ASTM D5324-16(2022)

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: D5324 − 16 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Guide for
Testing Water-Borne Architectural Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5324; 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 ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This guide covers the selection and use of procedures
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
for testing water-borne coatings to be used on exterior, interior
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
or both types of surfaces (Note 1). The properties that can be
examined or, in some cases, the relevant test procedures are
2. Referenced Documents
listed in Table 1 and Table 2.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 1—The term “architectural coating” as used here combines the
D16 TerminologyforPaint,RelatedCoatings,Materials,and
definition in Terminology D16 with that in the FSCT Paint/Coatings
Applications
Dictionary, as follows: “Organic coatings intended for on-site applica-
D185 Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
tion to interior or exterior surfaces of residential, commercial,
D215 Practice for the Chemical Analysis of White Linseed
institutional, or industrial buildings, in contrast to industrial coatings.
They are protective and decorative finishes applied at ambient tempera-
Oil Paints (Withdrawn 2005)
tures. Often called Trade Sales Coatings.”
D344 Test Method for Relative Hiding Power of Paints by
NOTE 2—Architectural coatings that are designed to give better perfor-
the Visual Evaluation of Brushouts (Withdrawn 2018)
mancethanmostconventionalcoatingsbecausetheyaretougherandmore
D358 Specification for Wood to Be Used as Panels in
stain and abrasion resistant are covered by Guide D3730.
Weathering Tests of Coatings (Withdrawn 2014)
1.2 The types of organic coatings covered by this guide are
D522 Test Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of Attached
as follows:
Organic Coatings
(1) Type 1 Interior Latex Flat Wall Paints,
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
(2) Type 2 Exterior Latex House Paints,
D562 Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring
(3) Type 3 Water-Borne Floor Paints, and
KrebsUnit(KU)ViscosityUsingaStormer-TypeViscom-
(4) Type 4 Interior Latex Semigloss and Gloss Paints.
eter
1.2.1 Each is intended for application by brushing, rolling,
D660 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Checking of
spraying or other means to the material appropriate for its type,
Exterior Paints
which may include plaster, masonry, wallboard, wood, steel,
D661 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Cracking of
previously painted surfaces, and other architectural substrates.
Exterior Paints
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D662 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Erosion of
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
Exterior Paints
only.
D772 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Flaking (Scal-
ing) of Exterior Paints
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the D869 TestMethodforEvaluatingDegreeofSettlingofPaint
D968 Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Organic
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- Coatings by Falling Abrasive
D1006 Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- Hand and Factory Applied Paints on Wood and Wood
Composite Materials
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D1014 Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of
Paints and Coatings on Metal Substrates
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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D5324 – 16. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D5324-16R22. the ASTM website.
2 4
Available from Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology (FSCT), 492 The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Norristown Rd., Blue Bell, PA 19422-2350, http://www.coatingstech.org. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5324 − 16 (2022)
TABLE 1 List of Standards in Sectional Order
ASTM Federal Test Method
Property (or related test) Section
Standard Standard 141D
Sampling 6.2 D3925
Liquid Coating 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
Odor 7.5 D1296
Colorant acceptance 7.6 D5326
pH 7.7 E70
Package stability 7.8
Heat stability 7.8.1 D1849
Freeze-thaw stability 7.8.2 D2243
Settling 7.8.3 D869
Microorganism resistance 7.8.4 D2574, D3273
Coating Application and Film Formation
Application properties 8.1
Brush application 8.1.1 D5068
Brush drag 8.1.1.1 D4958
Roller application 8.1.2 2112
Roller spatter 8.1.2.1 D4707
Spray application 8.1.3 2131
Touch-up uniformity 8.2 D3928, D7489
Low-temperature coalescence 8.3 D3793, D7306
Rheological properties 8.4
Consistency (Low-shear viscosity) 8.4.1 D562
Rheological properties of non-Newtonian materials 8.4.2 D2196, D4287
Sag resistance 8.4.3 D4400 4494
Levelling properties 8.4.4 D4062
Drying properties 8.5 D1640, D5895
Wet-to-Dry Hiding Change 8.5.1 D5007
Appearance of Dry Film
Color difference 9.1 .
