SSPC-Paint 12

November 1, 1982
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

PAINT SPECIFICATION NO. 12

Cold-Applied Asphalt Mastic (Extra Thick Film)
1. Scope 3. Reference Standards
1.1 This specification covers a cold-applied asphalt 3.1 The standards referenced in this specification are
mastic coating for structural steel. It has no rust inhibiting listed in Sections 3.4 through 3.7 and form a part of this
characteristics and affords protection by excluding corro- specification.
sive media to a high degree. It acts as a vapor seal because
of its relative impermeability, which is attained by applica- 3.2 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the
tion in thick coats. referenced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid
shall govern unless otherwise specified.
1.2 This mastic is suitable for exposures in Environ-
mental Zones 2A (frequently wet by fresh water), 2B (fre- 3.3 If there is a conflict between the requirements of
quently wet by salt water), 3B (chemical, neutral), and 3C any of the cited reference standards and this specification,
(chemical, alkaline); and is intended for spray application the requirements of this specification shall prevail.
over steel surfaces prepared in accordance with SSPC-SP
6, “Commercial Blast Cleaning,” or SSPC-SP 8, “Pickling.” 3.4 SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS:
It is to be applied in accordance with SSPC-PA 1, “Shop,
Field, and Maintenance Painting of Steel.” A rust inhibitive PA 1 Shop, Field, and Maintenance
priming coat or pretreatment is recommended in highly Painting of Steel
corrosive environments. PA Guide 3 A Guide to Safety in Paint Appli-
cation
2. Description Paint 27* Basic Zinc Chromate - Vinyl
Butyral Wash Primer
2.1 Cold-applied asphalt mastic contains asphalt and SP 6/NACE No. 3 Commercial Blast Cleaning
petroleum solvents, either naturally occurring or petroleum SP 8 Pickling
derived or both. Details of the composition are given in
Table 1. 3.5 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MA-
TERIALS (ASTM) STANDARDS:
2.2 This mastic contains approximately 50% by volume
of nonvolatile film-forming solids (pigment and binder). The B 117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog)
theoretical spreading rate for a 63 mil (1,600 micrometers) Apparatus
dry film thickness is 12.7 square feet/U.S. gallon (0.3 D5 Test Method for Penetration of Bitumi-
square meters/liter). Actual spreading rates can be signifi- nous Materials
cantly lower. D 235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petro-
leum Spirits) (Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning
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Solvent)

TABLE 1
COMPOSITION

REQUIRED INGREDIENT STANDARDS

Min. Max.
INGREDIENTS wt. Yo Wt. Yo ASTM Federal
FILLER: (40 wt. O h max.)
Inorganic Filler Contains
Short Fiber Asbestos and
Free Inert Material 1O0 - -

VEHICLE: (60 wt. min.)

Asphalts 45 65 - -
Mineral Spirit Thinner 35 55 D 235 TT-T-291, Tvpe I

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 SSPC-Paint 12
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Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

D 1296 Test Method for Odor of Volatile Solvents include up to 50% by weight of gilsonite; any petroleum
and Diluents asphalt used shall be a straight run, steam or vacuum
D 1856 Test Method for Recovery of Asphalt from refined residue and shall be air blown in accordance with
Solution by Abson Method good commercial practice.
D 2369 Test Method for Volatile Content of Coat-
ings 4.3 FILLERS: Fillers used shall be suitable inorganic
D 2939 Test Methodsfor Testing Emulsified Bitu- minerals and short fiber asbestos. Sand and other harsh
mens Used as Protective Coatings abrasive materials shall not be used. The fillers (exclusive
D 3278 Test Methodsfor Flash Point of Liquids by of asbestos) shall be fine enough to pass through a 325
Setaflash Closed-Cup Apparatus mesh screen. Not more than 15% by weight of the total
mastic shall be retained on a 325 mesh screen as deter-
3.6 FEDERAL STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS: mined by washing the mastic through the screen with
suitable solvent.
A-A-2904 Thinner, Paint, Mineral Spirits,
Regular and Odorless 4.4 PETROLEUM SOLVENTS: The volatile solvents
A-A-59295 Corrosion Preventive Com- shall consist of any suitable aliphatic petroleum solvents
pounds Cold Application (for New with a minimum flash point of 90°F (32°C).
and Fielded Motor Vehicles and
Trailers) 4.5 The mastic based on the specified ingredients shall
TT-C-520** (canceled) Coating compound, be uniform, stable in storage, and free from grit and coarse
Bituminous, Solvent Type, Un- particles. No water, coal, tar, or coal tar solvents may be
derbody (for Motor Vehicles) (Re- added.
fer to A-A-59295)
TT-T-291 (canceled) Thinner, Paint, Min- 4.6 The paint shall conform to the composition (analy-

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eral Spirits, Regular and Odor sis) requirements of Table 2.
less (Refer to A-A-2904)
5. Properties
FED-STD-141 Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Re-
lated Materials: Methods of Inspection, Sampling and Test- 5.1 The paint shall meet the requirements of Table 3,
ing Sections 5.2 through 5.18.

