This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

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.

An American National Standard

Designation: D 3794 – 9400

Standard Guide for

Testing Coil Coatings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3794; 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
1.1 This guide covers procedures for testing coil coatings. The test methods included are listed in Table 1. Where more than
one test method is listed for the same characteristic, no no attempt is made to indicate superiority of one method over another.
Selection of test methods to be followed must be governed by the requirements in each individual case, together with agreement
between the producer and user.
1.2 This guide also refers to methods developed specifically for the Coil Industry by the National Coil Coaters Association.
1.3 The
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
information only.
1.43 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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B 117 Practice for Operating of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing Apparatus2

1
This guide specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-1 D 1 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications , and is the direct responsibility
of Subcommittee D01.53 on Factory-Precoated Strip Coil Coated Metal.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 1994. June 10, 2000. Published December 1994. Originally published as D 3794 – 79. Last previous edition D 3794 – 79e1 August 2000.

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

1
 D 3794 – 9400
B 23687 Test Method o for Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid-Salt Spray (Fog) Testing (Cass Test)3
D 522 Test Methods for Mandrel Bend Test of Attached Organic Coatings4
D 523 Test Methods for Specular Gloss4
D 610 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces5
D 660 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Checking of Exterior Paints4
D 661 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Cracking of Exterior Paints4
D 714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints4
D 822 Practice for Conducting Tests on Paint and Related Coatings and Materials Using Filtered Open-Flame Carbon-Arc
Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus4
D 823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Varnish, and Related Products on Tests Panels4
D 870 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion4
D 1005 Test 968 Test Methods for Measurement Abrasion Resistance of Dry-Film Thickness of Organic Coatings Using
Micrometers by Falling Abrasive4
D 101405 Test Method for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests Measurement of Paints on Steel Dry-Film Thickness of Organic
Coatings Using Micrometers4
D 1014 Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Paints on Steel4
D 1186 Test Methods for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to a Ferrous
Base4
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water6
D 1200 Test Method for Viscosity by Ford Viscosity Cup4
D 1210 Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage4
D 1212 Test Methods for Measurement of Wet Film Thickness of Organic Coatings4
D 1308 Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Organic Finishes5
D 1353 Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter in Volatile Solvents for Use in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products6

2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.02.
3
Discontinued; see 1988 Annual
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.02. 02.05.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.02.
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.04. 11.01.

