SECTION 572 - STRUCTURAL STEEL PAINTING: SHOP APPLIED (Last Revised January, 2021)
572-1 DESCRIPTION. This work shall consist of preparing and painting new steel surfaces in a
permanent facility, enclosure, or building, with four walls to grade and a roof, where surface preparation and painting activities are conducted in an environment not subject to outdoor weather conditions and/or blowing dust. All painting work, except field touchup and bolt painting, shall be conducted inside this facility. See special note entitled “Structural Painting Details” for the description and requirements of serialized items.
572-2 Materials
572-2.01 Paints. Paints shall meet the requirements of §708-01 Structural Steel Paints – Class 1, and
shall appear on the Department’s Approved List, “Structural Steel Paints - Class 1”. All new paint applied to a single structure shall be the same paint system produced by the same manufacturer. The Contractor shall assure this to be the case in the event that multiple paint items are specified on a single structure. This includes both shop and field components of the structure.
A.Shelf Life. The shelf life of all components of the coating system shall be a maximum of 12 months from the date of manufacture. The shelf life of factory sealed containers of thinner shall be the manufacturer’s recommendation or 3 years from the date of manufacture, whichever is less, and a maximum of 7 months after the factory seal has been broken. Paint and thinner shall arrive at the work site in new, unopened containers. The label shall include the manufacturer’s name, batch number, color, paint name, and date of manufacture.
B.Paint Storage. Paint in storage shall be protected from damage and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Paint will be considered in storage if it is onsite for more than 8 hours prior to application.
C.Color. Each single coat of paint shall be a different color and provide substantial contrast with the underlying substrate and previous coats. The colors of the primer, stripe coat, and intermediate coat will be the Contractor's option. The color of the finish coat shall be as specified in contract documents.
D.Data Sheets. The Contractor shall supply the Department’s representative with the paint manufacturer’s material safety data sheets for each paint to be applied. The material safety data sheets shall be delivered to the Department’s representative a minimum of five work days prior to beginning of work. The Department’s representative and Contractor shall use the product data sheets posted on the Structural Steel Paints Class 1 Approved List.
572-2.02 Abrasive for Blast Cleaning. Abrasive material for blast cleaning shall be selected by the
Contractor. Silica sand and other types of nonmetallic abrasive containing more than one percent free silica, by weight, will not be allowed. The abrasive blasting shall produce an angular anchor profile suitable for the paint system to be applied.
572-2 03
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2
572-2.03 Paint Inspection Equipment. Prior to the start of work, the Contractor shall supply the
Engineer with the following specifications and equipment in good working order:
A.One bound copy of the Steel Structures Painting Council, surface preparation specification, SSPC- SP 10 - Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning.
B.One bound copy of the Steel Structures Painting Council, surface preparation specification, SSPC SP-1 - Solvent Cleaning.
C.One bound copy of the most current Steel Structures Painting Council Pictorial Standards, SSPC- VIS 1, Guide and Reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by dry-abrasive blast cleaning.
D.One bound copy of the Steel Structures Painting Council method SSPC-PA2, Paint Application Specification No. 2 - Measurement of Dry Film Thickness With Magnetic Gages.
E.One copy of ASTM D4417 Test Methods for Field Measurement of Surface Profile of Blast Cleaned Steel.
F.One copy of ASTM D4285 Test Method for Indicating Oil or Water in Compressed Air
G.One Air Thermometer, pocket type, 10°F to 110°F.
H.One non-contact Infrared Thermometer, 10°F to 110°F.
I.One Contact Thermometer, 10°F to 110°F.
J.One Magnetic Dry-Film Thickness Gage, Type 2 (as defined per SSPC PA-2), with a display capable of measuring 0 to 60 mils in 0.1 mil increments, with calibration shims.
K.Two Wet-Film Thickness Gages, Prong-Type, capable of measuring 1 to 10 mils in 1 mil increments.
L.Psychrometer and US Weather Bureau Psychrometric Tables.
M.Profile micrometer with extra coarse replica tape. All equipment will be returned to the Contractor upon completion of the work.
572-3 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS. All structural steel members and other miscellaneous steel items
shall be cleaned and painted as per contract documents. The Contractor shall provide adequate access, suitable lighting, and time for inspections to be made. Any work completed while the Engineer has been restricted from access, shall be recleaned and repainted at no additional cost to the State.
