ASTM F502-08(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Effects of Cleaning and Chemical Maintenance Materials on Painted Aircraft Surfaces
Standard Test Method for Effects of Cleaning and Chemical Maintenance Materials on Painted Aircraft Surfaces
ABSTRACT
This test method covers determination of the effects of cleaning solutions and chemical maintenance materials on painted aircraft surfaces. Materials used for testing shall be drawing pencils, fine sand paper, abrasive mats, acetone, MIL-PRF-85285 coating, MIL-PRF-23377 primer coating, chemical conversion materials, and distilled or deionized water. Plate and sheet specimens of aluminum alloy shall be examined under concentrated and diluted test solutions. Pencils preparation, panels preparations, testing, and hardness determination shall be done according to the indicated procedure.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the effects of cleaning solutions and liquid cleaner concentrates on painted aircraft surfaces (Note 1). Streaking, discoloration, and blistering may be determined visually. Softening is determined with a series of specially prepared pencils wherein determination of the softest pencil to rupture the paint film is made.
Note 1: This test method is applicable to any paint film that is exposed to cleaning materials. MIL-PRF-85285 has been selected as a basic example. When other paint finishes are used, refer to the applicable material specification for panel preparation and system curing prior to testing.
1.2 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.
1.3 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.
1.4 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
- 30-Apr-2019
- Technical Committee
- F07 - Aerospace and Aircraft
- Drafting Committee
- F07.07 - Qualification Testing of Aircraft Cleaning Materials
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2006
- Effective Date
- 10-Dec-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-Dec-1999
- Effective Date
- 10-Feb-1999
- Effective Date
- 10-Feb-1999
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
Overview
ASTM F502-08(2019) Standard Test Method for Effects of Cleaning and Chemical Maintenance Materials on Painted Aircraft Surfaces provides a systematic approach to evaluate how cleaning solutions, liquid cleaner concentrates, and chemical maintenance materials affect painted aircraft surfaces. Published by ASTM International, this standard is widely referenced in aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations to ensure the longevity and integrity of paint finishes on aircraft. It specifies procedures and materials required to assess potential effects such as streaking, discoloration, blistering, and paint film softening, contributing to improved aircraft appearance and protection.
Key Topics
- Test Scope: Evaluates the influence of various cleaning and maintenance chemicals on both polyurethane and epoxy polyamide paint systems, often used in aerospace applications.
- Assessment Criteria:
- Visual Inspection: Identification of streaking, discoloration, and blistering on test panels.
- Hardness Testing: Use of specially prepared drawing pencils to determine the softest grade that can rupture the paint film.
- Specimen Preparation:
- Aluminum alloy test plates prepared with specific primers and coatings.
- Application of test solutions in both concentrated and diluted forms.
- Materials Referenced:
- Drawing pencils (graded 6B to 6H)
- Fine sandpaper and abrasive mats
- Acetone and water (distilled or deionized)
- MIL-PRF-85285 polyurethane coating, MIL-PRF-23377 epoxy primer, and MIL-DTL-81706 conversion coatings
Applications
- Aircraft Maintenance and Cleaning: The standard is fundamental for evaluating the compatibility of cleaning solutions with painted aircraft exteriors, minimizing risks related to coating degradation.
- Product Qualification: Suppliers of cleaning agents or surface coatings rely on ASTM F502-08(2019) to certify that their products do not adversely affect aviation finishes, thus enhancing airworthiness and safety.
- Regulatory Compliance: Recognized by defense and governmental agencies, the standard supports compliance with aviation industry requirements for surface integrity and environmental protection.
- Quality Control: Aircraft manufacturers and MRO providers use this method as a routine part of their quality assurance process to validate performance and durability of paint systems when exposed to operational maintenance chemicals.
Related Standards
- MIL-PRF-85285: Polyurethane coatings for aircraft and ground support equipment.
- MIL-PRF-23377: Epoxy, high solids primer coatings designed for chemical and solvent resistance.
- MIL-DTL-81706: Chemical conversion materials for coating aluminum and its alloys.
- FED-STD-595: U.S. government standard for procurement color specifications.
- ASTM D1193: Specification for reagent water, ensuring water quality in dilution and rinse steps.
- SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/13: Specifications for Alclad 7075 aluminum alloy sheet and plate, often used as the test substrate.
