TECHNICAL STANDARD
SSPC-VIS 1-02
Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel Surfaces Prepared by Dry Abrasive Blast Cleaning
AMPP / SSPC
2002
Current
WHAT DOES THIS STANDARD COVER?
Provides visual reference photographs used in conjunction with applicable SSPC/AMPP surface-preparation standards when assessing dry abrasive blast-cleaned steel.
WHY IS IT RELEVANT?
Useful to inspectors and coating personnel when visually assessing blast-cleaned steel against specified surface-preparation requirements. This PIL record does not reproduce, recreate, scan, imitate or display any copyrighted SSPC-VIS 1 reference photograph.
KEY INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS
The guide provides reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by dry abrasive blast cleaning and supports use of the applicable SSPC/NACE surface preparation standard. Reference photographs can assist consistency of visual assessment, but the written preparation standard remains controlling.
WHAT THE STANDARD SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ASSUME
Reference photographs should not be treated as a replacement for the applicable written surface preparation standard. Actual surface appearance can vary with initial steel condition, abrasive, surface profile, lighting and other factors. A visual comparison does not establish surface profile, soluble salt contamination or dust condition.
PRACTICAL INSPECTION APPLICATION
Inspectors can use the applicable written preparation standard together with the relevant visual reference when assessing blast-cleaned steel. Representative areas and difficult-access locations should be examined. Surface profile and contamination requirements should be inspected separately where applicable.
RELATED TECHNICAL STANDARDS
RELATED TECHNICAL TOPICS
Visual standards; Surface cleanliness; Abrasive blast cleaning
RELATED PIL GUIDANCE
Practical guidance on assessing abrasive blast-cleaned steel surface profile before protective coating application.
RELATED EXPERTISE
Coating Inspection; Technical Consultancy
ABOUT THIS TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Paint Inspection Ltd provides this information to help inspectors, engineers, asset owners and contractors understand the practical relevance of commonly referenced protective coatings standards. This page is PIL technical guidance and does not reproduce or replace the published standard. Users should refer to the current published standard, project specification, coating manufacturer requirements and other applicable contract documents when establishing project requirements or acceptance criteria.
PIL TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
Ask the PIL Technical Assistant about this standard and related coating inspection topics.
ASK THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANT →
OFFICIAL STANDARD
PIL technical summaries are intended to explain the inspection relevance of industry standards and do not replace the published document.
STATUS AND SOURCE VERIFICATION
SSPC-VIS 1-02 remains identified as the current visual reference. Do not reproduce any copyrighted reference photographs. Verified September 2026.