Method 3011 Condition in Container 5.2 ODOR: Shall be normal for the materials permitted
Method 3021 Skinning (Partially Filled Con- (ASTM D 1296).
tainer)
Method 4021 Pigment Content (Ordinary Cen- 5.3 COLOR: The color shall be black.
trifuge)
Method 4053 Nonvolatile Vehicle Content 5.4 COMPATIBILITY: There shall be no evidence of
Method 4203 Reducibility and Dilution Stabil- incompatibility of any of the ingredients of the mastic when
ity two volumes of the mastic are slowly mixed with one volume
Method 431 1 (canceled) Volume Percentage of mineral spirits (FED-STD-141, Method 4203).
of Pigment in Total Nonvolatile
Matter (Calculation Method) 5.5 WORKING PROPERTIES: The mastic shall be
capable of application by brush and trowel in addition to
3.7 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE spraying with standard high pressure spray equipment of
(ANSI) STANDARD: the types recommended for the application of mastics. The
consistency shall be such that it may be sprayed at a
21 29.1 Hazardous Industrial Chemicals - temperature of 50°F (10°C) with a tank pressure of not more
Precautionary Labeling than 80 psi (550 kPa) gage and no more than 80 psi (550
kPa) gage air pressure on the gun nozzle. A coating thus
4. Composition applied shall be uniform, continuous, and free from any
pinholing.
4.1 Ingredients and proportions shall be as specified in
Table 1 and in Sections 4.2 through 4.6. 5.6 CONDITION IN CONTAINER: The mastic shall
show no thickening, curdling, gelling, or hard caking when
4.2 ASPHALTS: Bitumens shall consist of asphalts, tested as specified in FED-STD-141, Method 301 1, after
either naturally occurring or petroleum derived, and may storage for six months from date of delivery, in a full, tightly

