by Mike Folta | Sep 21, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Bridge coating maintenance is the planned process of surface-preparing and repainting structural steel to stop corrosion before it compromises load capacity or safety. Projects follow SSPC/NACE surface-preparation standards and typically use a three-coat...
by Mike Folta | Sep 20, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Lead paint on steel structures creates serious compliance, safety, and environmental obligations under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 and EPA hazardous waste rules. Removal method selection — abrasive blasting, wet blasting, vacuum blasting, or chemical stripping —...
by Mike Folta | Sep 19, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Abrasive blasting containment systems are engineered barriers and air-handling assemblies that capture spent media, dust, and hazardous debris at the source so they cannot reach workers, the public, or the surrounding environment. OSHA, EPA, and AMPP (formerly...
by Mike Folta | Sep 18, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Dry film thickness (DFT) measurement verifies that a cured protective coating meets its specified mil range — not too thin to leave steel exposed, not too thick to cause adhesion or curing failures. Governed by ASTM D7091 and SSPC-PA 2, DFT readings are a...
by Mike Folta | Sep 17, 2026 | Sandblasting & Painting
TL;DR: Holiday testing is a nondestructive electrical inspection that finds pinholes, voids, and missed areas in protective coatings before a structure goes into service. It is required on virtually every immersion-service, buried, or tank-lining project — including...