ASTM D6577-15(2019)

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: D6577 − 15 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Guide for
Testing Industrial Protective Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6577; 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 D16 TerminologyforPaint,RelatedCoatings,Materials,and
Applications
1.1 This guide covers the selection and use of test methods
D56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
and procedures for testing industrial protective coatings. Se-
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
lection of the standards to be followed must be governed by
Closed Cup Tester
experience and the requirements in each individual case,
D185 Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
together with agreement between the supplier and the user.
D344 Test Method for Relative Hiding Power of Paints by
1.2 This guide covers the testing of liquid coatings as
the Visual Evaluation of Brushouts (Withdrawn 2018)
applied on substrate by brushing, rolling, spraying, or other
D522 Test Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of Attached
means appropriate to the coating and circumstance.
Organic Coatings
NOTE 1—The term “industrial protective coating” as used in this guide
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
is described in the scope of Subcommittee D01.46 as “paints applied to
D562 Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring
substrates on-site of structures and buildings, especially where subject to
KrebsUnit(KU)ViscosityUsingaStormer-TypeViscom-
corrosive environments, as industrial, urban, and marine environments.”
NOTE 2—Guides for testing other coating types, such as Guides D4712, eter
D5146, D5324 or for surface preparation, coating application, such as
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels
Guide D3276, are available and should be used when it is applicable.
for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Related Coating Products
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D610 Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Steel Surfaces
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D660 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Checking of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Exterior Paints
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
D661 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Cracking of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Exterior Paints
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
D662 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Erosion of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Exterior Paints
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
D714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Paints
2. Referenced Documents D772 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Flaking (Scal-
2 ing) of Exterior Paints
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D822 Practice for Filtered Open-Flame Carbon-Arc Expo-
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
sures of Paint and Related Coatings
C868 Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Protective
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
Linings (Withdrawn 2015)
of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels
D869 TestMethodforEvaluatingDegreeofSettlingofPaint
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
D870 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Using Water Immersion
subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally
D968 Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Organic
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D6577 – 15. DOI:
Coatings by Falling Abrasive
10.1520/D6577-15R19.
2 D1005 Test Method for Measurement of Dry-Film Thick-
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
ness of Organic Coatings Using Micrometers
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D1014 Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of
the ASTM website.
3 Paints and Coatings on Metal Substrates
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. D1200 Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6577 − 15 (2019)
D1210 Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment- D2697 Test Method for Volume Nonvolatile Matter in Clear
Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage or Pigmented Coatings
D1212 Test Methods for Measurement of Wet Film Thick- D2794 Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to
ness of Organic Coatings the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact)
D1296 Test Method for Odor of Volatile Solvents and D2803 Guide for Testing Filiform Corrosion Resistance of
Diluents Organic Coatings on Metal
D1308 Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on D2805 Test Method for Hiding Power of Paints by Reflec-
Clear and Pigmented Organic Finishes tometry
D1474 Test Methods for Indentation Hardness of Organic D2832 GuideforDeterminingVolatileandNonvolatileCon-
Coatings tent of Paint and Related Coatings
D1475 Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, D3134 Practice for Establishing Color and Gloss Tolerances
and Related Products D3168 Practice for Qualitative Identification of Polymers in
D1535 Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System Emulsion Paints
D1640 Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation D3170 Test Method for Chipping Resistance of Coatings
of Organic Coatings D3276 Guide for Painting Inspectors (Metal Substrates)
D1653 Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Or- D3278 Test Methods for Flash Point of Liquids by Small
