ASTM D870-15(2020)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion
Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Immersion in water can cause the degradation of coatings. Knowledge on how a coating resists water immersion is helpful in predicting its service life. Failure in a water immersion test may be caused by a number of factors including a deficiency in the coating itself, contamination of the substrate, or inadequate surface preparation. The test is therefore useful for evaluating coatings alone or complete coating systems.
4.2 Water immersion tests are used for research and development of coatings and substrate treatments, specification acceptance, and quality control in manufacturing. These tests typically result in a pass or fail determination, but the degree of failure may also be measured. A coating system is considered to pass if there is no evidence of water-related failure after a specified period of time.
4.3 Results obtained from water immersion tests in accordance with this practice should not be represented as being equivalent to a period of exposure to water in the natural environment, until the degree of quantitative correlation has been established for the coating or coating system.
4.4 Corrosion tests of a scribed coating on a ferrous substrate are impractical in water immersion tests as the corrosion products tend to contaminate the water bath. Continuous overflow of the test tank is sometimes required to maintain consistent water quality.
4.5 The apparatus for the test is relatively inexpensive and can be as simple as a glass beaker with a stirrer. It is also possible to use very large tanks for testing coated pipe or other large coated products.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for testing water resistance of coatings by the partial or complete immersion of coated specimens in distilled or de-mineralized water at ambient or elevated temperatures. Although the apparatus and procedure could be employed in immersion tests using solutions of various materials in water, this practice is limited to tests in water alone.
1.2 This practice is limited to the methods of obtaining, measuring, and controlling the conditions and procedures of water immersion tests. It does not specify specimen preparation, specific test conditions, or evaluation of results.
Note 1: Alternative practices for testing the water resistance of coatings include Practices D1735, D2247, and D4585.
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, health, and environmental 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2020
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.27 - Accelerated Testing
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM D870-15 - Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion - Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Refers
ASTM D2616-19 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Difference With a Gray Scale - Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2019
- Refers
ASTM D610-08(2019) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces - Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Refers
ASTM D610-08(2012) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces - Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Refers
ASTM D2616-12 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Difference With a Gray Scale - Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Refers
ASTM D3363-05(2011)e2 - Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test (Withdrawn 2020) - Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
Overview
ASTM D870-15(2020), Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion, provides industry-recognized methods to assess the water resistance of coatings and coating systems. Issued by ASTM International, this practice outlines procedures to determine how coatings perform when subjected to prolonged water exposure. Using either partial or full immersion in distilled or demineralized water at controlled temperatures, this standard is a key tool for manufacturers, researchers, and quality control laboratories aiming to predict the durability and service life of protective finishes.
Water immersion testing according to ASTM D870 is essential for identifying potential weaknesses in coating products, helping organizations ensure compliance, enhance product quality, meet specification requirements, and support research and development activities.
Key Topics
Purpose of Water Immersion Testing:
Determines a coating’s resistance to water exposure, revealing vulnerabilities related to coating formulation, substrate contamination, or poor surface preparation.Scope of Application:
Applicable to a wide range of coatings and coating systems, with procedures for both research and development and routine quality control.Testing Procedure Essentials:
- Immersion of coated specimens in water tanks (using either small beakers or large tanks for sizable products)
- Control of water temperature (ambient or elevated)
- Duration of exposure as specified in project requirements
- Evaluation of coating for color change, blistering, adhesion loss, softening, or embrittlement
Data Interpretation:
- Results are typically reported as pass/fail, though the severity of degradation can be documented
- Not directly equivalent to real-world water exposure unless supporting correlation data is established
Testing Apparatus:
Simple and cost-effective setup, such as glass beakers or large tanks, with provisions for temperature control, circulation, and regular water quality checksLimitations:
- Does not address specimen preparation or detailed result evaluation-these must be agreed upon prior to testing
- Not intended for scribed coating corrosion tests on ferrous substrates due to water bath contamination potential
Applications
Water resistance testing as described in ASTM D870-15(2020) has broad practical applications in the coatings industry, including:
Product Development:
Assessing new formulations for water resistance to optimize performance before market release.Quality Control:
Routine batch verification to ensure coating performance consistency in manufacturing.Specification Compliance:
Determining if coatings meet procurement, project, or regulatory standards for water resistance.Failure Analysis:
Identifying causes of coating breakdown, such as substrate issues or inadequate surface preparation.Coating System Comparison:
Testing various systems to select the best coating solutions for applications exposed to water or high humidity.
