1.1 The visual surface preparation standards consist of a series of color prints available as separate publications. Three different sets of photographs are described in this standard, designated as Method A (ISO/Swedish Standard) and Method B and C (SSPC Standards). The three 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 whether Method A, Method B, or C should be used.

1.2 The colored visual surface preparation standards represent different conditions of hot rolled 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 four grades after cleaning by one or more methods (for example, blast cleaning) to various degrees of thoroughness. In addition, Method C includes three painted conditions that contain various degrees of rusting. The Standard depicts these conditions after various grades of hand and power tool cleaning.