2
 D 3794 – 9400
D 1400 Test 1400 Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonconductive Coatings Applied
to a Nonferrous Metal Base4
D 1474 Test Methods for Indentation Hardness of Organic Coatings4
D 1475 Test Method for Density of Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products4
D 1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments4
D 1729 Practice for Visual Evaluation Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials4
D 2092 Guide 1735 Practice for Preparation Testing Water Resistance of Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting5
Coatings Using Water Fog Apparatus4
D 2196823 Test Methods for Rheological Properties Apparent Viscosity of NonNewtonian Materials Plastisols and Organosols
at High Shear Rates by Rotational (Brookfield) Extrusion Viscometer4 7
D 1824 Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Plastisols and Organosols at Low Shear Rates by Brookfield Viscometer7
D 2092 Guide for Treatment of Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting5
D 2196 Test Methods for Rheological Properties of Non-Newtonian Materials by Rotational (Brookfield) Viscometer4
D 2197 Test Method for Adhesion of Organic Coatings by Scrape Adhesion4
D 2244 Test Method for Calculation of Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates4
D 2247 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in 100 % Relative Humidity4
D 2248 Practice for Detergent Resistance of Organic Finishes4
D 2369 Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings4
D 2454 Practice for Determining the Effect of Overbaking on Organic Coatings4
D 2697 Test Method for Volume Nonvolatile Matter in Clear or Pigmented Coatings4
D 2794 Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact)4
D 2803 Guide for Testing Filiform Corrosion Resistance of Organic Coatings on Metal4
D 3003 Test Method for Pressure Mottling and Blocking Resistance of Organic Coatings on Metal Substrates5
D 3134 Practice for Establishing Color and Gloss Tolerances4
D 328170 Test Method for Formability Chipping Resistance of Attached Organic Coatings with Impact-Wedge Bend
Apparatus5
D 3278 Test Methods for Flash Point of Liquids by Small Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus4
D 3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test4
D 3361 Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus (Unfiltered Open–-Flame Carbon-Arc Type) for Testing
Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products Using the Dew Cycle4
D 3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test4
D 4083960 Practice for Visual Evaluation Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content of Metamerism Paints and
Related Coatings4
D 4060 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by the Taber Abraser4
D 4138 Test Method for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Protective Coating Systems by Destructive Means5
D 4141 Practice for Conducting Accelerated Outdoor Exposure Tests of Coatings4
D 4145 Test Method for Coating Flexibility of Prepainted Sheet5
D 4146 Test Method for Formability of Zinc-Rich Primer/Chromate Complex Coatings on Steel5
D 4147 Practice for Applying Coil Coatings Using the Wire-Wound Drawdown Bar5
D 4212 Test Method for Viscosity by Dip-Type Viscosity Cups4
D 4214 Test Methods for Evaluating Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint Films4
D 4287 Test Method for High-Shear Viscosity Using the ICI Cone/Plate Viscometer4
D 4518 Test Methods for Measuring Static Friction of Coating Surfaces8
D 4585 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation4
D 4587 Practice for Conducting Tests on Paint and Related Coatings and Materials Using a Fluorescent UV-Condensation
Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus4
D 5031 Practice for Conducting Tests on Paints and Related Coatings and Materials Using Enclosed Carbon-Arc Light and
Water Exposure Apparatus4
D 5146 Guide to Testing Solvent-Borne Architectural 5178 Test Method for Mar Resistance of Organic Coatings4
D 5402 Practice for Assessing the Solvent Resistance of Organic Coatings Using Solvent Rubs5
D 5531 Guide for Preparation, Maintenance and Distribution of Physical Product Standards for Color and Geometric
Appearance of Coatings4
D 5723 Practice for Determination of Chromium Treatment Weight on Metal Substrates by X-Ray Fluorescence5
D 5796 Test Method for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Thin Film Coil-Coated Systems by Destructive Means Using
a Boring Device5

7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05. 08.01.
8
Discontinued; see 1999 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. 06.01.

3
 D 3794 – 9400
D 5894 Practice for Cyclic Salt Fog-UV Exposure of Painted Metal (Alternating Exposure in a Fog/Dry Cabinet and
UV/Condensation Cabinet)4
D 6093 Test Method for Percent Volume Nonvolatile Matter in Clear or Pigmented Coatings Using a Helium Gas Pycnometer4
D 6491 Practice for Evaluation of Aging Resistance of Prestressed Prepainted Metal in a Dry Heat Test5
D 6492 Practice for Detection of Hexavalent Chromium On Zinc and Zinc/Aluminum Alloy Coated Steel5
E 70 Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions with the Glass Electrode9
E 1331 Test 84 Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry4 Surface
Burning Characteristics of Building Materials10
E 1347 Test Method for Color and Color Difference Measurement by Tristimulus (filter) Colorimetry 284 Terminology of
Appearance4
E 1348 Test Method 308 Practice for Transmittance and Color Computing the Colors of Objects by Spectrophotometry Using
Hemispherical Geometry the CIE System4
E 1541 Practice 408 Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using Inspection-Meter Techniques11
E 643 Test Method for Ball Punch Deformation of Metallic Sheet Material12
E 903 Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, and Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating Spheres13
E 1164 Practice for Obtaining Spectrophotometric Data for Object-Color Evaluation4
E 1356 Test Method for Glass Transition Temperatures by Differential Scanning Calorimetry or Differential Thermal Analysis14
E 1541 Practice for Specifying and Matching Color Using the Colorcurve System4
E 1545 Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperature by Thermomechanical Analysis14
E 1640 Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperature by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis14
E 1808 Guide for Designing and Conducting Visual Experiments4
E 1918 Test Method for Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low-Sloped Surfaces in the Field10
G 267 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus (Xenon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Atmospheric
Environmental Exposure Testing of Nonmetallic Materials
2.2 National Coil Coaters Standards:9

9
Copies
9
Annual Book of National Coil Coaters Assn. methods are available through NCCA Headquarters, 401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-4267. ASTM Standards, Vol
15.05.
10
Zahn Cups are available from Paul N. Gardner Co. Inc., 316 N.E. First St., Pampano Beach, FL 33061.
10
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
11
Wire-Wound Draw Down Bars available from R. D. Specialties, P.O. Box 206, Webster, N Y14580, or equivalent may be used.
11
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.03.
12
Di Arcd Brake form available from Steippit Inc., Albion, NY or Niagara Bar Folders available from Niagara Machine and Tool, Buffalo, NY have been found suitable
for this purpose.
12
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
13
Scotch Brand Acetate Fiber Tape No. 710 manufactured by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co., St. Paul, MN., has been found suitable for this purpose.
13
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02.
14
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D 1 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications , and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.53 on Coil Coated Metal.
Current edition approved June 10, 2000. Published August 2000.

