ISO 12944 standards Importance & benefits
What are ISO standards?
We are thrilled to share some fascinating insights about the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO). ISO is at the heart of global standardization, bringing together a
federation of national standards bodies from around the world.
Through dedicated technical committees, ISO meticulously crafts International Standards
that drive innovation and quality across industries. Each member body interested in a
particular subject can join these committees, ensuring diverse and comprehensive input.
Even more exciting is that both international organizations and government entities
collaborate closely with ISO, weaving together a global network of expertise. When it
comes to electrotechnical matters, ISO teams up with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) to ensure seamless standards across the board.
The process is robust, and the draft International Standards created by these technical
committees are circulated among member bodies for voting. To achieve publication as an
official International Standard, there's a thrilling requirement in which approval by at least
75% of member bodies casting a vote.
What is ISO 12944?
At the outset, the international standard ISO 12944, that’s revolutionizing corrosion
protection for steel structures in this planet. This comprehensive standard is your ultimate
guide across nine sections, covering everything from understanding corrosion influences to
mastering industrial coating applications. Whether you're designing protection for varied
environments or aiming for a specific duration of protection, ISO 12944 has you covered.
ISO 12944 is a vital standard in the world of corrosion protection & prevention which was
unanimously agreed by many world-renowned experts. Originally introduced as 8 parts
standards back in 1998, it underwent a significant update in 2018 with many updates.
The updated version now features 9 comprehensive parts, providing even more detailed
guidelines for coatings on steel structures across various environment, be it atmospheric,
immersed, or buried. This enhancement ensures that we're all better equipped to tackle
corrosion challenges head-on.
We have put together an insightful article that dives deep into these updates and addresses
the key questions professionals like you have about ISO 12944. Whether you're looking to
refresh your knowledge or need answers for specific projects, this resource is here to help.
By properly using this standard, you can craft the perfect protective paint system tailored
to your unique needs. It's a complete roadmap to safeguarding your steel structures
through surface treatment with paint.
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 1
One crucial thing to remember is that the standard contains both informative and
normative information. To ensure compliance, it’s essential that the normative guidelines
are followed precisely without deviation. Embark on this journey with ISO 12944 and design
corrosion-resistant masterpieces in your project sites.
What ISO 12944 it covers?
This ISO 12944 standard predominantly covers the following 3 important factors that
directly relates to corrosion protection for steel structures.
Corrosivity
This standard has ingeniously categorized environments based on their ability to corrode
steel. This classification system is a game-changer, allowing us to better predict and prevent
corrosion-related issues.
Understanding these categories empowers us to make informed decisions and take
proactive measures against corrosion, ensuring durability and longevity for our projects.
It's truly an exciting step forward in materials science.
Durability
Durability is the estimated lifespan of the coating system before first major maintenance
planned. However, it's important to remember that regular inspections and minor
maintenance are essential throughout the structure's lifespan. These routine check-ups
help preserve its integrity and ensure everything remains in top condition.
The standard also emphasises that inspection and minor maintenance should be expected
throughout the lifetime of the structure.
Coating system specifications
In the world of steel protection, it's essential to choose the right coating system, and we
owe a lot to ISO 12944 for guiding us through this process. This fantastic standard considers
the corrosivity of any environment and the level of durability you need for corrosion
protection. With its comprehensive guidelines, it helps ensure that every steel structure
remains safeguarded against the elements.
Using ISO 12944 as a reference can save you significant time and resources by providing
tailored recommendations for your specific conditions. It's an invaluable tool for achieving
optimal longevity and performance.
Every coating professional should value how ISO 12944 has made it easier to navigate
complex decisions in steel protection.
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 2
What is not covered in ISO 12944?
ISO 12944 (all parts) COVERS only the Corrosion-Protective function of paint system. Other
protective functions, like below protection against
- microorganisms (Marine Fouling, Bacteria, Fungi, etc.,)
- Chemicals (Acids, Alkalis, Organic Solvents, Gases, etc.,)
- Mechanical action (Abrasion, etc.,) and
- Fire
ARE NOT COVERED BY ISO 12944 (All Parts)
In ISO 12944, which types of Structures are covered and not covered?
