FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BI 104-01
WATER IMMERSION TEST FOR PAINTED PARTS AND PANEL
Application
This method is used to determine the resistance to failure of painted metal and painted plastic parts and
representative test panels when immersed in water.
Materials and Apparatus Required
1. Water Bath
The container used for this test shall be made of a non-corrosive material such as glass, porcelain-
coated metal or similar materials. For painted panels, the container shall be large enough to
accommodate several 150 mm by 300 mm test panels spaced at least 10 mm apart from each other
and the wall of the vessel to allow water to flow freely on the painted surface of the part.
The container is filled with distilled or deionized water, conductivity must be no greater than 10
micromhos/cm (20 °C), and maintained at a temperature of 32 +/- 1 °C or as specified using a
controlled heater or other suitable means.
The purity of the water must be maintained at 5-ppm maximum total solids content, and a conductivity
not exceeding 20 micromhos/cm (20 °C). Water purity should be measured with a Control Company,
Model 4075, Digital Conductivity Meter available through Fisher Scientific, Catalogue No. 09-328, @
http://www.fishersci.com/ or VWR Scientific, Catalogue No. 23226-523 @ http://www.vwrsp.com/.
Check purity weekly and record results. The water must be changed as often as necessary to meet
the above conditions and minimize the formation of slime on the inner surfaces of container.
A mechanically driven mixer with non-corrosive stirring head or air agitation shall be used to maintain
a uniform circulation of water around the test panels or parts.
A 6 mm internal diameter rubber hose is to be immersed in the tank at the bottom and air bubbled at
the rate of one bubble per second (minimum) to aerate the tank.
2. Racks or Spacers
Non-corrosive insulating material (glass or plastic).
3. Tape
Type 3M #898
Date Action Revisions
2003 01 23 Revised Rev Section 1, water bath and Procedure B. Harns
2001 03 16 Revised Editorial – no technical change A. Cockman
1989 04 19
Printed copies are uncontrolled Page 1 of 4
Copyright © 2003, Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BI 104-01
Procedure
A. Test Panels
1. Prepare panels as required by the relevant Engineering Materials Specification. If required by
the Engineering Material Specification, panels prepared by Methods B and C shall have one (1)
spot (nominally 25 mm) completely sanded through to the bare metal before applying finish color
coat. Panels for this test shall have their backs and edges protected, e.g. sprayed with 50
micrometers of primer. There shall be no areas of steel unprotected.
2. Immerse the panels to two-thirds of their length. Panels shall be so arranged that water can flow
freely on the panel surfaces and the space between panels must be at least 10 mm so that no
electrical contact is possible between them.
3. After the panels have been immersed for the time required by the relevant Engineering Materials
Specification, remove, blot dry using clean paper towels or cloth to remove surface liquid only,
and examine within 30 minutes for blistering, dulling or loss of adhesion of the finished coat as
required in the relevant Engineering Materials Specification.
Perform an "X" scribe on the coated substrate, 40 mm long by 20 mm wide, 60 degrees between
the two top legs, insuring that the cut is into the substrate. Use a carbide tip scriber for rigid
substrates and utility knife for elastomers according to FLTM BI 106-01. Apply tape across the
surface using firm finger pressure. Remove tape by pulling back rapidly at 90° and report
adhesion loss as noted after removal of tape. (Refer to the attachment for the rating system)
Note: Disregard any failures 5 mm from the edges of the panel.
B. Parts - Painted Sheet Steel
1. The parts shall be prepared by rinsing in water to remove any dirt or contamination which
adheres to the painted surface.
2. Immerse the parts completely, maintaining at least 10 mm between the parts and the sides of the
container to ensure no electrical contact is possible, and allow water to flow freely about the
painted surface.
3. After the parts have been immersed for the time and temperature required by the Materials
Specification, remove, blot dry using clean paper towels or cloth to remove surface liquid only.
Examine parts within 30 minutes for blistering, dulling, or loss of adhesion of the finish coat.
Apply tape across the surface using firm finger pressure. Remove tape by pulling back rapidly at
90° and examine for blistering and/or loss of adhesion.
Note: Disregard any failures 5 mm from the edge of the part, edge of bolt holes and joints, or as
indicated in the Engineering Material Specification.
Page 2 of 4
Copyright © 2003, Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BI 104-01
C Parts - Painted Bright Trim and Painted Plastic
1. The parts for testing shall be prepared by rinsing in water to clean any dirt or contamination which
adheres to the painted surface.
2 Immerse the parts completely and allow water to flow freely on the painted surface.
3. Remove parts from the water after immersion for the time and temperature required by the
Materials Specification. Wipe dry with clean paper towels or cloth to remove surface liquid only.
Parts that are difficult to wipe dry by hand, particularly in recessed areas, may be blown dry with
oil and moisture free compressed air. Examine parts within 30 minutes for blistering, dulling or
loss of adhesion as required in the relevant Engineering Materials Specification. Apply tape
across the surface using firm finger pressure. Remove tape by pulling back rapidly at 90° and
examine for blistering and/or loss of adhesion.
Evaluation
Report occurrence of blistering, dulling, loss of adhesion, discoloration or softening.
Note: If blistering occurs, report size and density of blisters according to ASTM D 714 rating chart.
Chemicals, materials, parts, and equipment referenced in this document must be used and handled
properly. Each party is responsible for determining proper use and handling in its facilities.
Page 3 of 4
Copyright © 2003, Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BI 104-01
Page 4 of 4
Copyright © 2003, Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
