all visible oil, grease, dust, dirt, mill scale, rust, coating, oxides, corrosion products, and any other foreign matter on the steel surface. It is important to select the appropriate abrasive based on the type and grade of steel, as well as the finished requirements of the surface. The abrasive should be dry and free of contaminants.
Prior to applying SSPC-SP 6, it is necessary to remove all visible contaminants using standard SSPC-SP 1 Solvent cleaning or other methods. A chloride test may also be required to identify the amount of deposited soluble salts.
After the SSPC-SP 6 cleaning process, it is crucial to remove all visible residues from the surface. This can be done through brushing, blowing off residue with clean, dry air, and vacuum cleaning. A surface dust test can be performed to ensure the removal of all dust and residue.
SSPC-SP 6 Commercial Blast Cleaning provides a high level of surface cleanliness, ensuring that the steel surface is thoroughly prepared for subsequent protective coatings or lining systems.
How to Paint Your PVC Flue Safely and Effectively
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
SSPC-SP6, also known as Commercial Blast Cleaning, is a standard used for blast cleaning unpainted and painted steel surfaces before protective coating or lining systems are applied.
SSPC-SP6 removes all visible oil, grease, dust, dirt, mill scale, rust, coating, oxides, corrosion products, and any other foreign matter on the surface.
SSPC-SP6 cleaning is used to ensure a clean, rust-free, and ready-for-coating surface, improving the lifespan of the finish.
Before applying SSPC-SP6 commercial blast cleaning, all visible oil, grease, and other contaminant residues must be removed. This can be achieved through standard SSPC-SP1 Solvent cleaning or other methods.
The substrate temperature should not be colder than the surrounding air temperature to prevent moisture condensation on the cleaned surface. Relative humidity should be less than 85% to avoid moisture condensation on the surface.










