ISO 12944 (all parts) concerns structures made of Carbon Steel of not less than 3mm
thickness, which are designed using an approved strength calcula_ons are covered.
Not Covered by ISO 12944 (All parts) are CONCRETE STRUCTURES REINFORCED WITH
STEEL
What Types of Surfaces and Surface Prepara?on are Covered in ISO 12944?
ISO 12944 (all parts) deals with the following types of surfaces consis_ng of carbon or low-
alloy steel, and their prepara_ons:
- Uncoated surfaces
- Surfaces thermally sprayed with Zinc, Aluminium, or other alloys.
- Hot-dip Galvanised surfaces
- Zinc-electroplated surfaces.
- Sherardized surfaces
- Surfaces painted with pre-fabrica_on primer.
- Other painted surfaces
What types of Environments covered in ISO 12944?
ISO 12944 (all parts) deals with
- Six corrosivity categories for atmospheric environments (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and CX)
- Four Categories for structures immersed in water or buried in soil (Im1, Im2, Im3,
and Im4)
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 3
What is DURABILITY of Protec?ve Coa?ng System as per ISO 12944?
ISO 12944 (all parts) considers 4 different Durability ranges (i.e. Low, Medium, High and
Very High)
The Durability range is not a “Guarantee Time”.
Durability Rating Duration
L Low Up to 7 years
M Medium 7 - 15 years
H High 15 - 25 years
VH Very high More than 25 years
What types of Protec?ve Paint System NOT covered in ISO 12944?
ISO 12944 (all parts) covers a range of paint products which dry or cure at ambient
condi_ons. Not covered by (ISO 12944 (all parts) are
- Powder CoaQng materials
- Stoving Enamels
- Heat-cured paints, and
- ProtecQve coaQng on the inner surface of a Tank (lining)
What Types of Work covered in ISO 12944?
ISO 12944 (All Parts) covers BOTH New Work & Maintenance.
ISO 12944 Part 1 to 9 Important abstracts
The brief abstracts from all the ISO 12944 parts are detailed below:
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 4
What is the HSE Protection in ISO 12944?
It is the duty of client, specifiers, contractors, paint manufacturers, Inspector and all other
personnel involved in a project to carry out the work for which they are responsible in such
a manner that they do not endanger the health and safety of themselves or others.
Items that will need particular attention are, for example, as follows:
- Not specifying or using Toxic or Carcinogenic substances
- Emissions of Volatile organic compounds (VOC)
- Measures against harmful effects of fumes, dust, vapours and noise, as well as fire
hazards
- Protection of the body, including the eyes, the skin, the ears and the respiratory
system
- Protection of water and soil during corrosion protection work
- Recycling of materials and waste disposal
ISO 12944 – General Matrix
Environment C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, Im1, Im2 & Im3 12994-2
Durability L, M, H, VH 12994-1
Environment CX, Im4 12994-9
Paint types AK, AY, EP, ESI, PUR, PS, PAS & FEVE
12944-5
Primers Zinc Rich = Zn(R), Miscellaneous and Pre-fabrication
Surface
12944-4
Substrate Carbon steel, HDG steel, Thermally Sprayed Metal
12944-9
preparation
MNOC: Minimum Number of Coats (paint layers) 12944-5
NDFT: Nominal Dry Film Thickness 12944-9
ISO 12944 – 2
ISO 12944-2 is a critical standard that describes the various corrosion stresses produced by
atmospheric conditions, diverse water types, and soil. It categorizes atmospheric
corrosivity and provides insights into the expected corrosion stresses for steel structures
immersed in water or buried underground.
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 5
Understanding these stresses is crucial as they form an essential parameter when selecting
an appropriate protective paint system, as outlined in ISO 12944-5. By accurately assessing
these factors, you can significantly enhance your structure's resistance to corrosion,
ensuring its integrity over time.