4
 D 3794 – 9400
No. II-1, Specification15
G 60 Test Method for Determination of Phosphate Coating Weights on Steel
No. II-2, Specification Conducting Cyclic Humidity Tests2
G 85 Practice for Coating Weight Determination Modified Salt Spray (Fog) Testing2
G 87 Practice for Chromate Conversion Coatings on Aged or Baked Aluminum Alloy Panels
No. II-3, Specification Conducting Moist SO2 Tests2
G 90 Practice for Determination Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Phosphate Coating Weight on Hot Dip
Galvanized Nonmetallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight15
G 113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Electrogalvanized Steel
No. II-4, Best Method for Measurement Artificial Weathering Tests of Dry Film Thickness of Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and
Related Products—Film Thickness of 0.3 mil or greater
No. II-5, Specification Nonmetallic Materials15
G 151 Practice for the Evaluation of Film Adhesion by “Cross Hatch” Top Test
No. II-6, Test Method Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources15
G 152 Practice for Evaluation of Impact Resistance of Painted Metal Substrates
No. II-7, Specification Operating Open Flame Carbon Arc Light Apparatus for Detection Exposure of Hexavalent
Chromium-Containing Treatments on Galvanized Steel Prior to Conversion Coating
No. II-10, Specification Nonmetallic Materials15
G 153 Practice for Measurement of Adhesion and Flexibility by the Wedge Bend
No. II-12, Specification Operating Enclosed Carbon Arc Light Apparatus for Determination Exposure of Relative Pencil
Hardness
No. II-13, Specification Nonmetallic Materials15
G 154 Practice for Microscopic Determination of Coating Thickness
No. II-14, Specification Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for Film Thickness Determination UV Exposure of Noncon-
ductive Coatings on Nonferrous Substrates
No. II-15, Specification Nonmetallic Materials15
G 155 Practice for Determination of Film Thickness of Non-Magnetic Coating on a Magnetic Substrate
No. II-19, Standard “T” Bend Test Method
No. III-2, Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing
No. III-6, Standard Method Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Condensation—Humidity Testing Exposure of Organic
Coatings on Metallic Surfaces Nonmetallic Materials15
G 159 Tables for References Solar Spectral Irradiance at Air Mass 1.5: Direct Normal and Hemispherical for a 37° Tilted
Surface15

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.21.1 coil coating—application of coatings or films to continuous metal coil stock.
3.31.2 direct roller coat—coating with the applicator or coating roll revolving in the same direction as the strip.
3.41.3 metal pretreatment—chemical treatment normally applied to the metal substrate prior to prime or finish coating.
3.41.3.1 Discussion—The treatment is designed to react with and modify the metal substrate to produce a surface suitable for
coating or adhesive bonding.
3.51.4 reverse roller coat—coating with the applicator or coating roll revolving in a direction opposite to that of the strip.
3.2 The definitions given in Terminology G 113 are applicable to this guide.

4. General Requirements
4.1 All tests shall be made in diffused light (not direct sunlight)Significance and at 73.5 6 3.5°F (23 6 2°C) and 50 6 5 %
relative humidity, immediately after baking unless otherwise specified. Use
4.1 This guide represents a collection of pertinent ASTM test methods used within the coil coatings industry. In the past, coil
coaters world wide depended on industry standards written by the National Coil Coaters Association. That association, working
cooperatively with ASTM, will no longer issue new, nor update old, standards.

5. Sampling
5.1 The number of samples per unit of productionGeneral Requirements
5.1 All standard tests shall be agreed upon between producer made at 25 6 3°C (77 6 25°F) and 50 6 5 % relative humidity,
immediately after baking unless otherwise specified.

15
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.04.