572-3.01 Quality Control Plan. The Contractor shall provide the Engineer with a copy of the
Contractor's Quality Control (QC) procedures and/or Quality Control Plan (QCP). The QCP describes the minimum QC activities that will be performed by Contractor's QC personnel to ensure compliance. The QCP shall at a minimum, include operating procedures and maintenance records for equipment on site, proof of formal QC training for the Contractor’s QC personnel on site, and daily reports including the following information:
572-3 02
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2
A.Compressed Air Cleanliness
B.Dry Film Thickness
C.Air Temperature
D.Humidity and Dew Point
E.Surface Temperature
F.Abrasive Cleanliness Checks
G.Degree of Cleanliness Achieved
H.Surface Profile
I.Batch Numbers of Paint Used
J.Batch Numbers of Thinner Used
K.Mixing According to Specification The Contractor shall provide daily reports to the Engineer upon request. The reports shall be submitted no later than 24 hours following the completion of the day’s work.
572-3.02 Surface Preparation.
A.Abrasive Blast Cleaning.
1.Atmospheric Conditions. Abrasive blast cleaning operations shall not be conducted under the following conditions:
a.The relative humidity exceeds 85%.
b.When the substrate is damp or covered by frost.
c.The surface temperature is less than 5°F above the dew point.
2.Solvent Cleaning. Before abrasive blast cleaning begins, steel shall be solvent cleaned of all deposits of oil, grease, dirt, salt, or other contaminants by methods specified in SSPC-SP1, Solvent Cleaning.
3.Steel Cleanliness and Profile. All structural steel surfaces to be painted shall be abrasive- blast cleaned in accordance with SSPC-SP10, Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning. All abrasive blast cleaning and painting shall be performed at the same facility. The anchor profile shall be measured in accordance with ASTM D4417, Method C. The Contractor shall ensure that the anchor profile is within the range indicated on the paint manufacturer’s data sheets. The profile shall, at a minimum, be measured once per shift and three times in various locations for every 2150 square feet prepared, unless otherwise ordered by the Engineer. The anchor profile shall not exceed 3 mils.
572-3 03
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2 All fins, tears, slivers, burred and sharp edges that are present or occur during the blasting operation shall be removed by grinding, and then the area shall be reblasted to provide the required profile.
4.Equipment. All equipment and compressors used in the cleaning operation shall be equipped with filters and traps to prevent moisture, oil, and other contaminants from being deposited on clean surfaces. The air cleanliness shall be verified by the Contractor with the white blotter test in accordance with ASTM D4285 at least once per shift for each compressed air system.
B.Cleaning Area. The area cleaned shall be limited to that which can be cleaned and prime coated within an 8-hour period. Cleaned areas shall be approved by the Engineer prior to priming. Areas that exhibit flash rusting within the 8-hour period shall be recleaned.
C.Visual Standards. After abrasive blasting is completed, cleaned surfaces shall be compared to SSPC-Vis 1, "Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel Surfaces Prepared By Dry Abrasive Blast Cleaning" Pictorial Standards as applicable. All surfaces shall be free of blasting products and other residues when blasting operations are completed. Surfaces shall be cleared of all foreign matter by means of oil-free, moisture-free, compressed air or vacuum systems.
572-3.03 Painting. The Contractor shall apply three full coats and a stripe coat of paint to all surfaces
cleaned to SP-10. In addition, all cleaned steel surfaces within 6 feet from a bridge joint shall receive an additional coat of intermediate paint, resulting in four coats of paint in these areas. The paint shall be applied in the following order: primer, intermediate, stripe, and the finish coat. Damage resulting from fabrication, handling and storage in the shop shall be restored before leaving the shop. Painted steel shall not be placed outside the shop until all paint coats have dried “through / to-handle” or “minimum time to recoat” per paint manufacturer’s recommendations, whichever is greater. Unless otherwise noted, the contractor shall adhere to the procedures and methods for application as described in SSPC-PA 1, Section 7.
A.Atmospheric Conditions. Paint shall be applied only if surface and ambient temperatures are greater than or equal to 40oF and rising. Paint shall not be applied when surface or ambient temperatures are greater than 100oF. If the temperature range listed on the manufacturer’s data sheets is more restrictive, the manufacturer’s range shall be used. The use of accelerator additives is prohibited. No paint shall be applied unless the receiving surface is dry. Paint shall not be applied when the relative humidity is more than 85% or the receiving surface is less than 5oF above the dew point temperature. If the manufacturer’s data sheets have a more restrictive range then they shall be followed.