Related Standards
A number of ASTM standards provide additional methods and guidance for evaluating coatings, often used alongside or as alternatives to ASTM D870:
- ASTM D1735: Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Fog Apparatus
- ASTM D2247: Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in 100% Relative Humidity
- ASTM D4585: Practice for Testing Water Resistance Using Controlled Condensation
- ASTM D609: Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing
- ASTM D610: Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Surfaces
- ASTM D714: Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints
- ASTM D823: Producing Uniform Coating Films for Testing
These referenced materials offer complementary insights for comprehensive paint and coating evaluation under various environmental exposures.
Keywords: ASTM D870, water resistance testing, coatings, water immersion, protective coatings, quality control, paint durability, coating system evaluation, ASTM coatings standards, water exposure, laboratory test methods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D870-15(2020) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Immersion in water can cause the degradation of coatings. Knowledge on how a coating resists water immersion is helpful in predicting its service life. Failure in a water immersion test may be caused by a number of factors including a deficiency in the coating itself, contamination of the substrate, or inadequate surface preparation. The test is therefore useful for evaluating coatings alone or complete coating systems. 4.2 Water immersion tests are used for research and development of coatings and substrate treatments, specification acceptance, and quality control in manufacturing. These tests typically result in a pass or fail determination, but the degree of failure may also be measured. A coating system is considered to pass if there is no evidence of water-related failure after a specified period of time. 4.3 Results obtained from water immersion tests in accordance with this practice should not be represented as being equivalent to a period of exposure to water in the natural environment, until the degree of quantitative correlation has been established for the coating or coating system. 4.4 Corrosion tests of a scribed coating on a ferrous substrate are impractical in water immersion tests as the corrosion products tend to contaminate the water bath. Continuous overflow of the test tank is sometimes required to maintain consistent water quality. 4.5 The apparatus for the test is relatively inexpensive and can be as simple as a glass beaker with a stirrer. It is also possible to use very large tanks for testing coated pipe or other large coated products. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for testing water resistance of coatings by the partial or complete immersion of coated specimens in distilled or de-mineralized water at ambient or elevated temperatures. Although the apparatus and procedure could be employed in immersion tests using solutions of various materials in water, this practice is limited to tests in water alone. 1.2 This practice is limited to the methods of obtaining, measuring, and controlling the conditions and procedures of water immersion tests. It does not specify specimen preparation, specific test conditions, or evaluation of results. Note 1: Alternative practices for testing the water resistance of coatings include Practices D1735, D2247, and D4585. 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, health, and environmental 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Immersion in water can cause the degradation of coatings. Knowledge on how a coating resists water immersion is helpful in predicting its service life. Failure in a water immersion test may be caused by a number of factors including a deficiency in the coating itself, contamination of the substrate, or inadequate surface preparation. The test is therefore useful for evaluating coatings alone or complete coating systems. 4.2 Water immersion tests are used for research and development of coatings and substrate treatments, specification acceptance, and quality control in manufacturing. These tests typically result in a pass or fail determination, but the degree of failure may also be measured. A coating system is considered to pass if there is no evidence of water-related failure after a specified period of time. 4.3 Results obtained from water immersion tests in accordance with this practice should not be represented as being equivalent to a period of exposure to water in the natural environment, until the degree of quantitative correlation has been established for the coating or coating system. 4.4 Corrosion tests of a scribed coating on a ferrous substrate are impractical in water immersion tests as the corrosion products tend to contaminate the water bath. Continuous overflow of the test tank is sometimes required to maintain consistent water quality. 4.5 The apparatus for the test is relatively inexpensive and can be as simple as a glass beaker with a stirrer. It is also possible to use very large tanks for testing coated pipe or other large coated products. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating procedures for testing water resistance of coatings by the partial or complete immersion of coated specimens in distilled or de-mineralized water at ambient or elevated temperatures. Although the apparatus and procedure could be employed in immersion tests using solutions of various materials in water, this practice is limited to tests in water alone. 1.2 This practice is limited to the methods of obtaining, measuring, and controlling the conditions and procedures of water immersion tests. It does not specify specimen preparation, specific test conditions, or evaluation of results. Note 1: Alternative practices for testing the water resistance of coatings include Practices D1735, D2247, and D4585. 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, health, and environmental 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.
