Discipline

Surface Preparation

The step that decides most coating lifetimes: blasting, profile, cleanliness standards, salts and concrete moisture.

26 articles

Compressed Air Cleanliness

Why oil and water in compressed air ruin coating work, how to run the ASTM D4285 blotter test, and the coolers, separators and dryers that keep air clean.

5 min read

Surface Prep

Lead Paint Removal

How lead-based paint is removed from structures: testing, removal vs overcoating, methods, containment classes, OSHA worker protection and waste rules.

5 min read

Surface Prep

Hand Tool Cleaning

Hand tool cleaning to SSPC-SP 2: what it removes, tools and technique, the dull putty knife test, suitable coatings, limitations…

4 min read

Surface Prep

Dry Ice Blasting

Dry ice blasting explained: how CO₂ pellets clean, what they remove and leave behind, equipment, uses in coating work, limits…

5 min read

Surface Prep

Abrasive Blasting

How abrasive blasting cleans steel and cuts an anchor profile: blasting methods, abrasive choice, nozzle pressure, air quality, procedure and…

7 min read

Surface Prep

Abrasive Media Selection

How to choose blast abrasives: steel grit and shot, garnet, slags, aluminum oxide, crushed glass and soft media compared, plus…

5 min read

Surface Prep

Waterjetting (High & Ultra-High Pressure)

High- and ultra-high-pressure waterjetting: pressure classes, WJ-1 to WJ-4 grades, flash rust, salt removal, equipment, procedure and safety.

5 min read

Surface Prep

Shot Blasting Concrete

How shot blasting prepares concrete for coatings: how the machines work, CSP ranges, shot selection, technique, limitations and quality checks.

6 min read

Surface Prep

Dust Contamination on Blasted Steel

How residual blast dust undermines coating adhesion, how the ISO 8502-3 tape test rates it, and practical ways to clean…

5 min read

Surface Prep

Edge & Weld Preparation

Why edges and welds fail first, the ISO 8501-3 P1–P3 grades, NACE SP0178 weld designations, and how to round edges…

4 min read

Surface Prep

Acid Etching Concrete

How acid etching concrete works, which acids are used, the ASTM D4260 steps, its limits versus grinding and shot blasting,…

5 min read

Surface Prep

Soluble Salt Contamination

How invisible chlorides, sulfates and nitrates cause coating failure, and how to test (ISO 8502-6/-9, SSPC Guide 15), set limits…

5 min read