5
 D 3794 – 9400
6. Liquid Coatings Properties
6.1 Viscosity:
6.1.1 Coatings in the coil industry cover a wide rangeSampling
6.1 The number of generic qualities with many samples per unit of them having non-Newtonian characteristics. It is therefore
important to consider the behavior of these coatings under different shear conditions as well as measuring efflux viscosity by the
Ford cup.
6.1.2 Determine viscosity in accordance with Test Methods D 2196 and D 1200.
6.1.3 Viscosity by Zahn cup.16
6.1.3.1 Apparatus—Standard Zahn cup with specified orifice, a No. 4 or 2 orifice is most commonly used. Stop watch.
6.1.3.2 Procedure—Clean the Zahn cup thoroughly. The sample must have a volume of at least 1 pt (448 g) and the Zahn cup
and sample must production shall be 73.5 6 3.5°F (23 6 2°C). Thoroughly mix agreed upon between the sample. Dip the Zahn
cup in a vertical position into the sample being tested, making certain the cup is completely immersed in the liquid but do not allow
the cup to touch the bottom of the container. Rapidly lift the cup out of the sample producer and as the top edge user.

TABLE 1 List of the Zahn cup breaks the surface start the stop watch. Stop the watch when the first break in the flowing stream of
liquid is noted at the orifice exit. Record the seconds elapsed, temperature and number of the Zahn cup used.
6.2 Weight Solids (NVM)—Determine nonvolatile matter in accordance with Test Method D 1353.
6.3 Volume Solids—Determine volume solids in accordance with Test Method D 2697.
6.4 Fineness of Dispersion—Determine fineness of grind in accordance with Test Method D 1210.
6.5 pH:
6.5.1 Control of pH in the pretreatment section of the coil line as well as of waterborne coatings is important in production.
6.5.2 Determine pH in accordance with Method E 70.

7. Metal Pretreatment (Conversion Coating)

7.1 The successful performance of any coil-coated material is dependent not only on the organic coating used but also on the
metal preparation. Metal preparation in the coil coating industry usually consists of one of the following: Methods and
Recommended Practices

(a) A B

Section ASTM Standard

Liquid Coatings Properties: Clean (a)
Liquid Coatings Properties:
Viscosity: Clean
(b) Rinse
(b)7.1
Ford cup viscosity (b) Rinse
Ford cup viscosity 7.1.2 D 1200
(c) Zahn cup viscosity Formation of conversion (c)D 4212
Zahn cup viscosity 7.1.2 D 4212
High-Shear extrusion viscometer Formation of conversion coating D 1823
7.1.3
High-Shear extrusion viscometer 7.1.3 D 1823
Plastisol and organosol low-shear viscosity coating (d)D 1824
Plastisol and organosol low-shear viscosity 7.1.4 D 1824
Brookfield-type viscometer Drying
(d) RinseD 2196
(d)7.1.5 D 2196
Cone and Plate viscometer D 4287
Cone and Plate viscometer 7.1.6 D 4287
Weight Solids 7.2 D 2369
Volatile Content 7.2 D 2369
Volume Solids 7.3 D 2697, D 6093
Fineness of dispersion 7.4 D 1210
Density (weight per gallon) 7.5 D 1475
VOC Determination 7.6 D 3960
pH 7.7 E 70
Flash Point 7.8 D 3278

Metal Pretreatment:
Preparation of galvanized steel for painting 8.2 D 2092
Detecting Cr+6 8.3.1 D 6492
X-ray fluorescence, chrome determination 8.3.2 D 5723

Panel Preparation: (e) Posttreatment of conversion

coating
Panel Preparation:
Wire-wound drawdown bars

6
 D 3794 – 9400

A B
Wire-wound drawdown bars 9.4.1.1 D 4147
( f) Blade film applicator Drying D 823
Blade film applicator 9.4.1.2 D 823
Wet film thickness 9.5 D 1212

