Surface contamination from salts such as chlorides, sulphates and nitrates have been shown to lead to blistering of organic coatings, particularly in immersion conditions.

It is not sufficient to measure the cleanliness of the substrate. In a multi-layer coating process, it is necessary to monitor and record the cleanliness of each layer prior to applying the next coating. When using amine cured epoxy coatings, for example, in low ambient temperatures or in high humidity, a surface oiliness or exudate may cause inter-coating adhesion failure.

Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards are high quality photographs which are used for comparison purposes to assess the visual appearance of a steel surface.

Elcometer’s range of Surface Standards covers most of those required for surface cleanliness.

The Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards can be used in accordance with:

• BS EN ISO 8501-1:2007
• BS EN ISO 8501-4:2006
• ASTM D 2200; IMO MSC.215(82)
• The SSPC Standard – VIS 1-01
• The SSPC Standard – VIS-2
• The SSPC Standard – VIS-3
• The SSPC Standard – VIS-4
• The SSPC Standard – VIS-5
• US Navy NSI 009-32
• SIS 055900*

*The Standards not in bold have been superseded but are still recognised in some industries

Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards – Specifications

Part Number		Description
	E128—-1	BS EN ISO 8501-1:2007/SIS 055900 – the original visual surface standard.  It shows the degree of cleanliness of different levels of rusted steel cleaned by blasting, hand and power tools and flame, specified by ASTM D2200 Method A
	E128—-3	SSPC (Steel Structures Painting Council) VIS 1 – similar to the Swedish and British standards, but the pictures of the required final appearances match the written descriptions in the USA standards.  VIS 1-89 includes photographs of surfaces cleaned using metallic and non-metallic abrasives.  Specified by ASTM D2200 Method B
	E128—-5	SSPC-VIS 3 – contains 44 photographs to supplement the written SSPC specifications for hand and power tool cleaning
	E128—-6	SSPC-VIS 2 Standard method of evaluating the degree of rusting on painted steel surfaces
	E128—-7	SSPC-VIS 4 Guide and reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by waterjetting
	E128—-8	SSPC-VIS 5 Guide and reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by wet abrasive
	E128—-9	BS EN ISO 8501-4:2020- preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products.  Visual assessment of surface cleanliness. Initial surface conditions, preparation grades and flash rust grades in connection with high-pressure water jetting

Packing List

• Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards

Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards Data Sheet

Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards – Standards

The Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards can be used in accordance with:

• BS EN ISO 8501-1:2007
• BS EN ISO 8501-4:2006
• ASTM D 2200; IMO MSC.215(82)
• The SSPC Standard – VIS 1-01
• The SSPC Standard – VIS-2
• The SSPC Standard – VIS-3
• The SSPC Standard – VIS-4
• The SSPC Standard – VIS-5
• US Navy NSI 009-32
• SIS 055900*

*The Standards not in bold have been superseded but are still recognised in some industries