SSPC-Paint 23
November 1, 1982
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings
PAINT SPECIFICATION NO. 23
Latex Primer for Steel Surfaces
1. Scope 3.4 SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS:
1.1 This specification covers an air drying, ready- PA 1 Shop, Field, and Maintenance
mixed, water-borne primer for blast cleaned steel. It is Painting of Steel
intended for use as a primer coat of a water-borne coating Paint 24 Latex Semigloss Exterior Top-
system consisting of two coats of this primer and one or two coat
coats of a water-borne topcoat. SP 6/NACE No. 3 Commercial Blast Cleaning
VIS 2 Standard Method of Evaluating
1.2 This primer is suitable for exposures in Environ- Degree of Rusting on Painted
mental Zones 1A (interior, normally dry) and 1B (exterior, Steel Surfaces
normally dry), and is intended for brush, spray, or roller
application over steel surfaces prepared in accordance with 3.5 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MA-
SSPC-SP 6, "Commercial Blast Cleaning." It is suitable as TERIALS (ASTM) STANDARDS:
a shop primer, field primer, maintenance primer, or interme-
diate coat and is to be applied in accordance with SSPC-PA B 117 Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing
1, "Shop, Field, and Maintenance Painting of Steel." It is not D 522 Test Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of
recommended to expose steel to the weather with less than Attached Organic Coatings
two coats of water-borne coating; therefore, intermediate D 523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
and topcoats should be applied as soon as possible. D 562 Test Method for Consistency of Paints
Using the Stormer Viscometer
2. Description D 609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled
Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish,
2.1 This primer is based on a latex vehicle produced by Conversion Coatings, and Related
emulsion polymerization and appropriate pigments. Details Coating Products
of the composition are given in Table 1. D 610 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of
Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces
2.2 This primer contains approximately 36% by volume D 714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of
of nonvolatile film-forming solids (pigment and binder). The Blistering of Paints
theoretical spreading rate for a 2.0 mil (51 micrometers) dry D 1210 Test Methods for Fineness of Dispersion
film thickness is 290 square feet/U.S. gallon (7.1 square of Pigment-Vehicle Systems
metersAiter). Actual spreading rates can be significantly D 1296 Test Method for Odor of Volatile Solvents
lower. and Diluents
D 1640 Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film
3. Reference Standards Formation of Organic Coatings at Room
Temperat ure
3.1 The standards referenced in this specification are Method for Evaluation of Painted or
D 1654
listed in Sections 3.4 through 3.7 and form a part of this
Coated Specimens Subjected to Corro-
specification. sive Environments
D 1737 (Canceled) Elongation of Attached
3.2 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the Organic Coatings with Cylindrical Man-
referenced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid drel Apparatus (Replaced with ASTM D
shall govern unless otherwise specified.
522)
D 1849 Test Method for Package Stability of Paint
3.3 If there is a conflict between the requirements of Test Method for Freeze-Thaw Resis-
D 2243
any of the cited reference standards and this specification, tance of Water-Borne Coatings
the requirements of this specification shall prevail. Practice for Testing Water Resistance of
D 2247
Coatings in 100% Relative Humidity
383
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SSPC-Paint 23
November 1, 1982
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
D 2486 Test Method for Scrub Resistance of Inte- 4.3 The paint shall conform to the composition (analy-
rior Latex Flat Wall Paints sis) requirements of Table 1.
D 2574 Test Method for Resistance of Emulsion
Paints in the Container to Attack by Micro- 5. Properties
organisms
D 2801 (Canceled)Test Methodfor LevelingChar- 5.1 The paint shall meet the requirements of Table 2
acteristics of Paints by Draw-Down and Sections 5.2 through 5.17.
Method (See ASTM D 4400.)
D 3273 Test Method for Resistance to Growth of 5.2 ODOR: Shall be normal for the materials permitted
Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings (ASTM D 1296). In a freshly opened container, there shall
in an Environmental Chamber be no offensive, disagreeable, or putrid odor.
