"Painting Of Naval Ordnance Equipment,", NAVORD OSTD 52, 1955, describes the standards for painting of ordnance, choice of coating, etc.

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PAINTING OF NAVAL ORDNANCE
EQUIPMENT

7 JULY 1955

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY BUREAU OF ORDNANCE WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

7 July 1955

ORDNANCE STANDARD 52 (TWENTIETH REVISION)

PAINTING OF NAVAL ORDNANCE EQUIPMENT

1. NAVORD OSTD 52 (Twentieth Revision) covers materials, methods, and processes approved for use in the painting of various types of Naval Ordnance Equipment.

2. This publication is intended for use as a general guide in identifying the designations of painting materials and processes shown on drawings and other documents. When so used, reference must be made to the particular paint systems and processes described herein.

3. This publication supersedes all previous editions of NAVORD OSTD 52, which should be destroyed.

F. S. WITHINGTON PAUL D. STROOP Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy Deputy Chief, Bureau of Ordnance

352704-55

Painting of certain ammunition items such as projectiles and containers, rockets, and bombs, is not covered herein. For these items, reference should be made to the appropriate publications or drawings, including the following NAVORD specifications:

2. USE OF THIS STANDARD.-This Standard is intended for use as a general guide to the selection of suitable painting materials, systems, and procedures. In designating these on drawings or in specifications or other documents, reference to NAVORD OSTD 52 as a whole should be for general procedures only, e. g., preparation. Specific references in accordance with this standard

3. SURFACES NOT TO BE PAINTED.-Certain types of surfaces do not require painting, or are harmfully affected by painting. These include the following, which should not be painted or otherwise surface treated:

a. Machined surfaces that are required to move with respect to one another, such as threads, slides, bearing contacts, gear teeth, etc. Such surfaces generally are lubricated when in use, but may be protected by readily removable preservatives when stored.

b. Electrical parts already assembled, such as contacts, relays, bearings, insulators, etc. When any of these parts are to be painted, the coating shall be done prior to assembly. When "touch-up" is required, as on machined plastics, the utmost care must be used to avoid any paint residue on surfaces in electrical contact, or whose proper operation may in any way be affected by such residue.

c. Parts of copper or copper alloy, plated or unplated, such as electrical sockets, plugs, connectors, contacts, and terminals. Plastic and rubber insulators, mounts, spacers, etc., used in connection with these items, also shall not be painted, except where "touch-up" on cut ends of plastics is desirable.

d. Lubrication fittings, cups, etc., should not be painted, but adjacent piping or equipment may be color coded for identification.

4. MATERIALS AND PROCESSES.-The following is a list of approved specification materials and processes, classified by types, that are commonly used for surface preparation and painting of ordnance material. This list does not include all of the materials which may, under proper conditions and with prior Bureau of Ordnance approval, be used.

In all cases, the latest issue of a specification is to be used.

4.1 Cleaning Materials and Processes:

FEDERAL

4.4 Paints (Paints, Enamels, Lacquers, and Varnishes):

4.4.1 ENAMELS AND PAINTS.-(The distinction between paints and enamels is no longer distinct. Enamels are paints which contain more or less synthetic or natural resin, as well as drying oils and solid pigments.)

FEDERAL

MILITARY

4.4.2 LACQUERS.-(Solutions of resins such as cellulose compounds in a solvent, with or without pigments. "Drying" depends only on evaporation of solvent.)

FEDERAL

MILITARY

4.4.3 VARNISHES AND SHELLACS.-(Varnishes are solutions of resins and drying oils in solvents. Shellacs are solutions or dispersions of certain resin in alcohol.)

FEDERAL

MILITARY

5. PREPARATION FOR PAINTING

5.1 General.-Before the application of any paint (including primers and pretreatments) surfaces shall be thoroughly clean, dry, and free of oil, grease, dirt, old paint, rust, and mill scale. Surfaces of wood shall be sanded clean and smooth.

