C33 Reading Blueprints and Interpreting Paint Specifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On architectural blueprints, paint finish schedules are typically found on which type of drawing sheet?
- Structural sheets (S-series)
- Architectural finish schedule sheets (A-series) (Correct answer)
- Mechanical sheets (M-series)
- Electrical sheets (E-series)
Correct answer: Architectural finish schedule sheets (A-series)
Paint and finish specifications are located on Architectural (A-series) sheets, typically in the room finish schedule.
Architectural drawings (A-series) contain finish schedules that specify paint and coating requirements. The Room Finish Schedule lists floor, wall, ceiling, and trim finishes for each room. These schedules use codes that reference detailed specifications in Division 09 (Finishes) of the project specifications manual.
Question 2: A paint specification calls for 'SSPC-SP6 Commercial Blast Cleaning' of steel surfaces. What does this preparation standard require?
- Hand sanding to smooth finish
- Removal of at least two-thirds of all visible surface contamination by abrasive blasting (Correct answer)
- Power tool cleaning to bare metal
- Solvent wiping followed by primer application
Correct answer: Removal of at least two-thirds of all visible surface contamination by abrasive blasting
SSPC-SP6 Commercial Blast Cleaning requires removal of at least two-thirds of visible residues by abrasive blasting.
SSPC-SP6 (NACE No. 3) requires blast cleaning to remove at least 66% of all visible residues. The remaining 1/3 may show only light shadows. For comparison: SP5 (White Metal) = 100% removal; SP10 (Near-White) = 95% removal. The standard also requires SSPC-SP1 solvent cleaning before blasting.
Question 3: In project specifications, Division 09 90 00 covers which scope of work?
- Plumbing
- Painting and Coating (Correct answer)
- Electrical
- Concrete
Correct answer: Painting and Coating
Under the CSI MasterFormat, Division 09 90 00 covers Painting and Coating specifications.
The CSI MasterFormat organizes specifications by division. Division 09 covers Finishes, and Section 09 90 00 addresses Painting and Coating. This section includes surface preparation, coating systems by substrate type, application methods, dry film thickness requirements, and inspection procedures.
Question 4: A specification requires 'DFT of 3.0 mils minimum.' What does DFT mean and how is it measured?
- Dried Finish Texture - measured by visual comparison
- Dry Film Thickness - measured with a magnetic or electronic gauge (Correct answer)
- Direct Flow Time - measured with a viscosity cup
- Dust-Free Time - measured with a stopwatch
Correct answer: Dry Film Thickness - measured with a magnetic or electronic gauge
DFT stands for Dry Film Thickness, measured in mils using magnetic gauges on ferrous substrates or electronic gauges on non-ferrous substrates.
Dry Film Thickness (DFT) is measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch). Magnetic pull-off gauges and electronic gauges work on ferrous substrates. Eddy current gauges measure on non-ferrous metals. Specifications typically require a minimum DFT per coat and a total system DFT.
Question 5: When reading blueprints, a C-33 contractor encounters 'PT-1' in the room finish schedule. What does this typically reference?
- Plumbing Type 1
- Paint Type 1 - a specific coating system defined in the specifications (Correct answer)
- Pressure-Treated lumber grade 1
- Partition Type 1
Correct answer: Paint Type 1 - a specific coating system defined in the specifications
PT-1 in a finish schedule refers to Paint Type 1, a coding system where each number corresponds to a specific coating system in the project specifications.
Designations like PT-1, PT-2, PT-3 are paint type codes that reference specific coating systems defined in Division 09 90 00. For example, PT-1 might specify: 'One coat alkali-resistant primer + two coats eggshell acrylic latex.' The C-33 contractor must cross-reference these codes with the specification section.
Question 6: A paint specification lists an 'acceptable products' section naming three manufacturers. What must the contractor do to use a product not on this list?
- Use it anyway if it is the same price
- Submit a formal substitution request with technical data proving equivalence (Correct answer)
- Call the manufacturer directly
- Nothing - the list is only a suggestion
Correct answer: Submit a formal substitution request with technical data proving equivalence
To use an unlisted product, the contractor must submit a formal substitution request with technical data proving equivalence for the architect's review.
Substitution requests must be submitted during the bidding period with product data sheets, test results, and evidence of equivalence. The architect reviews and issues an addendum if approved. Using an unapproved product is a contract violation that can require removal and replacement at the contractor's expense.
C33 Reading Blueprints and Interpreting Paint Specifications 2
On architectural blueprints, paint finish schedules are typically found on which type of drawing sheet?