Color appearance 9.1.1
Color differences by visual comparison 9.1.2 D1729
Color differences using instrumental measurements 9.1.3 D2244
Directional reflectance 9.2 E1347
Gloss 9.3
Gloss, 60° 9.3.1 D523
Sheen (85° gloss) 9.3.2 D523
Hiding power 9.4 D344, D2805, D5150
Burnish Resistance 9.5 D6736
Enamel Holdout 9.6 D7786
Properties of Dry Film
Interior and Exterior Coatings 10.1
Abrasion resistance 10.1.1 D968, D4060, D6037 6192
Adhesion 10.1.2 D2197, D3359, D5179
Wet adhesion 10.1.3 D6900 6301
A
Flexibility 10.1.4 D522, D2370 6221
Resistance to household chemicals 10.1.5 D1308
Efflorescence from the film 10.1.6
Efflorescence from the substrate 10.1.7 D7072
Surfactant Stain Resistance 10.1.8 D7190
Interior Finishes 10.2
Block resistance 10.2.1 D4946
Print resistance 10.2.2 D2064
Film porosity 10.2.3 D3258, D6583
Washability and cleansability 10.2.4
Washability 10.2.4.1 D2486, D4213
B
Cleansability 10.2.4.2 D3450, D4828 6141
Ink Stainblocking 10.2.5 D7514
Exterior Coatings 10.3
Adhesion to chalky surfaces 10.3.1 6301
Dirt pick-up 10.3.2 D3719
Fume resistance 10.3.3
Fume resistance test 10.3.3.1
Blister resistance 10.3.4 D4585
Exposure resistance 10.3.5 D1006, D1014
Chalking 10.3.5.2 D4214
Checking 10.3.5.3 D660
Cracking 10.3.5.4 D661
Erosion 10.3.5.5 D662
Flaking 10.3.5.6 D772
Fade resistance 10.3.5.8 D2244
Stain resistance 10.3.6
Tannin Stain Resistance 10.3.6.1 D6686
Coating Analysis
Chemical analysis 11.1 D215
Volatile content 11.2 D2369
Volatile organic content 11.3 D3960
Water content 11.4 D3792, D4017
Pi t t t 11 5 D3723
D5324 − 16 (2022)
TABLE 2 Alphabetical List of Properties
Federal Test
ASTM
Property (or related test) Section Method
Standard
Standard 141D
Abrasion Resistance 10.1.1 D968, D4060, D6037 6192
Adhesion 10.1.2 D2197, D3359
Adhesion to chalky surfaces 10.3.1 6301
Analysis, chemical 11.1 D215
Application properties 8.1
Blister resistance 10.3.4 D4585
Block resistance 10.2.1 D4946
Brush application 8.1.1 D5068
Brush drag 8.1.1.1 D4958
Burnish Resistance 9.5 D6736
Chalking 10.3.5.2 D4214
Checking 10.3.5.3 D660
A
Cleansability 10.2.4.2 D3450, D4828 6141
Coarse particles and foreign matter 7.2 D185
Colorant acceptance 7.6 D5326
Color appearance 9.1.1
Color differences by visual comparison 9.1.2 D1729
Color differences using instrumental measurements 9.1.3 D2244
Condition in container 7.1 3011
Consistency (Low-shear viscosity) 8.4.1 D562
Cracking 10.3.5.4 D661
Density or weight per gal 7.3 D1475
Dirt pick-up 10.3.2 D3719
Drying properties 8.5 D1640, D5895
Efflorescence from the film 10.1.6
Efflorescence from the film substrate 10.1.7 D7072
Enamel Holdout 9.6 D7786
Erosion 10.3.5.5 D662
Exposure resistance 10.3.5 D1006, D1014
Fade resistance 10.3.5.8 D2244
Film porosity 10.2.3 D3258, D6583
Fineness of dispersion 7.4 D1210
Flaking 10.3.5.6 D772
B
Flexibility 10.1.4 D522, D2370 6221
Freeze-thaw stability 7.8.2 D2243
Fume resistance 10.3.3
Gloss 9.3
Gloss, 60° 9.3.1 D523
Heat stability 7.8.1 D1849
Hiding power 9.4 D344, D2805, D5150
Ink Stainblocking 10.2.5 D7514
Levelling properties 8.4.4 D4062
Low-temperature coalescence 8.3 D3793, D7306
Microorganism resistance 7.8.4 D2574, D3273
Nonvolatile vehicle identification 11.7 D3168
Odor 7.5 D1296 4401
Package Stability 7.8
pH 7.7 E70
Pigment analysis 11.6 D215 7261
Pigment content 11.5 D3723
Reflectance, directional 9.2 E1347
Resistance to household chemicals 10.1.5 D1308
Rheological properties of non-Newtonian materials 8.4.2 D2196, D4287
Roller application 8.1.2 D5069
Roller spatter 8.1.2.1 D4707
Sag resistance 8.4.3 D4400 4494
Sampling 6.2 D3925 1022
Settling 7.8.3 D869
Sheen (85° gloss) 9.3.2 D523
Spray application 8.1.3 2131
Stain resistance 10.3.6
Surfactant Staining 10.1.8 D7190
Tannin Stain Resistance 10.3.6.1 D6686
Touch-up uniformity 8.2 D3928, D7489