ASTM D870-15(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 25.220.20 - Surface treatment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D870-15(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D870-15, ASTM D1730-09(2020), ASTM D2616-19, ASTM D610-08(2019), ASTM D823-17, ASTM D1654-08(2016), ASTM D2247-15, ASTM D1730-09(2014), ASTM D823-95(2012), ASTM D610-08(2012), ASTM D2616-12, ASTM D609-00(2012), ASTM D3363-05(2011), ASTM D3363-05(2011)e1, ASTM D3363-05(2011)e2. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D870-15(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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: D870 − 15 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Practice for
Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water
Immersion
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D870; 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 D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels
for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and
1.1 This practice covers the basic principles and operating
Related Coating Products
procedures for testing water resistance of coatings by the
D610 Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted
partial or complete immersion of coated specimens in distilled
Steel Surfaces
or de-mineralized water at ambient or elevated temperatures.
D714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of
Although the apparatus and procedure could be employed in
Paints
immersion tests using solutions of various materials in water,
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
this practice is limited to tests in water alone.
of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels
1.2 This practice is limited to the methods of obtaining,
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
measuring, and controlling the conditions and procedures of
D1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated
water immersion tests. It does not specify specimen
Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
preparation, specific test conditions, or evaluation of results.
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
NOTE 1—Alternative practices for testing the water resistance of
Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
coatings include Practices D1735, D2247, and D4585.
D1735 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Using Water Fog Apparatus
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
D2247 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in
only.
100 % Relative Humidity
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D2616 Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Differ-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ence With a Gray Scale
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(Withdrawn 2020)
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
D4541 Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Portable Adhesion Testers
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
D4585 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Using Controlled Condensation
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Summary of Practice
2. Referenced Documents
3.1 Coated specimens are partially or wholly immersed in
water in a container that is resistant to corrosion. The exposure
2.1 ASTM Standards:
conditions are varied by selecting: (a) the temperature of the
water, and (b) the duration of the test. Water permeates the
1 coating at rates that are dependent upon the characteristics of
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
the coating and upon the temperature of the water.Any effects
Subcommittee D01.27 on Accelerated Testing.
such as color change, blistering, loss of adhesion, softening, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
embrittlement are observed and reported.
approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D870 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/D0870-15R20.
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 last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D870 − 15 (2020)
4. Significance and Use 6.2 It is recommended that a control specimen of a paint
with known durability be included with each test. Such control
4.1 Immersion in water can cause the degradation of coat-
specimens can provide warning of changes in test severity in a
ings. Knowledge on how a coating resists water immersion is
given apparatus, and can indicate variations in test severity
helpful in predicting its service life. Failure in a water
between different apparatuses.
immersiontestmaybecausedbyanumberoffactorsincluding
a deficiency in the coating itself, contamination of the
6.3 It is recommended that at least two replicate specimens
substrate, or inadequate surface preparation. The test is there-
of each different coating be used, to compensate for variations
fore useful for evaluating coatings alone or complete coating
between specimens and variations in test conditions within the
systems.
apparatus.
4.2 Water immersion tests are used for research and devel-
7. Procedure
opment of coatings and substrate treatments, specification
acceptance, and quality control in manufacturing. These tests
7.1 Fill the tank with water to a depth such that the test
typicallyresultinapassorfaildetermination,butthedegreeof
specimens are immersed for approximately three-quarters of
failure may also be measured. A coating system is considered
their length. Reagent water conforming to Type IV of Speci-
to pass if there is no evidence of water-related failure after a
fication D1193 is suitable for use.
specified period of time.
7.2 Heat the water to the desired temperature with the
4.3 Results obtained from water immersion tests in accor-
circulating system in operation. If no temperature is specified,
dance with this practice should not be represented as being
heat the water to 38 6
...




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