CSLB C-33 Painting & DecoratingPlanning and EstimatingHard
A painting contractor is reviewing a bid for a project that specifies 'SSPC-SP 10 Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning' for all exterior steel surfaces. What is the primary implication of this specification for the contractor's bid?
- AIt indicates that only solvent cleaning is necessary before primer application.
- BIt mandates a highly thorough abrasive blast cleaning, significantly increasing preparation costs.
- CIt allows for minimal surface preparation, reducing labor and equipment costs.
- DIt requires the use of hand tools for rust removal, increasing manual labor hours.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. It mandates a highly thorough abrasive blast cleaning, significantly increasing preparation costs.
SSPC-SP 10 Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning is one of the most stringent surface preparation standards, requiring nearly all foreign matter to be removed by abrasive blasting. This process is costly due to specialized equipment, abrasive media, containment, and labor.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Solvent cleaning (SSPC-SP 1) is a preliminary step, not the primary method for SSPC-SP 10.
- C. SSPC-SP 10 is a very high standard, requiring extensive preparation, not minimal.
- D. SSPC-SP 10 requires abrasive blast cleaning, not hand tools, which are used for lower standards like SSPC-SP 2 or SP 3.
SSPC-SP 10 Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning
A surface preparation standard requiring abrasive blast cleaning to remove nearly all rust, mill scale, paint, and other foreign matter from a surface.
- One of the highest levels of abrasive blast cleaning.
- Requires specialized equipment and abrasive media.
- Significantly increases preparation costs due to thoroughness and containment.
Memory trick: SSPC standards blast away doubts, from simple wipe to near-white bright.