ganic Coating Films Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus
D1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments D3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color D3792 Test Method forWater Content of Coatings by Direct
Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials Injection Into a Gas Chromatograph
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and D3793 Test Method for Low-Temperature Coalescence of
Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting Latex Paint Films by Porosity Measurement (Withdrawn
D1731 Practices for Preparation of Hot-DipAluminum Sur- 2012)
faces for Painting D3912 Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Coatings
D1732 Practices for Preparation of Magnesium Alloy Sur- and Linings for Use in Nuclear Power Plants
faces for Painting D3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
D1735 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
Using Water Fog Apparatus Materials (Withdrawn 2016)
D1849 Test Method for Package Stability of Paint D3925 Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related
D2196 Test Methods for Rheological Properties of Non- Pigmented Coatings
Newtonian Materials by Rotational Viscometer D3928 Test Method for Evaluation of Gloss or Sheen
D2197 Test Method for Adhesion of Organic Coatings by Uniformity
Scrape Adhesion D3960 PracticeforDeterminingVolatileOrganicCompound
D2200 Practice for Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation (VOC) Content of Paints and Related Coatings
Standards and Guides for Painting Steel Surfaces D4017 Test Method for Water in Paints and Paint Materials
D2201 Practice for Preparation of Zinc-Coated and Zinc- by Karl Fischer Method
Alloy-Coated Steel Panels for Testing Paint and Related D4060 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic
Coating Products Coatings by the Taber Abraser
D2243 Test Method for Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Water- D4062 Test Method for Leveling of Paints by Draw-Down
Borne Coatings Method
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and D4138 Practices for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of
Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Protective Coating Systems by Destructive, Cross-
Coordinates Sectioning Means
D2247 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in D4141 Practice for Conducting Black Box and Solar Con-
100 % Relative Humidity centrating Exposures of Coatings
D2354 Test Method for Minimum Film FormationTempera- D4212 Test Method for Viscosity by Dip-Type Viscosity
ture (MFFT) of Emulsion Vehicles Cups
D2369 Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings D4214 Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking
D2371 Test Method for Pigment Content of Solvent- of Exterior Paint Films
Reducible Paints (Withdrawn 2019) D4287 Test Method for High-ShearViscosity Using a Cone/
D2574 Test Method for Resistance of Emulsion Paints in the Plate Viscometer
Container to Attack by Microorganisms D4400 Test Method for Sag Resistance of Paints Using a
D2616 Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Differ- Multinotch Applicator
ence With a Gray Scale D4457 Test Method for Determination of Dichloromethane
D2621 Test Method for Infrared Identification of Vehicle and 1,1,1-Trichloroethane in Paints and Coatings by
Solids From Solvent-Reducible Paints Direct Injection into a Gas Chromatograph
D6577 − 15 (2019)
D4541 Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using D6944 Practice for Determining the Resistance of Cured
Portable Adhesion Testers Coatings to Thermal Cycling
D4585 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings D7055 PracticeforPreparation(byAbrasiveBlastCleaning)
Using Controlled Condensation
of Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Panels forTesting of Coatings
D4587 Practice for Fluorescent UV-Condensation Expo-
D7091 Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry
sures of Paint and Related Coatings
Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to
D4712 Guide for Testing Industrial Water-Reducible Coat-
Ferrous Metals and Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coat-
ings (Withdrawn 2014)
ings Applied to Non-Ferrous Metals
D4752 Practice for Measuring MEK Resistance of Ethyl
D7187 Test Method for Measuring Mechanistic Aspects of
Silicate (Inorganic) Zinc-Rich Primers by Solvent Rub
Scratch/Mar Behavior of Paint Coatings by Nanoscratch-
D4958 Test Method for Comparison of the Brush Drag of
ing
Latex Paints
D7868 Practice for Determining the Dry Fall (Fog) Proper-
D5009 Test Method for Evaluating and Comparing Transfer
ties of Protective Coatings
Efficiency of Spray Applied Coatings Under Laboratory
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Conditions
Building Materials
D5031 Practice for Enclosed Carbon-Arc Exposure Tests of
F1249 Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate
Paint and Related Coatings
Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated
D5064 Practice for Conducting a Patch Test to Assess
Infrared Sensor
Coating Compatibility
G7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Test-
D5065 Guide forAssessing the Condition ofAged Coatings
ing of Nonmetallic Materials
on Steel Surfaces
G8 Test Methods for Cathodic Disbonding of Pipeline Coat-
D5146 Guide to Testing Solvent-Borne Architectural Coat-
ings
ings
G14 TestMethodforImpactResistanceofPipelineCoatings
D5162 Practice for Discontinuity (Holiday) Testing of Non-
(Falling Weight Test)
conductive Protective Coating on Metallic Substrates
G20 Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Pipeline Coat-