Material Properties of a Cured Coil Coating System: 10

Dry film thickness (DFT) 10.1 ...
DFT, destructive methods 10.1.1 ...
DFT, micrometer 10.1.1.1 D 1005
DFT, microscope 10.1.1.2 D 4138
DFT, boring method 10.1.1.3 D 5796
DFT, non-destructive methods 10.1.2 ...
DFT, eddy current, non-ferrous base 10.1.2.1 D 1400
DFT, magnetic flux, ferrous base 10.1.2.2 D 1186
Color 10.2
Glossary of color 10.2.1 E 284
Preparation and control of color standards 10.2.1 D 5531
Color and gloss tolerances 10.2.1 D 3134
Conducting visual experiments 10.2.1 E 1808
Color differences by visual evaluation 10.2.2 ...
Visual evaluation of color and color dif- 10.2.2.1 D 1729
ference
Color differences by instrumental evalua- 10.2.3 ...
tion
Color matching, color curve system 10.2.3 E 1541
CIE color difference 10.2.3 E 308
Obtaining spectral data 10.2.3 E 1164
Calculation of color differences 10.2.3 D 2244
Specular gloss measurement 10.3 D 523
Hardness 10.4
Pencil hardness 10.4.1 D 3363
Indentation hardness 10.4.2 D 1474
Flexibility 10.5 —
Impact resistance 10.5.2 D 2794
Mandrel bend 10.5.3 D 522
T bends 10.5.4 D 4145
Ball punch deformation 10.5.5 E 643
Draw test 10.5.6 D 4146
Adhesion: 10.6
Cross hatch tape adhesion 10.6.2 D 3359
Scrape adhesion 10.6.3 D 2197
Degree of Cure:
Glass transition TMA 10.7.2 E 1545
Glass transition, DMA 10.7.2 E 1640
Glass transition, DSC 10.7.2 E 1356
Solvent resistance 10.7.3 D 5402
Dry heat test 10.7.4 D 6491
Other Tests: 10.8
Pressure mottling/blocking resistance 10.8.1 D 3003
Effect of overbaking 10.8.2 D 2454
Detergent resistance 10.8.3 D 2248
Effect of household chemicals 10.8.4 D 1308
Abrasion and mar Resistance 10.8.5
Taber abraser 10.8.5.1 D 4060
Falling (sand) abrasive 10.8.5.2 D 968
Mar resistance 10.8.5.3 D 5178
Flame spread 10.8.6 E 84
Chip resistance 10.8.7 D 3170
Coefficient of friction 10.8.9 D 4518
Weathering and Corrosion Resistance Properties of a Cured Coil Coating
System:
Real-time weathering 11.1
Conducting exterior weathering tests 11.1.1 D 1014, G 7
Chalk resistance 11.1.2.2 D 4214
Degree of rusting 11.1.2.5 D 610
Degree of blistering 11.1.2.1 D 714
Checking 11.1.2.3 D 660
Cracking 11.1.2.4 D 661
Corrosion creepage 11.1.2.6 D 1654
Accelerated corrosion and environmental resistance charac- 11.2 —
teristics
Salt spray 11.2.1 B 117
Water fog 11.2.3 D 1735
100 % Relative humidity 11.2.3 D 2247
Condensation humidity 11.2.4 D 4585

7
 D 3794 – 9400

A B
Water immersion 11.2.5 D 870
Cyclic salt spray 11.2.6 G 85
Cyclic salt fog/UV condensation 11.2.6 D 5894
Cyclic humidity 11.2.6 G 60
Moist SO2 testing (Kesternich) 11.2.7 G 87
Copper-accelerated salt spray (CASS) 11.2.8 B 368
Filiform corrosion 11.2.9 D 2803
Specification for reagent water 11.2.9 D 1193
Accelerated weathering tests 11.3
Dew cycle (Unfiltered open-flame Carbon 11.3.2 D 3361, G 151
arc)
Filtered, open-flame carbon arc 11.3.3 D 822, G 151, G 152
Fluorescent UV-condensation 11.3.4 D 4587, G 151, G 154
Enclosed carbon arc 11.3.5 D 5031, G 153, G 151
Xenon arc 11.3.6 G 151, G 155
Accelerated outdoor tests (black box, 11.3.7 D 4141, G 7, G 90
heated black box, Fresnel)
Solar reflectance 11.4
Measuring solar reflectance of horizontal and low-slope sur- 11.4.1 E 1918
faces in the field
Measuring total normal emittance 11.4.2 E 408
Method for solar absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance 11.4.3 E 903
Tables for references solar spectral irradiance at air mass 11.4.4 G 159
1.5: direct normal and hemispherical for a 37° tilted surface

