"Introduction This Surface Preparation Commentary (SP COM) is intended to be an aid in selecting the proper surface preparation method@ materials@ and specification for steel@ other metals@ and concrete. A compilation of standards@ guides@ and specifications related to concrete is available as SSPC publication #04-03 ""Surface Preparation and Coating of Concrete."" The SP COM is not part of the actual standards@ but is included to provide a better understanding of the SSPC surface preparation standards. In addition@ surface preparation standards other than those published by SSPC are referenced. The SSPC standards@ summarized in Table 1@ represent a broad consensus of users@ suppliers@ and public interest groups. Details of the methods used to measure many of the properties discussed in this SP COM are described in SSPC publication 03-14@ ""The Inspection of Coatings and Linings@ A Handbook of Basic Practice for Inspectors@ Owners@ and Specifiers@ 2nd Ed."""