SSPC-Paint 36

August 14, 2013

Editorial Revision September 13, 2013

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

Coating Specification No. 36
Two-Component Weatherable Aliphatic Polyurethane Topcoat,
Performance-Based

1. Scope PA 15 Material and Preparation Require-

ments for Steel Test Panels Used to
1.1 This standard covers the requirements for a high- Evaluate the Performance of Industrial
performance two-component UV-stable polyurethane topcoat Coatings
(ASTM D16, Type V polyurethane). This coating will provide
color and gloss retention properties when used as a topcoat 3.4 ASTM International STANDARDS:2
over compatible coatings on a steel substrate.
* D16 Standard Terminology for Paint,
1.2 Coatings meeting the requirements of this standard Related Coatings, Materials, and
are generally suitable for exposures in environmental zones 1A Applications
(interior, normally dry), 1B (exterior, normally dry), 2A (frequently D523 Standard Test Method for Specular
wet by fresh water, excluding immersion), 2B (frequently wet Gloss
by salt water, excluding immersion), 3B (chemical exposure, * D562 Standard Test Method for Consis-
neutral), and 3C (chemical exposure, alkaline).1 tency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit
(KU) Viscosity Using a Stormer-Type
1.3 The specified coating is intended for application by Viscometer
brush, spray, or roller. It is generally applied over a primer or D1014 Standard Practice for Conducting
intermediate coating. Exterior Exposure Tests of Paints and
Coatings on Metal Substrates
2. Description * D1296 Standard Test Method for Odor of Vola-
tile Solvents and Diluents
2.1 This coating is typically based on the reaction of a * D1475 Standard Test Method for Density of
hydroxyl-functional polyol resin with an aliphatic polyisocya- Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related
nate co-reactant to form a polyurethane. Products
* D1535 Standard Practice for Specifying Color
2.2 WEATHERING LEVELS: This standard establishes by the Munsell System
three levels of performance requirements using accelerated * D1640 Standard Test Methods for Drying,
(A) weathering data and three levels of performance require- Curing, or Film Formation of Organic
ments using Natural Outdoor Weathering (N) performance Coatings at Room Temperature
data. D1849 Standard Test Method for Package
Stability of Paint
3. Referenced Standards D2244 Standard Practice for Calculation of
Color Tolerances and Color Differences
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the from Instrumentally Measured Color
referenced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid Coordinates
shall govern, unless otherwise specified. Standards marked * D2369 Standard Test Method for Volatile
with an asterisk (*) are referenced only in the Notes or the Content of Coatings
Appendix, which are not requirements of this standard. * D2371 Standard Test Method for Pigment
Content of Solvent-Reducible Paints
3.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of D2621 Standard Test Method for Infrared
any of the cited referenced standards and this standard, the Identification of Vehicle Solids from
requirements of this standard shall prevail. Solvent-Reducible Paints
* D2697 Standard Test Method for Volume
3.3 SSPC STANDARDS: Nonvolatile Matter in Clear or
Pigmented Coatings
Guide 13 Guide for the Identification and Use of
Industrial Coating Materials in Comput- 2
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. For
erized Product Databases referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, http://www.astm.org. For Annual Book
of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page
on the ASTM website.
1
SSPC Environmental Zones are defined in “About SSPC Standards and Guides” available
online from <http://www.sspc.org>.

1
SSPC-Paint 36
August 14, 2013
Editorial Revision September 11, 2013
D2794 Standard Test Method for Resistance 5.2 APPLICATION PROPERTIES: All guidance provided
of Organic Coatings to the Effects of by the manufacturer regarding mixing of multicomponent
Rapid Deformation (Impact) products, thinning requirements, induction times, and special
* D4214 Standard Test Methods for Evaluating application requirements shall be followed. The coating shall
Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint be easily applied by brush, roller, or spray in accordance with
Films the instructions on the manufacturer’s product data sheet. The
D4541 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off coating shall show no streaking, running, sagging, pinholing
Adhesion Strength of Coatings Using or other defects during application or while drying (see Note
Portable Adhesion Testers 12.3).
D4587 Standard Practice for Fluorescent
UV-Condensation Exposures of Paint 6. Test Panel Preparation
and Related Coatings
D5402 Standard Practice for Assessing the Triplicate test panels shall be prepared for each required
Solvent Resistance of Organic Coat- test in accordance with SSPC-PA 15, with the exception of
ings Using Solvent Rubs requirements of SSPC-PA 15 Sections 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, and 6.
G154 Standard Practice for Operating Fluo- When preparing test panels for adhesion testing to determine
rescent Apparatus for UV Exposure of recoatability, follow the instructions in Section 8.2 of this SSPC-
Non-Metallic Materials Paint 36 standard regarding dry film thickness and cure time.
Panels prepared for testing to determine recoatability shall not
3.5 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE be scribed.
(ANSI) STANDARD:3
7. Weathering Requirements
Z129.1 Hazardous Industrial Chemicals -
Precautionary Labeling 7.1 WEATHERING RESISTANCE: Two weathering
test procedures are specified below. Performance levels are
3.6 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY established using whites and light colored coatings5
AND TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS (AASHTO)
STANDARD:4 7.1.1 Accelerated Weathering: Accelerated weathering
shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D4587, Cycle 2.
* T339-10-UL Standard Method of Test for Analysis Test panels shall have a primer/intermediate coat (if required)
of Structural Steel Coatings for Isocya- as recommended by the manufacturer.
nate Content
Apparatus – Fluorescent UV/Condensation apparatus
4. Composition Requirements complying with ASTM G154.