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covered container, at a temperature of 50-100°F (10-43°C).
5.7 SKINNING: There shall be no skinning in a three-
quarters filled closed container after 48 hours when tested
in the standard manner specified in FED-STD-141, Method
3021.
5.8 SAG TEST: A 1/8-inch (3 mm) wet film coating of
the mastic shall not sag when suspended vertically for one
hour immediately after spraying, and there shall be no
flowing and piling up of the coating on the lower half of the
panel.
5.9 DRYING TIME: A wet film of coating, sufficient to
deposit a 63 mil (1,600 micrometers) thick dry film shall set
to touch in four hours and shall reach practical hardness in
36 hours at a test temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C) and
45%-55% relative humidity. The coating is considered to
have reached practical hardness when firm pressure be-
tween the thumb and fingers shows a slight tacky condition,
but the film is not ruptured and none of the coating adheres
to the finger.
5.10 HARDNESS: The dry, cured mastic shall have a
penetration of not more than 1.O mm at 77°F (25"C), 2.0 mm
at 95°F (35"C), 7.5 mm at 150°F (66"C), or 15 mm at 180°F
(82°C) when tested according to ASTM D 5 using a 50 gram
weight.
5.1 1 ACID AND ALKALI RESISTANCE: Spray a coat-
ing of the mastic on both sides of degreased 4" x 12" (1O x
30 cm) cold rolled steel panels to give a dry film thickness
of approximately 63 mils (1,600 micrometers). After the
coating has dried for 24 hours, bake ten days at 125°F
(52°C) and allow to cool at room temperature. Seal the
panels around the edges with a high melting point wax by
dipping each edge approximately 114 inch (66 mm) in a
molten solution of the wax and then immerse in test solu-
tions of acids and alkalis to a depth of six inches (15 cm) for
30 days at 75°F (24°C) or ten days at 125°F (52°C). On
removal the panel shall be rinsed in tap water, wiped dry
with a soft rag, and observed for any marked change in
appearance. The coating shall then be removed by solvent
cleaning and the panel surface examined for evidence of
pitting and rusting. The panel shall show no sign of attack
after immersion for 30 days in 10% solutions of hydrochloric
acid, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide. On removal of the
coating by solvent cleaning, the panel surface shall be free
from any pitting or rusting.
5.12 CORROSIVITY: Precleaned, polished strips of
copper, aluminium, and steel of any convenient size, but
not less than 1/2" x 3" (12 mm x 76 mm), shall be completely
immersed in a bath of the mastic at a temperature of 170-
180°F (77-82°C) for 24 hours. The strips shall then be
removed, rinsed with a petroleum naphtha solvent, and
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COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
SSPC-Paint 12
November 1, 1982
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
dried. The strips shall be examined for evidence of staining
or corrosion. The steel strips shall show no trace of corro-
sion. Copper and aluminum strips shall show no more
staining and corrosion than similarly prepared strips heated
for 24 hours in an oven 170-180°F (77-82"C), but not
immersed in the compound.
5.13 FIRE RESISTANCE: Spray and condition a coat-
ing of the compound on three steel panels 3" x 6" (7.6 cm
x 15 cm) as in Section 5.1 1. Suspend one of the test panels
vertically in a shielded hood. A laboratory burner with the air
supply shut off and the flame regulated to 2" (5cm) length
shall be placed under the panel so that the lower end of the
panel is in the flame one inch (2.5 cm). The flame shall be
allowed to remain under the test panel for 20 seconds. After
the flame is withdrawn, the time that the flaming continues
shall be observed. This test shall be run in triplicate and the
results averaged. The dry coating may char, but shall not
support combustion for more than ten seconds when the
flame source is removed.
5.14 RESISTANCE TO FLOW AT ELEVATED TEM-
PERATURE: Spray and condition a coating of the com-
pound as in Section 5.1 1. Parallel lines spaced 1/2"(1 cm)
apart shall be drawn across the width of the surface. The
panel shall then be suspended in a vertical position in an
oven at 320-330°F (160-166°C) for 24 hours. On removal,
observe the surface of the coating for shifting of the lines.
There shall be no evidence of flow or creep.
5.15 SALT SPRAY RESISTANCE: Prepare three steel
panels as in Section 5.1 1, then expose 450 hours to a salt
spray fog as prescribed in ASTM B 117, "Salt Spray (Fog)
Testing." On removal from the salt fog cabinet observe the
surface for evidence of rusting and pinholing. The coating
shall be tested for lifting by inserting a spatula under the
coating along one of the waxed edges and noting whether
it lifts easily from the panels or adheres firmly. Lifting of the
coating as a solid film or in an area of four square inches
(100 square cm) or more shall be cause for rejection. The
coating shall then be removed by solvent cleaning and the
panel surface observed for pitting and rusting. The coating
shall show no signs of blistering or excessive lifting; upon
removal of the coatings, the steel surface shall be free of
pitting or rusting.
5.16 COLD-TEMPERATURE ADHESION: A 63 mil
(1,600 micrometers) dry-film coating of the mastic shall be
prepared and tested as specified in Federal Specification
TT-C-520** "Coating Compound, Bituminous, Solvent Type,
Underbody (for Motor Vehicles);" it shall be subjected to
successive slams at angles of 70,80, and 90 degrees in the
slamming machine specified. Any loosening, flaking, or
chipping off shall not exceed 5% of the total area at -10°F
(-23°C).
335
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Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

TABLE 2
ANALYSIS

REQUIREMENTS
CHARACTERISTICS Min. Max. ASTM FED-STD-141
Filler (wt. O h ) - 40 D 1856 4021*
Volatiles (wt. O h ) - 38 D 2369 -
Nonvolatile bituments
calculated by difference (wt. O h ) 27 - - 4053
Pigment O h by volume of
nonvolatile - 25 - 4311

* Use benzene and extract at least five times.

TABLE 3
PROPERTIES

REQUIREMENTS
CHARACTERISTICS Min. Max. ASTM
Weight per U.S. gallon, pounds 8.0 9.5 D 2939
Flash Point of solvents,
degrees F 90 - D 3278

5.17 ABRASION RESISTANCE: Spray and condition 6. LABELING

a coating of the mastic as in Section 5.1 1 and lay the panel
flat in a sandblasting cabinet. The coating shall then be 6.1 Refer to ANSI Standard Z129.1, “Hazardous Indus-
subjected to 20 passes of the blast from a suction type trial Chemicals- Precautionary Labeling.” Other guidelines
sandblast gun conforming to the following dimensions: can be found in the National Paint and Coating Association
diameter of air orifice-7/32”(6 mm); diameter of nozzle- (NPCA) “Paint Industry Labeling Guide.”
112” (12 mm); inside diameter of sand hose-1-1 /4“(3 cm);
length of sand hose-lO”(3 m); air pressure at nozzle-92- 6.2 MARKING OF CONTAINERS: Each container shall
100 pounds per square inch gage; type of sand-Ottawa be legibly marked with the following information:
Silica Sand; mesh of sand-20-45. The sandblast gun shall
traverse the 4”(10 cm) width of the panel in not less than two Name: Cold-Applied Asphalt Mastic
seconds at a distance of one inch (2.5 cm) from the surface Specification: SSPC-Paint 12
of the coating. After 20 passes with the sandblast gun, the Color: Black
blasted area shall be examined for evidence of film failure. Lot Number:
The coating shall not be cut through to bare metal at any Stock Number:
point. Date of Manufacture:
Quantity of Paint in Container:

5.18 WATER VAPOR TRANSMISSION: The water
vapor permeability of a 63 mil (1,600 micrometers) thick dry
coating of the mastic prepared on a porous base and cured
as in Section 5.11, shall not be over 0.0015 ounces per
square foot per 24 hours under a vapor pressure differential
of 11.8 mm of mercury at 77°F (25°C). The test shall be
made with standard permeability glass cups each contain-
ing 40 cc of water, and covered with a sample of the dry
coating. The units are sealed with wax and placed in a room
or container held at 50% relative humidity and 77°F (25°C).
At different intervals of time, the cells are weighed sepa-
rately. The weight loss is taken as the amount of water
vapor (weight per 24 hours per area) lost by diffusion
through the coating after equilibrium in water vapor trans-
mission has been established.
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Information and Warnings as may be required by
Federal and State Laws:
Manufacturer’s Name and Address:
6.3 DIRECTIONS FOR USE: The following directions
use shall be supplied with each container of paint:
Directions for Use of Cold-Applied Asphalt Mastic
This mastic is used to protect steel from corrosion in
severe surroundings. It will perform best if applied over
blast cleaned or pickled steel; however, it may be used over
well cleaned steel if all rust scale, loose rust, loose mill
scale, and loose or nonadherent paint are removed. Oil and
grease should be removed. For severe exposure, apply

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over a thoroughly dry rust-inhibitive primer.
Mix paint thoroughly before use. Under normal condi-
tions, no thinning should be necessary. Thin paint only if
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necessary, using only mineral spirits.
Apply by spray, using high pressure spray equipment.
If applied by brush, apply with a daubing action.
Apply to the specified film thickness or, if none is
specified, to at least 63 mils (1,600 micrometers) dry or
approximately 126 mils (3,200 micrometers) wet. The sur-
face to be painted shall be dry; the surface temperature
shall be at least 5°F (3°C ) above the dew point; and the
temperature of the air shall be over 40°F (4°C). Do not paint
outdoors in rainy weather or if freezing temperatures are
expected before the paint dries. Under normal conditions,
this mastic will dry for recoating in 243 hours, but it will
remain soft for long periods.
7. Inspection
7.1 All materials (coatings) supplied under this specifi-
cation are subject to timely inspection by the purchaser or
his authorized representative. The purchaser shall have the
right to reject any materials supplied which are found to be
defective under this specification. (See Note 9.1 .) In case of
dispute, unless otherwise specified, the arbitration or settle-
ment procedure established in the procurement documents
shall be followed. If no arbitration procedure is established,
the procedure specified by the American Arbitration Asso-
ciation shall be used.
7.2 Samples of paints may be requested by the pur-
chaser and shall be supplied upon request along with the
manufacturer's name and identification for the materials.
Samples may be requested at the time the purchase order
is placed or may be taken from unopened containers at the
job site.
COPYRIGHT 2003; The Society for Protective Coatings
SSPC-Paint 12
November 1, 1982
Editorial Changes September 1, 2000
7.3 Unless otherwise specified, the sampling shall be
in accordance with ASTM D 3925.
8. Disclaimer
8.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
information furnished in SSPC standards and specifica-
tions is as accurate, complete, and useful as possible,
SSPC cannot assume responsibility nor incur any obliga-
tion resulting from the use of any materials, coatings, or
methods specified herein, or of the specification or stan-
dard itself.
8.2 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 practices described herein, is responsible for instituting
appropriate health and safety practices and for insuring
compliance w l ith all governmental regulations.
9. Notes
Notes are not requirements of this specification.
9.1 The procurement documents should establish the
responsibility for samples, testing, and any required affida-
vit certifying full compliance with the specification.
*This paint includes chromate pigments. Users are
urged to follow all health, safety and environmental require-
ments in applying, handling, and disposing of these mate-
rials.
**TT-C-520 has been canceled and replaced by MIL-C-
2218, "Corrosion Preventive Compounds, Cold Application
(for New and Fielded Motor Vehicles and Trailers)," which
was also canceled. Refer to A-A-59295.
337
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