Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards

The Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards provide a reliable visual reference for assessing the cleanliness and preparation condition of steel surfaces prior to coating. These standards consist of high-quality photographic plates that support consistent, accurate surface inspections by enabling direct comparison between a test surface and standardized visual benchmarks.

These pictorial references are used to evaluate the degree of cleanliness, rust, and preparation method results, whether by blasting, hand tools, power tools, water jetting, or wet abrasive techniques. The Elcometer 128 series encompasses a wide selection of internationally recognized standards, helping coating inspectors, contractors, and QA professionals make informed decisions based on visual inspection criteria.

They can be used during surface preparation work or at final inspection, and serve as permanent documentation aids for coating specifications and quality control records.

Standards Covered

ISO 8501-1 & 8501-4
ASTM D 2200 (Methods A & B)
SSPC VIS 1, VIS 2, VIS 3, VIS 4, VIS 5
IMO MSC.215(82), MSC.244(83)
SS 55900 (Swedish Standard)
US Navy NSI 009-32, PPI 63101-000

Set the visual benchmark for surface inspection with Elcometer 128 Pictorial Surface Standards—a trusted guide for achieving consistency, compliance, and coating longevity.

Model	Description	Part Number
Elcometer 128/1	BS EN ISO 8501-1:2007/SIS 055900 - the original visual standard. It shows the degree of cleanliness of different levels of rusted steel cleaned by blasting, hand and power tools and flame, specified by ASTM D2200 Method A	E128…1
Elcometer 128/3	SSPC (Steel Structures Painting Council) VIS 1-01 - similar to the Swedish and British standards, but the pictures of the required final appearances match the written descriptions in the USA standards. VISI 1-89 includes photographs of surfaces cleaned using metallic and non-metallic abrasives. Specified by ASTM D2200 Method B	E128…3
Elcometer 128/5	SSPC-VIS 3 - contains 44 photographs to supplement the written SSPC specifications for hand and power tool cleaning.	E128…5
Elcometer 128/6	SSPC-VIS 2 Standard method of evaluating the degree of rusting on painted steel surfaces	E128…6
Elcometer 128/7	SSPC-VIS 4 Guide and reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by waterjetting	E128…7
Elcometer 128/8	SSPC-VIS 5 Guide and reference photographs for steel surfaces prepared by wet abrasive	E128…8

Accurate Visual Comparison: Reduces subjectivity during surface condition assessments.
Comprehensive Coverage: Includes all major preparation and rust evaluation methods.
Globally Recognized: Compliant with ISO, ASTM, SSPC, IMO, and US Navy specifications.
Durable and Portable: Easy to use in the field or shop floor during inspections.
Permanent Record Option: Supports QA documentation for contractual or regulatory compliance.

Surface preparation inspection during blasting or cleaning operations.
Quality verification before painting or coating application.
Cross-referencing with surface prep standards on industrial, marine, and infrastructure projects.
Training aid for inspectors, engineers, and applicators to recognize standard-compliant finishes.

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