# ISO 12944

Source: https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-12944/ · Updated 2026-10-04

Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems, in nine parts.

**Publisher**: ISO

**Area**: Systems, environments and degradation

ISO 12944 is the framework most protective coating specifications for steel structures are built on. This page lists the parts; the [ISO 12944 guide](https://coatmentor.com/blog/iso-12944-guide) explains how they work together on a job.

## The parts

- **Part 1:** general introduction and the durability ranges.
- **Part 2:** corrosivity categories: C1 to C5 and CX in the atmosphere, Im1 to Im4 in water and soil.
- **Part 3:** design that helps corrosion protection.
- **Part 4:** types of surface and surface preparation.
- **Part 5:** protective paint systems.
- **Part 6:** laboratory performance test methods.
- **Part 7:** execution and supervision of the paint work.
- **Part 8:** writing specifications for new work and maintenance.
- **Part 9:** systems and test methods for offshore and related structures; it replaced ISO 20340.

A durability range is a planning figure for the time to first major maintenance, not a guarantee.

**Use it:** [ISO 12944 for coating inspectors](https://coatmentor.com/blog/iso-12944-guide)

**33** practice items in the members area mention ISO 12944 (CIP 1: 4 · CIP 2: 6 · FROSIO written: 23).

## Related

- **Concepts:** [Corrosivity categories (ISO 12944-2)](https://coatmentor.com/learn/corrosivity-categories/)
- **Standards:** [ISO 9223](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-9223/) · [ISO 8501](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-8501/) · [ISO 19840](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-19840/)
- **Defects:** [Dry spray](https://coatmentor.com/defects/dry-spray/)

## About this page

**Also published openly:** [Hempel: ISO 12944 brochure](https://www.hempel.com/-/media/Hempel/Files/Certification/ISO/ISO-12944/ISO12944_brochure_EN_LR.pdf) · [Jotun: selecting the right system (ISO 12944 durability)](https://www.jotun.com/ww-en/industries/energy/power/about/selecting-the-right-system).

This page describes the subject of ISO 12944 in our own words; it does not reproduce the standard. For the full text, buy the current edition from ISO. Checked on 2026-10-04; errors go in the [corrections log](https://coatmentor.com/method/). CoatMentor is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with ISO, AMPP, SSPC, NACE International, ASTM or FROSIO.