SSPC-Paint 40
April 1, 2007
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings
Paint SPECIFICATION NO. 40
Zinc-Rich Moisture-Cure Polyurethane Primer,
Performance-Based
1. Scope
1.1 This specification contains performance requirements
for an organic zinc-rich moisture-cure polyurethane primer with
a thermoset binder. SSPC PS 12.00 describes this primer as
a Type II B zinc-rich primer.
2. Description
2.1 This zinc-rich moisture-cure polyurethane primer is
characterized by the presence of free polyisocyanate groups
capable of reacting with atmospheric moisture in order to form
a film. Either single or two-component packaging is acceptable.
Zinc loading requirements are given in Section 4.2.1. Appendix
A provides additional information for slip critical applications.
2.2 This primer is available in two Types. Type I formula-
tions, applied over properly prepared carbon steel surfaces,
are suitable for use on parts or structures exposed in Environ-
mental Zones 1A–interior, normally dry; IB–exterior, normally
dry; 2A–frequently wet by fresh water, excluding immersion,
2B–frequently wet by salt water, excluding immersion, and
3B–chemical exposure, neutral (with suitable topcoat). Type
II formulations, applied over properly prepared carbon steel
surfaces, are suitable for exposure in Environmental Zone
2C–fresh water immersion. Type II primers meet the require-
ments of Section 7.4 for fresh water immersion in addition to
the requirements for Type I.
2.3 Primers described by this standard provide corrosion
resistance and accept application of suitable topcoats. Unless a
Type I primer is specified, the primer described by this standard
is intended to comply with Type II requirements.
2.4 This primer is intended for application by spray directly
to a steel substrate, with the allowance for small area touch-up
by brush (see Note 11.1).
3. Reference Standards
3.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the refer-
ence documents in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall
govern unless otherwise specified. Those documents marked
1
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Standards are available online at http://www.astm.org.

with an asterisk (*) are referenced only in the Notes or the
Appendix, which are not requirements of this specification.
3.2. If there is a conflict between the requirements of
any of the cited reference documents and this standard, the
requirements of this standard shall prevail.
3.3 SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS:
Guide 13 Guide for the Identification and
Use of Industrial Coating Materials
in Computerized Product Data-
bases
SP 1 Solvent Cleaning
SP 5/NACE No. 1 White Metal Blast Cleaning
PA 2 Measurement of Dry Coating Thick-
ness with Magnetic Gages
PS 12.00 Guide to Zinc-Rich Coating Sys-
tems
3.4 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS:1
A 572 Standard Specification for High-Strength
Low-Alloy Columbium-Vanadium Structural
Steel
D 185 Standard Test Methods for Coarse Particles
in Pigments, Pastes, and Paints
D 520 Standard Specification for Zinc Dust
Pigment
* D 562 Standard Test Method for Consistency of
Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity
Using a Stormer-Type Viscometer
D 714 Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree
of Blistering of Paints
* D 1475 Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid
Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
* D 1640 Standard Test Methods for Drying, Curing,
or Film Formation of Organic Coatings at
Room Temperature
D 1654 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of
Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected
to Corrosive Environments
SSPC-Paint 40
April 1, 2007
* D 2369 Standard Test Method for Volatile Content
of Coatings
* D 2371 Standard Test Method for Pigment Content
of Solvent-Reducible Paints
D 2794 Standard Test Method for Resistance of
Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid
Deformation (Impact)
D 3278 Standard Test Methods for Flash Point
of Liquids by Small Scale Closed-Cup
Apparatus
D 4417 StandardTest Methods for Field Measurement
of Surface Profile of Blast Cleaned Steel
D 4541 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of
Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
D 5894 Standard Practice for Cyclic Salt Fog/UV
Exposure of Painted Metal, (Alternating
Exposures in a Fog/Dry Cabinet and a
UV/Condensation Cabinet)
D 6580 Standard Test Method for the Determination
of Metallic Zinc Content in Both Zinc Dust
Pigment and in Cured Films of Zinc-Rich
Coatings
3.5 FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS:2
FED-STD 141 Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related
Materials: Methods of Sampling,
Inspection, and Testing
* Method 3011 Condition in Container
Method 4331 Spraying Properties
3.6 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE
(ANSI) STANDARD:3
ANSI Z129.1 Hazardous Industrial Chemicals–
Precautionary Labeling
3.7 American Association of Highway and Transporta-
tion Officials (AASHTO) Specification4
* Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, Division
1, Section 10.32.3.2.3, Appendix A, Testing
Method to Determine the Slip Coefficient for
Coatings Used in Bolted Joints
4. Composition Requirements
4.1 The manufacturer is given wide latitude in the selection
of materials and manufacturing processes.
2
FED STD 141 is available from http://assist.daps.dla.mil/online/start/ (or search for ‘assist’ through your web browser).
3
American National Standards Institute, 1819 L Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036. Standards are available online at www.
ansi.org
4
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 249, Washington DC 20001.
Standards are available online at https://bookstore.transportation.org.