5.2 Cleaning:

5.2.1 FERROUS METALS.-Ferrous metal surfaces shall be cleaned by one or more of the methods of Grade II, Specification MIL-C-490. Mechanical cleaning should be used only on items where contamination from the cleaning process will not affect critical surfaces or adjacent parts. Where necessary, old paint shall be removed by use of solvent type paint remover, Specification TT-R-251. All cleaning shall be followed by thorough rinsing to remove residue from solvents, acids, or other chemicals. Details of cleaning and subsequent treatment shall comply with the requirements given in Specification MIL-C-490.

5.2.1.1 Pickling.-When authorized by the drawing or specification of the item being processed, acid pickling may be used to remove mill-scale and rust from surfaces to be painted. The pickling bath shall consist of a 5-percent by volume solution of sulfuric acid (5 gallons of 66 Baume sulfuric acid to 95 gallons of water) maintained at 170-180 degrees F, and inhibited with type B (nonfoaming), Class A (liquid) pickling inhibitor, Specification O-1-501, used in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. After removal of scale as indicated by a uniform

5.2.1.2 Special Cleaning of Interior Surfaces.-Interior surfaces of castings and fabrications which are to contain working parts, such as bearings, gears, shafts, etc., or hydraulic fluids, shall be cleaned in accordance with NAVORD OS 1158 to remove all possible sources of contamination.

5.2.2 NON-FERROUS METALS.-Cleaning of non-ferrous metals shall be by means of solvents such as Specification P-S-661, Paint Remover, Specification TT-R-251, or by detergents or cleaners which do not harm the surface, such as metal cleaner, Specification MIL-M-7752(Aer), followed by thorough removal of residues, rinsing, and drying. Strong alkaline cleaners shall not be used on surfaces of aluminum and its alloys, zinc alloys, or zinc coatings. Use of sand-blast, steel wool, or acids for cleaning of non-ferrous metals, ordinarily will not be permitted. However, under properly controlled conditions, certain chemical treatments are permissible for preparing surfaces for painting (see 5.3), and stainless-steel wool may be used on aluminum alloys.

5.2.3 FLUX REMOVAL.-Fluxes used in joining metal of any type shall be removed thoroughly prior to painting. In most cases, thorough cleaning with hot water is sufficient. Rosin residues may be removed with alcohol. Fluxes containing greasy matter should be cleansed with dry cleaning solvent. "Neutralization" of acidic residues is not recommended, since salt residues

5.3 Surface Treatments:

5.3.1 GENERAL.-Practically all metal surfaces require some type of chemical treatment prior to priming, to secure the best possible adhesion of paints (including primer coats) and also the best resistance to deteriorating influences. The recommended treatments for various metals are given in the following subparagraphs:

5.3.2 FERROUS METALS.-Surfaces of ferrous metals shall be cleaned in accordance with paragraph 5.2.1. Surfaces which are to be painted shall, unless otherwise specified, be phosphated in accordance with Specification MIL-C-490, Grade I. When, for some reason, this treatment is impractical (as on very large surfaces) pretreatment coating in accordance with Specification MIL-C-15328 may be used.

5.3.3 NON-FERROUS METALS.

5.3.3.1 Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys.-Surfaces of aluminum or its alloys shall be anodized where required, in accordance with Specification MIL-A-8625. Chemical treatment, in accordance with Specification MIL-C-5541, may be used as a basis for painting.

5.3.3.2 Magnesium Alloys.-Surfaces of magnesium alloy, when permitted, shall be treated in accordance with Specification MIL-M-3171.

5.3.3.3 Cadmium-Plated Surfaces.-Surfaces of cadmium-plated articles which are to be painted shall be treated in accordance with one of the supplementary treatments (Type II or Type III) of Specification QQ-P-416, or with pretreatment coating, Specification MIL-C-15328. Unpainted cadmium-plated surfaces shall be given a supplementary treatment, Specification QQ-P416, Type II.

