ASTM D4330-94(2017)

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.
Designation: D4330 − 94 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Evaluation of Fiberglass Boat Polish and Wax
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4330; 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.
1. Scope 4.2 Sample of Control Polish or Wax—The control is
selected subjectively for comparison to the test sample. It may
1.1 This practice covers the properties to test and the
be a competitive product, a modified formulation of the test
apparatus to use when evaluating the performance of boat
polish or wax, and so forth.The control must be of the same or
polishes and waxes, in terms of ease of application, cleaning
similar type as the test sample. It would not be meaningful to
efficiency, gloss and improvement of aesthetic appearance.
select a paste product as a control for comparison to a liquid
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
test polish or wax. In addition, polishes to be evaluated should
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
be for the same intended use. Products for below the water line
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
may be different than those designed for above the water line.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.3 TestSubstrates—Thetestsubstrate shallbeintendedfor
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
thetestpolishorwax.Thetestsurfaceshallbeingoodphysical
2. Referenced Documents
condition, not badly cracked, scratched, or otherwise damaged
so as to interfere with evaluations of polish or wax properties.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
The minimum test surface area for each sample shall be 200
D2825 Terminology Relating to Polishes and Related Mate-
in. (1290 cm ). Whenever possible, the evaluation of test
rials
polish or wax should be made on boats subject to actual use
3. Significance and Use and exposure to diverse but normal conditions.
3.1 Boat polish or wax aids in cleaning and maintaining the
4.4 PolishingCloth—The same type of polishing cloth shall
surface of fiberglass boats. The function of cleaning is very be used with each sample tested. Separate cloths shall be used
important.
for each sample. Materials such as washed cheese cloth,
rumple cloth, flannel, cotton diaper cloth, and nonwoven
3.2 This practice defines the properties to be tested, the
fabrics are suitable for this purpose. Felt or paper shall not be
apparatus to use, and the comparisons of product performance.
used.
It is recognized that considerable discretion exists among
formulators and marketers of boat polish on what properties or
4.5 Cleaning Solvent—Aliphatic solvents with Kauri Buta-
performance characteristics are best for their products. This
nol values less than 38.
practice is flexible to honor this fact.
4.6 Eye Droppers and Distilled or Deionized Water.
3.3 The methods of testing are subjective and empirical in
4.7 Masking Tape, with a ⁄8-in. (9.5 mm) width.
ordertoconformtothebasiccharacteristicsoftheindustryand
to allow flexibility in testing.Although test panels may be used
4.8 Thermometer.
for screening purposes, actual boat surfaces should be used for
4.9 Humidity Gage.
the final evaluation.
5. Test Conditions
4. Apparatus and Materials
5.1 The temperature and relative humidity of the test runs
4.1 Sample of Polish or Wax.
shall be measured and recorded. The temperature shall be
within 55 to 85°F (13 to 29°C) with a relative humidity of 20
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes
to 80 %.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.04 on Performance Tests.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2017. Published February 2017. Originally
5.2 The substrate shall have the same temperature as the
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D4330 – 94(2008).
surrounding area.
DOI: 10.1520/D4330-94R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Type of fiberglass, polyester or gel coat, or both.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4330 − 94 (2017)
6. Personnel and Instructions These four positionings should be written on tags and drawn
randomly by each of the four who apply the polishes.
6.1 The application and evaluation of the test and control
polishes or waxes require four individuals. They shall be
9. Evaluation
capable of making discriminating judgements of subjective
9.1 General comparison is made between the test polish or
physical and aesthetic properties. Training and orientation to
wax and the control.
specific product performance characteristics may be required.
9.2 Application Properties—During the application of the
6.2 The four persons each apply the polishes or waxes to
polish or wax the first phase of evaluation is begun. In each
one of the four test substrates. All persons then rate all
case comparison is made between the test sample and the
properties except application properties on the remaining three
control. All or any number of the following properties are
substrates to which they did not apply polish. The persons
evaluated:
applying the polishes or waxes rate ease of use and other
9.2.1 Ease of Application—During the application of the
application properties. There will be only four readings on
polishes or waxes, note the ease of wetting, spreadability, and
application properties. The three rating the other properties do
absence of drag.
notobservetheapplicationbecausetheyratepropertiesofeach
9.2.2 Cleaning Effect of Polish—Following the application
polish or wax “blind.”
of the polishes or waxes, inspect the discoloration, if any, on
applicators (towels). Observe the ease of removal of the
7. Procedure
oxidized film as well as common fouling agents such as algae,
7.1 Cleaning of Test Substrates—Clean the test substrate
grease, oils, and so forth. This may be done either in the
thoroughly with an aliphatic solvent having a Kauri Butanol
laboratory or during actual use trials of the products. A good
value less than 38. Soft cotton towels may be used to apply the
cleaner usually enhances the appearance of the substrate. A
solvent to the surface and to wipe it clean. Use new or
poor cleaner may leave a dull, soiled, or mottled appearance.
adequately laundered towels. If previously tested polishes
9.2.3 Drying Rate—Take readings of time in minutes for
contained resins or reactive polymers or both, or unknown
each polish or wax to dry.
polishes have been previously used on the test substrate,
9.2.4 Ease of Wipe Off—Note effort necessary to wipe off
preclean first with an abrasive cleaner to ensure their removal.
each of the samples from test substrate.
7.2 Surface Subdivision—Divide and outline the precleaned 9.2.5 Powdering—Note the degree of powdering, if any,
surface of each test substrate by tape with uniform squares. during the wipe off of samples from test substrate.
9.2.6 Ease of Rub-up to Maximum Gloss—During applica-
7.3 Application of Polish or Wax—Assuming the control
tion of the polishes or waxes note the time and ease with which
polish or the test polish is a commercially available product,
each product develops the maximum gloss.
follow the directions on the container so far as is possible.
When in doubt on the method of use, the directions for similar 9.3 Final Properties—Five to ten minutes after the applica-
products may be used. Use equal volumes of control and test tion of the polishes or waxes, begin the second phase of the
polish or wax to avoid excessively thin or heavy coats. One or evaluation. In each case comparison is made between the test
two applications may be used depending on the substrate and sample and the control. All or any number of the following
the discretion of the tester. The same number of coats must be properties are evaluated:
used for both the test sample and the control. 9.3.1 Gloss—Evaluate as depth of gloss (the optical phe-
nomenon of relative depth perceived when viewing reflective
surfaces), or as defined in Terminology D2825.
8. Placement of Polishes or Waxes
9.3.2 Uniformity—Observe the surface for streaks, unpol-
8.1 Method A—A controlled randomized method of laying
ished dry spots, and
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