4.1 RESIN REQUIREMENT: The reactive components Procedure – Test in accordance with ASTM D4587 Cycle
used in this two-component polyurethane coating shall be 2 procedure. This eight-hour duration comprises one test cycle.
comprised primarily of aliphatic polyisocyanate with acrylic, Continue cyclic testing to achieve the exposure hours defined
polyester, or blends of these polyol resins. by the specified Performance Level as shown in Table 1.

4.2 VOC CONTENT: See Note 12.1. 7.1.2 Natural Outdoor Weathering: Natural Outdoor
weathering shall be performed in accordance with ASTM
4.3 ANALYTICAL TEST DATA: If required, the coating D1014 (45 degrees south exposure, washed with mild
manufacturer shall provide certificates of analysis for coating detergent before readings are taken). Test panels shall have a
batches qualified by independent testing to meet this standard primer/intermediate coat (if required) as recommended by the
for use in verifying batch-to-batch consistency of material (see manufacturer. A minimum of three panels shall be exposed.
Note 12.2 and subsections). Test Sites: Unless otherwise specified, the natural
outdoor weathering test sites shall have a daily average total
5. Requirements of Liquid Coating ultraviolet radiation of 1.0 ± 0.1megaJoules per square meter
[mJ/m2]. Sixty-degree specular gloss shall be measured in
5.1 PACKAGE STABILITY: Package stability shall be accordance with ASTM D523 and tristimulus color measured
tested in accordance with ASTM D1849. Coating shall be in accordance with ASTM D2244 both initially and at the end of
stable when tested for 30 days at 52 ± 1 degrees C (126 ± 2 the period required for each performance level.
degrees F). A change in consistency of greater than 10 Krebs
units or noncompliance with the application requirements shall 7.1.3 Application: Follow manufacturer’s written
be cause for rejection. recommendations for application of the coating. Clear coatings
shall be tested over the intended basecoat. Initially, and at the

3
American National Standards Institute, 1819 L Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC
5
For the purpose of this standard, colors having a value of 9 or above on the Munsell color
20036. Standards are available online from <http://www.ansi.org>. chart are considered “light colors”.
4
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 444 North Capitol
Street, NW, Suite 249, Washington DC 20001, 202-624-5800. Standards are available
online from <http://www.transportation.org>. 2
 SSPC-Paint 36
August 14, 2013
Editorial Revision September 13, 2013
TABLE 1
WEATHERING PERFORMANCE TESTING
RESULTS TO BE REPORTED

Minimum Measurement Test/

Exposure Time Minimum Criteria
Exposure
Performance Level 8-hr Cycles Maximum Gloss
Test Color Change
Hours (ASTM Reduction
(ASTM D2244)
D4587) (ASTM D523)
Accelerated Level 1A 1000 h 125
Weathering (A) Level 2A 2000 h 250 25% from original
(Section 7.1.1) Level 3A 3000 h 375 Color Change
reading
equal to or less
Months
than 2.0 ∆E*
Natural Outdoor
Level 1N 12 C.I.E. 1976 L*A*B*
Weathering (N) 35% from original
Level 2N 24 (See Note 12.4)
(Section 7.1.2) reading
ASTM D 1014 Level 3N 48

end of each level period, 60-degree gloss shall be measured ASTM D4541 and identify the Method used. The minimum
according to ASTM D523 and tristimulus color shall be adhesion acceptance value of the primer to the substrate shall
measured according to ASTM D2244. Table 1 summarizes the be 4.1 megaPascals [MPa] (or 600 pounds per square inch
tests of Section 7 as well as the minimum acceptance criteria. [psi] in U.S. units).