D 3274 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of
Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by 5.3 COLOR: The color shall be as specified in the
Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth or Soil procurement documents.
and Dirt Accumulation
D 3925 Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and 5.4 RESISTANCE TO MICROORGANISM ATTACK:
Related Pigmented Coatings The paint shall be resistant to attack by microorganisms
D 4400 Test Method for Sag Resistance of Paints when tested according to ASTM D 2574.
Using a Multinotch Applicator
5.5 APPLICATION PROPERTIES: The paint shall be
3.6 FEDERAL STANDARDS: easily applied to a smooth steel vertical surface at 4 mils
(102 micrometers) wet film thickness on 400 square feet/
TT-E-506 Enamel, Alkyd, Gloss, Tints and gallon (9.8 square metersIliter) by brush, spray, or roller.
White (for Interior Use) Drying shall be done in a well-ventilated room or chamber
free from drafts and dust in diffused light, not in direct
FED-STD-141 Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related sunlight. The temperature of the airshall be between 21 and
Materials: Methods of Inspection, Sampling and Testing 28°C. The relative humidity shall be 50% I 5 % . There shall
be no runs, sags, streaks, flashes, laps, pinholing, eyeing,
Method 2021 Preparation of Glass Panels or cratering. After four hours of drying, apply a second coat
Method 6141 Washability in the same manner as the first. There shall be no picking-
up or rolling-up of the first coat during applications. After 24
3.7 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE hours, the film shall be smooth and uniform.
(ANSI) STANDARD:
5.6 CONDITION IN CONTAINER: The primer as re-
21 29.1 Hazardous Industrial Chemi- ceived shall show no evidence of livering, skinning, or hard
cals- Precautionary Labeling settling of the pigment. The inside of the container shall not
be corroded. The material shall be easily dispersed in the
4. Composition liquid portion by hand stirring to form a smooth homoge-
neous paint. The primer shall show a minimum of foaming
4.1 The manufacturer is given some latitude in the and be free of grit, seeds, lumps, or livering.
selection of materials and process of manufacture, pro-
vided that the primer meets the requirements of this speci- 5.7 FREEZE-THAW RESISTANCE: The paint shall
fication. Materials shall be of the best quality used in good pass three cycles when tested according to the procedure
commercial practice and entirely suitable for the purpose described in ASTM D 2243. There shall be no gelation, or
intended under normal conditions of use. excessive thickening, coagulation, lumps, or coarse par-
ticles. The maximum allowable increase or decrease in
4.2 The vehicle shall be a stable dispersion of synthetic viscosity shall not exceed 1O Kreb units.
resin particles (latex) in water prepared by emulsion poly-
merization, together with the necessary additives such as 5.8 WET ADHESION: Prepare 6" x 17"x 1/4"(15 cm x
pigment dispersant, antifoamer, preservatives, and "anti- 43 cm x 0.63 cm) glass panels with a ground surface which
freeze" in order to produce a primer conforming to this has been cleaned according to FED-STD-141, Method
specification. A suitable film and package preservative 2021. Apply alkyd enamel conforming to Federal Specifica-
shall be used. tion TT-E-506 by drawndown with a suitable applicator to
obtain a dry film thickness of 3.0 I 0.3 mils (76 I 8
micrometers) and a width of 5-1/2" (14 cm). Allow the alkyd
384
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SSPC-Paint 23
November 1, 1982
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
TABLE 1
ANALYSIS
REQUIREM ENTS
CHARACTERISTICS' Min. Yo Max. YO ASTM FED-STD-141
Pigment Volume Concentration 22 35
Nonvolatile Vehicle 20 -
Total Solids by Volume 36 -
Oil or Resin Modifiers in
Nonvolatile Vehicle, wt. - 40
' Theoretical as calculated.
TABLE 2
PROPERTIES
REQUIREMENTS
CHARACTERISTICS Min. Max. ASTM FED-STD-141
Viscosity* shear rate 200 rpm
Grams 150 240 D 562 -
Kreb units 72 88 D 562 -
Fineness of grind, Hegman units 3.0 - D 1210 -
Drying time, hours
Dry to touch - 4 D 1640 -
Dry hard - 24 D 1640 -
60 degrees Specular Gloss - 25 D 523 -
Sag Resistance, mils 6 - D 2801** -
*Viscosity 48 hours or more after manufacture.