Implementing a suitable protective system not only extends the life of your assets but also
optimizes maintenance costs and ensures compliance with industry standards.
Rating for atmospheric corrosivity categories
C1 – Very Low (Dry or Cold with very low pollution)
C2 – Low (Temperate Low Pollution)
C3 – Medium (Temperate, medium pollution, Tropical low pollution
C4 – High (Temperate with High pollution, Tropical with moderate
pollution and/or significant chloride effects
C5 – Very High (Temperate and subtropical with very high pollution
CX – Extreme (Extreme Industrial Areas, offshore areas, salt spray)
Rating for immersed corrosivity categories
Im1 - Fresh water (River installations and Hydro plants)
Im2 - Sea or brackish water (Immersed structures WITHOUT cathodic
protection)
Im 3 - Soil (Buried Structures)
Im 4 - Sea or brackish water with cathodic protection (offshore
structures) – (Immersed structures WITH cathodic protection
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 6
ISO 12944 – 3
ISO 12944-3 provides comprehensive guidelines on basic design criteria aimed at enhancing
the resistance of steel structures to corrosion. By following these standards, you can
significantly improve the lifespan and reliability of your projects.
The standard offers clear examples of both suitable and unsuitable designs, complete with
diagrams that highlight potential accessibility challenges during surface preparation,
application, inspection, and maintenance of paint systems. This visual guidance is crucial in
ensuring that structural elements are designed with ease of access in mind.
Additionally, ISO 12944-3 discusses design features that facilitate the handling and
transport of steel structures. Implementing these features can streamline logistics and
reduce potential issues during construction.
ISO 12944 – 4
ISO 12944-4 provides comprehensive guidance on the types of surfaces that require
protection and details various mechanical, chemical, and thermal preparation methods. It
covers essential aspects such as surface preparation grades, surface profile (roughness),
and the assessment of prepared surfaces. Additionally, it addresses the temporary
protection of prepared surfaces and offers insights into preparing these surfaces for further
coating applications.
By following ISO 12944-4, you can ensure that your metal coatings meet international
standards, enhancing their durability and performance. The standard also emphasizes
environmental considerations, aligning with global sustainability goals.
For optimal results, it is recommended to consult ISO 12944-4 alongside ISO 12944-5 and
ISO 12944-7. This integrated approach will provide a holistic understanding of protective
paint systems for steel structures.
ISO 12944 – 5
ISO 12944-5 provides detailed descriptions of various generic paint types based on their
chemical composition and film formation processes. This standard is invaluable as it offers
examples of protective paint systems that have been proven effective for structures facing
different levels of corrosive stress. These examples are based on extensive research and
current knowledge from around the globe, ensuring that you're equipped with the most
reliable information available.
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 7
Moreover, it's essential to understand that ISO 12944-5 is designed to be read in
conjunction with ISO 12944-6. Together, they offer a comprehensive guide to selecting and
applying protective coatings tailored to specific corrosivity categories as outlined in ISO
12944-2.
By adhering to these standards, we can ensure long-lasting protection for structures,
ultimately saving time and resources while maintaining safety and integrity.
ISO 12944 – 6
This standard specifies laboratory test methods that are crucial when assessing paint
systems, especially those without extensive practical experience.
ISO 12944-6 is tailored for paint systems applied to steel prepared by blast-cleaning, hot-
dip-galvanized steel, and thermally sprayed metallic coatings. It comprehensively covers a
range of environments, including atmospheric conditions and immersion in fresh, brackish,
or seawater.
By adhering to these testing protocols, we can confidently predict the performance and
longevity of your paint systems under various conditions.
