ASTM D3322-23

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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: D3322 − 82 (Reapproved 2017) D3322 − 23
Standard Practice for
Testing Primers and Primer Surfacers Over Preformed
Metal
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3322; 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 selection and use of procedures for testing primers and primer surfacers. The test methods included
are listed in Table 1.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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 and healthsafety, 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
C540 Test Method for Image Gloss of Porcelain Enamel Surfaces (Withdrawn 1989)
D16 Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
D522 Test Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of Attached Organic Coatings
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating
Products
D610 Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces
D658 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by Air Blast Abrasive (Withdrawn 1996)
D660 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Checking of Exterior Paints
D661 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Cracking of Exterior Paints
D714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels
D870 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion
D968 Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by Falling Abrasive
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.55 on Factory Applied Coatings on Preformed Products.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017July 1, 2023. Published June 2017July 2023. Originally approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 20112017 as
D3322 – 82 (2011).(2017). DOI: 10.1520/D3322-82R17.10.1520/D3322-23.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3322 − 23
D1005 Test Method for Measurement of Dry-Film Thickness of Organic Coatings Using Micrometers
D1186 Test Methods for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to a Ferrous
Base (Withdrawn 2006)
D1308 Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Coating Systems
D1400 Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonconductive Coatings Applied to a
Nonferrous Metal Base (Withdrawn 2006)
D1474 Test Methods for Indentation Hardness of Organic Coatings
D1640 Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of Organic Coatings
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
D1731 Practices for Preparation of Hot-Dip Aluminum Surfaces for Painting
D1732 Practices for Preparation of Magnesium Alloy Surfaces for Painting
D1733 Method for Preparation of Aluminum Alloy Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products (Withdrawn
1979)
D1735 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Fog Apparatus
D1737 Method of Test for Elongation of Attached Organic Coatings with Cylindrical Mandrel Apparatus (Withdrawn 1988)
D2091 Test Method for Print Resistance of Lacquers
D2092 Guide for Preparation of Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting (Withdrawn 2008)
D2197 Test Method for Adhesion of Organic Coatings by Scrape Adhesion
D2201 Practice for Preparation of Zinc-Coated and Zinc-Alloy-Coated Steel Panels for Testing Paint and Related Coating
Products
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
D2246 Test Method for Finishes on Primed Metallic Substrates for Humidity-Thermal Cycle Cracking (Withdrawn 1992)
D2248 Practice for Detergent Resistance of Organic Finishes
D2454 Practice for Determining the Effect of Overbaking on Organic Coatings
D2803 Guide for Testing Filiform Corrosion Resistance of Organic Coatings on Metal
D3170 Test Method for Chipping Resistance of Coatings
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
D3456 Practice for Determining by Exterior Exposure Tests the Susceptibility of Paint Films to Microbiological Attack
D7786 Test Method for Determining Enamel Holdout
2.2 Federal Test Methods:
141B/6011 Immersion Resistance
141B/6271.1 Mildew Resistance
141B/6321 Sanding Characteristics
2.3 U. S. Military Specification:
MIL-P-46105 Primer Coating, Weld-Through, Zinc-Rich
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 primer, n—the first of two or more coats of paint, varnish, or lacquer system (same as in Terminology D16).
3.1.2 primer surfacer, n—a pigmented coating for filling minor irregularities which is sanded to obtain a smooth uniform surface
preparatory to applying finish coats. A primer surfacer is not usually applied over a primer.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Primers and primer surfacers may be used over many different surfaces top coated with one or more of a variety of coatings
and subjected to many kinds of wear and exposure.
4.2 The selection of the tests to be used for any given product or system must be governed by experience and by the requirement
agreed upon between the producer and the user.
5. Panel Preparation
5.1 Treatment of Substrate—Preparation of test panels should include any cleaning treatment agreed upon between the purchaser
and the seller or one of the following ASTM Practices: D609, D1730, D1731, D1732, D2201; Guide D2092; and Test Method
D1733.
D3322 − 23
5.2 Substrate, Film Thickness, and Application Means—Conduct performance tests on the specified substrate on coatings having
a film thickness agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller. Primers are generally applied to a dry film thickness of 88 μm
to 38 μm (0.3(0.3 mil to 1.5 mil) and primer surfacers to film thickness of 1717 μm to 50 μm (0.7(0.7 mil to 2.0 mil). Unless
otherwise agreed upon, apply primers and primer surfacers in accordance with Practices D823.
5.3 Measurement of Film Thickness—Since the properties of the primer or primer surfacer can vary considerably with the
thickness of the coating, it is important to know the film thickness. Measure the film thickness in accordance with Test Methods
D1400, D1005, or D1186.
5.4 Drying of Primer or Primer Surfacer:
5.4.1 Before tests are run, air dry or bake the primer or primer surfacer according to the schedule and temperature and age as
agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
5.4.2 Overbake the primer or primer surfacer to determine the time/temperature effect on the physical and chemical properties.
Do this in accordance with Practice D2454.
5.4.3 It may be desirable for some reason (handling, stacking, etc.) to determine the various stages and rates of film formation in
the drying or curing of primers and primer surfacers at room temperatures. Do this as described in Test Method D1640.
6. Physical Properties of The Dry Film
6.1 Primers and primer surfacers are usually (but not always) topcoated. Therefore, many of the following tests should be run on
the complete system (substrate/primer or primer surfacer/topcoat). Some of the tests however are for the untopcoated primer or
primer surfacer. The properties required of a primer or primer surfacer depend on the intended end use and the tests to be used
should be selected on the basis of experience and agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
6.2 Abrasion Resistance—Determine the abrasion resistance as described in either Test Method D658 or D968.
6.3 Adhesion:
6.3.1 The primer or primer surfacer of a specified substrate as agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller is subjected to
an adhesion test to determine the degree of attachment the coating has to the substrate.
6.3.2 Determine the adhesion of the primer or primer surfacer as described either in Test Methods D2197 or D3359.
6.3.3 The above methods, in addition to measuring the adhesion of the coating to the substrate, can also be used to determine the
intercoat adhesion between the topcoat and the primer or primer surfacer.
6.4 Chemical Resistance:
6.4.1 Coating systems frequently come into contact with various chemicals that may have an effect on the properties of the system.
Failure when it occurs is usually in the form of discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, softening, swelling, dissolving, or loss
of adhesion. Unless a primer is to be left untopcoated in actual service, primers and pr
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