TECHNICAL STANDARD
SSPC-VIS 3-04
Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel Surfaces Prepared by Hand and Power Tool Cleaning
AMPP / SSPC
2004
Current
WHAT DOES THIS STANDARD COVER?
Provides visual reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by hand and power-tool cleaning methods.
WHY IS IT RELEVANT?
Relevant when visually assessing surfaces prepared under hand- and power-tool cleaning standards such as SP 2, SP 3 and related preparation requirements. This PIL record does not reproduce, recreate, scan, imitate or display copyrighted SSPC-VIS 3 reference photographs.
KEY INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS
The guide provides reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by hand and power-tool cleaning and supports use of the applicable written surface preparation standards. The photographs can help distinguish prepared conditions and improve consistency of visual assessment. The written standard remains controlling.
WHAT THE STANDARD SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ASSUME
Reference photographs should not be treated as an independent replacement for the applicable surface preparation standard. Actual appearance can vary with the initial condition, tools, substrate and viewing conditions. Visual assessment does not independently establish absence of soluble salts, oil, grease or other non-visible contamination.
PRACTICAL INSPECTION APPLICATION
The guide can support inspection of maintenance and repair preparation carried out using hand or power tools. Inspectors can compare the prepared condition with the appropriate visual reference together with the applicable written standard and pay particular attention to difficult-access areas, edges and pits. Other specified surface requirements should be assessed separately.
RELATED TECHNICAL STANDARDS
RELATED TECHNICAL TOPICS
Visual standards; Hand tool cleaning; Power tool cleaning
RELATED PIL GUIDANCE
A pre-condition coating survey brings visual inspection, testing, sampling and access planning together to support evidence-based maintenance decisions.
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.
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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 3-04 remains identified as the current visual reference. Do not reproduce any copyrighted reference photographs. Verified September 2026.