B.Paint Mixing. All paint shall be thoroughly mixed with mechanical mixers in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. After mixing, the bottom of the container shall be free of any unmixed pigment prior to use.
C.Solvents and Thinners. Paint may be thinned if recommended by the manufacturer and approved by the Engineer. The primer shall not be thinned such that the resulting VOC level exceeds the maximum allowable limit set by 6 NYCRR Part 205 for Zinc-Rich Primers. Intermediate and finish coats shall not be thinned where the resulting VOC level exceeds the maximum allowable Part 205 limit for Industrial Maintenance Coatings. The manufacturer’s data sheets shall advise the Contractor and Engineer of the maximum amount of thinner allowed. Use of unauthorized thinners or using excess amounts of thinners is prohibited. Any area where unauthorized solvents or thinners are used shall be recleaned and repainted at no additional cost to the State.
572-3 03
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2
D.Paint Application. Painting shall not begin until cleaned surfaces have been inspected and approved by the Engineer. Paint may be applied using spray, brush, or roller, unless otherwise indicated by the contract documents. All paint shall be applied so as to produce a uniform, even coating free of runs, sags, drips, ridges, or other defects. Roller nap shall be limited in accordance with the paint manufacturer’s recommendation. Brushes and rollers used to apply the paint must be of a quality to produce a smooth uniform coating without leaving fibers in the coating. All steel surfaces that will be in contact with concrete shall not be painted. Priming shall begin only after all welding and fabrication work is completed.
E.Stripe Coat. A stripe coat shall extend a minimum of 1 inch away from the following surfaces: all welds, rivets, bolts, nuts, edges of plates and structural members, angles, bearings, lattice pieces or other shapes, corners, and crevices. To provide contrast, paint for stripe coating shall be a different color than the receiving surface. The stripe coat shall use the intermediate paint and be applied after the intermediate coat. The stripe coat shall be brush applied without being thinned. The stripe coat will be applied in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, with particular attention to the film thickness, recoat window, and cure schedule. Areas near bridge joints that are to receive an additional coat of intermediate paint shall also receive a stripe coat where necessary as described above. A stripe coat shall not be applied to any slip critical surfaces.
F.Paint Film Thickness. Paint shall be applied to produce the specified dry-film thickness as directed by the range listed on the paint manufacturer’s data sheets. The dry-film thickness (DFT) shall be determined in accordance with SSPC-PA 2, Paint Application Specification No. 2 - Measurement of Dry Film Thickness with Magnetic Gages, using a Type 2 fixed probe magnetic gages. Dry film thickness gauges shall be calibrated over a blasted, approved surface on the structure using two NIST traceable shims as described in the “two point calibration adjustment” section of Appendix 2 of SSPC-PA 2. The two shims must be just below and above the recommended thickness range of the prime coat, or the combined thickness of successive coats, as applicable. DFTs of the intermediate and finish coats shall be determined by subtracting the average DFT readings of the previous coat(s) from the actual DFT reading. An average DFT value shall be recorded and calculated for every 1000 square feet prepared. The average shall be calculated using a minimum of 5 spot measurements as defined by SSPC-PA2. At least one of the spot measurements shall be performed on the bottom face of the bottom flange of stringers, girders or floor beams if these elements are in the work area. Areas failing to meet the specified minimum dry-film thickness shall be top coated with the same paint to produce the total dry-film thickness required. The top coating must be performed within the paint manufacturer’s specified recoat window. The Engineer may require any area exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended dry-film thickness to be blast cleaned to the SP-10 condition.
1.Slip Critical Connections. The policy for coating slip-critical contact surfaces is specified in the New York State Steel Construction Manual. All metal to metal, slip-critical contact surfaces shall not be painted unless specified in the Contract Documents and allowed by the New York State Steel Construction Manual.
G.Painting Schedule. Primer shall be applied to approved, abrasive-blasted surfaces within 8 hours of the final cleaning operation. If the Contractor fails to apply primer to the surface within 8 hours of cleaning, the surface shall be restored in accordance with the SP-10 requirements, at no additional cost to the State.
