SSPC-Paint 41

July 10, 2017

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

COATING STANDARD NO. 41

Moisture-Cured Polyurethane Primer or Intermediate Coat,
Micaceous Iron Oxide Reinforced, Performance-Based

1. Scope asterisk (*) are referenced only in the Notes or the Appendix,
which are not requirements of this standard.
This standard contains requirements and acceptance
criteria for laboratory evaluation of the performance of 3.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of
moisture-cured aromatic polyurethane coatings having any of the cited reference documents and this standard, the
thermoset binders and micaceous iron oxide pigment requirements of this standard shall prevail.
reinforcement. The coating may be applied either directly to
3.3 SSPC STANDARDS:
a steel substrate, or over itself or a compatible primer such
as SSPC-Paint 40 or other primers recommended by the PA 2 Measurement of Dry Coating Thick-
coating manufacturer. ness with Magnetic Gages
PA 15 Material and Preparation Requirements
2. Description for Steel Test Panels Used to Evaluate
the Performance of Industrial Coatings
2.1 Coatings meeting requirements of this standard PA 16 Method for Evaluating Scribe
are single-package moisture-cured polyurethane coatings Undercutting on Coated Steel Test
characterized by the presence of free isocyanate groups Panels Following Corrosion Testing
capable of reacting with atmospheric moisture to form a solid Paint 40 Zinc-Rich Moisture-Cured Polyurethane
film. Primer, Performance-Based

2.2 Coatings meeting the requirements of this standard 3.4 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY
are generally suitable for exposures in SSPC environmental AND TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS (AASHTO)
zones 1A (interior, normally dry), 1B (exterior, normally dry), STANDARD:(1)
2A (frequently wet by fresh water excluding immersion), * T 339-10 Standard Method of Test for
2B (frequently wet by salt water, excluding immersion), 3B Analysis of Structural Steel
(chemical exposure, neutral) and 3C (chemical exposure, Coatings for Isocyanate Content
alkaline). Primer/intermediate coat systems described in this
standard meet the performance requirements of Section 7.4 3.5 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS:(2)
of SSPC-Paint 40 (including Environmental Zone 2C Fresh
* D523 Standard Test Method for Specular
Water Immersion).
Gloss
2.3 Moisture-cured polyurethane coatings are typically * D562 Standard Test Method for
applied by spray, but may be applied by brushing or rolling if Consistency of Paints Measuring
recommended by the manufacturer. Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity Using a
Stormer-Type Viscometer
2.4 UNITS OF MEASURE: This standard makes use of D714 Standard Test Method for Evaluating
both the ASTM SI 10, “American National Standard for Metric Degree of Blistering of Paints
Practice” International System Units (SI) and U.S. Customary * D1296 Standard Test Method for Odor of
units. The measurements are not exact equivalents; Volatile Solvents and Diluents
therefore, each system must be used independently of the
* D1475 Standard Test Method for Density of
other.
Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related
Product
3. Referenced Standards
3.1 The date of the referenced standard in effect at (1)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 444
the time of publication of this standard shall govern unless North Capitol Street, NW Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001, phone 202-624-5800.
Standards available online from<https://bookstore.transportation.org/>
otherwise specified. Those documents marked with an (2)
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
Standards available online from http://www.astm.org.

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* D1535 Standard Practice for Specifying 4.2 PIGMENT REQUIREMENT