7.1.1 The metal pretreatment promotes maximum formability and improves adhesion and environmental exposure resistance
7. Liquid Coatings Properties
7.1 Viscosity:
7.1.1 It is common to measure the viscosity of coil coatings using an efflux technique (Ford or Zahn cup). This provides a
simple, rapid technique for controlling the viscosity of a product, either in a paint production facility, or on-line at a coil coating
material. Cleaners, conversion coating treatments and posttreatments used vary facility. Coatings in the coil industry, however,
cover a wide range of generic qualities, with many of them having nonNewtonian rheological characteristics. It is important,
therefore, to consider the performance desired, behavior of these coatings under different shear conditions, as well as measuring
efflux viscosity. Some of the test methods require little expaertise, where other test methods involve costly equipment and a high
level of experience to run and interpret the metal. Because there is an interdependency between rheological data.
7.1.2 Efflux Viscosity—Determine efflux viscosity in accordance with Test Methods D 4212 (Zahn cup) or D 1200 (Ford cup).
7.1.3 High-Shear Extrusion Viscosity—Determine the cleaning, conversion coating, high-shear extrusion viscosity for plastisols
and posttreatment steps, organosols in order to obtain relevant test data, it is necessary that accordance with Test Method D 1823.
7.1.4 Low-Shear Viscosity for Plastisols and Organosols—Test in accordance with Test Method D 1824.
7.1.5 Brookfield-type Viscosity—Determine the chemicals, times, concentrations, temperatures, Brookfield viscosity with a
rotational viscometer in accordance with Test Method D 2196.
7.1.6 Cone and application methods be as close as possible to those encountered under production conditions.
7.2 In Plate Viscometer—Determine the case of zinc coated steel surfaces, Practices D 2092 Methods A, B, C, D, viscosity using
a cone and F illustrate plate viscometer in accordance with Test Method D 4287.
7.2 Weight Solids—Determine the variety level of pretreatments available. nonvolatile mass in accordance with Test Method
D 2369.
7.3 Coating Weight of Metal Pretreatment—In many cases, one quality control measurement isVolume Solids—Determine the
coating weight level of the metal pretreatment formed. The following methods are recommended:
7.3.1 Zinc nonvolatile volume in accordance Test Method D 2697 or Iron Phosphate Conversion Coatings on Steel D 6093.
7.4 Fineness of Dispersion—Determine the weight fineness of the iron phosphate conversion grind of a coating on steel in
accordance with NCCA II-1 and Test Method D 1210.
7.5 Density—Determine the weight of the phosphate conversion coating on hot dip galvanized steel density (weight per gallon)
in accordance with NCCA II-3.
7.3.2 Chromate-Conversion Coatings on Aluminum Test Method D 1475.
7.6 VOC—Determine the VOC (volatile organic component) content in accordance with Practice D 3960.
7.7 pH—Controllingh the level of acidity or alkalinity (pH) in the pretreatment section of a coil line, as well as that of
waterborne coatings, is important. Determine pH in accordanvcer with Test Method E 70.
7.8 Flash Point—Test the flash point of a coating on aluminum in accordance with NCCA II-2. Test Methods D 3278.
8. Metal Pretreatment
8.1 The successful performance of any coil-coated system is dependent on metal substrate preparation. Metal preparation in the
coil coating industry usually consists of one of the following methodologies: clean, rinse, formation of conversion coating, rinse,
posttreatment of conversion coating, and dry; or, clean, rinse, application of a roll-on pretreatment, and dry. The metal pretreatment

