This guide describes the use of reference photographs depicting the appearance of both previously unpainted and previously painted and partially rusted hot-rolled carbon steel prior to and after abrasive blast cleaning.

The reference photographs consist of a series of 1:1 (actual size) color photographs. The photographs were taken under controlled studio lighting designed to show the maximum detail possible.

Highlighted in the guide are five initial rust conditions before surface preparation, covering the rand from intact mill scale to rusted and pitted steel, as well as previously painted steel.