7.2 PERFORMANCE LEVELS: Table 1 establishes the 8.3.2 Polyurethane Topcoat Adhesion to the Primer:
amount of time the coating shall perform before noticeable Apply topcoat to primed panels cured as described in Section
change in order to achieve the defined performance level (see 8.2. Test the intercoat adhesion between topcoat and primer
Note 12.4 and subsections). The coating manufacturer shall or intermediate coat in accordance with Method D, E, or F of
report the performance level and the exposure method used. ASTM D4541 and identify the Method used. Intercoat adhesion
is defined as the force required to separate the topcoat from
8. Laboratory Physical Tests of Applied Coatings the underlying coat. The minimum intercoat adhesion (both
adhesive and cohesive) shall meet or exceed the cohesive
8.1 RECOATABILITY: Intercoat and substrate adhesion strength of the coating system.
properties of the polyurethane topcoats shall be determined by
measurement of adhesion values between: 8.3.3 Polyurethane Topcoat Adhesion to (Same)
a) the primer and the substrate, Previously Applied Topcoat: Apply a second coat of topcoat
b) the polyurethane topcoat and the primer or interme- and cure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
diate coat, and, if applicable, Test the intercoat adhesion in accordance with Method D, E, or
c) the second coat of polyurethane topcoat and the F of ASTM D4541 and identify the Method used. The minimum
same previously applied topcoat. intercoat adhesion (both adhesive and cohesive) shall meet or
exceed the cohesive strength of the coating system.
8.2 PREPARATION OF PANELS FOR RECOATABILITY
TESTING: Coating manufacturers shall provide acceptable 8.4 DIRECT IMPACT RESISTANCE: The minimum impact
window (time frame) ranges between applications of coats in a resistance of the cured topcoat as applied to 3 test specimens
multi-coat system. Unless the purchaser specifically requests shall be 4.2 kilograms of force per square centimeter [kgf/cm2]
a variance, each coat of the multi-coat system shall be applied (or 60 pounds of force per square inch [in-lb] in U.S. units)
at the maximum dry film thickness and cured for the minimum when measured in accordance with ASTM D2794.
curing time stated on the manufacturer’s product data sheets
prior to performing adhesion testing. Temperature and humidity 8.5 SOLVENT (MEK) RESISTANCE: No topcoat shall be
conditions during cure time shall be reported. visible on a test cloth saturated with MEK when evaluated after
four sets of 25 double-rubs in accordance with procedures in
8.3 ADHESION TESTING ASTM D5402.

8.3.1 Primer Adhesion to Steel Substrate: Prepare 8.6 RESISTANCE TO CHALKING: The maximum
steel panels in accordance with requirements of SSPC-PA 15 chalking value shall be a level of 6 using Reference Photograph
and Section 8.2 of this standard. Test adhesion of the applied No. 1 when evaluated in accordance with procedures in ASTM
primer to the steel panel according to Method D, E, or F of D4214 Test Method A at the time period indicated for desired
weathering level. These properties are summarized in Table 2.

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SSPC-Paint 36
August 14, 2013
Editorial Revision September 11, 2013
TABLE 2
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE TEST REQUIREMENTS

Minimum
Test ASTM Method Result (Units)
Acceptable Value
Adhesion (to substrate, primer, inter-
D4541
mediate coat, or previously applied
(Method III, MPa (psi) 4.1 (600)
topcoat)
IV, V, or VI)
(Section 8.3 and subsections)

kg-force per
Direct Impact Resistance
D2794 square centimeter 4.2 (60)
(Section 8.4)
(lb-force per square inch)

Solvent (MEK) Resistance 4 sets of 25 with no

D5402 Number of double-rubs
(Section 8.5) topcoat visible on cloth

Degree of chalking in exterior paints Photographic standard 6, where 10 is

D4214
(Section 8.6) rating method no chalking*

* At desired weathering level.

