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Paint coatings are complex chemically engi- It is usual for the primer and undercoats to be
neered products formulated to have specific applied in the shop and untreated areas (such
properties to satisfy durability and appear- as bolted splices, site welds) brought up to
ance requirements. the shop coating state before finish coats are
applied on site.
The number of coats of paint in modern
specifications is less than in previous specifi- The individual coats of paint are now described.
cations with the old 5 and 6 coat systems
being replaced by 2 and 3 coat systems that Primer
effectively reduce time in the paint shop and The primer is applied directly onto either the
enable quick completion of the work. cleaned steel surface or, in the case of du-
plex systems, the sealed metal coating. Its
Specifications for the protection of new high- purpose is to wet the surface and to provide
way bridges now typically include epoxy good adhesion for subsequent coats. In the
SCI P185 Guidance notes on best practice in steel bridge construction 8.05/1
GN805R3 Revision 3
Guidance Note
No. 8.05
No. 8.05
assisted spraying, plural component spraying reference should be made to the manufactur-
and brushing. er’s data sheets for details of limiting condi-
tions of application.
For airless spraying, the paint is hydraulically
compressed and, when released through a Inspection and testing of paint coatings
small orifice in an airless spray gun, it is It is essential that all of the stages of surface
atomised and projected onto the surface. By preparation and coating are inspected by an
changing the orifice size and shape and by appropriately qualified person. The im-
varying the hydraulic pressure, atomisation portance of inspection cannot be overstated.
can be accomplished for a wide range of It is very important to the achievement of
paint consistencies from thin to thick, to give long-term performance to ensure that the
a wide range of rates of deposition. The coated structure has been correctly treated
equipment required is much more expensive according to the specification and coating
than for air-assisted spraying, because it manufacturers’ data sheets.
must withstand the much higher pressures
involved. Hydraulic pressures up to 280 bar See GN 8.06 for further information about
may be required. inspection of coatings.
SCI P185 Guidance notes on best practice in steel bridge construction 8.05/3
GN805R3 Revision 3