8
 D 3794 – 9400
promotes maximum formability and adhesion of the organic coatings to the substrate, as well as promoting environmental exposure
resistance, including anti-corrosive properties, of the coil coated system. Cleaners, conversion coating treatments, dried-in-place
roll-on pretreatments, and posttreatments vary with the performance desired, the coating system used, and the metal substrate.
Because there is an interdependency between the cleaning, pretreating, and posttreatment steps, in order to obtain acceptable
performance, it is necessary that the reaction times, concentrations, temperatures, and application methods used in the laboratory
be as close as possible to those encountered under production condition—and that both laboratory and production conditions be
in strict accordance with the pretreatment suppliers’ specifications.
8.2 In the case of zinc coated steel surfaces, Guide D 2092, Methods A, B, C, D, and F illustrate the variety of pretreatments
available.
8.3 Coating Weight of Metal Pretreatment—The one parameter to ensure that a substrate is properly cleaned and pretreated is
the measurement of the level of pretreatment and posttreatment.
8.3.1 Determine the presence of hexavalent chromium on zinc and zinc/aluminum alloy coated steel in accordance with Practice
D 6492.
8.3.2 X-ray Fluorescence—Determine the chromium level in accordance with Practice D 5723.
9. Panel Preparation
89.1 Summary of Method—This method includes substrate and pretreatment selection for application of coatings by wire wound
draw-down bars on laboratory panels.
89.2 Choice of Substrate—The substrate to be coated, substrate size, gage, temper, alloy, and pretreatment to be used shall be
agreed upon between the producer and user. Avoid using treated substrates that have been contaminated by handling or cleaned
with solvents or cleaners.
8.3 handling.
9.3 Degassing of Substrate—Some galvanized substrates tend to absorb gasses on aging. To avoid blistering when the substrate
is coated and baked it may be necessary to de-gas the substrate by heating and cooling to room temperature prior to application
of the coating. The time and temperature of the degassing cycle shall be agreed upon between the producer and user.
89.4 Drawdowns, Apparatus:
8.4.1 Apparatus—Wire-wound draw-down bars, stainless steel bars preferably
9.4.1 Stainless Steel Wire-wound Draw-down Bars, (preferably 12.7 mm (1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) in diameter to prevent bowing during
application) are used to achieve dry film thickness up to 38 µ (1.5 mils). The choice of the specific draw-down bar is dependent
on the dry film thickness required, the rheological properties of the coating, and the volume solids of the coating being tested.
8.4.2 Procedure—Secure the substrate to be coated on a hard uniform, even surface. Place an excess amount tested. Other
methods of the coating to be used near the top of the substrate. Place the draw-down bar in the puddle of the coating to be applied.
Rotate or turn the draw-down bar slightly in the coating puddle to ensure complete distribution of the coating in the threads of the
bar. Without rotating the bar, draw it down the length of the substrate at applying thicker coatings >38 µ (>1.5 mils) are available,
such as a uniform speed, so that a uniform blade applicator.
9.4.1.1 Drawdown Bars—Prepare drawdowns in accordance with Practice D 4147.
9.4.1.2 Blade Film Applicator—Prepare samples (at film is produced. Draw-down speed is dependent on the rheology and
quality of the coating being tested.
8.5 thicknesses greater than 38 µ (1.5 mils) in accordance with Practices D 823.
9.5 Wet Film Thickness—Determine the wet thickness of an applied coating in accordance with Test Methods D 1212.
89.6 Bake Schedule—Bake the panel at a time and temperature to meet a metal temperature range agreed upon between the
producer and user. The critical parameter in this baking process is the “peak metal temperature.” This term refers to the maximum
temperature that the substrate has reached during the baking cycle. In addition to peak metal temperature, other baking conditions,
which influence the long-term performance of a coil coating, are the oven air temperature, and the time in which the coated metal
is exposed to the heat within the oven (also called “dwell time”). The peak metal temperature may be measured using infrared
thermometry or a thermocouple, but the most common method is to utilize “temperature tapes.” These self-adhesive strips contain
temperature-sensitive indicators covering a range of temperatures.
910. Physical Properties of Cured Coil Coating System
910.1 Dry Film Thickness (DFT)—There are several methods currently being used for determining the dry film thickness.
Depending on thickness of a coil coating. The ability to measure the substrates being checked, dry film thickness accurately is of
utmost importance when one considers that the typical coil coating system (primer+topcoat) is often no more than 25-µ (1-mil)
thick. It is aloways advisable to take at least three DFT measurements to obtain an averag me value of DFT. There are both
non-destructive and destructive means of measuring film thickness for ferrous and aluminum substrates. Coatings applied to
commercially-available hot-dipped galvanized steel, zinc-aluminum, and other nonferrous alloys, may only be measured, due to
the uneven nature of the alloy layer, by destructive means.
10.1.1 Destructive Determination of Dry Film Thickness:
10.1.1.1 Midcrometer—Determine the DFT of a coil coating with a micrometer in accord:ance with Test Methods D 1400,
D 1186, D 1005, Method D 1005. The micrometer must be capable of reading to #0.00005 in. (0.05 mils).

