A coating specification is one of the most important documents in any coating project. It establishes the expectations for surface preparation, materials, application, inspection, and quality control. When specifications are incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent, the result can be confusion, disputes, change orders, costly delays, and, ultimately, coating failures.

I help owners, engineers, contractors, and facility managers develop coating specifications that are practical, technically sound, and tailored to the specific service environment and project requirements.

Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in the protective coatings industry, I understand not only how coating systems are designed, but also how they are applied, inspected, maintained, and repaired in the real world. My goal is to create specifications that are clear, enforceable, and understood by everyone involved in the project.

Specification services may include:

• New coating specification development
• Review and revision of existing specifications
• Maintenance painting specifications
• Overcoating and rehabilitation specifications
• Surface preparation requirements
• Coating system selection and recommendations
• Inspection and quality control requirements
• Water and wastewater facility specifications
• Pipeline and industrial facility specifications
• Concrete and steel structure coating specifications
• Reference to applicable AMPP, ASTM, and industry standards

A well-written specification reduces uncertainty and helps ensure that owners, engineers, contractors, inspectors, and coating suppliers are all working toward the same expectations. It also serves as an important tool for controlling quality, managing risk, and extending the service life of valuable assets.

Whether you need a complete project specification, an independent review of an existing document, or assistance selecting the right coating system for a specific environment, I can help develop specifications that are practical, clear, and based on proven industry practices.

The best way to avoid coating failures is to prevent them before the project begins. A well-written specification is often the first step.