Site work instructions

Section 4 - Preparation

SW 4.01 Painted Finishes / BS Code of Practice

The whole of the painted surfaces shall be finished in accordance with BS 6150: 2006 Code of Practice for Painting of Buildings (or as amended) and additional requirements quoted.

The surfaces coated should exhibit a fair and even surface of constant colour, substantially free of brushmarks, fatty edges etc. Each coat shall be allowed to harden and rubbed down before the next coat is applied.

SW 4.02 ISO Code of Practice for Metal Finishes (HPC's)

Where 'HPC' coatings are quoted for metal, the whole of the painted surfaces shall be finished in accordance with ISO 12944: 1998 Paints and Varnishes - Corrosion Protection of Steel Structures by Protective Paint Systems (or as amended).

SW 4.10 Dampness

No materials should be applied to surfaces that are structurally or superficially damp. All surfaces must be free from condensation, dirt etc before and during treatment.

SW 4.11 Efflorescence

Where efflorescence is present, remove fluffy efflorescence deposits by rubbing with dry Hessian sacking at frequent intervals. Check salts do not return within 48 hours, before proceeding. Remove hard shiny efflorescence by careful *manual abrasion taking care not to damage the surface finish of the substrate. On new buildings it is advisable not to use solvent based paints for at least 12 months as this will allow the surface time to dry out thoroughly.
*When rubbing down dry and/or dusting off wear a suitable face mask to avoid the inhalation of dust. (See SW 4.20 for further information.)

SW 4.12 Internal Mould Growth

Mould growth on internal surfaces must be treated prior to the application of any subsequent paint coating. Surfaces which are contaminated with mould should be scraped to remove all heavy deposits before being treated with 'Dulux' Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash. (By brush only). After 24 hours rinse off and allow to dry. A second treatment is sometimes required. Ensure all surfaces are fully dry before proceeding.
Caution
'Dulux' Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash contains Disodium Octaborate and Benzalkonium Chloride. Read the label before you buy. Use pesticides safely. Fungicidal Wash should not be allowed to come into contact with foodstuffs.

SW 4.13 External Vegetable, Mould or Algae growth

Algae, moss, lichen and mould growths must be removed as far as is practicable by thorough scraping, followed by brushing with stiff fibre brushes. (Do not use wire brushes as strands can detach and could appear after re-painting as rust stains).
To kill any residual growth, the affected surface should then be treated with 'Dulux' Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash. After 24 hours rinse off and allow to dry. A second treatment is sometimes required. Ensure all surfaces are fully dry before proceeding. Do not apply in wet weather.
Caution
'Dulux' Weathershield Multi-Surface Fungicidal Wash contains Disodium Octaborate and Benzalkonium Chloride. Read the label before you buy. Use pesticides safely. Fungicidal Wash should not be allowed to come into contact with foodstuffs.

SW 4.20 Rubbing Down & Dusting Off

When rubbing down use a wet flatting process. Where it is not possible or practical to use a wet process, wear a suitable face mask when rubbing down dry and/or dusting off to avoid the inhalation of dust. When it is known or suspected that coatings contain lead refer to Clause SW 4.22 for further information.

SW 4.22 Lead in Previous Coatings

All Dulux and Glidden paints are free from any added lead. However, the wood and metal surfaces of the building, especially if it is pre-1960, may have been decorated in the past with a paint made with lead pigments. Preparation and removal of such paint can be hazardous. For a free leaflet explaining how the surface should be prepared safely contact:
ICI Paints Technical Group: ICI Paints, Wexham Road, Slough SL2 5DS. Tel: 08444 817 818

SW 4.23 Fire Protection Systems

Where surfaces have been previously treated with fire retardant, check with the treatment manufacturer that the specified coating materials are compatible, and do not inhibit its performance. Inform the client of any discrepancy in coating system details and obtain instructions before proceeding with application.

SW 4.30 Friable / Powdery Surfaces

Friable or powdery surfaces must be treated with the primer most suited to the substrate prior to the application of any subsequent compatible coating.

SW 4.31 Opening edges / Undersides of Sills

Ensure that doors and opening windows, etc., are 'eased' as necessary before coating. All opening edges of doors and windows and undersides of sills are included in the painting work.

SW 4.40 Glazing – Repair & Replace Where Necessary

All glazing compounds and glazing repairs must comply with BS8000: Part 7: 1990 (Code of practice for glazing).
Renew or replace defective glazing compounds or glazing beads using the appropriate Repair Method from the Window Care Systems document "A Guide to Specifying Pre-Paint Repairs." See Clause SW 1.04 for further information.

SW 4.41 Glazing – Repair & Replace Where Necessary

All glazing compounds and glazing repairs must comply with BS 8000: Part 7: 1990 (Code of practice for glazing). Hack out all cracked or defective glazing putties. Remove all defective or loose beading. Clean the rebates and apply the appropriate priming product to all bare areas. Similarly, treat beading and any new wood which is to be spliced-in on all faces and edges, i.e. rub down and prime.