D5178 Test Method for Mar Resistance of Organic Coatings
ings
D5201 Practice for Calculating Formulation Physical Con-
G42 Test Method for Cathodic Disbonding of Pipeline
stants of Paints and Coatings
Coatings Subjected to Elevated Temperatures
D5286 Test Methods for Determination of Transfer Effi-
G50 Practice for Conducting Atmospheric Corrosion Tests
ciency Under General Production Conditions for Spray
on Metals
Application of Paints
G62 Test Methods for Holiday Detection in Pipeline Coat-
D5324 Guide for Testing Water-Borne Architectural Coat-
ings
ings
G80 Test Method for Specific Cathodic Disbonding of Pipe-
D5327 Practice for Evaluating and Comparing Transfer
line Coatings (Withdrawn 2013)
Efficiency of Spray Applied Coatings Under General
G85 Practice for Modified Salt Spray (Fog) Testing
Laboratory Conditions
G90 Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weather-
D5402 Practice for Assessing the Solvent Resistance of
ing of Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight
Organic Coatings Using Solvent Rubs
G95 TestMethodforCathodicDisbondmentTestofPipeline
D5894 Practice for Cyclic Salt Fog/UV Exposure of Painted
Coatings (Attached Cell Method)
Metal, (Alternating Exposures in a Fog/Dry Cabinet and a
G106 Practice for Verification of Algorithm and Equipment
UV/Condensation Cabinet)
for Electrochemical Impedance Measurements
D5895 Test Methods for Evaluating Drying or Curing Dur-
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
ing Film Formation of Organic Coatings Using Mechani-
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
cal Recorders
G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing
D6093 Test Method for Percent Volume Nonvolatile Matter
of Nonmetallic Materials
in Clear or Pigmented Coatings Using a Helium Gas
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
Pycnometer
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
D6132 TestMethodforNondestructiveMeasurementofDry
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials inAccel-
Film Thickness of Applied Organic Coatings Using an
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage
G152 Practice for Operating Open Flame Carbon Arc Light
D6578 Practice for Determination of Graffiti Resistance
Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
D6677 Test Method for Evaluating Adhesion by Knife
G153 Practice for Operating Enclosed Carbon Arc Light
D6695 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposures of Paint and
Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
Related Coatings
D6905 Test Method for Impact Flexibility of Organic Coat- G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
ings Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
G155 Practice for Operating XenonArc LightApparatus for
D6943 Practice for Immersion Testing of Industrial Protec-
tive Coatings and Linings Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials
D6577 − 15 (2019)
2.2 Federal Standards: 5. Conditions Affecting Performance
U.S. Federal Test Method Standard No. 141C:
5.1 Practical requirements and performance of industrial
1022 Sampling for Inspection and Testing
coatings may vary with the following:
2112 Application by Roller
5.1.1 Substrate Type—Ferrous, nonferrous, previously
2131 Application of Sprayed Films
coated surfaces, masonry, and other materials.
2141 Application of Brushed Films
5.1.2 Substrate Conditions and Surface Profile—
2161 Application of Film with Film Applicator (Magnetic
Cleanliness, porosity, smoothness, and weathering of the sub-
Chuck)
strates.
2162 Application of Film with Film Applicator Using Suc-
5.1.3 Substrate Aspects of Structure—Construction defects
tion Panel Holder
or defects due to age such that excessive moisture makes its
3011 Condition in Container
way through a porous substrate or is trapped in components;
4061 Drying Time
design defects that cause galvanic corrosion; environmental
4321 Brushing Properties
exposure to deteriorating materials such as deicing salts,
4331 Spraying Properties
improperly prepared welds, or other site-specific detrimental
4335 Roller Coating Properties
conditions.
4401 Odor Test
5.1.4 Type, quality, and suitability of the surface treatment
2.3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Standard:
or primer used and time of drying before coating application.
EPA Federal Reference Method 24 Determination of Vola-
5.1.5 Application methods and techniques.
tile Matter Content, Density, Volume Solids, and Weight
5.1.6 Application and Cure Conditions—Environmental
Solids of Surface Coatings
conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity, during
2.4 NACE Standard:
application and drying.
NACE TM0174 Laboratory Methods for the Evaluation of
5.1.7 Service Conditions—Environmental conditions such
Protective Coatings and Lining Materials in Immersion
as solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and chemical and
Service
mechanical stress.
2.5 ANSI Standard:
6. Sampling and Test Conditions
N512 Protective Coatings (Paints) for the Nuclear Industry
6.1 Prior to sampling, the condition of the container should
3. Terminology
be checked since damage to it may cause evaporation,
3.1 Definitions:
skinning, or other undesirable effects on the coating.
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this guide, refer to
6.2 Sample in accordance with Practice D3925 or Method
Terminology D16.
1022 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 141C. Prepare
3.1.2 The definitions given inTerminology G113 relating to
coating films of uniform thickness on test panels in accordance
natural and artificial weathering tests are applicable to this
with Practices D823.
guide.
