ASTM D7073-20

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: D7073 − 05 (Reapproved 2012) D7073 − 20
Standard Guide for
Application and Evaluation of Brush and Roller Applied
Paint Films
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7073; 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 guide describes procedures for the application of brush or roller, or both, applied paint films to sealed wallboard for
evaluating application properties.
1.2 Because both the application and panel evaluation are subjective, this guide should be used only for comparative testing within
one laboratory using one operator for each set of applications, as the ratings assigned by different laboratories may not agree.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 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.
1.5 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:
D1475 Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
D3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials
D3925 Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related Pigmented Coatings
D4707 Test Method for Measuring Paint Spatter Resistance During Roller Application
D5068 Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
D5069 Practice for Preparation of Paint-Roller Covers for Evaluation of Architectural Coatings
D5301 Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
D5913 Test Method for Evaluation of Cleanability of Paint Brushes
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
2.2 Other Document:
Pictorial Standards of Paint Roller Spatter, shown in the Pictorials Standards of Coating Defects
This guide 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 June 1, 2012Sept. 1, 2020. Published August 2012December 2020. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 20052012
as D7073 – 05. 05 (2012). DOI: 10.1520/D7073-05R1210.1520/D7073-20
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.
Available from Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology (FSCT), 492 Norristown Rd., Blue Bell, PA 19422-2350, http://www.coatingstech.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7073 − 20
3. Summary of Guide
3.1 The test paints are applied with either a brush or a roller at an agreed upon spreading rate onto sealed test panels using both
one and two coat applications and after drying, the panels are evaluated for various application properties.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Laboratory measurement of application properties of architectural coatings generally employ a blade-type applicators that lay
down films of highly uniform thickness. Applicators, such as brushes and rollers, typically apply films that lack uniformity due
to variations in rheology, film build, flow and leveling properties resulting in the practical hiding of most paints being less than
that measured on films applied with a blade-type applicator. This guide provides an indication of the actual application properties
of the paint, as applied by a contractor or consumer.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Container, to hold paint, for example, a quart can.
5.2 Good Quality Paint Brush, 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 in.) in width with a chiseled tip.
NOTE 1—The applicator should be aware that a brush can be a mixture having several chemically different filaments or bristles, or both, in several cross
sections, with different thickness and length. Use the same type and make of paint brush for all applications. See Practice D5301 for guidance.
5.3 Good Quality Paint Roller, typically 75 to 225 mm (3 to 9 in.) in length.
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NOTE 2—Rollers constructed from woven fabric with a short nap 4.8 to 6.4 mm ( ⁄16 to ⁄4 in.) are used in typical laboratory testing of interior paints.
NOTE 3—It is critical for proper performance to break-in the brush or roller before application following procedures outlined in Practice D5068 or D5069.
Until a brush or roller cover is broken-in (saturated with paint), only part of the paint loaded onto the applicator can be transferred to the surface being
painted.
5.4 Paint Tray.
5.5 Paint Roller Frame, of the same size as the paint-roller cover being used.
5.6 Balance, to weigh brush to the nearest 0.1 g.
5.7 Weight/Gallon Cup, or any other type of pycnometer suitable for determining paint density to 0.1 lb/gal.
5.8 Spray Gun, any commercially available and typically used to spray paint walls.
6. Materials
6.1 Test Paints.
6.2 Paint-Out Panels, typically laminated fiberboard or upson/universal board a minimum of 610 by 610 mm (24 by 24 in.) or
preferably larger, with at least one smooth side. The size and type of test panel to be used will be governed by the brush/roller size
and intended use of the paint. Alternately, a 1220 by 1220 mm (48 by 48 in.) panel of paper-faced gypsum wallboard can be used.
6.3 Latex-Base Primer, as agreed upon by user or recommended by manufacturer of the paints.
6.4 Masking Tap, ClampsTape, Clamps, or any Suitable Fastener, to secure the panel to a flat surface.
6.5 Control Paint (optional)— (optional)—Since Since there are no standard panels, photographs, or paints for this practice, an
agreed-upon paint of know application properties can be included with the test paints as a control.
D7073 − 20
7. Sampling and Conditioning
7.1 Sample test paint in accordance with Practice D3925.
7.2 Condition the test paints in accordance with Conditioning and Testing section of Specification D3924.
7.3 All testing should be performed under the same conditions.
8. Panel Preparation
8.1 Apply the latex primer, preferably by spray, to the entire face of a smooth side of the test panel so as to coat it uniformly at
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a spreading rate of approximately 11 m /L (450 6 25 ft /gal) or as recommended by the manufacturer. An alternativ
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