4.2 PIGMENT REQUIREMENT
4.2.1 The major pigment component in this coating is
zinc dust. The paint shall contain a minimum of 65% zinc
dust pigment by weight in the dry film per ASTM D 6580 (see
Notes 11.2 and 11.3).
4.2.2 Other optional pigment components include
extenders, curing aids, tinting colors, and suspension and pot
life control agents.
4.3 RESIN REQUIREMENT: The resin used in the coating
shall be a polyisocyanate-based product that cures through
a chemical reaction with atmospheric moisture. Use of other
resins or modifiers shall be minimal and limited to products
necessary for formula ingredient compatibility and to improve
recoating properties. See Note 11.4 for information on modi-
fying resins and Note 11.5 for information on volatile organic
compound (VOC) content.
5. Standard Testing Conditions
5.1 TEST PANELS: The hot rolled steel test panels shall
conform to ASTM A 572. Panel size shall be 100 mm x 150
mm x 3.2 mm (4 inch x 6 inch x 1/8 inch). Test panels shall be
solvent cleaned in accordance with SSPC-SP 1 prior to blast
cleaning. The test panels shall be blast cleaned in accordance
with SSPC-SP 5. The blast profile shall be 44 to 57 micrometers
(1.75 to 2.25 mils) as measured in accordance with ASTM D
4417, Method C.
5.2 APPLICATION: The primer shall be spray applied
as a single coat in accordance with manufacturer’s written
recommendations. The primer shall show no streaking, running,
sagging, or other defects during application or while drying.
5.3 DRY FILM THICKNESS: The dry film thickness (DFT)
on the test panels shall meet the manufacturer’s written recom-
mended range. The DFT shall be measured in accordance
with SSPC-PA 2, Appendix 5.
5.4 CURE: The primer shall be dried and cured in accor-
dance with manufacturer’s written recommendations. Before
any testing, all coated panels shall be aged for a minimum of
7 days in an environment with a minimum relative humidity of
55%, and at a temperature of 23 ± 2 °C (73.5 ± 3.5 °F).
5.5 SCRIBING: Scribe two parallel lines on the face
of the coated panels so as to expose the underlying metal

before testing. The lines shall be at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) from
the edge, the top, and the bottom of each panel and at least
5 cm (2 inches) from each other. Each scribe shall be 6 cm
(2.4 inches) long. The scribes shall run vertically or at an
angle across the face of the panel. Follow the scribe-making
procedure described in ASTM D 1654.
5.6 BACKS AND EDGES: Coat and seal all edges and
the back side of each panel with a coating or tape that will
provide the necessary protection to these surfaces.
6. Requirements of Liquid Coating
6.1 MIXING: The liquid portion of a multi-component
primer shall be mixed and dispersed to produce a product that
is uniform, stable, free from grit, and in conformance with the
requirements of this specification.
6.1.1 The pigment portion of a multi-component primer
(if supplied as a dust) shall be dry and loosely packed prior
to mixing.
6.1.2 The single-component primer shall be capable of
being dispersed under mechanical agitation to a smooth,
uniform consistency and shall not show any objectionable
properties in the mix.
6.1.3 After mixing and filtering through a standard 60
mesh screen in accordance with ASTM D 185 the amount of
coarse particles and skins retained shall not exceed 0.5% by
weight (see Note 11.6).
6.2 STORAGE STABILITY: Neither the vehicle of the
multicomponent coating nor the ready-mixed primer shall
show thickening that is detrimental to performance or appli-
cation properties. The components or primer shall exhibit no
curdling, gelling, gassing, or hard caking after being stored
unmixed for a minimum of six months from date of delivery in
a tightly sealed, unopened container at a temperature of 10
to 32 °C (50 to 90 °F). The manufacturer shall also provide
information on primer shelf life on the product data sheet as
stated in SSPC-Guide 13, Section 4.4.11.
6.3 WORKING PROPERTIES: The mixed primer coating
shall spray easily and show no signs of, streaking, running,
sagging, or other objectionable features when applied within
the coating manufacturer’s recommended film thickness range,
and tested in accordance with FED-STD 141, Method 4331.
Note 11.7 provides additional information on material inspec-
tion and quality assurance tests.
7. Laboratory Physical Tests of Applied Films
7.1 PRIMER ADHESION TO SUBSTRATE: Apply the
primer to three panels in accordance with Sections 5.1 through
5.4. Test adhesion according to ASTM D 4541, Method II, III,

