Fitz’s Atlas
of Coatings Surveys

Fitz’s Atlas of Coating Surveys is a pocket-sized ring binder that contains fifteen sections on aspects of coating surveys and has been compiled as a guide to producing uniform and consistent coating evaluations and reports.

Each section has been compiled by coating specialists who understand paint coatings and their importance in corrosion protection.

The Atlas is a 4¾” x 7¼” 300 page ring binder with detailed illustrations.

The atlas covers coating surveys, estimation of percentages, European scale of rusting of anticorrosive paints (Re Scale), common defects, marine fouling, dry film thickness, passive fire protection, adhesion testing, holiday detection, sampling techniques, field texts, photography, reporting, health & safety and test methods.

COATING SURVEYS CONTENTS

Estimation of Percentages

Coating Surveys

This section of the Atlas details methodologies used to conduct a coatings survey in different locations and environments including ships, offshore structures, petrochemical and infrastructure industries.

A description of each location is outlined with guidance on how the coating survey should be undertaken. Detailed drawings and schematics are included.

Estimation of Percentages

Estimation of Percentages

This section of the Atlas offers the reader an understanding on the visual assessment of coating breakdown and how to estimate the areas affected.

Various charts, diagrams and illustrations are used to assist the coating surveyor to estimate the percentage breakdown in a given area.

European Scale of degree of Rusting of Anticorrosive Paints

European Scale of degree of Rusting of Anticorrosive Paints

The European Scale of Degree of Rusting of Anticorrosive Paints is an internationally recognised method of determining the extent of rusting on a coated surface.

This section allows the coating surveyor to determine the degree of rusting with the use of black and white and coloured illustrations.

Common Defects

Common Defects

This section of the Atlas details the common defects found during a coating survey including various forms of paint detachment, blistering, cracking and rusting.

Various illustrations are used within this section along with a detailed description of the coating defects.

Marine Fouling

Marine Fouling

The marine fouling section of the Atlas details the different types of marine fouling that may be encountered by the coating coatings surveyor including (animal, plant and slime).

A classification of the fouling is included along with illustrations of the types of marine fouling. Marine fouling estimation charts are also included.

Dry Film Thickness Surveys

Dry Film Thickness Surveys

This section of the Atlas details the different types of dry film thickness gauges used when conducting a coatings survey. Type 1 and Type 2 gauges are discussed along with destructive type methods.

An overview of the SSPC, ASTM, ISO and IMO standards are covered within this section.

Passive Fire Protection


Passive Fire Protection


This section of the Atlas offers an introduction to the different types of passive fire protection materials and how to survey passive fire protection.

Pre-survey information and severity levels are contained along with examples of general defects.

Adhesion Testing


Adhesion Testing


An introduction to paint adhesion is contained within this section of the Atlas along with an overview on the different test methods and specific standards used to assess and determine the adhesion of a coating system.

ISO and ASTM Standards are detailed along with illustrations of adhesion testing and reporting.

Holiday Detection


Holiday Detection


Within this section of the Atlas, we review the function of holiday detectors and the different types of holiday detectors available.

An overview of the ISO, NACE and ASTM standards on holiday detection are included. High and low voltage holiday detectors are detailed in this section.

Sampling Techniques


Sampling Techniques


Sampling techniques used when conducting a coatings survey are contained within this section of the Atlas.

The section describes sampling techniques for paint flakes, detachment, delamination and blistering and discusses containers, labelling, chain of custody and the equipment required by the coatings surveyor.

Field Tests and Laboratory Analysis


Field Tests and Laboratory Analysis


The field tests and laboratory analysis section of the Atlas will support the coatings surveyor on the practical field tests used and analysis of materials.

Soluble salts, solvent rub, cure, amine bloom, adhesion, porosity, gloss, surface profile, hull roughness, abrasive contaminants, blast pressures, the dry film thickness and hardness are all covered along with the laboratory analysis.

Photography

Photography

Photographs form an integral part of a coating survey and they should provide a balanced view of the coating condition.
This section of the Atlas will introduce the coating surveyor to important aspects to consider when using a camera during a coating conducting coating survey including camera type, lens type aperture, depth of field and picture format.

Recommendations on the use of a camera in site conditions are detailed in this section.

Documentation and Reporting


Documentation and Reporting


This section of the Atlas covers the essential aspects of Documentation and Reporting.

Various examples are used to assist the coating surveyor to determine the right approach when submitting documents and reports.

Health and Safety


Health and Safety


The Health and Safety section of the Atlas will assist the coatings surveyor to safely conduct the coatings survey and reviews the pre-work activities, risk assessments, method statements, site work instructions, permits to work and PPE.

The atlas provides advice on how to safely conduct coating surveys.

Standards and Test Methods


Standards and Test Methods


There are numerous Standards and Test Methods used in the protective coatings industry.
Within this section of the Atlas Standards and Test Methods are detailed which have specific reference to coating evaluation, testing and inspection.

Groups include Paint Testing and Evaluation, Adhesion Testing, Dry Film Thickness and Holiday Detection.

DETAILED EXAMPLES AND GUIDANCE

Re Scale of Rust

The European Scale of Degree for Anti-Corrosive Paint is illustrated in both colour and the original black & white.

Standards and Test Methods

Thirty seven Standards and Test Methods from ISO, ASTM, NACE, PSPC and SSPC are detailed within the Atlas relating to paint testing and evaluation, adhesion tests, dry film thickness and holiday detection.

Estimation of Percentages

Estimation of the extent of Rusting of a coated steel surface is demonstrated by using illustrations of variable degrees of rust (0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0. 10 and 15%). Scattered and localised rusting is illustrated.