6.3 Tests and observations shall be at standard laboratory
4. Significance and Use
conditions in accordance with Specification D3924 unless
otherwise specified or agreed upon between the supplier and
4.1 This guide is intended to provide assistance in selecting
the user.
appropriate tests for evaluating the general performance level
to be expected of a coating or coating system on a given
7. Liquid Coatings Properties
substrate exposed to a given type of environment. Table 1
7.1 Condition in Container—Thickening, settling, and sepa-
represents a listing of all the tests.
ration are undesirable and objectionable if a liquid coating
4.2 Surfacepreparationorcleanlinesspriortoapplicationof
cannot be reconditioned and made suitable for application with
the coating can be critical to the proper performance of the
a reasonable amount of stirring. The referenced test method,
coating.
Method 3011.1 covers procedures for determining changes in
4.3 Results obtained in the tests cited in this guide may not
properties after storage. Determine the condition in the con-
be adequate for predicting coating service life of a specific
tainer in accordance with Method 3011.1 of U.S. Federal Test
coatingsysteminaspecificenvironmentalexposure.Asuitable
Method Standard No. 141C.
control coating system of known performance in the service
7.2 Coarse Particles and Foreign Matter—Liquid coatings
environment should be included in the testing for comparison.
must be free of coarse particles and foreign matter to be able to
form uniform films of good appearance. A typical maximum
value is 0.5 weight % of the total material. Determine the
Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
content of coarse particles and foreign matter in accordance
AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
withTestMethodsD185.Thisreferencedmethodusesmaterial
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
retained in a 325-mesh (45-µm) screen as a measure of coarse
www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from NACE International (NACE), 1440 South Creek Dr., Houston, particle and foreign matter.
TX 77084-4906, http://www.nace.org.
7.3 Density or Weight per Gallon—The density as measured
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. by weight per gallon is used to help ensure product uniformity
D6577 − 15 (2019)
TABLE 1 List of Test Methods by Properties
Federal Test Method
Property or Related Test Section ASTM Standard
Standard No. 141C
Scope:
Guides 1.2 D3276, D4712, D5146, D5324 .
Terminology 3.1.1 D16 .
3.1.2 G113
Sampling and Test Conditions:
Sampling 6.2 D823, D3925 1022
Test conditions 6.3 D3924 .
Liquid Coatings Properties:
Condition in container 7.1 . 3011
Coarse particles and foreign matter 7.2 D185 .
Density or weight per gallon 7.3 D1475 .
Fineness of dispersion 7.4 D1210 .
Settling 7.5 D869 .
Viscosity: 7.6
Newtonian fluids 7.6.1 D1200, D2196, D4212 .
Consistency 7.6.2 D562 .
High-shear viscosity 7.6.3 D4287, D4958 .
Flash point 7.7 D56, D93, D3278 .
Freeze-thaw stability 7.8 D2243 .
Odor 7.9 D1296 4401
Microorganism resistance 7.10 D2574 .
Package stability 7.11 D1849 .
Volatile content of coatings 7.12 D2369, D2832 .
Volume solids 7.13 D2697, D5201, D6093 .
Volatile organic content 7.14 D1475, D2369, D3792, D3960 .
D4017, D4457
Chemical analysis 7.15 D2371, D2621, D3168 .
Transfer efficiency 7.16 D5009, D5286, D5327 .
Application and Film Formation: 8
Panel preparation 8.1 D609, D1730, D1731, D2200, .
D7055
Application properties 8.2 D7868 2112, 2131, 2141, 2161,
2162, 4321, 4331, 4335
Drying properties 8.3 D1640, D5895 4061
Leveling properties 8.4 D4062 .
Wet film thickness 8.5 D1212 .
Low temperature coalescence of paints 8.6 D2354, D3793 .
Touch-up 8.7 D3359, D3928 .
Sag resistance 8.8 D4400 .
Pot life 8.9 . .
Appearance of Dry Film: 9
Color: 9.1
Color difference by visual evaluation 9.1.1 D1729, D2616 .
Color difference by instrumental evaluation 9.1.2 D2244, D3134 .
Color description by visual evaluation 9.1.3 D1535 .
Color description by instrumental evaluation 9.1.4 D2244 .
Gloss 9.2 D523, D3134 .
Hiding power 9.3 D344, D2805 .
Properties of Dry Film: 10
Abrasion resistance 10.1 D968, D4060 .
Adhesion 10.2 D2197, D3359, D4541 .