Very High
Category Low (<7 yrs) Med (7-15 yrs) High (15-25 yrs)
(25+ yrs)
Non-cyclic Testing:
C2
Linear
Durations
Non-cyclic Testing TBC ISO
C3 6270 / ISO
Durations as 1998(E) revision
ISO 6270 / ISO 9227 9227
As C5 High. Phased
C4 cyclic testing: 10
cycles
Immediate
Phased introduction of ISO 12944-9 introduction of
Non-cyclic Testing
C5 Cyclic Testing: 10 cycles Cyclic Testing:
Durations as 1998 (E)
Non-cyclic Testing valid for 5 years 16 Cycles ISO
12944-9
ISO 12944 – 7
ISO 12944-7 is execution & supervision of painting and coating operations, whether
conducted in the workshop or on-site.
ISO 12944-7 is a comprehensive guideline that details how paintwork should be executed
efficiently and effectively. It provides methods for the application of coating materials,
ensuring that every step from handling and storage to inspection and follow-up is covered.
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 8
This standard also includes preparation of reference areas, ensuring consistency and
quality in your paint systems.
While ISO 12944-7 is extensive in its coverage, please note that it does not address surface
preparation work—this aspect is thoroughly detailed in ISO 12944-4.
ISO 12944 – 8
ISO 12944-8 for developing comprehensive specifications for corrosion protection work.
ISO 12944-8 is an essential resource that meticulously outlines everything that must be
considered when protecting steel structures against corrosion. For your convenience, it
clearly distinguishes between project specification, paint system specification, paint work
specification, and inspection and testing specification.
The standard also includes various annexes that address critical aspects such as planning
the work and conducting inspections. Additionally, it offers models of forms designed to
facilitate these processes effectively.
By adhering to ISO 12944-8, we can ensure a robust and thorough approach to corrosion
protection, ultimately enhancing the longevity and integrity of your steel structures.
ISO 12944 – 9
ISO 12944-9, a crucial standard for those involved with protective systems under offshore
and related conditions. ISO 12944-9 specifically addresses the requirements, test methods,
and assessment criteria for protective systems within the CX category but focuses solely on
the offshore aspects. This section of the standard is vital for ensuring that your protective
systems can withstand the harsh conditions typical of offshore environments.
It's important to note that while ISO 12944-9 covers these specific offshore conditions, any
other extreme corrosive stresses included in category CX require separate agreements
between interested parties regarding their requirements, test methods, and acceptance
criteria.
The introduction of Part 9 brings significant changes as it incorporates aspects of the old
ISO20340 into the ISO12944 framework. Notably, Part 9 mandates the use of cyclic testing
specifically for offshore structures.
In previous editions, offshore structures were categorized under C5-M. However, with this
update, a new environmental category, CX, has been introduced to encompass all offshore
structures. This change underscores the evolving nature of standards to better address the
unique challenges faced in offshore environments.
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 9
Furthermore, all offshore systems are required to undergo rigorous cyclic testing for 4,200
hours, which equates to approximately 25 weeks. This thorough testing process ensures
enhanced durability and performance in harsh conditions.
Part 9 also specifies both the minimum number of coats and minimum film thickness per
system. These requirements have seen some modifications from those previously set for
C5-M environments. For your convenience, I've included a table below that outlines these
requirements specifically for steel substrates.
Category CX Splash & tidal zones IM4
Primer coat Zinc (R) Other Zinc (R) Other primers Other primers
primers
NDFT (µm) ≥40 ≥60 ≥40 ≥60 ≥200 - ≥150
MNOC 3 3 3 3 2 1 2
NDFT of system (µm) ≥280 ≥350 ≥450 ≥450 ≥600 ≥800 ≥350
One of the main changes in ISO12944 Part 9 from ISO20340 is in the performance criteria
on corrosion creep – this now states that coa_ng systems for high impact areas shall be less
than or equal to 8.0mm and all other CX applica_ons less than or equal to 3.0mm. Sea water
immersion now states 6.0mm pass criteria and there are slight changes to adhesion as well.
For any clarification or additional input needed, please contact:
R. Venkat
Protective Coating Specialist / FROSIO & ICorr Approved Trainer
+91-9176618930 / +971-543110145
info@[Link] / info@[Link]
[Link] / [Link]
Copyright @ 2025 All Rights Reserved by HTS COATINGS / H T S EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT LLC 10
