TM 43-0139
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Section I. GENERAL
NOTE
Unusual terms are defined in the Glossary located at the back of this manual.
1-1. PURPOSE
This manual is published to provide information and guidance to personnel charged with painting and marking equipment
for which the U.S. Army has responsibility. It contains instructions for treating surfaces to remove corrosion, and
procedures for preventing corrosion by applying protective coatings. Although many paint systems are covered, special
emphasis is placed on the Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC), because they are particularly effective in resisting
corrosion and chemical penetration, and are also decontaminated more easily than are other coatings.
1-2. SCOPE
a.
This manual discusses materials associated with painting operations, procedures for marking and camouflaging
equipment, and methods of applying paint.
b.
This manual is applicable to equipment under U.S. Army jurisdiction, whether assigned to active service or in wet
or dry storage. Additional information for painting watercraft and aircraft are contained in TB 43-0144, Painting of Vessels,
and TM 55-1500-345-23, Painting and Marking Army Aircraft. For additional information for painting military vehicles,
construction equipment and material handling equipment, refer to TB 43-0209. For detailed corrosion correction and
prevention techniques, refer to TB 43-0213.
1-3. POLICY
a.
There are safety, health and environmental requirements associated with all aspects of painting operations.
These are outlined in Section II of this chapter, Safety Summary. Personnel must keep these requirements in mind
before, during and after undertaking any painting activity. Any questions should be directed to local preventive
medicine/industrial hygiene personnel.
b.
Equipment with applied coatings providing satisfactory protection will not be altered solely for conformity to the
requirements herein. Complete repainting should be done only when the existing finish has deteriorated to the extent that
it no longer protects the underlying surface or when higher authority mandates. Camouflage patterns may be painted on
items coated with Green 383 anytime after pattern design development, at commanding officer's discretion.
c.
Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) are required on all combat, combat support, and combat service
support equipment. Current alkyd and lacquer paints must be removed after chemical agent exposure as the paints
absorb liquid agents and release the agents over time, causing a contact hazard. Since CARC does not absorb chemical
agents it does not create long term contact hazards.
d.
Only Intermediate (General Support and Direct Support) and Depot level personnel with equipment and paint
booths meeting OSHA standards are authorized complete painting and repainting with any topcoat or primer. Unit level
personnel are permitted to use topcoats and primers for touch-up efforts only.
e.
The style, size and exact location of markings prescribed in this manual are specified in applicable technical
bulletins in the 43 and 746 series and other DA technical publications. Markings may be applied in the form of adhesive
backed markers of the prescribed color, or may be painted on when markers are unavailable or application must be made
on canvas or other porous surfaces.
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