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Designation: D 3450 – 00

Standard Test Method for

Washability Properties of Interior Architectural Coatings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3450; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope [Link] Discussion—oilant differs from stain in that the

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative colorant of a stain is in solution and, therefore, can penetrate
ease of removing soilant discolorations from the dried film of into the film.
an interior coating by washing with either an abrasive or 4. Summary of Test Method
nonabrasive cleaner.
1.2 This test method is limited to coatings having a CIE-Y 4.1 The test material is applied to a black plastic panel and
reflectance of 60 % or more, as measured in accordance with allowed to dry for 7 days. The reflectance of the film is
Test Method E 1347. measured (R1) and then a soilant consisting of carbon black
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the dispersed in mineral oil is applied on the film. The panel is
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information placed on a glass plate in a washability machine and the film is
only. washed with either an abrasive or nonabrasive scrub medium
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the for 100 cycles. The panel is rinsed and dried and the reflectance
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the in the stained area is read ( R2). The ratio of the reflectance,

iTeh Standards
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
R2/R1, is a measure of the degree to which the soilant has been
removed.

2. Referenced Documents
([Link]
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5. Significance and Use
5.1 Interior architectural paints are often discolored by dirt
2.1 ASTM Standards:
DocumenteasePreview
D 562 Test Method for Consistency of Paints Using the
and other soilant materials. This test method covers the relative
and completeness of removal of a specific soilant from
Stormer Viscometer2 such a surface by scrubbing. The greater the ease of soil
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water 3 removal with a minimum of film erosion, the greater the useful
ASTM D3450-00
service life is expected to be.
D 1210 Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-
[Link]
Vehicle Systems 2 5.2 Results obtained by this test method do not necessarily
E 70 Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions with the correlate with all types of soilants.
Glass Electrode4 5.3 Semigloss finishes generally require only the nonabra-
E 1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea- sive type cleaner for good soilant removal, whereas flat paints
surement by Tristimulus (Filter) Colorimetry2 may require the abrasive type.

3. Terminology 6. Apparatus
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 6.1 Washability Tester,5 also referred to as a straight line
3.1.1 soilant—a discoloring substance that clings to the washability machine.
surface of a coating, whose dispersed color component is not in 6.1.1 Accessory Apparatus:
solution and therefore does not penetrate into the film. [Link] Glass Plate, measured to fit, 454 by 165 by 6.3 mm
(17 in. 7⁄8 by 61⁄2 by 1⁄4).
[Link] Stainless Steel Pan.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-1 on Paint [Link] “C” Clamps.
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
5
Current edition approved March 10, 2000. Published May 2000. Originally Model AG 8100 from BYK-Gardner, Inc., Gardner Laboratory, 2435 Linden
published as D 3450 – 75. Last previous edition D 3450 – 94. Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910 and Model “D” from Paul N. Gardner Co., Inc., 316
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01. N. [Link] St., Pompano Beach ,FL 33060 were used originally in this test method.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01. See RR D01-1065. Straight-line washability testers may be adapted to meet the
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05. requirements of this method.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 3450
[Link] Scale, standard. 7.7 Scrub Media (Note 1).
[Link] White Blotter. 7.7.1 Nonabrasive Medium11,10 consisting of the follow-
[Link] Holder, brass, measuring 95 by 76 by 25.4 mm (3 3⁄4 ing:
by 3 by 1 in.) . grams
6.2 U-Shaped Film Caster,6 having both a 0.18-mm (7- Water 89.6A
Hydroxyethyl cellulose13 2.0
mil) clearance by 132 mm width and a 0.25-mm (10-mil) Detergent14,10 4.0
clearance by 138 mm width. Trisodium phosphate, anhydrous 4.0
6.3 Film Applicator, 76 mm (3 in.) width with 76-µm Acetic acid glacial 0.3B
Preservative15,10 0.1
(3-mil) clearance. 100.0
6.4 Suction Plate for drawdowns (large size). A
Vary to achieve a final consistency of 165 to 220 g (75 to 85 Krebs Units) with
6.5 45°, 0° Reflectometer, with green filter, as specified in a Stormer Viscometer in accordance with Test Method D 562.
Test Method E 1347. B
Vary to achieve a final pH from 9.5 to 10.0 in accordance with Test Method
E 70.
6.6 Balance, with 0.1-g scale graduation.
6.7 Fineness of Dispersion Gage, as specified in Test 7.7.2 Abrasive Medium,11,10 consisting of the following:
grams
Method D 1210. Water 49.4A
Hydroxyethyl cellulose13 0.8
7. Reagents and Materials Ammonium hydroxide 28 % ---
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be Detergent14,10 2.0
Trisodium phosphate, anhydrous 2.0
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that Silica16,10 45.0
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit- Acetic acid, glacial 0.7B
tee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, Preservative15,10 0.1
100.0
where such specifications are available.7 Other grades may be
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of A
Vary to achieve a final consistency of 475 to 600 g (110 to 120 Krebs Units) with
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the the Stormer Viscometer in accordance with Test Method D 562.
B
accuracy of the determination. Vary to achieve a final pH of 9.5 to 10.0 in accordance with Test Method E 70.