Volatile content 11.2 D2369
Volatile organic content (VOC) 11.3 D3960
Washability 10.2.4.1 D2486, D4213
Water content 11.4 D3792, D4017
Wet adhesion 10.1.3 6301
Wet-to-Dry Hiding Change 8.5.1 D5007
A
Except for scrub medium.
B
Equivalent only to Method B of Test Methods D522.
D5324 − 16 (2022)
D1210 Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment- D3925 Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related
Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage Pigmented Coatings
D1296 Test Method for Odor of Volatile Solvents and D3928 Test Method for Evaluation of Gloss or Sheen
Diluents (Withdrawn 2021) Uniformity
D1308 Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on D3960 PracticeforDeterminingVolatileOrganicCompound
Clear and Pigmented Coating Systems (VOC) Content of Paints and Related Coatings
D1475 Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, D4017 Test Method for Water in Paints and Paint Materials
and Related Products by Karl Fischer Method
D1554 Terminology Relating to Wood-Base Fiber and Par- D4060 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic
ticle Panel Materials Coatings by the Taber Abraser
D1640 Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation D4062 Test Method for Leveling of Paints by Draw-Down
of Organic Coatings Method
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color D4213 Test Method for Scrub Resistance of Paints by
Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials Abrasion Weight Loss
D1849 Test Method for Package Stability of Paint D4214 Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking
D2064 Test Method for Print Resistance of Architectural of Exterior Paint Films
Paints D4287 Test Method for High-Shear Viscosity Using a Cone/
D2196 Test Methods for Rheological Properties of Non- Plate Viscometer
Newtonian Materials by Rotational Viscometer D4400 Test Method for Sag Resistance of Paints Using a
D2197 Test Method for Adhesion of Organic Coatings by Multinotch Applicator
Scrape Adhesion D4585 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings
D2243 Test Method for Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Water- Using Controlled Condensation
Borne Coatings D4707 Test Method for Measuring Paint Spatter Resistance
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and During Roller Application
Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color D4828 Test Methods for Practical Washability of Organic
Coordinates Coatings
D2369 Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings D4946 TestMethodforBlockingResistanceofArchitectural
D2370 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Organic Coat- Paints
ings D4958 Test Method for Comparison of the Brush Drag of
D2486 Test Methods for Scrub Resistance of Wall Paints Latex Paints
D2574 Test Method for Resistance of Emulsion Paints in the D5007 Test Method for Wet-to-Dry Hiding Change
Container to Attack by Microorganisms D5068 Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evalu-
D2805 Test Method for Hiding Power of Paints by Reflec- ation
tometry D5069 Practice for Preparation of Paint-Roller Covers for
D3168 Practice for Qualitative Identification of Polymers in Evaluation of Architectural Coatings
Emulsion Paints D5150 Test Method for Hiding Power of Architectural
D3258 Test Method for Porosity of White or Near White Paints Applied by Roller
Paint Films by Staining D5179 Test Method for Measuring Adhesion of Organic
D3273 TestMethodforResistancetoGrowthofMoldonthe Coatings in the Laboratory by Direct Tensile Method
Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Cham- D5326 Test Method for Color Development in Tinted Latex
ber Paints
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test D5895 Test Methods for Evaluating Drying or Curing Dur-
