ASTM D3258-04(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Porosity of White or Near White Paint Films by Staining
Standard Test Method for Porosity of White or Near White Paint Films by Staining
ABSTRACT
This test method details the standard procedure for determining the porosity of white or near white mineral spirits insoluble paint film by staining to indicate the degree to which a subsequent coat will penetrate. This test method shall require the use of film applicators, reflectometer, vacuum drawdown plate, camelhair brush, plastic wash bottle, test panel, penetrating medium, and filter paper. The test paint is applied to a nonporous surface, air dried, then measured for reflectance. A special colored penetrating medium is applied, the excess removed in a specified manner, and reflectance measured again. The difference between the two readings indicates the degree of porosity; the smaller the difference, the lower the porosity of the film and the greater its ability to resist penetration.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the porosity of a white or near white mineral spirits insoluble paint film to indicate the degree to which a subsequent coat will penetrate.
1.2 The texture of the film can affect cleanup that will influence the results of the test. A stain applied to a high-hiding paint will not lower the reflectance as much as the same stain applied to a low-hiding paint of equal porosity. These points must be considered in comparing different paints.
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-Mar-2019
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.42 - Architectural Coatings
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
- Effective Date
- 10-Jul-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Jun-1997
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Referred By
ASTM D6583-13(2019) - Standard Test Method for Porosity of Paint Film by Mineral Oil Absorption - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
Overview
ASTM D3258-04(2019): Standard Test Method for Porosity of White or Near White Paint Films by Staining provides a reliable, standardized approach for evaluating the porosity of white or near white paint films that are insoluble in mineral spirits. This method uses a staining procedure and reflectance measurement to determine the degree to which a subsequent coat may penetrate the paint film, enabling manufacturers and quality control laboratories to assess paint resistance to penetration effectively. The method applies to paints commonly used in architectural, industrial, and protective coatings where surface integrity and barrier properties are critical.
Key Topics
- Porosity Measurement: Quantifies the ability of a paint film to resist penetration by subsequent coatings, informing durability and performance decisions.
- Reflectance Comparison: Utilizes reflectometer readings before and after the application of a specialized colored penetrating medium. The difference in reflectance values directly indicates film porosity.
- Standardized Apparatus: Specifies necessary equipment such as film applicators, reflectometer (in accordance with ASTM E1347), vacuum drawdown plates, camelhair brushes, test panels, and penetrating mediums to ensure consistent testing.
- Considerations of Texture and Hiding Power: Highlights the influence of paint film texture and hiding power on reflectance results, emphasizing the need for careful comparison between different paint types.
- Quality and Reliability: Details repeatability and reproducibility criteria for laboratory and inter-laboratory consistency to ensure reliable porosity testing outcomes.
- Reporting Requirements: Instructs users to report the difference in percent reflectance between untreated and treated films, providing an objective measure of porosity.
Applications
- Paint and Coating Quality Control: Used by manufacturers to ensure that white and near white paint products provide sufficient resistance to penetration, thereby supporting durability and performance claims.
- Comparative Paint Selection: Assists architects, specifiers, and contractors in selecting paints with appropriate barrier properties for specific substrates or environments.
- Product Development: Facilitates research and development by allowing systematic comparison of formulations for improved surface integrity and resistance.
- Inspection and Verification: Applied by laboratories and regulatory agencies for routine testing of finished coatings, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.
- Surface Preparation Assessment: Prior to the application of additional coatings or systems, this method can verify existing film suitability and prevent premature failure due to excessive porosity.
Related Standards
- ASTM E1347: Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry, referenced for reflectometer requirements.
- ISO Surface Coating Standards: International equivalents and related test methods for paint film assessment.
- Other ASTM D01 Standards: Additional specifications and test methods developed by ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications.
Practical Value
Implementing ASTM D3258-04(2019) ensures that white and near white paint films deliver consistent resistance to penetration, directly impacting product longevity and customer satisfaction. Its precise, repeatable measures of porosity help manufacturers control quality, avoid premature coating failures, and support accurate marketing claims. Regular use of this standard across production batches and in comparative product assessments creates a level playing field for evaluating new paint technologies and verifying compliance with international expectations for performance and durability.
Keywords: paint film porosity, reflectance, stain penetration, ASTM D3258, coating durability, white paint testing, penetration resistance, architectural coatings, paint quality control.