**ASTM D 2801 has been replaced by ASTM D 4400.
enamel to dry in a horizontal position for three days at 74- less than 1,500 strokes. If this occurs, it shall not be
80°F (23-27°C) and 50% I 5 % relative humidity. Bake two considered as adhesion failure of the test paint.
hours at 200°F (93°C) prior to the application of the test
paint. Apply the test paint by drawdown as above in a 5.9 PACKAGE STABILITY: Perform the following tests
direction perpendicular to the long axis of the panel to in accordance with ASTM D 1849. When stored for one
obtain a dry film of 2.0 1 0 . 2 mils (51 I 5 micrometers) and month at 123-127°F (51-53"C), the maximum allowable
a width of approximately 2" (5cm). Allow the test paint to dry increase or decrease in viscosity shall not exceed 10 Kreb
for 48 hours at 74-80°F (23-27°C) and 50% I 5 % relative units. After brushing, the film shall be free from grains,
humidity . lumps, or streaks.
Make a cut (the entire width of the test panel) perpen-
dicular to the long axis of the glass panel through the center 5.10 MECHANICAL STABILITY: Fill a one quart (one
of the test film with a razor blade held at a 45-degree angle. liter) friction top can three-quarters full with the primer and
Place the panel on a Gardner Machine (described in FED- close the can tightly. Rotate on a jar roller for 168 hours at
STD-141, Method 6141) so that the test paint is approxi- 120-170 rpm. At the end of 168 hours, there shall be no
mately in the center of the brush stroke and scrub underwa- indication of separation, coagulation, excessive thickening
ter with the brush described in ASTM D 2486. A brush shall or loss in mechanical stability. The maximum allowable
move in a direction parallel to the long axis of the glass increase or decrease in viscosity shall not exceed 1O Krebs
panel and perpendicular to the cut made in the test film. The units.
brush shall travel at a rate of 39 Ilcycles (78 I 2 separate
strokes) per minute. There shall be no adhesion failure 5.1 1 COALESCENCE TEST: Apply the primer to two
between the test paint and the alkyd undercoat after 1,500 4" x 8" (10 cm x 20 cm) cold-rolled steel panels to produce
strokes. The paint may wear through to the alkyd enamel in a dry film thickness of 2.0 1 0 . 5 mils (50I13 micrometers).
385
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SSPC-Paint 23
November 1, 1982
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
(a) Allow one panel to dry for four hours at 50% I 5 % immediately examine for rusting and blistering. The rusting
relative humidity and at 4753°F (8-12°C). shall no exceed "8" according to SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D
(b) Allow the other panel to dry four hours at the same 610 and the blistering shall not exceed "8F" according to
relative humidity as the first and at 74-80°F (23-27°C). ASTM D 714. After examining the panels for blistering,
At the end of the four hour drying period, allow both immediately remove the paint film with a suitable organic
panels to remain at condition (b) above for 24 hours. At the solvent. If scraping of the paint film is necessary to remove
end of 24 hours, brush one coat of alkyd enamel conforming it, do not use a metal spatula or razor blade; use a piece of
to Federal Specification TT-E-506 to one-half of each panel. soft wood. Examine the steel substrate. The rusting shall
The enamel shall be tinted with lampblack to 45%-55% not exceed "9" as judged by SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D 61O.
apparent daylight reflectance. At the end of 24 hours, The rust creep, as judged by the bare panel, shall not
examine the enameled portion of the two panels for a exceed 1/8" ( 3 mm) from the center of the scribe.