D3450 Test Method for Washability Properties of Interior ing Film Formation of Organic Coatings Using Mechani-
Architectural Coatings cal Recorders
D3456 Practice for Determining by Exterior Exposure Tests D6037 Test Methods for Dry Abrasion Mar Resistance of
theSusceptibilityofPaintFilmstoMicrobiologicalAttack High Gloss Coatings
D3719 Test Method for Quantifying Dirt Collection on D6583 Test Method for Porosity of Paint Film by Mineral
Coated Exterior Panels (Withdrawn 2009) Oil Absorption
D3723 Test Method for Pigment Content ofWater-Emulsion D6686 Test Method for Evaluation of Tannin Stain Resis-
Paints by Low-Temperature Ashing tance of Coatings
D3730 Guide for Testing High-Performance Interior Archi- D6736 Test Method for Burnish Resistance of Latex Paints
tectural Wall Coatings D6900 Test Method for Wet Adhesion of Latex Paints to a
D3792 Test Method forWater Content of Coatings by Direct Gloss Alkyd Enamel Substrate
Injection Into a Gas Chromatograph D7072 Practice for Evaluating Accelerated Efflorescence of
D3793 Test Method for Low-Temperature Coalescence of Latex Coatings
Latex Paint Films by Porosity Measurement (Withdrawn D7190 Practice to Evaluate Leaching of Water-Soluble Ma-
2012) terials from Latex Paint Films
D5324 − 16 (2022)
D7306 Practice for Testing Low Temperature Film- 4.2.1 Substrate Weathering—Weathering of wood before
Formation of Latex Paints by Visual Observation painting will probably adversely affect the performance of
D7489 Practice for Evaluating Touch-Up Properties of Ar- exterior coatings. Some weathering of masonry surfaces may
chitectural Coatings under Various Environmental Condi- have beneficial effects on the performance.
tions 4.2.2 Substrate Aspects of the Building—If construction
D7514 Test Method for Evaluating Ink Stainblocking of defects or defects due to age are such that excessive moisture
Architectural Paint Systems by Visual Assessment from the inside or the outside makes its way through the
D7786 Test Method for Determining Enamel Holdout substrate or if the substrate is in direct contact with damp
E70 Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the ground, blistering, flaking or peeling may result.
Glass Electrode 4.2.3 Environmental conditions after application, both gen-
E105 Guide for Probability Sampling of Materials eral for the area and specific, such as under eaves, behind
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea- shrubbery, northside and southside exposure.
surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
5 5. Selection of Tests
2.2 U.S. Federal Test Method Standard No. 141D:
2131 Application of Sprayed Films 5.1 Because the conditions to which a coating is subjected
3011 Condition in Container vary with (a) the surface type: wall, floor, ceiling, and (b) the
4541 Working Properties and Appearance of Dried Film service environment: exterior or interior, specialized types of
6301 Wet Adhesion (Tape Test) water-borne coatings have been developed for the different
locations. The recommended test methods presented in Table 1
3. Terminology and Table 2 cover practically all of the properties of water-
reducible coatings but all of them are not required with each
3.1 For definitions of terms in this guide refer to Terminol-
type. Coatings intended for exterior use only or both exterior
ogy D16 and D1554.
and interior use require certain properties not relevant to those
for interior use only. Selection of the methods to be followed
4. Conditions Affecting Water-Reducible Coatings
must be governed by experience and the requirements in each
4.1 Interior and Exterior Coatings:
individual case, together with agreement between the pur-
4.1.1 Substrate Type—The substrate to be painted can affect
chaser and the seller.