SSPC-Paint 40
April 1, 2007
IV, or V. Perform three pulls per panel. The minimum adhesion
value of the primer to the substrate for each pull shall be 4.1
MPa (600 psi). In the case of adhesive failure below 4.1 MPa
(600 psi), the pull test shall be repeated.
7.2 TOPCOAT ADHESION: Prepare three panels in
accordance with 5.1 through 5.3. Apply a topcoat and cure
as recommended by the manufacturer. The thickness of the
topcoat shall conform to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Perform three pulls per panel. The minimum adhesion value of
each pull shall be 4.1 MPa (600 psi). In the case of adhesive
failure below 4.1 MPa (600 psi), the pull test shall be repeated.
Information on the recoat time (which varies with each formula-
tion) shall be provided by the manufacturer.
7.3 DIRECT IMPACT RESISTANCE: The minimum impact
resistance shall be 6.8 N•m (60 inch-lb) when measured in
accordance with ASTM D 2794.
7.4 WATER IMMERSION (Type II primers only): This
test is intended to evaluate the ability of the primer to protect
the steel substrate in fresh water immersion service.
7.4.1 Description of Test: Prepare triplicate panels in
accordance with Section 5. Completely immerse them in
deionized water of conductivity no higher than 5 µS for one
year. During this time the water shall be aerated.
7.4.2 Rust Evaluation: After the specified exposure time,
each replicate panel shall have no rusting on the coated portion.
Slight rusting in the scribe mark is permissible and resulting
staining shall be ignored. Strips 6 mm (1/4 inch) wide along
the edges of the panel shall be ignored.
7.4.3 Blister Evaluation: After the specified exposure
time, there shall be no blistering of the coated portion.
7.4.4 Scribe Evaluation: After the specified exposure time,
the maximum undercutting or rusting measured from the center
of the scribe shall be no greater than 2 mm (3/32 in) when
evaluated in accordance with ASTM D 1654 (a rating of 7).
8. Accelerated Laboratory Weathering
Requirements
8.1 CYCLIC SALT SPRAY/UV/CONDENSATION
CABINET: Triplicate panels prepared in accordance with
Section 5 shall be exposed in a cyclic test cabinet in accordance
with ASTM D 5894 for 5000 hours.
8.1.1 Rust Evaluation: After the specified exposure
time, each replicate panel shall have no rusting of the coated
portion (a rust rating of 10 per SSPC-VIS 2). Slight rusting in
the scribe mark is permissible and resulting staining shall be
ignored. Strips 6 mm (1/4 inch) wide along the edges of the
panel shall be ignored.
SSPC-Paint 40
April 1, 2007

8.1.2 Blister Evaluation: After the specified exposure 10. Disclaimer

time, there shall be no blistering of the coated portion (a rating
of 10 per ASTM D 614).
8.1.3 Scribe Evaluation: After the specified exposure
time, the undercutting from the center of the scribe, measured
at any point along the scribe, shall be a maximum of 2 mm
(3/32 inch) when evaluated in accordance with ASTM D 1654.
Slight rusting in the scribe mark is permissible and resulting
staining shall be ignored.
8.2 SLIP TEST: If slip testing is required, refer to Appendix
A.1.
Table 1 provides a summary of performance require-
ments.
9. Labeling
9.1 Labeling shall conform to ANSI Z129.1.
9.2 Technical data shall be provided for at least all data
elements categorized as “essential” in SSPC-Guide 13.
10.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is
as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot
assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from
the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein,
or of the specification or standard itself.
10.2 This specification does not attempt to address
problems concerning safety associated with its use. The user
of this specification, as well as the user of all products or prac-
tices described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with
all governmental regulations.
11. Notes
Notes are not requirements of this standard.
11.1 All zinc-rich coatings are preferably applied by spray,
but may be brushed for small areas or to fill in irregularities.
Brushing should be done with extreme caution to avoid zinc

TABLE 1
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
RUST BLISTER SCRIBE
NUMBER OF EXPOSURE RATING, RATING, UNDERCUTTING,
TEST SPECIMENS TIME SSPC-VIS 2 ASTM D 714 ASTM D 1654

Corrosion after expo-

Slight rust in scribe,
sure in Cyclic Acceler-
3 5000 hours All 10 All 10 max. undercutting
ated Test Cabinet
2 mm (rating of 7)
(ASTM D 5894)

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RATING TEST

3 panels,
4.1 MPa (600 psi) ASTM D 4541,
Primer Adhesion 3 pulls per ----
for any pull Method II, III, IV or V
panel
3 panels,
4.1 MPa (600 psi) ASTM D 4541,
Topcoat Adhesion 3 pulls per ----
for any pull Method II, III, IV or V
panel

