# SSPC-PA 17

Source: https://coatmentor.com/standards/sspc-pa-17/ · Updated 2026-10-14

Where and how often to measure the surface profile, and how to judge it.

**Publisher**: AMPP (SSPC)

**Area**: Surface preparation and conditions

SSPC-PA 17 is to surface profile what SSPC-PA 2 is to film thickness. The test method, ASTM D4417, says how to take a reading with a comparator (Method A), a depth micrometer (B), replica tape (C) or a portable stylus (D, which replaced ASTM D7127 when ASTM withdrew it in 2021). PA 17 says where to take the readings, how often, and when the surface conforms.

## What it sets

- A number of measurement locations for each work shift or period of blasting, and for each blast unit.
- How to combine the readings at a location into a result.
- How to find the extent of an area that does not conform.
- Peak count requirements, measured with a stylus instrument (ASTM D4417 Method D).

The current edition is 2020; older specifications cite the 2012 text.

**1** practice item in the members area mentions SSPC-PA 17 (CIP 1: 1).

## Related

- **Concepts:** [Surface profile (anchor pattern)](https://coatmentor.com/learn/surface-profile/)
- **Standards:** [ASTM D4417](https://coatmentor.com/standards/astm-d4417/) · [ISO 8503](https://coatmentor.com/standards/iso-8503/)

## About this page

This page describes the subject of SSPC-PA 17 in our own words; it does not reproduce the standard. For the full text, buy the current edition from AMPP. Checked on 2026-10-14; 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.