The report summarizes the outcome of studies performed for the period of October 1, 1987-May 15, 1988 of the first year of the program at The Johns Hopkins University and Martin-Marietta Laboratories. To date, initial exposure studies of painted steel (ASTM A569 CQ) coupons coated with a commercial alkyd primer/top coat system for steel structures (not bridges) and preliminary characterization of the free standing paint films have been completed. Surface analytical techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used in the characterization process. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), weight loss/gain measurements, and coating/steel adhesion-strength studies have been performed to evaluate performance of sample coupons and paint films in aqueous acid environments.