REPLACEMENT OF GLAZING COMPOUNDS WHERE NECESSARY:
When dry, re-glaze with appropriate glazing compound and allow to harden before further treatment. The compound manufacturer's recommendations must be adhered to, even if at variance with this system.

REPLACEMENT OF BEADING WHERE NECESSARY:
Bed in suitable external quality mastic in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and screw down tightly using non-ferrous fixings.

SW 4.42 Bead Glazing

Joinery to be stained must have the first coat of the staining system applied to rebates and beads before glazing. Joinery to be varnished must have the first coat of the varnish system applied to rebates and beads before glazing. Joinery to be painted, with the exception of the 'Dulux' Trade Weathershield Exterior Gloss system and the 'Dulux' Trade Weathershield Exterior Quick Drying Satin system, must have the primer applied to rebates and beads before glazing. The 'Dulux' Trade Weathershield Exterior Gloss system and the 'Dulux' Trade Weathershield Exterior Quick Drying Satin system, must have the primer and one undercoat applied to rebates and beads before glazing.

SW 4.43 Putty Glazing

Allow putty to set for at least 7 days and, before a further 14 days, seal the putty with an oil based primer. Fully coat and protect the putty with a coating system as soon as it is sufficiently hard.

SW 4.50 Stoppers / Fillers

Apply oil based stoppers/fillers after priming. Apply water based stoppers/fillers before priming unless recommended otherwise by ICI Paints.

SW 4.51 Polycell Trade Fillers

For precise application, completion and storage guidance please refer to the product packaging or product data sheet.

SW 4.60 Off Site Preparation

All off site preparation and coating to be carried out under cover in a suitable environment with adequate lighting.

SW 4.70 Proper Storage

Store all items, both before and after coating, in a clean, dry area protected from the weather and mechanical damage, properly stacked with spaces to permit air circulation and prevent sticking of surfaces.

SW 4.80 Oil and Grease Contaminated Surfaces

For surfaces contaminated with dirt, oil and grease, use an emulsifying Oil and Grease Remover. The product can either be used diluted with an equal amount of clean water or used neat, depending on how heavy the deposits are. The solution should be brushed on liberally, followed by brushing with a stiff brush. Rinse surfaces thoroughly with frequent changes of clean water to remove all residues. Wet vacuum equipment or absorbent material may be required to soak up excessive water.

SW 4.81 Power Washing

This is a method of cleaning the surfaces by using High Pressure water washing equipment (i.e. minimum pressure of 2500 psi at a flow of not less than 8 gallons of water per minute) to remove all loose material, residues, dirt, mould, vegetable growths etc. Allow the surfaces to dry out thoroughly for 3-4 days. (See BS 6150 53.3 for further details)

SW 4.82 Concrete Floors - Shot Blasting

This is a method of preparation for a concrete floor that is particularly dense, or for large floor areas to be blast cleaned. Mobile Blast Machines can be hired from most plant hire companies. These electrically powered machines fire steel shot at the surface removing the surface laitance or previous coatings. The shot is recycled but the dirt is extracted from the abrasive by a vacuum dust collector, making the whole process clean and effective. Care must be taken when using this type of equipment as it can damage the concrete. If unfamiliar with such equipment we would recommend that a demonstration from the hire company is requested or, in some instances, the supplier can be employed to carry out this part of the operation. The equipment usually requires a 3 phase electrical supply.

SW 4.83 Concrete Floors - Etchant

This can be a messy process for a concrete floor and requires a water supply for washing off the acid and a wet vacuum to extract the contaminated water. Ensure that the etchant is applied evenly; a good method is to use a plastic watering can with a rose attachment, and allow the recommended time required to work. Care must be taken when using such products, and strictly adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on Health and Safety procedures.

SW 4.84 Metals - Blast Cleaning

Dry blast clean metal to a minimum standard of BS EN ISO 8501-1: 2001. Sa 2.5. All surface defects including cracks, surface laminations and deep pitting likely to be detrimental to the protective painting system must be removed. All fins at saw cuts, burrs and sharp edges must be similarly removed. Where extensive grinding has been necessary, the dressed areas must be re-blasted to remove all rust and provide an adequate paint key.

All welds (and bolted areas, if applicable) must be blast cleaned to the standard laid down above immediately prior to painting. All weld spatters must be removed. After blast cleaning all spent shot or grit must be removed by vacuum cleaner or, if such equipment is not available, by airline and brush. In the event of any shot, grit or blasting debris being found under or embedded in the paint film, the affected area shall be re-blasted and the complete paint system re-applied. The maximum time between commencing blast cleaning and application of the primer must be 4 hours when blasting under cover; on site the prepared surfaces must be primed before they have time to deteriorate below the specified standard.

See also