Dry film thickness 10.3 D1005, D4138, D6132, D7091 .
Elongation 10.4 D522 .
Internal stresses 10.5 . .
Hardness 10.6 D1474, D3363, D5178, D7187 .
Discontinuity (Holiday) 10.7 D5162, G62 .
Impact resistance 10.8 D2794, D3170, D6905, G14 .
Burning characteristics 10.9 E84 .
Slip coefficient and creep resistance 10.10 . .
Performance of Dry Film 11
Moisture vapor transmission rate 11.1 D1653, F1249 .
Cathodic disbonding 11.2 G8, G42, G80, G85 .
Chemical resistance 11.3 C868, D1308, D3912, D4752, .
D5402, G20, G106
Moisture resistance 11.4 D870, D1735, D2247, D4585 .
Exterior exposure: 11.5
Conducting 11.5.1 D1014, G50 .
Atmospheric exposure 11.5.2 G7 .
Accelerated outdoor weathering 11.5.3 D4141, G90 .
Patch test 11.5.4 D5064 .
Laboratory exposure: 11.6
Accelerated weathering 11.6.1 G141, G147, G151
Enclosed carbon arc 11.6.1.1 D5031, G153 .
Open flame carbon arc 11.6.1.2 D822, G152 .
D6577 − 15 (2019)
TABLE 1 Continued
Federal Test Method
Property or Related Test Section ASTM Standard
Standard No. 141C
Xenon arc 11.6.1.3 D6695, G155 .
Fluorescent UV 11.6.1.4 D4587, G154 .
Corrosion resistance: 11.6.2 B117, D5894, G85
Cyclic wet/dry test (Prohesion) 11.6.2.1 G85 .
Cyclic corrosion/UV 11.6.2.2 D5894 .
Salt for (spray) 11.6.2.3 B117, G85 .
Filiform corrosion 11.6.2.4 D2803 .
Report results 11.7 D610, D660, D661, D662, D714, .
D772, D1654, D4214, D5065
from batch to batch. Test Method D1475 gives a procedure for similar to that occurring during brush application so that the
measuring the density of the coating at specified temperature. measured viscosity is related to brush drag, spreading rate, and
A calibrated weight-per-gallon cup is used. Determine the film build. High-shear viscosity is more likely used in the
density in accordance with Test Method D1475. developmentandqualitycontrolofpaintsthanarequirementin
a paint specification. Determine high-shear viscosity in accor-
7.4 Fineness of Dispersion—Pigmented paints involve the
dance with Test Method D4287.
dispersion of colored pigments and filler pigments into the
liquid vehicle. Generally, the more finely a pigment is 7.7 Flash Point—Flash point refers to the lowest tempera-
dispersed, the more efficiently it is being utilized. The fineness ture at which a vapor will ignite if presented with an ignition
of dispersion (or fineness of “grind”) provides a means to source such as a flame or spark. The flash point for a paint is
measure and report the degree to which pigment agglomerates needed to conform with many government regulations con-
have been broken down in the dispersion process. The degree cerning transportation, labeling, packaging, and storage proce-
of dispersion can affect paint properties such as color, gloss, dures. Determine flash point in accordance with Test Methods
and pigment settling. Determine fineness of dispersion in D56, D93,or D3278.
accordance with Test Method D1210.
7.8 Freeze-Thaw Stability—Waterborne coatings may be
7.5 Settling—The amount and type of settling is an indica- subjected to freezing conditions during shipping and storage.
tion of how well the pigments remain in suspension and how Suitably stabilized products can resist several cycles of freez-
easily settled pigment can be remixed. Pigments and fillers ing and thawing without showing deleterious changes such as
dispersedinpaintsaresubjecttosettlingasgenerallydescribed coagulation, graininess (seeding), or excessive viscosity in-
in Stokes Law. Determine the degree of settling in accordance crease. Test Method D2243 covers the determination of the
with Test Method D869. extent to which waterborne coatings retain their original
consistency and freedom from lumps when subjected to
7.6 Viscosity—Viscosity refers to the flow resistance of a
freezing and subsequent thawing. Determine freeze-thaw re-
fluid. Viscosity values are often related to application proper-
sistance in accordance with Test Method D2243.
ties such as flow, leveling, and sag resistance and should fall
within an agreed-upon range. 7.9 Odor—Odor is often associated with the volatile com-
7.6.1 Viscosity of Newtonian or Near Newtonian Fluids— ponents: organic solvents or ammonia in waterborne coatings.
NospecificASTMtestmethodisavailableforevaluatingodor.