iTeh Standards
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, reference 7.8 Slowly add the hydroxethyl cellulose to the water while
stirring mechanically. Stir until uniform and then slowly add 2
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming

([Link]
to Type IV of Specification D 1193. to 3 drops of 28 % ammonium hydroxide solution while
7.3 Black Plastic Panels.8 mixing and continue mixing until the solution turns clear. In
7.4 Sponge .9,10 the order shown, add the other ingredients separately, stirring
7.5 Masking Tape. Documentcontinuously.
7.6 Soilant Medium,11,10 consisting of the following:
Preview Be sure each item is uniformly dispersed before
adding the next one. Add the silica slowly to ensure uniform
grams
dispersion. Finally, add the preservative and adjust the pH with
Mineral oil, USP heavy 60 glacial acetic acid.
ASTM D3450-00
Odorless mineral spirits 32
[Link]
Carbon black12,10 NOTE 1—When a referee test is made, prepare fresh medium or use
8
9
100 standardized scrub medium from a previously unopened container that is
no more than 1 year old.
7.6.1 Mix components and disperse to a Hegman fineness of
7 (0.5 mils or 13 µm) or when measured in accordance with 8. Preparation of Apparatus
Test Method D 1210. 8.1 Washability Machine—The washability machine should
be leveled before use and operated at 37 6 1 cpm; each cycle
6
The Dow film caster from BYK-Gardner, was used originally in this test consisting of a complete forward and reverse stroke. Adjust
method. tautness of the cables with a spring scale to approximately 5 lb.
7
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
8.2 Sponge and Holder—Add sufficient weight to the holder
listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory in the form of lead sheets or other flat weights to give a
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia combined weight of 1500 g, including the dry sponge.
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
MD. NOTE 2—Check the compression of the damp sponge under the 1500-g
8
Dull black plastic panels, P–121–1ON, 432 by 165 by 0.25 mm ( 61⁄2 by 17 in. weight to ensure that the holder does not drag along the panel and tear the
by 10 mils) in size, manufactured by the Leneta Co., 15 Whitney Rd., Mahwah, NJ film.
07430 were used in the original development of this standard in order to get the
results in this test method.
9
The sole source of supply of a sponge, cellulosic type, coarse pore grade, 95 by
13
76 by 38 mm (3 3⁄4by 3 by 1 1⁄2 in.) meeting Federal Spec. L-S-626, Type II, known Hydroxyethyl cellulose having a molar substitution (MS) value from 1.8 to 2.5
to the committee at this time is the O’Cel-O Div., General Mills, Inc., 305 Sawyer and a viscosity of a 2 % solution in the range from 4400 to 6500 cps.
14
Ave., Tonawanda, NY 14150. The sole source of supply of octyl phenoxy polyethoxyethanol, Triton X-100,
10
If you are aware of of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to known to the committee at this time is Union Carbide, 10235 W. Little York Rd.,
ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting Suite 300, Houston, TX 77040.
15
of the responsible technical committee,1which you may attend. The sole source of supply of 1,3,5-triethyl hexahydro-sym-triazine (Vancide
11
The sole source of supply of laboratory standardized stain and scrub media, TH), known to the committee at this time is the R. T. Vanderbilt Co., 30 Winfield
known to the committee at this time is the Leneta Co. St., Norwalk, CT 06855.
12 16
The sole source of supply of Printex U Beads, known to the committee at this The sole source of supply of Tamsil 45, known to the committee at this time
time is the DeGussa Corp., 65 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660. is Unimin Specialty Minerals, Inc., 258 Elm St., New Canaan, CT 06840.