Which cleaning method involves power tool cleaning that removes all visible surface contaminants?

The correct choice highlights a specific standard of power tool cleaning known as SSPC-SP 11, which is designed to achieve a thorough level of cleanliness by removing all visible surface contaminants. This method uses power tools equipped with abrasive attachments or other cleaning devices to effectively eliminate rust, paint, grease, dirt, and other surface materials that could interfere with the adhesion of subsequent coatings.

This standard is crucial for ensuring that the substrate is adequately prepared for further treatment or painting, thereby promoting enhanced adhesion and durability of the protective coatings. By adhering to SSPC-SP 11, inspectors can confirm that the surface is ready for painting, significantly minimizing the risks of premature coating failures caused by residual impurities.

The other standards mentioned relate to different levels of surface preparation. For instance, SSPC-SP 15 involves the removal of all visible rust, but does not address all surface contaminants as thoroughly as SSPC-SP 11. Similarly, SSPC-SP 3 is a standard for power tool cleaning that removes loose mill scale, rust and paint, but again, it may not achieve the complete cleanliness associated with the full removal of all contaminants. SSPC-SP 5 is focused on white metal blasting rather than power tool cleaning methods, which further distinguishes it from the primary purpose