Suggested Reading for the PCS Exam

The following SSPC publications may help you prepare for the PCS exam.(This list updated 04/20/2004)

• Protective Coatings Specialist Study Guide. Presents a list of the definitions, practices, and principles with which a SSPC Protective Coatings Specialist must be familiar. Does not summarize the examination, but describes the general type of information required to pass it. [SSPC 01-09] Note: This Study Guide is not in our bookstore, you must contact the publications office by clicking the word "contact" above ans send an email (See ,or by using the contact information on the right under "Educational Materials".)


• Steel Structures Painting Manual, Volume 1, Good Painting Practice, 4th Edition: A practical, comprehensive encyclopedia on methods, equipment, and systems for the painting of structural steel. Each chapter represents the best available technology and was subjected to a consensus peer review. Topics include surface preparation, application, inspection, specialized industrial and marine painting, and related issues. In addition to revised or updated chapters, tables and charts, an appendix of all referenced standards, and a revised glossary, the third edition contains new chapters on safety and health in the protective coatings industry, and environmental regulations affecting protective coatings. The essential work for everyone concerned with good painting practice. [SSPC 02-14]


• SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, Systems and Specifications, 8th Edition: Latest edition of SSPC's complete set of specifications, commentaries, guides and procedures for surface preparation, paint application, dry film thickness, safety, environmental protection, maintenance, paints and painting systems for structural steel. The authoritative product of many years of open consensus work by SSPC and leading specialists in the protective coatings industry. The 8th edition also features several recently developed performance-based paint specifications, new and revised guides for environmental protection, a guide for atmospheric testing of coatings in the field, and a new procedure for evaluating the qualifications of shop painting contractors. [SSPC 00-10]


• Practical Math for the Protective Coatings Industry This handy new book presents an essential review of basic mathematical principles, then applies these principles to formulas and calculations commonly used in the protective coatings field. The book begins with easy-to-follow rules, tips, and formulas for simple arithmetic, equation solving, dimensional analysis, geometry, computations, and statistics. It then provides specific formulas for calculating dew point, relative humidity, spreading rate, wet and dry film thickness, pigment volume concentration, transfer efficiency, and other important figures. Although it has something to offer coatings personnel at all levels of experience, it is written especially for those who seek to improve their math skills and advance in their profession through training and education. [SSPC 03-05]


• The Fundamentals of Cleaning and Coating Concrete: Presents a thorough examination of concrete's physical and chemical properties; procedures for mixing, placement, consolidation, finishing, and curing; and the causes and prevention of concrete deterioration. It also provides detailed information on surface cleaning, repair, and preparation; the selection, application, and performance capabilities of protective coating and lining systems; inspection and failure analysis; and other relevant subjects. [SSPC 01-10]


• Corrosion and Coatings: An Introduction to Corrosion for Coatings Personnel: This new book examines the various mechanisms and forms of corrosion, the prevention and control of corrosion through the use of protective coatings, and other methods and considerations for corrosion control. Although written for those with a limited technical background, Corrosion and Coatings can also provide the more seasoned professional with a handy overview of basic principles and can be useful as a guide for the development of a total corrosion control program. [SSPC 98-08]


• The Inspection of Coatings an Linings: A Handbook of Basic Practice for Inspectors, Owners and Specifiers 2cnd Edition: This handbook is a comprehensive compilation of information, procedures, standards, and practices needed for effective inspection of coatings and linings applied to industrial structures. Its primary purpose is to provide coatings inspectors with the resources and guidance to effectively perform the work of inspection. This forms an important part of SSPC's mission to advance the technology and promote the use of coatings to preserve industrial structures. [SSPC 03-14]


• Shop Painting of Steel: A new report on current surface preparation and coating practices in shop painting facilities. It identifies and describes the different types of industrial and light industrial/commercial paint shops, discusses their methods of operation, and compares the relative advantages and limitations of shop painting versus painting in the field. It also contains over one dozen SSPC guides and standards for the selection and performance of shop primers and coating systems. [SSPC 02- 01]


• Protective Coatings: Fundamentals of Chemistry and Composition, Clive H. Hare: Discusses the basics of paint compositions and polymer design, and describes the properties and function of nearly every resin, binder, pigment, solvent and additive used in the formulation of protective coatings. Its accessible, straightforward text provides both the beginner and the more advanced coatings formulator with an essential overview of basic coatings technology. [SSPC 94-17]


