What are all the things to check for hull preparation before painting?

flowchart LR
    A[Surface condition] --> B[Cleaning method]
    A --> C[Environment]
    B --> D[Cleanliness standard]
    C --> E[Thickness & curing]
    D --> F[Safety & compatibility]
    E --> F
    F --> G[Records & sign-off]

• Surface cleanliness: sufficiently clean to ascertain hull and coating condition; ISO 8501-1 standard applies
• Contamination: no dirt, grease, dust, salt or overspray on intermediate coats
• Profile: sharp edges removed
• Environment: temperature and moisture within manufacturer’s limits
• Thickness rule: 80 % of DFT readings ≥ nominal, none of remaining 20 % below 80 % of nominal
• Curing: dry-to-recoat times per manufacturer’s recommendations
• Safety: enclosed-space entry per A.864(20); paint locker ventilated before entry due to combustible gases
• Compatibility: one-manufacturer system preferred for mutual compatibility
• Governing instruments: IMO A.798(19), SOLAS II-1/3-2, MSC.215(82) PSPC, MSC.1/Circ.1348, MSC.1/Circ.1399, ISO 8501-1, ISM Code, Merchant Shipping Act 2025