not only the application properties of a coating, such as gloss
5.2 The purchaser should first determine the properties a
and uniformity, but is also a factor in determining the type of
coating should have and then select only those test methods
coating to use. For instance, a primer-sealer may be required
that measure or evaluate those properties. After selecting the
for porous substrates, such as new drywall, bare plaster, new
desired tests, the purchaser should then decide which proper-
wood or porous masonry. Other factors are the type and quality
ties are the most important and establish the requirements or
of metal, wood or wood composite (plywood, particle board or
specifications accordingly. Since coating properties frequently
hardboard), the type, quality and alkalinity of concrete, plaster
tend to oppose each other, such as low sheen versus good
and joint cement systems, and the type and condition of any
cleansability, some properties may need to be less emphasized
previous coatings.
if others are to be accentuated. This balance of properties must
4.1.2 Substrate Conditions—Conditions such as porosity
be considered when selecting the tests and establishing the
and hardness determine the kind of coating that can be applied.
requirements. The significance of the tests and the normal
The condition of previously painted substrates, such as degree
range of values are presented in the different sections, in most
of chalk, presence of grease, dirt, mold, and water-soluble or
cases.
oily contaminants, film adhesion and porosity, all influence the
performance of coatings. Smoothness of the substrate affects
5.3 This guide does not indicate relative importance of the
the spreading rate, final appearance, and texture.
various tests nor does it recommend specific test values
4.1.3 Preparationofpreviouslypaintedsubstrates,including
becausepropertiesveryimportanttoonepurchasermaybeless
cleaning, solvent cleaning, and sanding.
so to another.
4.1.4 Type and quality of primer or undercoat and time of
drying before topcoating. 6. Sampling
4.1.5 The application properties, even of interior water-
6.1 Prior to sampling, the condition of the container should
reducible coatings, are affected by temperature and humidity at
be established, since damage to it may cause evaporation,
the time of application and during drying. As these materials
skinning, or other undesirable effects on the coating.
containwater,surfacesdonothavetobecompletelydrybefore
6.2 Sample in accordance with Practice D3925. Determine
application. However, low temperature during drying may
thedensityinpoundsperkilograms/litre(gallon)inaccordance
cause poor film formation.
with Test Method D1475. Continue sampling and determining
4.2 Exterior Finishes:
density until successive results agree within 45 g (0.1lb) or as
agreed upon between the purchaser and seller. Then take
samples for testing.
AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
6.3 Specifytheamountrequiredforarepresentativesample,
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. the package sizes, and an identification code.Aor 4-L (1-U.S.
D5324 − 16 (2022)
gal) sample is usually sufficient for the recommended tests, but finishes. Some interior flat paints contain pigments so coarse
for guidance in selecting a sampling plan consult Practice that it is impractical to measure the fineness with a grindgage
E105. because the agglomerates are carried along by the scraper.
NOTE 3—The fast drying of latex paints makes it difficult to make
7. Liquid Coating Properties
measurements of this type.
7.1 Condition in Container—Thickening, pigment settling,
7.5 Odor—One of the advantages of latex paints is that they
and liquid separation are undesirable and objectionable if
contain little if any organic solvent. Thus interior latex paints
material that has been stored cannot be readily reconditioned
do not have odors characteristic of solvent-borne coatings.
and made suitable for application with a reasonable amount of
However, other ingredients, such as ammonia, may be used
stirring. The referenced method covers procedures for deter-
that might also be objectionable in confined spaces. Hence,
mining changes in properties after storage and lists character-
interior latex paints should be tested for odor acceptability.
istics that are undesirable and objectionable in a stored paint.