Color by the Munsell System
4.2.1 Micaceous iron oxide is a required pigment
D1640 Standard Test Methods for Drying,
component in these coatings (see Note 12.2 for typical
Curing, or Film Formation of Organic
formulation percentage ranges). The manufacturer shall
Coatings at Room Temperature
provide information on the micaceous iron oxide content if
D1849 Standard Test Method for Package requested.
Stability of Paint
D1654 Standard Test Method for 4.2.2 Optional pigment components include extenders,
Evaluation of Painted or Coated tinting colors and suspension control agents.
Specimens Subjected to Corrosive
Environments 4.3 RESIN REQUIREMENT: The resin used in the
coating shall be a polyisocyanate-based product that cures
* D2244 Standard Practice for Calculation
through a chemical reaction with atmospheric moisture.
of Color Tolerances and Color
Use of other resins or modifiers shall be limited to products
Differences from Instrumentally
necessary for formula ingredient compatibility and to
Measured Color Coordinates
improve recoating properties. See Note 12.3 for information
* D2369 Standard Test Method for Volatile
on modifying resins.
Content of Coatings
* D2371 Standard Test Method for Pigment 4.4 ANALYTICAL TEST DATA: If mutually agreed upon
Content of Solvent-Reducible Paints by purchaser and supplier, the coating manufacturer shall
* D2621 Standard Test Method for Infrared provide certificates of analysis for coating batches qualified
Identification of Vehicle Solids From by independent testing to meet this standard, including
Solvent-Reducible Paints petrographic analysis of the percentage of lamellar particles
D2794 Standard Test Method for Resistance present in the micaceous iron oxide pigment.
of Organic Coatings to the Effects of
Rapid Deformation (Impact) 5. Test Panel Preparation
* D3359 Standard Test Methods for Rating
Triplicate test panels shall be prepared in accordance
Adhesion by Tape Test
with SSPC-PA 15.
D4541 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off
Strength of Coatings Using Portable
Adhesion Testers
6. Requirements of Liquid Coating
D5894 Standard Practice for Cyclic Salt 6.1 PACKAGE STABILITY: Package stability shall be
Fog/UV Exposure of Painted Metal, tested in accordance with ASTM D1849. Storage conditions
(Alternating Exposures in a Fog/Dry shall be 30 days at 52 ± 1 °C (125 ± 2 °F). A change in
Cabinet and a UV/Condensation consistency of greater than 10 Krebs Units or noncompliance
Cabinet) with the viscosity requirements stated on the manufacturer’s
* D6677 Standard Test Method for Evaluating product sheet shall be cause for rejection.
Adhesion by Knife
SI 10 American National Standard for 6.2 APPLICATION PROPERTIES: All guidance
Metric Practice provided by the manufacturer regarding mixing of multi-
component products, thinning requirements, induction times,
3.6 UNITED NATIONS STANDARD:(3) and special application requirements shall be followed. The
coating shall be applied by single component-airless spray,
electrostatic spray, conventional spray equipment such as
GHS Globally Harmonized Standard of
HVLP, or brush and roller (depending upon its formulation
Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
and application characteristics) in accordance with the
instructions on the applicable data sheet. The coating shall
4. Composition Requirements show no streaking, running, sagging or other defects during
application or while drying.
4.1 VOC CONTENT: Coatings meeting requirements of
this standard shall comply with all applicable federal, state,
and local VOC regulations (see Note 12.1).
7. Laboratory Tests of Applied Coatings

7.1 RECOATABILITY: If applicable, substrate and inter-
(3)
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, Transport Division, Palais des
Nations, CH - 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland. Copies of this standard may be obtained coat adhesion properties of the applied coatings shall be
from the United Nations Publications Customer Service, National Book Network, 15200,
15200 NBN Way, Ridge Summit PA 17124 <https://unp.un.org/Details.aspx?pid=23481>

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determined by measurements of adhesion values between Perform three pulls on each of the three test panels. Unless
a) primer and the substrate a higher value is specified, the minimum intercoat adhesion
b) intermediate coat and the primer for each pull shall be 4.1 MPa (600 psi). The instrument used
Coating manufacturers shall provide acceptable window to verify compliance to this standard (i.e., batch-to-batch
(time frame) ranges between applications of coats in a multi- consistency, see Section 4.4) shall be of the same type used
coat system. Unless the purchaser specifically requests a to perform the initial testing.
variance, the maximum dry film thickness and the curing
time (with reported conditions for temperature and humidity) Tables 1 and 2 provide a summary of performance
as stated on the manufacturer’s product data sheets shall be requirements for laboratory and accelerated testing.
used for coating application prior to adhesion testing.
8. Accelerated Laboratory Weathering
7.2 PRIMER ADHESION TO STEEL SUBSTRATE:
Requirements
Apply the primer to steel panels and cure according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Adhesion shall be tested 8.1 CYCLIC SALT SPRAY/UV/CONDENSATION
according to ASTM D4541, Method C, D, or E. Report the CABINET: Triplicate panels prepared in accordance
type of adhesion tester employed and the type of adhesive with Section 5 shall be exposed in a cyclic test cabinet in
used for testing. Perform three pulls on each of three test accordance with ASTM D5894 for 1500 hours.
panels. Unless a higher value is specified, the minimum
adhesion value of the primer to the substrate for each pull 8.1.1 Rust Evaluation: After the specified exposure
shall be 4.1 MPa (600 psi). The instrument used to verify time, each replicate panel shall have no rusting of the coated
compliance to this standard (i.e., batch-to-batch consistency, portion (a rust rating of 10 per SSPC-VIS 2). Moderate rusting
see Section 4.4) shall be of the same type used to perform in the scribe mark is permissible and resulting staining shall
the initial testing (see Note 12.4). be ignored. Strips 6 mm (1/4 inch) wide along the edges of
the panel shall be ignored.
7.3 INTERMEDIATE COAT ADHESION TO THE
PRIMER: Apply the intermediate coat to the primed 8.1.2 Blister Evaluation: After the specified exposure
panels and cure according to the coating manufacturer’s time, there shall be no blistering of the coated portion (a
recommendations. Adhesion shall be tested as described rating of 10 per ASTM D714).
in Section 7.2. Intercoat adhesion is defined as the force
required to separate the topcoat from the underlying coat.

