Garnet Abrasives – The Surface Cleaning Solution to SSPC/NACE Standards

In modern industries such as oil and gas, shipbuilding, steel structures, and tank manufacturing, preparing metal surfaces before painting or applying corrosion protection is no longer just an extra step — it has become a key factor in determining product quality and longevity.

A surface that isn't properly treated will cause the coating to peel off easily, leading to faster corrosion, higher maintenance costs, and reduced operational efficiency. That's why businesses are paying more attention to choosing the right cleaning materials, methods, and especially, adhering to international standards. So, which international standards are most widely used? Today, one of the most commonly applied systems is the SSPC/NACE standards (North America). When combined with Garnet abrasives — a natural mineral — businesses can achieve world-class surface preparation while saving costs and ensuring both environmental and worker safety.

1. Overview of SSPC/NACE Standards

SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings) and NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) are two of the world’s leading organizations specializing in metal protection, coatings, and corrosion prevention.
They have developed a surface preparation grading system with several important levels, including:

- SSPC - SP1: Solvent Cleaning — removes oil, grease, and dirt.

- SSPC - SP6 (NACE 3): Commercial Blast Cleaning — removes most rust and old coatings (equivalent to SA 2.0).

- SSPC - SP10 (NACE 2): Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning — removes nearly all contaminants (equivalent to SA 2.5).

- SSPC - SP5 (NACE 1): White Metal Blast Cleaning — a completely clean surface (equivalent to SA 3.0).

Among these, SP10 and SP5 are most commonly used in oil and gas, storage tanks, and heavy industry projects where coating adhesion and performance in harsh environments are critical.

2. Why Garnet Abrasives are the Ideal Choice for SSPC/NACE Standards?

2.1. Achieving Standard Surface Roughness

Garnet is a natural mineral abrasive with sharp edges and high hardness (7.5–8.0 on the Mohs scale).
When used for blasting, Garnet creates a consistent surface profile — ideal for strong paint adhesion and long-lasting protection.

- Achieves SSPC-SP10 (SA 2.5) after just one pass.

- Can easily reach SSPC-SP5 (SA 3.0) when combined with closed-circuit blasting systems.

2.2. Reduced Dust for a Safer Work Environment

Compared to other abrasives like copper slag or silica sand, Garnet generates up to 70% less dust.
This helps maintain a cleaner workplace, protects workers’ health, and meets increasingly strict safety standards.

2.3. Reusable and Cost-Effective

Garnet can be reused 2–5 times, depending on the recovery system and surface type. This can help businesses cut abrasive material costs by up to 40% without compromising cleaning quality.

2.4. Free of Free Silica – Environmentally Friendly

Unlike some traditional abrasives, Garnet does not contain free silica, a substance known to cause respiratory diseases. This makes Garnet a great option for projects requiring clean and safe working conditions.

3. Real-World Applications of Garnet Abrasives in Industry

- Oil and Gas: Cleaning storage tanks, pipelines, rigs, and other structures to prepare for protective coatings.

- Shipbuilding: Removing rust and old paint from ship hulls, allowing epoxy coatings to adhere better and last longer at sea.

- Steel Structures: Sandblasting before applying anti-corrosion coatings, especially for outdoor constructions exposed to harsh weather.

- Factories and Production Plants: Cleaning machinery, steel beams, and floors before coating or applying protective layers..

4. Tips for Optimizing Garnet Abrasive Performance

4.1. Choose the Right Particle Size:

- Mesh 30 - 60: Best for achieving SA 2.5 / SP10 standards.

- Mesh 20 - 40: Ideal for achieving SA 3.0 / SP5 standards.

4.2. Adjust Blasting Pressure Appropriately:

- 6 - 7 bar: For heavy rust and thick coatings.

- 4 - 6 bar: For medium surfaces.

Proper metal surface preparation using Garnet abrasives according to SSPC/NACE standards not only ensures high-quality coatings but also extends the lifespan of projects, reduces maintenance costs, and complies with environmental safety regulations.

Garnet Vina is proud to supply premium Garnet abrasives — internationally certified and perfectly suited for all heavy industrial surface cleaning needs.