TECHNICAL STANDARD
SSPC-SP 11-2020
Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal
AMPP / SSPC
2020
Current
WHAT DOES THIS STANDARD COVER?
Defines a higher degree of power-tool surface preparation in which the required end condition is bare metal.
WHY IS IT RELEVANT?
Particularly useful for local repairs, maintenance painting and restricted areas where abrasive blasting is impractical but a more rigorous degree of preparation than conventional power-tool cleaning is required. Do not confuse SP 11 with SP 3. Do not imply that every power tool automatically achieves SP 11.
KEY INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS
The standard addresses power-tool cleaning to bare metal. It differs from general power-tool cleaning by requiring a more extensive prepared condition and a surface profile requirement. Tool selection and operation can influence both cleanliness and the resulting surface. Inspection should assess the complete prepared condition rather than simply confirming that power tools were used.
WHAT THE STANDARD SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ASSUME
SSPC-SP 11 should not be confused with SSPC-SP 3. A surface that appears visually bare does not necessarily demonstrate compliance with all preparation requirements. Surface profile should be assessed where applicable. Soluble salts, oil, grease and other contamination remain separate considerations.
PRACTICAL INSPECTION APPLICATION
The standard can be useful for maintenance and local repair work where abrasive blasting is impractical or unavailable. Inspectors can assess the visible prepared condition and surface profile and pay particular attention to welds, pits, edges, difficult-access areas and transitions.
RELATED TECHNICAL STANDARDS
RELATED TECHNICAL TOPICS
Surface preparation; Maintenance coating; 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.
A structured approach to investigating protective coating failure through evidence, testing, sampling and project-record review.
RELATED EXPERTISE
Coating Inspection; Condition Surveys; 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.
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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
2020 edition is the current identified edition. Verified September 2026.