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IS 2395:2000 (Part 1) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for painting of concrete, masonry and plaster surfaces - code of practice, part 1: operations and workmanship. This code of practice covers the operations and workmanship for painting concrete, masonry, and plaster surfaces. It outlines essential surface preparation steps, methods for handling substrate moisture and alkalinity, and proper procedures for priming and applying paint coats to ensure durable and aesthetically pleasing finishes.
Painting of Concrete, Masonry and Plaster Surfaces - Code of Practice, Part 1: Operations and Workmanship
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Architectural — Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
Provides a comprehensive code of practice for painting buildings, including concrete and masonry substrates, covering preparation and application.
BS EN 1504-10:2003BSI / CEN (UK / EU)
HighCurrent
Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures - Part 10: Site application of products and systems and quality control of the works
Specifically addresses the workmanship, site application, and quality control for concrete surface protection systems, a key part of the IS code's scope.
ASTM D6237 - 19ASTM International (US)
MediumCurrent
Standard Guide for Painting Inspectors (Concrete and Masonry Substrates)
Focuses on inspection, which indirectly defines best practices for surface preparation, environmental conditions, and application workmanship.
SSPC-SP 13 / NACE No. 6SSPC / AMPP (US)
MediumCurrent
Surface Preparation of Concrete
Provides highly detailed methods for concrete surface preparation, covering one critical part of the IS 2395 scope in greater depth.
Key Differences
≠The IS code is more prescriptive, suggesting specific systems (e.g., a three-coat system). International standards like BS EN 1504 are more performance-based, focusing on achieving a specified outcome for adhesion, thickness, and integrity.
≠International standards (e.g., SSPC-SP 13) provide a much more detailed and standardized classification for concrete surface preparation, such as the Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) system, which is absent in IS 2395.
≠Modern international standards extensively reference specific, quantitative test methods (e.g., ASTM D4263 for moisture, ASTM D3359 for adhesion). IS 2395 relies more on qualitative descriptions and visual assessments.
≠International standards like BS EN 1504-10 and ASTM D6237 often require more formal and extensive quality control plans, inspection records, and documentation than what is outlined in the IS code.
Key Similarities
≈All standards emphasize that thorough surface preparation (cleaning of dirt, grease, laitance, and loose particles) is critical for coating performance.
≈There is a common requirement across all standards that the substrate must be sufficiently dry before paint application, and they all acknowledge the need to check for moisture.
≈All codes of practice specify the need to control environmental conditions, particularly avoiding application at low temperatures, high humidity, or when the surface temperature is near the dew point.
≈The fundamental principles of application workmanship, such as achieving uniform coverage and avoiding defects like runs, sags, and holidays, are consistent across all standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Curing time for new plaster before oil painting
At least 6 months to allow for complete hydration and drying.
Focus is on moisture content (<5%) rather than fixed time; 28 days is a typical minimum, but moisture testing is decisive.
BS 6150:2019
Moisture content test
Qualitative check; surface should be 'thoroughly dry'. No specific test method is mandated.
Specific methods are recommended, such as ASTM D4263 (Plastic Sheet Method) or the use of calibrated electronic moisture meters.
ASTM D6237 - 19
Minimum application temperature
Should not be done when temperature is below 10°C.
Generally >5-10°C (varies by paint type) and, critically, the surface temperature must be at least 3°C (5°F) above the dew point.
BS 6150:2019
Surface pH check for new concrete/plaster
Check for alkalinity. If high, neutralize with a solution of zinc sulphate or dilute acid, then wash thoroughly.
Check pH is within the coating manufacturer's recommended range, typically pH 7-11. Waiting for natural carbonation is preferred over acid etching.
General practice in ASTM/BS guides
Treatment of efflorescence
Remove by dry brushing and wiping. Persistent cases can be treated with a weak acid solution followed by rinsing.
Similar method (dry brushing first), but with a stronger emphasis on identifying and eliminating the source of moisture causing the efflorescence.
BS 6150:2019
Surface preparation detail
General descriptions like 'rubbing down with carborundum stone', 'wire brushing', and 'sandpapering'.
Standardized methods defined, e.g., acid etching, abrasive blast cleaning, high-pressure water jetting, to achieve specific Concrete Surface Profiles (CSP 1-10).
SSPC-SP 13 / NACE No. 6
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Substrate curing period before painting28 days (typical minimum)
Drying time between coats for cement paint12 to 24 hours
Safe moisture content of masonry before oil-based paintingBelow 10%
Acceptable pH limit for substrate before painting< 10
Why is surface preparation critical for plaster surfaces?+
To remove dust, grease, efflorescence, and loose particles, ensuring proper adhesion of the primer and subsequent paint layers.
How should one treat efflorescence prior to painting?+
By dry brushing the affected area and leaving the surface for a few days to see if it reappears; avoid washing with water initially.
Can solvent-based paints be applied directly on fresh concrete or plaster?+
No, the high alkalinity and moisture of fresh concrete can cause saponification (breaking down of paint). An alkali-resistant primer must be used after the surface is fully dry.