5.3.3.4 Zinc Alloys or Zinc-Coated Steel.- Surf aces of zinc alloys or coatings which are to be painted shall be treated in accordance with one of the supplementary treatments (Types II and III) of Specification QQ-Z-325. Surfaces not so treated during manufacture shall be given a pretreatment with Specification MIL-C-15328 material. Unpainted zinc-plated surfaces shall be given a supplementary treatment, Specification QQ-Z-325, Type II.

6. BUREAU OF ORDNANCE PAINT SYSTEMS.-Certain paint systems (formerly referred to as paint numbers) have become established as standard for Naval Ordnance use. A paint system is a series of paints including primers, when used, and finish coats, and may consist of several coats. The "systems" are in addition to any cleaning, preparation, and pretreatments required (see paragraph 5). In table 1, the currently approved paint systems are shown, together with the most frequent uses of the systems

The systems and colors indicated in table 1, although approved as "standard", are not to be considered mandatory in all cases. It is expected that those responsible will exercise good judgment in determining when exceptions may be necessary, in accordance with current knowledge, policies, or unusual situations.

Colors of paints shall be in accordance with the requirements of the specification for the paint itself, for the color indicated. Color chips are available from the sources indicated in the individual specifications.

Table 2

DISCONTINUED OR REPLACED PAINT NUMBERS

¹ Use of shrivel or wrinkle enamel on new work has been discontinued because of difficulty in removing radiological contamination.

7. SELECTION OF PAINT SYSTEMS.-In general, paint systems for ordnance equipment should be selected in accordance with table 1, which lists uses for the various systems. It should be noted that many particular items of equipment may have more than one paint system. This is especially true as regards the external and internal surfaces of equipment.

7.1.1 EXPOSED SURFACES.-In general, fixed equipment exposed to view from sea or air is finished haze gray (system No. 22), although it may be shipped or stored with system No. 2 applied.

Obviously, it is not necessary to repeat the primer coat when additional coats are applied after installation. Previous procedures in which ocean gray was used for exposed surfaces are now superseded.

7.1.2 UNEXPOSED SURFACES.-Surfaces of shipboard equipment not normally exposed to view from sea or air are painted in accordance with the type of equipment or parts, their location, or their function. The various uses indicated in table 1 should be referred to for selection of suitable paint systems.

7.2 Underwater Equipment.-Equipment such as mines, which may be in continuous contact with water, require different types of paint from those used for shipboard equipment. Systems 46, 46A, and 48 are applicable.

8. PAINTING AND SEALING DETAILS.-In this section, various detailed procedures in connection with painting are considered, such as atmospheric conditions, paint thicknesses, sealing against water entry, drainage, faying surfaces, and welded or soldered surfaces.

8.1 Atmospheric Conditions.-Painting should preferably be done when air temperatures are between 60 and 90 degrees F., and when the relative humidity is not over 65 percent. It is realized that such conditions are not always obtainable. In no case should painting be done in windy weather (because of the possibility of dust deposits), or when the temperature is below 40 degrees F. or the relative humidity exceeds 85 percent.

8.2 Conditions of Surfaces.-Thorough surface cleaning and preparation is a prerequisite for acceptable painting. The procedures shall consist of complete removal of rust and mill scale; solvent removal of oil and grease; removal of all dust and dirt; and thorough drying. Welding and soldering should preferably not be done after painting; but if any welding or soldering is done, all surfaces within the heat-affected zone shall be cleaned, reprimed, and repainted. Similarly, when

8.3 Paint Thicknesses.-Although it is desirable to prevent build-up of heavy paint coats, certain minimum thicknesses are recognized as desirable for best protection. Primers and paints shall normally be used as supplied, in accordance with specifications, or thinned only as specified.

Thicknesses of the dry coatings shall be as follows:

Primers-0.5 to 0.8 mil per coat. (Not applicable to pretreatment coating, MIL-C-15328.)

Paints, enamels, varnishes, and lacquers-0.8 to 1.2 mil per coat.

Sprayed finishes shall be built-up to the same thicknesses as required for brush or dip coats.