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ASTM D3258-04(2019) - Standard Test Method for Porosity of White or Near White Paint Films by Staining
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3258-04(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Porosity of White or Near White Paint Films by Staining". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This test method details the standard procedure for determining the porosity of white or near white mineral spirits insoluble paint film by staining to indicate the degree to which a subsequent coat will penetrate. This test method shall require the use of film applicators, reflectometer, vacuum drawdown plate, camelhair brush, plastic wash bottle, test panel, penetrating medium, and filter paper. The test paint is applied to a nonporous surface, air dried, then measured for reflectance. A special colored penetrating medium is applied, the excess removed in a specified manner, and reflectance measured again. The difference between the two readings indicates the degree of porosity; the smaller the difference, the lower the porosity of the film and the greater its ability to resist penetration. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the porosity of a white or near white mineral spirits insoluble paint film to indicate the degree to which a subsequent coat will penetrate. 1.2 The texture of the film can affect cleanup that will influence the results of the test. A stain applied to a high-hiding paint will not lower the reflectance as much as the same stain applied to a low-hiding paint of equal porosity. These points must be considered in comparing different paints. 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.
ABSTRACT This test method details the standard procedure for determining the porosity of white or near white mineral spirits insoluble paint film by staining to indicate the degree to which a subsequent coat will penetrate. This test method shall require the use of film applicators, reflectometer, vacuum drawdown plate, camelhair brush, plastic wash bottle, test panel, penetrating medium, and filter paper. The test paint is applied to a nonporous surface, air dried, then measured for reflectance. A special colored penetrating medium is applied, the excess removed in a specified manner, and reflectance measured again. The difference between the two readings indicates the degree of porosity; the smaller the difference, the lower the porosity of the film and the greater its ability to resist penetration. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the porosity of a white or near white mineral spirits insoluble paint film to indicate the degree to which a subsequent coat will penetrate. 1.2 The texture of the film can affect cleanup that will influence the results of the test. A stain applied to a high-hiding paint will not lower the reflectance as much as the same stain applied to a low-hiding paint of equal porosity. These points must be considered in comparing different paints. 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 D3258-04(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D3258-04(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D3258-04(2014), ASTM E1347-06(2020), ASTM E1347-06(2015), ASTM E1347-06(2011), ASTM E1347-06, ASTM E1347-03, ASTM E1347-97, ASTM D5324-16(2022), ASTM D6583-13(2019). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D3258-04(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: D3258 − 04 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Porosity of White or Near White Paint Films by Staining
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3258; 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 etrating medium is applied, the excess removed in a specified
manner, and reflectance measured again. The difference be-
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the poros-
tween the two readings indicates the degree of porosity; the
ity of a white or near white mineral spirits insoluble paint film
smallerthedifference,thelowertheporosityofthefilmandthe
to indicate the degree to which a subsequent coat will pen-
greater its ability to resist penetration.
etrate.
1.2 The texture of the film can affect cleanup that will
4. Apparatus and Materials
influence the results of the test.Astain applied to a high-hiding
4.1 Film Applicator, 150 mm (6 in.) wide with a clearance
paint will not lower the reflectance as much as the same stain
of 300 µm (12 mils).
applied to a low-hiding paint of equal porosity. These points
4.2 Film Applicator, 140 mm (5 ⁄2 in.) wide with a clearance
must be considered in comparing different paints.
of 250 µm (10 mils).
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4.3 Reflectometer, meeting the requirements of Test Method
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
E1347.
only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4.4 Vacuum Drawdown Plate.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.5 Camelhair Brush (approximately 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.) wide).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.6 Plastic Wash Bottle, containing odorless mineral spirits
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
(about 500 mL (16 oz)).
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- 4.7 Test Panel—Smooth, nonporous panel such as sealed
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- white, cardboard chart, or white plastic sheet.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.8 Penetrating Medium—A composition of pigment and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
dark-colored dye dispersed in organic liquid vehicle.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.9 Filter Paper.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Procedure
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 Place the test panel on the vacuum plate and apply the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
paint under test with the 30-µm (12-mil) clearance drawdown
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea-
blade. Remove the test panel from the vacuum plate and air dry
surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
48 h under standard conditions of 23 6 2 °C (73 6 3.5 °F) and
3. Summary of Test Method 50 6 5 % relative humidity.
3.1 The test paint is applied to a nonporous surface, air 5.2 Determine the percent reflectance of the dry film using
dried, then measured for reflectance. A special colored pen- the green filter on the reflectometer.When making this reading,
back up the panel with a flat, rigid, opaque object and mark the
area on which the reading was made.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
5.3 Place the panel containing the dry paint film on the
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
vacuum plate. Using the 25-µm (10-mil) clearance blade, apply
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
the penetrating medium over the test paint, covering the area
approved in 1973. Last previous editi
...




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