Although there is no specificASTM test method for evaluating
Determine condition in the container in accordance with
odor of water-borne coatings, the industry does attempt to
Method 3011 of Federal Test Method Standard No.141D. (See
measure this property. Determine whether the paint has an
also 7.8 Package Stability.)
unpleasant or irritating odor as agreed upon between the
purchaser and seller, taking adequate precautions to ensure the
7.2 Coarse Particles and Foreign Matter—Liquid coatings
safety of the operator. Test Method D1296 may be suitable as
must be free of coarse particles and foreign matter to be able to
the basis for a test.
form uniform films of good appearance, a typical maximum
being 0.5 weight % of the total material. The referenced
7.6 Colorant Acceptance—Tintability of white bases with
method with a 325-mesh (45-µm) screen gives the percent of
colorants of standardized tinting strength is a trade require-
these particles. Determine content of coarse particles and
ment. If tinting colors are not adequately compatible with tint
foreign matter in accordance with Test Method D185.
bases, lighter, darker, or nonuniform shades of colors are
7.2.1 Another test method used in industry to determine produced.Determinationofcolordevelopmentofatintedpaint
whether coarse particles are present in the dry film of a
may be accomplished by following Test Method D5326.
low-gloss finish is to scrape the surface of the film with a
7.7 pH—Latex paints with low (acidic) pH may corrode
spatula or metal edge of a ruler. Any particles larger than 325
metal containers. To avoid this problem, the pH is normally
mesh can be clearly seen after the surface has been scraped.
stabilized within the range from about 5 to 10, depending upon
7.3 Density or Weight per Gallon—The density measured in thetypeoflatexusedandthegeneralformulation.ThepHdoes
poundsperkilogramsperlitre = g⁄ml(gallon)isusedtoensure
not determine the quality of a latex paint and should be used
product uniformity from batch to batch, provides a check only to ensure product uniformity. However, a change in pH
against the theoretical weight calculated from the formula, and
during storage may indicate poor stability and an unacceptable
is useful for determining the similarity of two samples. The change in the properties of a latex paint. Determine pH in
referenced method gives a procedure for measuring the density accordance with Test Method E70.
of the coating at a specified temperature. Most paints have
7.8 Package Stability—Since paints are normally not used
densities of about 1.2 kg⁄Lto 1.4 kg/L(10 lb⁄gal to 12 lb/gal).
immediately after manufacture, they must remain stable in the
Determine density in accordance with Test Method D1475,
can for some time. At normal temperatures most water-borne
using a calibrated weight per gallon cup.
coatings can be stored for over a year with little change in
7.4 Fineness of Dispersion—Generally, the more finely a properties. However, exposure in uninsulated warehouses or
pigment is dispersed the more efficiently it is being utilized. during shipping to high temperatures in the summer or to low
Onemethodformeasuringthedegreeofdispersion(commonly temperatures in the winter may cause unacceptable changes in
referred to as “fineness of grind”) is to draw the liquid coating these products. Other unsatisfactory conditions that may occur
down a calibrated tapered groove varying in depth from during storage are excessive settling and microbiological
100 µm to 0 µm (0 Hegman units to 8 Hegman units) (4 mils to attack.
0 mils). The depth at which continuous groupings of particles
7.8.1 Heat Stability—Exposure in service to high tempera-
or agglomerates, or both, protrude through the surface of the tures can be used to test for the stability of a packaged coating
wet film is taken as the fineness of dispersion value. Higher
that frequently encounters such conditions in service, or as an
readings in Hegman units or lower readings in mils or accelerated test to predict stability when stored at temperatures
micrometres indicate finer dispersion. Most interior semigloss
above freezing. Although indications of long term package
and gloss latex coatings have a fineness of about 5 Hegman to stability can usually be obtained in several days or weeks at an
7.5 Hegman or 40 µm to 7 µm (1.5 mils to 0.3 mils) while
elevated temperature, such as 50 °C (125 °F) or 60 °C
lower gloss finishes do not generally require a dispersion finer
(140 °F), occasionally the results of the accelerated test do not
than2 Hegmanto3Hegman(3 milsto2.5mils).Someinterior
agree with those at prolonged normal storage conditions. In the
flat latex paints have finenesses as low as 1 Hegman or 90 µm
referencedmethodthechangesinconsistencyandcertainother
(3.5mils).Determinefinenessofdispersioninaccordancewith
properties of the accelerated aged material are compared to
Test Method D1210.
those occurring in a control kept at normal temperatures for a
7.4.1 The referenced method was designed primarily for longer period. When testing for heat stability, as such, changes
coatings with good fineness of dispersion, such as high gloss in viscosity, flow, gloss, pH, foam resistance, color uniformity,
D5324 − 16 (2022)
and wet adhesion are usually checked. Determine heat stability well with high shear viscosities obtained instrumentally using
in accordance with Test Method D1849. Test Method D4287 (see 8.4.2), provided that the paints differ
in viscosity by at least 0.3 poise (0.03 Pa·s). Determine brush
7.8.2 Freeze-Thaw Stability—Water-borne coatings may be
drag ratings in accordance with Test Method D4958.
subjected to freezing conditions during shipping and storage.
