ASTM D4400-18

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
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Designation: D4400 − 99 (Reapproved 2012) D4400 − 18
Standard Test Method for
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Sag Resistance of Paints Using a Multinotch Applicator
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4400; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
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ε NOTE—Sole source of supply footnote was removed editorially and new footnote placed in Precision section in Novem-
ber 2012.
INTRODUCTION
The multinotch applicator used in this test method is a drawdown blade with a series of notches of
successively higher clearance, referred to as the Anti-Sag Meter. See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 for a
representative diagram and photograph. The numerical value for sag resistance obtained with this
instrument is referred to as the Anti-Sag Index.
Anti-Sag Meters are made with several clearance ranges for different types of coatings (see 5.1 and
Table 1). In developing this standard the task group used an instrument with a range from 4 to 24 mils,
but the method is applicable to any clearance range, and results using instruments with overlapping
ranges correlate and have equal validity.
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The basic method was developed in 1962 and is referenced in U.S. Federal specifications
TT-E-508, TT-E-506, and TT-P-1511.
A preshear program is essential for a drawdown sag test to duplicate the breakdown in structure that
occurs when thixotropic paints are applied by brushout or other practical application methods. The
procedures therefore include the preshearing of paints just prior to making test applications.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of the sag resistance of aqueous and nonaqueous liquid coatings at any
level of sag resistance.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in
parentheses are for information only.stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used
independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
NOTE 1—Because the only manufacturer of the applicator know to the committee manufactures to inch-pound units, inch-pound units will be regarded
as the standard when referring to the applicator.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
Current edition approved May 15, 2012Sept. 15, 2018. Published May 2012October 2018. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
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D4400 – 99 (2007).(2012) . DOI: 10.1520/D4400-99R12E01.10.1520/D4400-18.
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“Design of an Improved Sag Tester,” Offıcial Digest, Vol 34, No. 453, October 1962.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D4400 − 18
FIG. 1 Diagram of the Medium Range Anti-Sag Meter
FIG. 2 Medium Range Anti-Sag Meter
2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2196 Test Methods for Rheological Properties of Non-Newtonian Materials by Rotational Viscometer
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2.2 U.S. Federal Specifications:
Fed. Spec. TT-E-508 Alkyd semi-gloss enamel
Fed. Spec. TT-E-506 Alkyd gloss enamel
Fed. Spec. TT-P-1511 Interior latex gloss and semi-gloss finishes
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 After preshearing, the coating is applied to a test chart with a multinotch applicator. The charts are immediately hung
vertically with the drawdown stripes horizontal, similar to rungs of a ladder, with
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