Direct Impact 68 N•m

3 ---- ASTM D 2794
Resistance (60 inch-lb)

Water All 10 All 10 Deionized water with

Immersion 3 1 year conductivity of less
Scribe undercutting
(Type II only) than 5 µs/cm
less than 2 mm
AASHTO Standard
Slip Test (optional) See AASHTO Standard 0.5 Specification from
Section 3.7



settlement. All zinc-rich materials may settle, and care should
be taken to ensure they are thoroughly mixed before and during
application. Thinning zinc-rich primers usually accelerates the
rate of settling. Exercise caution during work stoppages to
prevent settling of zinc in hoses and equipment.
11.2 Typically, many organic zinc-rich primers contain at
least 80% zinc dust pigment by weight in the dry film.
11.3 LEAD LEVEL IN ZINC DUST: ASTM D 520 speci-
fies three types of zinc dust for use as a pigment in coatings.
Type I is a general grade in which no maximum level of lead is
specified. Type II is a high-purity grade with a maximum lead
level of 0.01% by weight. Type III is the highest purity grade,
with a maximum lead level of 0.002% by weight. Any grade
of zinc dust can be used in the zinc coatings covered by this
specification. However, it is important to note that if Type I zinc
is used, it is possible to exceed the permissible exposure limit
(PEL) for lead when the products are removed by abrasive
blasting. For additional information relating the lead content
of the coating to worker exposure to lead during blasting see
Gary L. Tinklenberg and Denise M. Doezema, “Health Concerns
for Workers Using Zinc-Rich Coatings,” Journal of Protective
Coatings and Linings, Vol. 15, No. 5 [May 1998], pp 36-46. In
addition to lead, cadmium and other toxic metals may pose
a health hazard. Placing overly restrictive requirements on
some materials may result in the inability of manufacturers to
produce products meeting this standard.
11.4 MODIFYING RESINS: Other resins or modifiers are
typically less than 10% of total resin content.
11.5 VOC Content: Federal limits for VOCs in industrial
maintenance coatings were published in 1998 and may be found
at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/183e/aim/aimpg.html#RULE.
These limits apply to the coating at the time of application after
thinning according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Many state and local governments and/or air quality manage-
ment areas have more stringent VOC regulations than those
in the federal rule. Information on the VOC content of each
container before mixing or thinning is found on the container
label and in the manufacturer’s safety data sheet. The coating
manufacturer’s product data sheet usually provides informa-
tion on the total VOC content of a coating after mixing and any
recommended thinning.
11.6 The contracting parties may agree upon alternate
screen sizes for new technology coatings.
SSPC-Paint 40
April 1, 2007
11.7 QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS: If the user chooses,
tests may be used to determine the acceptability of a lot or
batch of a qualified coating. The quality assurance tests are
used to determine whether the supplied products are of the
same type and quality as those originally tested and certified
for acceptance. The selected tests should accurately and
rapidly measure the physical and chemical characteristics of
the coating necessary to verify that the supplied material is
substantially the same as the previously accepted material.
All of the quality assurance tests should be performed on the
originally submitted qualification sample. The results of these
tests are used to establish pass/fail criteria for quality assur-
ance testing of supplied products.
11.7.1 Establishing Quality Assurance Acceptance
Criteria: Many ASTM test methods contain precision and bias
statements. Specification developers should be cognizant of
the fact that these statements exist. Quality assurance test
criteria should not be more stringent than the interlaboratory
precision of the test methods used.
Where precision and bias data are not available for a given
test method, determine the standard deviation of a minimum
of five measurements taken on the originally tested and certi-
fied material. The pass/fail criterion is that the measurement
of the test sample falls within two standard deviations of the
target value. The contracting parties should agree on a target
value.
11.7.2 Recommended Quality Assurance Tests: Recom-
mended quality assurance tests include but are not limited to,
infrared analysis (ASTM D 2621), viscosity (ASTM D 562),
weight per gallon (ASTM D 1475), total solids (ASTM D 2369),
dry time (ASTM D 1640), percent pigment (ASTM D 2371), and
condition in container (FED-STD-141, Method 3011).
APPENDIX A: SLIP TEST
A.1 Significance of Test: Corrosion resistance is enhanced
if faying surfaces are coated. However, a minimum coefficient
of friction is necessary for slip-critical connections.
A.2 Description of Test: Details for testing the coefficient
of friction can be found in AASHTO Standard Specifications for
Highway Bridges, Division 1, Section 10.32.3.2.3, Appendix A,
“Testing Method to Determine the Slip Coefficient for Coatings
Used in Bolted Joints.”