For reference I included a basic description of SP-1, 2, & 3 for those unfamiliar with the process. John's link gets a basic as well, but only for SP-2. Notice the 'Note' at the end of SP-1.
B. Solvent Cleaning (SSPC-SP-1): all materials will be solvent cleaned, regardless if they paint or not. All oil, grease, and/or other soluble contaminates which can be cleaned off of the surface of the substrate will be removed by wiping off the surface with clean rags and solvent or power washing with a degreaser/detergent prior to other cleaning operations. (Note: SSPC-SP-1 is part of all SSPC cleaning operations, blasting or non-blasting).
This specification covers the requirements for the solvent cleaning of steel surfaces. Solvent cleaning is a method for removing all visible oil, grease, soil, drawing and cutting compounds, and other soluble contaminants from steel surfaces. It is intended that solvent cleaning be used prior to the application of paint and in conjunction with surface preparation methods specified for the removal of rust, mill scale, or paint.
C. Non-Blast Cleaning (SSPC VIS-3) Photographs shall be used as a supplemental reference with the SSPC standards for hand and power tool cleaned steel).
1. Hand Tool Cleaning (SSPC-SP-2)- the removal of loose rust, loose mill scale, loose paint, and other foreign
Matter, by hand chipping, scraping, sanding, and wire brushing. Adherent material shall be defined as
Material that cannot be lifted with a dull putty knife.
This standard covers the requirements for hand tool cleaning steel surfaces. Hand tool cleaning is a method of preparing steel surfaces by the use of non-power hand tools. Hand tool cleaning removes all loose mill scale, loose rust, loose paint, and other loose detrimental foreign matter. It is not intended that adherent mill scale, rust, and paint be removed by this process. Mill scale, rust, and paint are considered adherent if they cannot be removed by lifting with a dull putty knife.
2. Power Tool Cleaning (SSPC- SP-3)- the removal of loose rust, loose mill scale, loose paint and other loose
Material to the degree specified by power tool chipping, de-scaling, sanding, wire brushing, and grinding.
Adherent material shall be defined as material that cannot be lifted with a dull putty knife.
This standard covers the requirements for power tool cleaning of steel surfaces. Power tool cleaning is a method of preparing steel surfaces by the use of power assisted hand tools. Power tool cleaning removes all loose mill scale, loose rust, loose paint, and other loose detrimental foreign matter. It is not intended that adherent mill scale, rust, and paint be removed by this process. Mill scale, rust, and paint are considered adherent if they cannot be removed by lifting with a dull putty knife.