8.4 Water Seals and Drainage.-Since considerable damage may be done by the retention of water, particularly salt water, in cavities, cracks, recesses, etc., it is of the utmost importance to guard against such damage by proper design, and by the use of sealing materials where necessary. Drainage holes should be provided wherever horizontal surfaces might retain water. Irregularities in surfaces which prevent free drainage may be smoothed by the application of as many coats as necessary of Specification MIL-S-974 surfacer over the priming coat, and sanding smooth. Rough or pitted surfaces, seams, joints at faying surfaces, etc., may be filled with Cement, Smoothing, Specification MIL-C-15202, after priming. Bases of metal enclosures generally are sealed with calking compound, Specification MIL-C-15705.

8.5 Faying Surfaces.-Surfaces of metals in close contact are termed faying surfaces. When such surfaces move with respect to each other, they usually are lubricated and require no other protection. Treatment of laying surfaces which are fixed relative to each other depends on whether the metals are similar or not. In some cases, metal surfaces are in contact with wood, and therefore require special protection because of the tendency of wood to retain water.

8.5.1 Wood.-Wood in contact with metal shall be given two coats of varnish, Specification MIL-V-1174. The metal shall be given two coats of primer, MIL-P-6889.

Group 1-Magnesium and its alloys.

Group 2-Cadmium, zinc, and aluminum, and their alloys.

Group 3-Iron, steel, lead, tin, and their alloys (except "Stainless" steel).

Group 4-Copper, chromium, nickel, silver, gold, platinum, titanium, cobalt, and their alloys; stainless steel.

8.5.3 TREATMENT OF FAYING SURFACES.-All laying surfaces of metals, whether similar or dissimilar, shall have at least two coats of primer, MIL-P-6889, applied to each surface. Each coat shall dry hard before the next coat is applied. When the metals are dissimilar, extra protection may be obtained by the extra insulation provided by the use of a zinc chromate impregnated sheet or tape, Specification MIL-P-2829. After the surfaces are joined, it is equally important that moisture be kept out by using additional coats of paint and, where necessary, sealing or calking materials (see paragraphs 4.3 and 8.4). In the case of slip fits or press fits, some protection is afforded by coating with MIL-P-6889, and assembling while still wet. However, such treatment cannot take the place of proper sealing and painting of the adjoining edges.

8.6 Electric Cables:

8.6.1 RUBBER-COVERED.-When protection of exposed rubber-covered cable is required, the cable shall be cleaned with dry cleaning solvent, specification P-S-661. If the sheath or jacket is badly checked or cracked, repeated applications of electrical insulating varnish, Specification MIL-V-1137 should be made by rubbing with a cloth until all cracks are filled, allowing sufficient time for drying between coats. A brush-coat of the same varnish shall then be applied. For undamaged sheaths, only the latter is necessary. This should be followed by a coat of aluminum

8.6.2 ARMORED CABLE.-Metal-armored cable shall be painted before pulling through and strapping, and before assembling the gland nuts at the stuffing tubes. Paint system No. 25 shall be used, followed, if necessary, by a final coat of paint to match the surroundings.

8.7 Workmanship.-Preparation for painting and application of paints shall be in accordance with good standards of workmanship. Every precaution shall be taken that surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and prepared. Paint shall not be applied over

8.8 Painting Instructions.-Any special instructions regarding application of paints, place of painting, intervals between coats, etc., shall be included in the contract or other documents applicable to the equipment. In some cases, for instance, an item may receive some of the paint coats during manufacture at one location, and additional coats after the item is shipped or installed.

DISTRIBUTION

SNDL Part 2 (No. 25)
Two copies each unless otherwise excepted:

A3; A5 (BUAER, BUORD, BUSHIPS); B1, B5; E1, E2; F1, F2, F3; K; L; M16, M17; P; R1, R10.

Requests for additional copies of OSTD 52 (20th Revision) should be submitted to the Superintendent, U. S. Naval Gun Factory, Washington 25, D. C.
20 July 1955/3M/1

U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1955

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