Society for Protective Coatings

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SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) is a professional organization for the industrial coatings industry. It was founded in 1950 as the Steel Structures Painting Council, a non-profit association concerned with the use of coatings to protect industrial steel structures such as bridges, ships, water tanks, and locks and dams. Since the original mission of the organization evolved over the years to include structures built with materials other than steel (concrete, composite materials, etc.), the name was changed in 1997 to The Society for Protective Coatings.

As of 2007, there are approximately 8,300 members worldwide. There are also approximately 780 corporate members. Industrial painting contractors are a primary beneficiary of SSPC's efforts.

SSPC develops and publishes widely used industry standards for surface preparation, coating selection, coating application, painting contractor certification, and testing. Standing committees periodically review and update the standards as required. In addition, SSPC publishes the Journal of Protective Coatings & Linings as well as books, training courses, and information regarding environmental regulations and health and safety issues that affect the protective coatings industry. An annual conference, the Paint and Coatings Expo (or PACE), is held in the United States each year for SSPC members and affiliates. Other regional meetings are held throughout the USA and other parts of the world via SSPC's Chapter system.