difference in gloss. Differences in enamel hold-out will
indicate unsatisfactory coalescence. 5.14 FLASH RUST RESISTANCE TEST: Apply one
coat of the primer at 1.5 mils (38 micrometers) dry film
5.12 FILM IRREGULARITY: Apply one coat of the thickness to a panel prepared according to ASTM D 609,
latex primer by the drawdown method to a 4" x 8" (1O cm x Type 2 steel. Allow the panel to dry in a horizontal position
20 cm) cold-rolled steel panel to produce a dry film thick- for 48 hours at 74-80°F (23-27°C) and 50% I 5 % relative
ness of 4.0 I0.5 mils (102 I13 micrometers). Allow to dry humidity. At the end of the drying period, examine for flash
at 74- 80°F (23-27°C) and 50% I 5 % relative humidity for 24 rusting or rust bleeding. The primer shall show no rust bleed
hours. Examine the film for mud-cracking, alligatoring, or and the steel shall not show any corrosion when the latex
other film irregularity; there shall be none. film is removed.
5.13 SALT SPRAY AND BLISTER RESISTANCE: 5.15 WET ABRASION RESISTANCE: Test the primer
Prepare quadruplicate 4 x 8 inch (1O x 20 cm) by 24 gauge as described in ASTM D 2486. Air dry the panel for seven
panels according to ASTM D 609, Type 2 steel. Spray apply days in an open room kept at 74-80°F (23-27°C) and 50%
two coats (allow 48 hours drying time between coats) to I 5 % relative humidity before testing. A minimum of 800
produce a total dry film thickness of 4.0-4.5 mils (102-1 14 strokes or 400 oscillations shall be required to fully remove
micrometers). Allow to dry at 74-80°F (23-27°C) and at 50% the paint film on one continuous line across the width of the
I 5 % relative humidity for 14 days. Coat and seal all edges 1/2" (13 mm) shim.
and the backside of each panel with a suitable protective
coating. 5.16 FLEXIBILITY: Flexibility shall be determined in
Scribe a 3" (8 cm) "X" through the middle portion of the accordance with ASTM D 1737 using a 1/4" (6 mm) mandrel
painted panels so as to expose the underlying metal before and an unscribed panel as described below. Apply a 2" (5
testing. The conditions of making the scratch shall be as cm) wide film of the paint with a film applicator that will give
described in ASTM D 1654. a dry film thickness of 0.9 to 1.1 mils (23-28 micrometers)
Expose duplicate panels in the salt fog box at an angle on a smooth finish steel panel, prepared in accordance with
of 15 degrees from the vertical for 300 hours according to ASTM D 609, paragraph 5.3 Method C, using the aliphatic
ASTM B 117. Examine the panels at 72-hour intervals for naphtha-ethylene glycolmonoethyl ether mixture. The panel
rusting and blistering. At the end of 300 hours, immediately shall be new, cold-rolled, rust-free carbon steel No. 20 gage
examine for rusting and blistering. The rusting shall not 0.0375" 10.0125" (0.95 mm 1 0 . 3 1 mm) thickness with a
exceed "8" according to SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D 61O, and Rockwell 15T maximum hardness of 82 and finished with a
the blistering shall not exceed "8F" according to ASTM D surface roughness of 8-12 microinches (0.2-0.3 microme-
714. After examining the panels for blistering, immediately ters). The coated panel shall air dry for 24 hours at a
remove the paint film with a suitable organic solvent. If temperature of 74-80°F (23-27°C) and then is put in an oven
scraping of the paint film is necessary to remove it, do not at 98-102°F (37-39°C) for four days. Condition the panel at
use a metal spatula or razor blade; use a piece of soft wood. 74-80°F (23-27°C) for two hours. Bend panel over a 1/4" (6
Examine the steel substrate. The rusting shall not exceed mm) mandrel. Examine the bend for paint cracking in a
"9" as judged by SSPC-VIS 2 or ASTM D 610. The rust strong light at a seven diameter magnification. There shall
creep, as judged by the bare panel, shall not exceed 1/8" (3 be no visible cracking.
mm) from the center of the scribe.
Expose the other pair of duplicate panels on a Cleve- 5.17 MILDEW RESISTANCE: When tested as speci-
land Condensing Cabinet according to ASTM D 2247 for fied in ASTM D 3273, the paint shall show no more mildew
300 hours at 100°F (38°C). Examine the panels at 72-hour than disfigurement "8" when compared with the photo-
intervals for rusting and blistering. At the end of 300 hours, graphic standards of ASTM D 3274.