By following ASTM F502-08(2019), aerospace industry professionals benefit from a reliable methodology to assess cleaning and chemical maintenance products, uphold painted surface quality, and maintain regulatory standards. This standard is integral for those seeking to optimize aircraft surface durability and support environmentally sound and safe cleaning practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F502-08(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Effects of Cleaning and Chemical Maintenance Materials on Painted Aircraft Surfaces". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This test method covers determination of the effects of cleaning solutions and chemical maintenance materials on painted aircraft surfaces. Materials used for testing shall be drawing pencils, fine sand paper, abrasive mats, acetone, MIL-PRF-85285 coating, MIL-PRF-23377 primer coating, chemical conversion materials, and distilled or deionized water. Plate and sheet specimens of aluminum alloy shall be examined under concentrated and diluted test solutions. Pencils preparation, panels preparations, testing, and hardness determination shall be done according to the indicated procedure. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers determination of the effects of cleaning solutions and liquid cleaner concentrates on painted aircraft surfaces (Note 1). Streaking, discoloration, and blistering may be determined visually. Softening is determined with a series of specially prepared pencils wherein determination of the softest pencil to rupture the paint film is made. Note 1: This test method is applicable to any paint film that is exposed to cleaning materials. MIL-PRF-85285 has been selected as a basic example. When other paint finishes are used, refer to the applicable material specification for panel preparation and system curing prior to testing. 1.2 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. 1.3 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. 1.4 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.
ABSTRACT This test method covers determination of the effects of cleaning solutions and chemical maintenance materials on painted aircraft surfaces. Materials used for testing shall be drawing pencils, fine sand paper, abrasive mats, acetone, MIL-PRF-85285 coating, MIL-PRF-23377 primer coating, chemical conversion materials, and distilled or deionized water. Plate and sheet specimens of aluminum alloy shall be examined under concentrated and diluted test solutions. Pencils preparation, panels preparations, testing, and hardness determination shall be done according to the indicated procedure. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers determination of the effects of cleaning solutions and liquid cleaner concentrates on painted aircraft surfaces (Note 1). Streaking, discoloration, and blistering may be determined visually. Softening is determined with a series of specially prepared pencils wherein determination of the softest pencil to rupture the paint film is made. Note 1: This test method is applicable to any paint film that is exposed to cleaning materials. MIL-PRF-85285 has been selected as a basic example. When other paint finishes are used, refer to the applicable material specification for panel preparation and system curing prior to testing. 1.2 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. 1.3 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. 1.4 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 F502-08(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 49.040 - Coatings and related processes used in aerospace industry. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F502-08(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F502-08(2013), ASTM D329-07, ASTM D329-07e1, ASTM D1193-06, ASTM D329-02, ASTM D329-99, ASTM D1193-99e1, ASTM D1193-99, ASTM D6361/D6361M-98(2020). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F502-08(2019) 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: F502 − 08 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Effects of Cleaning and Chemical Maintenance Materials on
Painted Aircraft Surfaces
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF502;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
1.1 This test method covers determination of the effects of 2.2 Military Standards:
cleaning solutions and liquid cleaner concentrates on painted MIL-PRF-85285 Coating: Polyurethane, Aircraft and Sup-
aircraft surfaces (Note 1). Streaking, discoloration, and blister- port Equipment
A-A-58054 Abrasive Mats, Non-Woven Non-Metallic
ing may be determined visually. Softening is determined with
a series of specially prepared pencils wherein determination of MIL-PRF-23377 Primer Coatings: Epoxy, High Solids
MIL-DTL-81706 Chemical Conversion Materials for Coat-
the softest pencil to rupture the paint film is made.
ing Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
NOTE1—Thistestmethodisapplicabletoanypaintfilmthatisexposed
to cleaning materials. MIL-PRF-85285 has been selected as a basic 2.3 Federal Standards:
example. When other paint finishes are used, refer to the applicable
FED-STD-595 Colors Used in Government Procurement
material specification for panel preparation and system curing prior to
2.4 Industry Standards:
testing.
SAE-AMS-QQ-A-250/13 Aluminum Alloy Alclad 7075,
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Plate and Sheet
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3. Materials
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Drawing Pencils (Note 2)—6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB,
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
F, H, 2H, 4H, 5H, and 6H.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2 Fine Sand Paper, 180 to 320 grit.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.3 Abrasive Mats, A-A-58054, aluminum oxide, fine or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
very fine.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.4 Acetone, in accordance with Specification D329.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.5 MIL-PRF-85285 Coating, polyurethane, Aircraft and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Support Equipment, FED-STD-595 Color No. 17875, insignia
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
white.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.6 MIL-PRF-23377 Primer Coating, epoxy polyamide,
chemical- and solvent-resistant.
2. Referenced Documents
3.7 Chemical Conversion Materials, MIL-DTL-81706,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Class 1A, for coating aluminum and aluminum alloys.
D329 Specification for Acetone
3.8 Distilled or Deionized Water, in accordance with Speci-
fication D1193, Type IV.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F07 on
NOTE 2—All pencils in a set must be from one manufacturer (for
Aerospace and Aircraft and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F07.07 on
example, Venus, Eagle, and so forth).
Qualification Testing of Aircraft Cleaning Materials.
Current edition approved May 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally
approvedin1977.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2013asF502 – 08(2013).DOI:
10.1520/F0502-08R19.
2 3
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the ASTM website. Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
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F502 − 08 (2019)
4. Safety Precautions coat of MIL-PRF-23377 epoxy primer, 0.6 to 0.8 mil (0.015 to
0.020 mm) and allow to dry1hat
...




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