All structural steel components need to be protected permanently and effectively against any formation of rust thus avoiding weakening of the cross-sections. Protection against corrosion shall be achieved by painting. The paint coating is effective only if it adheres completely and permanently to the steel surfaces and if the paint resists quick wear.

All surfaces of components to be painted shall be thoroughly cleaned of all foreign matters adhering to the steel surface to Swedish Standard specification by means of blasting with sand or shot. Use of scraper wire brush and pig hammer is acceptable wherever blasting with sand is not possible due to lack of access.  

Any removal of rust adherent to steel surfaces by means of chemical solvent is prohibited. 

Subsequent to the removal of rust, oil and grease deposits shall be removed with chemical solvents. Wet surfaces shall be dried and painting shall generally be done immediately after cleaning.

Welding areas shall not be painted until after the completion of welding operations.

In case of interrupted welding seams, the front points shall be thoroughly cleaned from rust. 

Normally two coats of epoxy base zinc rich primer (92% zinc on dry film) shall be applied by airless spray. The dry film thickness of two coats shall be 60 microns minimum.

Internal surfaces of box girders shall also be painted with two coats of zinc rich primer (two coats of 60 micron total film thickness)

After the application of primer, all surfaces shall receive two coats of coal tar epoxy or any other high build epoxy compatible with the primer. The finish paint shall be applied by airless spray to establish an endurable protection of the prime coat. It shall be resistant to atmospheric heat, reflect heat and rays and withstand mechanical stresses without crumbling.

For steel work intended to be painted only at site, a primary coat of Red Oxide Zinc Chromate shall be given at the shop before despatch as a temporary protection.