386
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SSPC-Paint 23
November 1, 1982
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
6. Labeling applied are extremely important. This primer shall not be
applied at a temperature below 50°F (10°C) or above 120°F
6.1 Referto ANSI Z129.1, "Hazardous Industrial Chemi- (49°C).
cals- Precautionary Labeling." Other guidelines can be The best conditions for storage of this coating are at
found in the National Paint and Coating Association (NPCA) temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 80°F (27°C). This
"Paint Industry Labeling Guide." coating should never be allowed to attain temperatures
over 120°F (49"C), or subjected to repeated freezing and
6.2 MARKING OFCONTAINERS: Each container shall thawing.
be legibly marked with the following information: Allow paint at least 24 hours drying time in good
weather before recoating.
Name: Latex Primer for Steel Surfaces
Specification: SSPC-Paint 23 7. Inspection
Color:
Lot Number: 7.1 All materials (coatings) supplied under this specifi-
Stock Number: cation are subject to timely inspection by the purchaser or
Date of Manufacture: his authorized representative. The purchaser shall have the
Quantity of Paint in Container: right to reject any materials supplied which are found to be
Information and Warning as may be required by defective under this specification. (See Note 9.1 .) In case of
Federal and State Laws: dispute, unless otherwise specified, the arbitration or settle-
Manufacturer's Name and Address: ment procedure established in the procurement documents
shall be followed. If no arbitration procedure is established,
6.3 DIRECTIONS FOR USE: The following directions the procedure specified by the American Arbitration Asso-
for use shall be supplied with each container of paint: ciation shall be used.
Directions for Use of Latex Primer for Steel Surfaces 7.2 Samples of paints may be requested by the pur-
chaser and shall be supplied upon request along with the
This paint is intended for use as a primer over blast manufacturer's name and identification for the materials.
cleaned steel in atmospheric exposure. It is intended for Samples may be requested at the time the purchase order
use as a primer coat of a water-borne coating system is placed or may be taken from unopened containers at the
consisting of two coats of this primer and one or two coats job site.
of a water-borne topcoat (SSPC-Paint 24). It may also be
used over previously coated surfaces, galvanized steel, 7.3 Unless otherwise specified, the sampling shall be
and aluminum surfaces. in accordance with ASTM D 3925.
Mix paint thoroughly before use. If the pigment has
settled, pour off most of the liquid. Thoroughly mix the 8. Disclaimer
pigment with the remaining liquid, taking care to scrape all
the pigment off the bottom of the can. Gradually add the 8.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
poured-off liquid and mix thoroughly. Mixing may be made information furnished in SSPC standards and specifica-
easier by transferring contents to a larger container or by tions is as accurate, complete, and useful as possible,
pouring the paint to and from another container. Examine SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obliga-
bottom of container for unmixed pigment. Screen paint tion resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or
before applying. methods specified herein, or of the standard itself.
Thin paint only if necessary, using only deionized or
potable water. For brush application under normal condi- 8.2 This specification does not attempt to address
tions, no thinning should be necessary. For spray applica- problems concerning safety associated with its use. The
tions, add up to one-half pint of thinner per gallon (60 ml/L) user of this specification, as well as the user of all products
of paint when necessary. or practices described herein is responsible for instituting
This paint may be applied by spray or brush. Cross appropriate health and safety practices and for insuring
compliance with all governmental regulations.
brushing or cross spraying application is highly desirable.
Application by spray tends to provide the best leveling.
9. Notes
Since one-coat systems have very limited protective prop-
erties, multiple coat systems shall always be applied. Apply
Notes are not requirements of this specification.
to the specified film thickness or, if none is specified, to at
least 2.0 mils (51 micrometers) dry or approximately 6 mils
9.1 The procurement documents should establish the
(152 micrometers) wet.
responsibility for samples, testing, and any required affida-
The atmospheric conditions at the time this coating is
vit certifying full compliance with the specification.
387
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