Suitably stabilized products can resist several cycles of freez- 8.1.2 Roller Application—Both wall and floor coatings are
frequently applied by roller. This type of application tends to
ing and thawing without showing deleterious changes such as
coagulation, graininess (seeding), or excessive viscosity in- produce some stipple pattern. The referenced method covers
crease. Many latex paints that increase in viscosity can still be the evaluation of a material’s characteristics when applied by
considered usable, if other properties that may be affected by a roller. Since foaming often occurs when water-borne coatings
higher viscosity, such as levelling and brushability, are satis- are roller applied, the amount of foam produced, and the
number of craters that remain after the bubbles have broken
factory. Determine freeze-thaw stability in accordance with
Test Method D2243. should be determined during the test. Determine roller coating
properties in accordance with Practice D5069.
7.8.3 Settling—Modern coatings are generally resistant to
8.1.2.1 Some coatings spatter more than others when ap-
hard settling, but do at times show separation and soft settling.
pliedbyroller.Thedegreetowhichapaintspatterswhenroller
The referenced method covers the degree of pigment suspen-
applied can be determined by the density of the spatter. In the
sion in and ease of remixing of a shelf-aged specimen to a
referenced method a specially designed notched spool is rolled
homogeneous condition suitable for the intended use. Deter-
through a film of the test material that has been applied to a
mine settling in accordance with Test Method D869.
plastic panel. Any spatter generated falls upon a catch paper
7.8.4 Microorganism Resistance—Microorganisms in a
and after drying is rated against photographic standards. This
water-borne coating can cause gassing, putrefactive or fermen-
procedure eliminates the influence of the roller cover, thus
tative odors, and loss of viscosity. Determine if the paint
determining the spattering characteristics of the paint alone.
containslivingbacteriaandifitisresistanttoattackbybacteria
Determine spatter resistance in accordance with Test Method
in accordance with Test Method D2574. Determine the resis-
D4707.
tance to mold growth on the surface of interior coatings in
8.1.3 Spray Application—Architectural coatings are some-
accordance with Test Method D3273.
times applied by spray. Both air and airless spray are used on
commercial work. Determine spray application properties in
8. Coating Application and Film Formation
accordance with Method 2131 of Federal Test Method Stan-
8.1 Application Properties—Application or working prop-
dard No. 141D. Manual application is very subjective and
erties of a paint are generally compared to a standard or
should be performed only by an individual skilled in the art of
described by requirements in the product specification. Deter-
using spray equipment.
mine working properties in accordance with Method 4541 of
8.2 Touch-Up Uniformity—Coatings applied to large, flat
Federal Test Method Standard No. 141D.
surfaces may exhibit localized areas of noticeably different
8.1.1 Brush Application—Brushed films should be smooth
appearanceduetovariationinfilmthickness,differentmethods
and free of seeds and on vertical surfaces should show no
of application, or localized damage in service. With a coating
sagging, color streaking, nor excessive brush marks. Brush
of suitable touch-up properties, additional material of the same
drag should not be excessive although some degree of drag
batch or lot can be applied only to these localized areas to
may be desirable for adequate film thickness application. Wall
provide uniformity of color, gloss, and levelling over the entire
finishes are tested on vertical surfaces and floor coatings on
surface.Determinetouch-uppropertiesinaccordancewithTest
horizontalsurfaces,althoughevaluationofthelatteronvertical
Method D3928. Variations in drying conditions effect architec-
surfaces may be necessary to determine performance on stair
tural coatings in field application and are also known to impact
risers, railings, posts, etc. The referenced method covers a
touch-up uniformity. Determi
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