1.1 The visual surface preparation standards consist of a series of color prints available as separate publications. Five different sets of photographs are described in this standard, designated as Method A (ISO/Swedish Standard ) and Methods B through E (SSPC Guides and Reference Photographs ). The methods differ in the depiction of the initial surface, in the definition and depiction of the cleaning conditions, and in the number of cleaning methods included. Because of these differences, the specifier should state which method to use.

1.2 The colored visual surface preparation standards represent different conditions of hot rolled carbon steel before and after surface preparation. Prior to cleaning, there are four rust grades, A to D, that cover the range from intact mill scale to 100 % rusted and pitted steel. The standards then depict the appearance of the initial conditions after cleaning by one or more methods (for example, dry abrasive blast cleaning) to various degrees of thoroughness. In addition, Method B includes three painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide depicts these conditions after various degrees of dry abrasive blast cleaning. Method C includes four rust grades and three painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide depicts these conditions after various degrees of hand and power tool cleaning. Method D includes two rust grades and four painted conditions that contain various degrees of deterioration. The Guide depicts these conditions after various degrees of water jetting, with three levels of flash rusting. Method E includes two rust grades. The Guide depicts these conditions after various degrees of wet abrasive blast cleaning, with three levels of flash rusting.