• Paint Film Degradation, Clive H. Hare: This new 631-page hardcover presents a scientific approach to the analysis and prevention of common paint and coating failures on industrial, commercial, and residential structures.It stresses the importance of good formulation, storage, mixing, handling, and application, as well the selection of materials suitable for a given substrate and service environment. Although the information it contains can assist in identifying or correcting existing failures, the book is not specifically designed for this purpose. Instead, it is meant to provide an approach to help avoid failures before they occur. [SSPC 01-14]


• Generic Coating Types: An Introduction to Industrial Maintenance Coating Materials, Lloyd M. Smith, Ph. D., General Editor: Outlines and defines major generic classifications of coating materials. Includes an overview of basic coatings technology; a directory of coatings, linings, and floor toppings; and a directory of coatings manufacturers. [SSPC 95-08]


• Surface Preparation and Coatings Handbook: Prepared for the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP), this compact yet comprehensive new handbook provides information on the maintenance of marine vessels with protective coatings. Topics include surface preparation methods and standards, coating materials, application methods, housekeeping requirements, safety and fire prevention, environmental issues, and more. [SSPC 95-07]


• Industrial Lead Paint Removal Handbook, Volume I, Kenneth A. Trimber: An indispensable guide for managing lead paint removal operations. The second edition contains revised and updated sections on worker protection, containment systems, lead paint removal methods, preparing specifications, and verifying compliance with regulations. Its appendices contain relevant excerpts from the Code of Federal Regulations and the entire OSHA interim final standard on lead exposure in construction (29 CFR 1926.62). Those who already own the Handbook rely on it as the most comprehensive resource on industrial lead paint removal. Second Edition, 1993. [SSPC 93-02]


• Project Design: Industrial Lead Paint Removal Handbook, Volume 2, Kenneth A. Trimber and Daniel P. Adley: Applying the fundamental information form Kenneth A. Trimber's Industrial Lead Paint Removal Handbook, this book addresses the specific job of designing and specifying industrial lead paint removal projects. Project Design gives specifiers, applicators, and facility owners an organized approach to collecting and analyzing data for appropriate decision making. This approach is organized into 11 methodical phases, including identifying lead or other toxic metals in coatings; determining a painting strategy; conductive risk assessment; establishing requirements for worker protection, waste management, and project closeout; preparing cost estimates; and writing a specification. In each phase, appropriate test methods are presented. Along with sample checklist forms that the reader can incorporate directly into his or her plan. [SSPC 95-06]


• SSPC-VIS 1, Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel Surfaces Prepared by Dry Abrasive Blast Cleaning: The revised SSPC-VIS 1 features new photographs of previously painted blast cleaned steel, new photographs of industrial blast finishes, and other images and text not found in the previous version. [SSPC 02-12]


• SSPC-VIS 3 Visual Standard for Power- and Hand-Tool Cleaned Steel: Shows a total of seven (four uncoated and three previously coated) steel surfaces before and after hand tool cleaning (SSPC-SP 2); power tool cleaning (SSPC-SP 3) with power wire brushes, needle guns, and sanding discs; and power tool cleaning to bare metal (SSPC-SP 11). Also contains photos that depict SP 11 surfaces on which the profile has been restored; a written guide to the use of reference photographs; and additional explanatory notes. [SSPC 93-04]


• SSPC-VIS 4/NACE VIS 7, Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel Surfaces Prepared by Waterjetting: Shows a total of six (two uncoated and four previously coated) steel surfaces before and after waterjetting. Photographs illustrate four separate degrees of cleaning (WJ 1, WJ 2, WJ 3, and WJ 4) for each initial condition. Also contains photos that depict the appearance light, moderate, and heavy flash rust after cleaning; a written guide to the use of reference photographs; and additional explanatory notes. [SSPC 01-05]


• SSPC-VIS 5/NACE VIS 9, Guide and Reference Photographs for Steel Surfaces Prepared by Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning: Shows two uncoated, rusted steel surfaces before and after wet abrasive blast cleaning. Photographs illustrate two degrees of cleaning (WAB 6 and WAB 10) for each initial condition. Also contains photos that depict the appearance light, moderate, and heavy flash rust after cleaning; a written guide to the use of reference photographs; and additional explanatory notes. [SSPC 01-06]