TABLE 1
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
PHYSICAL TESTING

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE
TEST ASTM RATING METHOD RESULTS (UNITS)
VALUE
Adhesion (Section 7.2)
MPA 4.1
Primer to Steel and D4541 Method C, D, or E
(PSI) (600)
Intermediate Coat to Primer
N•m 6.8
Direct Impact Resistance D2794
(lb-force per in2) (60)

TABLE 2
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
ACCELERATED LABORATORY CYCLIC EXPOSURE

TEST RATING METHOD EXPOSURE TIME (HRS) ACCEPTABLE VALUE

Corrosion after exposure in cyclic accelerated test cabinet (ASTM D5894)

Rust rating SSPC-VIS 2 1500 minimum 10

Blister rating ASTM D714 1500 minimum 10

no greater than 2 mm
Scribe undercutting rating SSPC-PA 16 1500
(1/16 inch) average

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8.1.3 Scribe Evaluation: After the specified exposure 12.2.1 Micaceous iron oxide pigment is incorporated
time, the undercutting from the center of the scribe, evaluated into coatings for the purposes of improved barrier protection,
in accordance with SSPC-PA 16, shall be no greater than 2 film hardness, decreased film porosity, and viscosity control.
mm (1/16 in), a rating of 7 per Table 1 of ASTM D1654. It may also provide improved adhesion to steel substrates,
and superior intercoat adhesion properties. Micaceous iron
9. Material Quality Assurance oxide can impart a measure of film reinforcement while
relieving stresses that can be developed in the binder
Optional tests used to determine the acceptability of a
lot or batch of a qualified coating are listed in Note 12.5 and 12.2.2 Blends of micaceous iron oxide and aluminum
accompanying sub-sections. pigments are used in various coating formulations to improve
ultraviolet light and water resistance where extended periods
of exterior exposure are anticipated prior to application of
10. Labeling
topcoats.
Labeling shall conform to the GHS labeling of industrial
12.3 MODIFYING RESINS: Other resins or modifiers
chemicals.
are typically less than 15% of total resin content.