(constant viscosity regardless of shear rate), may be measured
in accordance with Test Methods D1200 and D4212. This Method 4401 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 141C does
address “characteristic” or expected odor. Test Method D1296
viscosity measurement is used to determine package viscosity
and application viscosity. Viscosity of non-Newtonian materi- may also be suitable as the basis for a test even though it is not
als should be measured in accordance with Test Methods specifically designed for liquid coatings.
D2196 since it measures resistance to flow at different shear
7.10 Microorganism Resistance—Microorganisms in water-
rates. The ratio of viscosity values at different shear rates is
borne paints can cause gassing, putrefaction, or fermentation
also a way of measuring thixotropy often related to film build
and their corresponding odors, and loss in viscosity and film
or sag resistance. Determine viscosity in accordance with Test
build capability. Determine if the liquid coating contains living
Methods D1200 or D2196.
bacteria and if it is resistant to attack by bacteria in accordance
7.6.2 Consistency (Low-Shear Viscosity)—Consistency is
with Test Method D2574.
used mainly to ensure product uniformity. Consistency is
7.11 Package Stability—Since liquid coatings cannot nor-
defined in Test Method D562 as the load in grams required to
mally be used immediately after manufacture, they must
produce a specific rate of rotation in a specimen using the
remain stable in the package for some time. Test Method
Stormer viscometer. This is a one-speed test method. Two
D1849 covers the change in consistency and in certain related
paints of the same consistency may have quite different
properties that may take place in packaged coatings when
rheological properties during application. Determine consis-
stored at a temperature above room temperature. Determine
tency in accordance with Test Method D562.
package stability in accordance with Test Method D1849.
7.6.3 High-Shear Viscosity—The viscosity of a paint under
high shear is related to its behavior when brushed, rolled, or 7.12 Volatile Content of Coatings—Test Method D2369 is
sprayed. In Test Methods D4287 and D4958, the shear rate is used to determine the weight percent volatile content of
D6577 − 15 (2019)
coatings. Test Method D2369 is also used in the determination by requirements in a product specification. Application prop-
of the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of coatings erties are related to such characteristics as kinetic viscosity,
(Practice D3960 and EPAMethod 24).Test MethodD2369 can non-Newtonian rheology, surface tension, shear sensitivity,
also be used to set acceptance limits in qualification testing or micelle stability, electrical resistivity, erosion abrasiveness,
purchase specifications. Guide D2832 provides a guideline in conductivity, heat capacity, corrosiveness, and dry fall capa-
selecting standards for determining volatile and nonvolatile bilities (in accordance with Practice D7868). Determine the
content of paint. application properties in accordance with Method 2112, 2131,
2141, 2161, 2162, 4321, 4331, or 4335 of FederalTest Method
7.13 Volume Solids Content—The volume of solid materials
Standard No. 141C.
fromacanofpaintisrelatedtothespreadrateatrecommended
8.3 Drying Properties—The drying time of the coatings is
dryfilmthicknessand100 %transferefficiency.Thevolumeof
important in determining when the applied coatings can be
solid materials can be used to calculate the number of square
handled or packed. Also, inadequate drying of the film may
feet a gallon of paint will cover at recommended film thickness
result in poor film and poor appearance and if used on an
andactualtransferefficiency.Thevolumesolidsvaluethencan
exterior surface, rain, dew, or snow may cause a nonuniform
be used to estimate the amount of paint needed for a job or
appearance. Determine drying time in accordance with Test
allow a common basis for the economic comparison of
competitive paints whose volume solids and recommended Methods D1640, D5895, Method 4061 of the Federal Test
Method Standard No. 141C, or as agreed upon between the
filmthicknessmaydiffer.Themeasuredvalueofvolumesolids
may not equal volume solids based on calculation (Practice purchaser and the seller.
D5201). Determine volume solids in accordance with Test
8.4 Leveling Properties—Leveling is an important factor
Methods D2697 and D6093.
when uniform surfaces are to be produced, as it affects hiding
and appearance. The referenced test method covers the labo-
7.14 Volatile Organic Compound Content—The U.S. EPA
ratory determination of the relative leveling characteristics of
FederalReferenceMethod24istheregulatorymethodofVOC
liquid coatings. Determine the leveling characteristics in ac-
content determination. Practice D3960 is used to d
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