572-3 04
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2 To prevent intercoat adhesion failure, recoating must be performed within the manufacturer’s recommended recoat window, or 14 days, whichever is shorter. If the contractor fails to recoat within the specified time period, the surface to be painted shall be cleaned and abraded, in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, to ensure adhesion of the following coat at no additional cost. If the steel has become dirty between coats, the Contractor shall wash the structure at no additional cost to the State. Manufacturer’s recommendations shall be observed for cure to handle, and cure to top coat schedules.
H.Stenciling. The following information shall be stenciled on at least one steel element or on the inside web of a fascia member coated under this specification, unless otherwise directed by the Engineer:
1.Month and year of completion
2.Contract number
3.SP10
4.Name of Paint Manufacturer
5.Name of Shop that performed painting
6.Primer, Intermediate, and Finish coat names The stenciled lettering should be approximately 6 inches in height and be a contrasting paint color to the top coat.
572-3.04 Field Painting. The only field work allowed is touch-up work after steel erection and
subsequent concrete placement has been completed. All field painting shall be done at no additional cost to the State. All the requirements of this specification shall apply to field painted material with the following modifications:
A.Hardware. Bolt heads, washers, nuts, bolt thread extensions, and other miscellaneous steel surfaces not painted in the shop shall be cleaned as per SSPC SP-1 and painted after the bolts have been installed and accepted. Abrasive blasting of the bolts is not required. Any dye present on galvanized hardware shall be cleaned in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation prior to painting. The Contractor shall submit the dye-cleaning procedure to the Engineer five days prior to cleaning.
B.Surface Preparation of Damaged Areas. All visible dirt, grease, and other foreign matter shall be removed first by pressure washing and solvent cleaning as per SSPC SP-1 as needed. Areas exhibiting damaged or deteriorated paint not extending to the steel surface shall be hand or power- tool cleaned as necessary to remove damaged or deteriorated, loosely adhered paint. Loosely adhered paint will lift when scraped with a dull putty knife. All edges of paint surrounding the repair area shall be tightly adherent and feathered. These edges and the surrounding painted surfaces to receive a (repair) topcoat(s) shall be abraded to provide a suitable anchor profile for the paint. Areas that exhibit damage of the paint system down to the steel surface shall be cleaned with power tools to SSPC SP-11 and shall exhibit a suitable anchor profile for the primer paint. All power and blasting tools will be vacuum-sealed units. All surrounding steel that has been previously painted in the shop shall be protected from damage during cleaning operations. Repairs shall be smoothly transitioned into surrounding new paint.
572-4 01
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Sections 200 - 599 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS (USC) January 1, 2026 Volume 2
C.Application. Application shall be made by brush and roller only. Areas of steel exhibiting damage not extending down to the steel surface shall receive two coats of paint: intermediate and finish coat. Damage extending to the steel surface shall receive three coats of paint: primer, intermediate and finish coat. These coats of paint shall be applied at a dry film thickness as recommended by the paint manufacturer for such (repair) application.
572-4 Method of Measurement
572-4.01 Shop Applied – Square Feet. The measurement of this item will include the area requiring
surface preparation and painting to the nearest whole square foot.
572-4.02 Shop Applied – Lump Sum. The work under this item will be measured on a lump sum basis,
per structure.
572-5 BASIS OF PAYMENT. The unit or lump sum price bid shall include the cost of all labor,
materials, and equipment necessary to complete the work. Progress payments will be made for 80% of total payment quantity upon delivery of shop painted steel to the job site. Shop painted steel will be considered properly painted only when accompanied by the Engineer’s or Inspector’s written certification. The remaining 20% of payment will be made upon completion of cleaning and field painting all bolt heads, nuts, washers, bolt thread extensions, and damaged areas. Payment will be made under: Item No. Item Pay Unit 572.01nnnn Structural Steel Painting: Shop Applied Square Foot 572.02nnnn Structural Steel Painting: Shop Applied Lump Sum NOTE: nnnn denotes a serialized pay item.
Get an email when 572 changes
New York revises spec sections through supplementals and new editions. We check this one every week and email you the day it changes. Free, no account.
Source: Standard Specifications (US Customary Units), 2026 (Jan) Edition. Pages 596–602 of 1,489. View official source ↗