9. Material Quality Assurance 12.1 VOC CONTENT: Local regulations regarding

VOC content, VOC emissions, and container labeling
Optional tests used to determine the acceptability of a lot may vary depending on project location. For example,
or batch of a qualified coating are listed in Note 12.2. U.S Federal limits for VOCs in industrial maintenance
coatings were published in 1998 and may be found at
10. Labeling <http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/183e/aim/aimpg.html#RULE>.
These limits apply to the coating at the time of application,
10.1 Labeling shall conform to requirements of ANSI after thinning according to the manufacturer’s recommenda-
Z129.1. tions. However, many state and local governments and/or air
quality management areas have more stringent VOC regula-
10.2 Technical data shall be provided for at least all data tions than those in the federal rule. In the U.S., information on
elements categorized as “essential” in SSPC-Guide 13. The the VOC content of each container before mixing or thinning is
specifier has the option to require additional data to satisfy found on the container label and in the manufacturer’s safety
quality assurance or local regulatory requirements. data sheet. The coating manufacturer’s product data sheet
usually provides information on the total VOC content of a
11. Disclaimer coating after mixing and any recommended thinning.

11.1 This is a consensus standard developed by SSPC: 12.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS: Quality assurance
The Society for Protective Coatings. While every precaution tests are used to determine whether the supplied products
is taken to ensure that all information furnished in SSPC are of the same type and quality as those originally tested.
standards is as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, The selected tests should rapidly and accurately measure the
SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obligation physical and chemical characteristics of the coating necessary
resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or methods to verify that the supplied material is substantially the same as
specified herein, or of the standard itself. the previously accepted material. All of the quality assurance
tests must be performed on the originally submitted qualification
11.2 This standard does not attempt to address problems sample. The results of these tests are used to establish pass/
concerning safety and health associated with its use. The user fail criteria for quality assurance testing of supplied products.
of this standard, as well as the user of all products or practices
described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate 12.2.1 Establishing Quality Assurance Acceptance
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with Criteria: Many ASTM test methods contain precision and bias
all governmental regulations. statements. Specification developers should be cognizant of
the fact that these statements exist. Quality assurance test
12. Notes criteria should not be more stringent than the interlaboratory
precision of the test methods used. The specifier may require
Notes are not requirements of this specification. additional technical data to satisfy QA or local regulatory
requirements.

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 SSPC-Paint 36
August 14, 2013
Editorial Revision September 13, 2013
Where precision and bias data are not available for a given 12.4.1 Polyurethane topcoats are available in a wide range
test method, determine the standard deviation of a minimum of color and gloss. Procurement documents should state the
of five measurements taken on the originally tested and certi- desired level of performance, exposure method (in accordance
fied material. The pass/fail criterion is that the measurement of with Table 1), color, and gloss. For example, a specifier may
the test sample shall fall within two standard deviations of the require Level 2 Natural Outdoor Weathering exposure, initial
target value. The contracting parties must agree on a target gloss greater than 80, matched to a specific color.
value.
12.4.2 Performance results from accelerated weathering
12.2.2 Quality Assurance Testing Procedures: Quality do not necessarily correspond to those from the corresponding
assurance tests include but are not limited to: infrared analysis level of atmospheric weathering. It is left to the discretion of
(ASTM D2621), viscosity (ASTM D562), weight per gallon the specifier whether to accept Natural Outdoor Weathering
(ASTM D1475), total solids (ASTM D2369), volume solids data from a similar color or to use UV-A data in lieu of Natural
(ASTM D2697), dry time (ASTM D1640), percent pigment Outdoor Weathering data.
(ASTM D2371), gloss (ASTM D523), color (ASTM D1535,
ASTM D2244), odor (ASTM D1296), and isocyanate content 12.4.3 Test results for color and gloss of deeper colors
(AASHTO T339-10-UL). (i.e., having a Munsell value below 9) will vary significantly due
to differences in pigment weathering properties, and may not
12.3 Depending on formulation, these coatings may be meet the requirements of Section 7 without use of additional
susceptible to pinholing if applied under adverse conditions, procedures such as clear coating. Alternatively, the specifier
such as abnormally high humidity (e.g., above 85% RH). Consult may accept a greater change in gloss and color for deeper
the coating manufacturer for application recommendations if colors.
coatings will be applied under adverse conditions.
12.4.4 The coating manufacturer should be contacted if
12.4 Smaller values of color change (less than 2.0 ∆E*) the user desires color change of less than 2.0 ∆E* for a specific
may be visible to the eye, but the noticeable change maximum application. In order to achieve this requirement, additional
of 2.0 ∆E* C.I.E. 1976 L*A*B* specified in this standard is procedures such as clear coating may be needed.
acceptable for most industrial and marine applications.

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Protective Coatings. Any photocopying, re-selling, or
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