11. Disclaimer 12.4 TOPCOAT ADHESION: If desired, an adhesion

test may be performed to determine adhesion between
11.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all primer coatings meeting requirements of this standard and
information furnished in SSPC standards is as accurate, compatible topcoats. To test for adhesion, prepare three
complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot assume panels in accordance with Section 5. Apply a compatible
responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use topcoat and cure as recommended by the topcoat
of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein, or of manufacturer. The thickness of the topcoat shall conform to
the standard itself. the manufacturer’s recommendations. Test adhesion using
11.2 This standard does not attempt to address problems an adhesion tester with a self-aligning pulling mechanism
concerning safety associated with its use. The user of this as described in ASTM D4541. Report the type of adhesion
standard, as well as the user of all products or practices tester employed. Perform three pulls per panel. The minimum
described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate adhesion value of each pull shall be 4.1 MPa (600 psi). In the
health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with case of adhesive failure below 4.1 MPa (600 psi), repeat the
all governmental regulations. pull test. The instrument used to verify compliance to this
standard shall be of the same type used to perform the initial
testing.
12. Notes
In addition to using ASTM D4541, ASTM D3359 (Method
Notes are not requirements of this standard. A or B, depending on coating thickness) and ASTM D6677
may be specified to assess adhesion.
12.1 VOC CONTENT: U.S. Federal limits for VOCs in
industrial maintenance coatings were published in 1998 and 12.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS: The quality
may be found at 40 CFR 59, subpart D, National Volatile assurance tests are used to determine whether the supplied
Organic Compound Emission Standards for Architectural products are of the same type and quality as those originally
Coatings <http://www.ecfr.gov/cgibin/retrieveECFR?gp=&S qualified to this standard and accepted for use by the
ID=4b8291a47d7dbfffc78b40bef17cc383&mc=true&n=sp4 purchaser. The selected tests should accurately and rapidly
0.6.59.d&r=SUBPART&ty=HTML#ap40.6.59_1413.1> The measure the physical and chemical characteristics of the
Federal limits apply to the coating at the time of manufacture. coating necessary to verify that the supplied material is
Local regulations regarding VOC content, VOC substantially the same as the previously accepted material.
emissions, and container labeling may vary depending on All quality assurance tests must be performed on the
project location. Many state and local governments and/or originally submitted qualification sample. The results of
air quality management areas have more stringent VOC these tests are used to establish pass/fail criteria for quality
regulations than those in the federal rule. Local regulations assurance testing of supplied products.
frequently apply at the time of application, after thinning
according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The 12.5.1 Establishing Quality Assurance Acceptance
coating manufacturer’s product data sheet usually provides Criteria: Many ASTM test methods contain precision
information on the total VOC content. and bias statements. Specification developers should be
cognizant of the fact that these statements exist. Quality
12.2 PIGMENT: The typical micaceous iron oxide assurance test criteria should not be more stringent than
content for these coatings ranges from 15 to 35% by weight the inter-laboratory precision of the test methods used. The
of nonvolatile components. specifier may require additional technical data to satisfy
quality assurance or local regulatory requirements.

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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 certified material. The pass/fail criterion is that the
measurement of the test sample shall fall within two standard
deviations of the target value. The contracting parties should
agree on a target value.

12.5.2 Optional Quality Assurance Tests: Quality

assurance tests include but are not limited to, infrared
analysis (ASTM D2621), viscosity (ASTM D562), weight
per gallon (ASTM D1475), total solids (ASTM D2369),
dry time (ASTM D1640), percent pigment (ASTM D2371)
gloss (ASTM D523), color (ASTM D1535, ASTM D2244),
odor (ASTM D1296), and isocyanate content (AASHTO
T339-10-UL).

Summary of 2017 Revisions to SSPC-Paint 41

Scope: Addition to scope allows the primer to be used direct-to-steel or as an intermediate coat over a compatible primer.
Section 2.4: This new section clarifies that S.I. and U.S. Custom units listed in the standard are not exact equivalents, and
each system must be used independently of the other.
Section 3: Referenced Standards: Standards that are not cited in the 2017 revision have been removed, newly referenced
standards (all in the Notes) have been added.
Section 5: Standard Testing Conditions: Requirements for preparation of steel panels for testing have been revised to
reference SSPC-PA 15 requirements.
Section 6: Requirements of Liquid Coating: Requirements for mixing, storage life, and working properties have been
removed, as they were intended for field application of the coating. They have been replaced by requirements for package
stability determined in accordance with ASTM D1849, and requirements to follow the manufacturer’s guidance for proper
application of the coating prior to field exposure or accelerated performance testing.
Section 7: Laboratory Testing of Applied Coatings: The requirements for adhesion testing have been clarified, but the
minimum values required have not changed.
Section 8.1.3 Scribe Evaluation: Now requires evaluation of scribe undercutting data using SSPC-PA 16 (which requires
averaging multiple data points) rather than reporting a single maximum reading. Instead of a single maximum point reading
of no more than 4 mm (1/8 inch), the average of 18 data points (9 measurements on each side of the scribe) shall be no more
than 2 mm (1/16 inch).
Non-Mandatory Notes:
12.1 Volatile Organic Compound language has been revised for clarification.
12.4 A sentence has been added noting that ASTM 3359 and ASTM D6677 may be specified as additional test methods for
assessing coating adhesion.

Copyright © 2017
SSPC standards, guides, and technical reports are copyrighted world-
wide by SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. Any photocopying,
re-selling, or redistribution of these standards, guides, and technical
reports by printed, electronic, or any other means is strictly prohibited
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Coatings and a formal licensing agreement.