ASTM D3052-23

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
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.
Designation: D3052 − 17 D3052 − 23
Standard Practice for
Rating Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3052; 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
1.1 This practice covers the comparison of the performance of water-emulsion floor polishes on test floors against a reference
material. It is applicable to the following types of polishes:
1.1.1 Wax emulsion polishes,
1.1.2 Nonbuffable emulsion polishes,
1.1.3 Detergent-resistant emulsion polishes, household type, and
1.1.4 Detergent-resistant emulsion polishes, industrial type.
1.2 Gloss, leveling, discoloration, traffic marking, slip resistance, and removal ease of these types of floor polishes is rated in
comparison to a reference material. Where applicable, detergent resistance is also evaluated. This method is not to be considered
as a recommended maintenance procedure.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 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 and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.04 on Performance Tests.
Current edition approved March 1, 2017Dec. 1, 2023. Published April 2017January 2024. Originally approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 20102017 as
D3052 – 87 (2010).D3052 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D3052-17.10.1520/D3052-23.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3052 − 23
2.2 CSMAHCPA Bulletin:
245-70 Comparative Determination of Slip Resistance of Floor Polishes
3. Significance and Use
3.1 When comparing different floor polishes for an actual field performance, it is important that all surfaces used be prepared in
the same way. When this procedure is followed, variations in the test surfaces are minimized.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Test Tile, OVCT.Official Vinyl Composition Tile (OVCT).
4.2 Glossmeter, 60°—The instrument and the reference standards shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Test Method
D523, using an angle of reflection of 60°.
4.3 Floor Machine.
5. Procedure
5.1 The preferred substrate shall be Official Vinyl Composition Tile.OVCT.
5.2 The test floor shall include both dark (black) and light (white) colored tiles laid out so that one half of the panel is all white
and the other half is all black.
5.3 The minimum test panel size for each polish tested shall be 3 ft (0.9 m) in width and 3 ft in length.
5.4 Prepare all of the test panels with scrub-cleaned new tiles, or strip completely of dirt and old wax, rinse thoroughly, and dry
before application of the test polishes. Under no circumstances should comparative tests be made on new versus old tiles. Similarly,
where old tiles are employed, care should be taken to employ tiles or panels with approximately equivalent traffic history.
5.5 Mask a small portion of a black tile prior to polishing so as to provide an unpolished control area. The masking is to remain
during the entire traffic period.
5.6 Take glossmeter readings on the clean and dry center four panelstiles (two light tiles and two dark tiles) with a 60° glossmeter
prior to application of the polish.
5.7 Apply the test polish and the reference (standard) polish equally to the same test panel in such a manner that each polish covers
half of the black tiles and half of the white tiles. A typical panel is illustrated in Fig. 1. An alternative approach is to apply each
polish to a separate panel.
2 2 2 2
5.8 Apply each of the test polishes to the test panels at a rate of 15001500 ft /gal to 2000 ft /gal (37(37 m to 49 m/L to 49 m /L),
using any suitable and controlled procedure. This spreading rate is equivalent to:
2 2
0.06 0.06 fluid oz ⁄ft to 0.08 fluid 0.09 fluid oz/ft
2 2
1.9 1.9 mL ⁄ft to 2.5 2.5 mL mL/ft⁄ft
5.9 Apply a second coat of a like amount 2 h after the first coat.
5.10 In the instance of wax emulsion polishes, machine buff the test panels coated with the text wax and the reference material
Available from the Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association, 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036.Household & Commercial Products
Association, 1625 I Street NW Suite 700, Washington, DC 20006.
OVCT tile may be obtained through Armstrong Flooring from various home improvement stores. The following Armstrong tile substrates have been found to perform
adequately for this test method: Armstrong Excelon Feature Tile: Black (56790), http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/product_details_toolbox_magnify.jsp?item_
id=47394.(56790).
D3052 − 23
FIG. 1 Typical Floor Service Test Panel
FIG. 2 Data Sheet for Evaluating Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes on Dark Substrate of Test Floors
D3052 − 23
FIG. 2 Data Sheet for Evaluating Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes on Dark Substrate of Test Floors (continued)
with a new white polish pad, 00 steel wool pad, or clean bristle brush attachment 30 min after the second coat is apparently dry.
Consider the small area and do not over buff. Do not buff any other polish types considered in this method at this time.
5.11 Allow each test panel to dry 1 h before being exposed to traffic. (Environmental conditions outside the norm or 70 to 90°F
(21.1 to 32.2°C)of 70 °F to 90 °F (21.1 °C to 32.2 °C) and above 70 % relative humidity may necessitate longer periods of drying
time.) Again take gloss readings on the four center tiles prior to exposure to traffic. Comparatively rate the films visually for
leveling, for any discoloration tendencies, and for slip resistance following CSMA Bulletin HCPA Bulletin 245-70. In the instance
of the wax emulsion polishes, make the leveling and gloss ratings after buffing.
5.12 Daily maintenance should include dry brushing or sweeping.
6. Maintenance and Evaluation Schedule for Wax Emulsion Polishes
6.1 Damp mop the test panels weekly, or when necessary, with a commercial neutral cleaner used in accordance with label
instructions as to dilution, water temperature, etc. Rinse the panel with clear water and allow to dry thoroughly.
6.2 Machine buff the test panels weekly, following the damp mopping and a suitable drying period, by the technique described
in 5.10.
6.3 Evaluate the test panels for traffic marking (heel marking, soiling, scuffing, and scratching), visually and with a 60° glossmeter
(four center tiles) for gloss, and for slip resistance following CSMA Bulletin HCPA Bulletin 245-70.
6.3.1 After 1 day’s exposure to normal traffic.
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6.3.2 Before and after the first damp mop cleaning and buffing operation. (This operation should be performed no later than the
end of the first traffic week.)
6.3.3 Before and after the third damp mop cleaning and buffing operation. (No later than the end of the third traffic week.)
6.3.4 Evaluate for soil and heel mark resistance on the light tiles.
6.3.5 Evaluate scuff and scratch resistance ratings on the dark tiles.
6.3.6 Determine slip resistance on both light and dark tiles that have been most trafficked because of direction of traffic flow.
6.3.7 Determine ease of removal on the black tiles after power-scrubbing the entire test panel with a commercial polish remover
used in accordance with label recommendations as to dilution, temperature, wet contact time prior to scrubbing, etc. Rinse the
panel with clear water and allow to dry thoroughly. Remove tape masking prior to making visual comparison of removal properties.
A 60° glossmeter reading on the stripped tiles may prove helpful. Hand buffing a small area with a soft cloth is suggested as a
supplemental aid in determining if stripping is complete. If no appreciable increase in gloss is achieved, it can be concluded that
the film has been removed.
7. Maintenance and Evaluation Schedule for Nonbuffable Emulsion Polishes
7.1 Damp mop the test panels twice a week with a commercial neutral cleaner used in accordance with label instructions as to
dilution, water temperature, etc. Rinse the panel with clear water
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