Hand tool cleaning of steel surfaces includes sanding, scraping, chipping and using a wire brush. Since these methods only affect the surface of steel, they are recommended in mild exposure conditions. Steel that will be subjected to extreme exposure or immersion should be prepared using other methods.
Standard SP2 calls for the removal of paint, rust and loose scale. The standard does not specify a criteria for acceptable surface preparation. The parties involved in the process should agree upon standards for the work so as to allow the engineer or architect to specify an appropriate protective coating and to allow the fabricator to provide the appropriate level of preparation.
While surface materials may be largely removed with these methods, a layer of tightly adhering rust is generally left behind.