9
 D 3794 – 9400
10.1.1.2 Microscope (Tooke Gage)—Determine the DFT of a coil coating with a microscope in accordance with Test Method
D 4138.
10.1.1.3 Boring Method—Determine the DFT of a coil coating with a boring device in accordance with Test Method D 579617.
10.1.2 Non-Destructive Determination of Dry Film Thickness:
10.1.2.1 Eddy-Current—Determine the DFT of a coil coating on aluminum in accordance with Test Method D 1400.
10.1.2.2 Magnetic Flux—Determine the DFT of a coil coating on a ferrous substrate in accordance with Test Method D 1186.
10.2 Color:
910.2.1 The color difference between two homogeneously colored opaque films may be determined by visual evaluation or by
instrumental means. The color standard used shall be agreed upon between the producer and user. Terminology E 284 provides a
glossary of terms relating to the field of color. It is common to compare a color sample to a standard. Guide D 5531 describes the
control of standards, and Guide E 1808 describes methods of conducting visual color experiments. Establish color and gloss
tolerances in accordance with Practice D 3134.
910.2.2 Color Differences of Opaque Materials by Visual Evaluation:
10.2.2.1 Visual Evaluation—Visual comparison of color is fast and often acceptable, although numerical values are not
obtained. The referenced test method covers the spectral, photometric and geometric characteristics of light source, illuminationg
and viewing conditions, size of specimens, and general procedures to be used in the visual evaluation of color differences of opaque
materials. Determine color difference differences, in accordance with Practice D 1729.
910.2.2.2 Metamerism—Metamerism results when a sample and a standard have varying degrees of color difference under
different light sources (for example, natural sunlight versus fluorescent lighting).
10.2.3 Color Difference of Opaque Material by Instrumental Evaluation—Color difference between a product and its standard
can be determined from results of instrumental measurement. Measure products and color standards using Test Methods E 1331,
E 1347, E 1541, Practices E 308, E 1164, or E 1348. E 1541. Compute color difference using Test Method D 2244. Color tolerance
is agreed upon between producer and user, using Practice D 3134 or by use of a specific number of color difference units by which
product can differ from standard. If metamerism is suspected, make visual evaluation using Practice D 4086.
9.3 Gloss user.
10.3 Specular Reflectance:
9.3.1 Gloss
10.3.1 Specular reflectance in the coil industry is generally determined by readings at angles of 20° (also called “clarity”), 60°
(also called “gloss”), or 85° and (also called “sheen”). Determine specular reflectance in some applications by 60/85° or 60/20°
relationships.
9.3.2 Determine gloss of a coil-coated material in accordance with Test Methods D 523. Establish gloss tolerances in accordance
with Practice D 3134.
910.4 Hardness:
910.4.1 Pencil Hardness—DThet pencil hardness of a coil coating is a fast and inexpensive method to assess a set of complex
properties associated with a coil coating system. Whereas the intent is usually to measure the hardness and scratch resistance of
the coil coating, the very nature of the test also assesses the adhesion of the coating to the underlying material (for example, primer,
in the case of a two-coat system, or substrate, in the case of single-coat system). If a condition exists where the adhesion of the
coating to the underlying layer is poor, it is common to observe an unusually low pencil hardness value. Also, the surface
morphology and slip tendencies of the coating also contribute to the “pencil hardness” (that is, low-gloss surfaces allow the pencil
lead to more readily dig into the coating, compared to a smooth, high-gloss coating). While this test continues to prove to be
valuable, caution is urged whenever a reading is observed that appears to be too high or too low. One must always realize that the
nature of this test is laden with operator variability. Also, the pencils used in this test method are controlled by the manufacturers
for their “darkness” quality when used on white paper (since they are actually drafting pencils). The manufacturers do not control
the pencils for any engineering properties that are associated with the strength of material (a coil coating in this case).
10.4.1.1 Determine hardness of a coil-coated material by the pencil hardness method in accordance with Test Method D 3363.
910.4.2 Indentation Hardness—DIndentation hardness is strictly a laboratory test, requiring specialized equipment and expert
knowledge to interpret the results. Indentation hardness compared with the pencil hardness test, has the advantage of not being
influenced by the effect of adhesion, and, therefore, may be more effective in better describing the degree of cure of a coating.
10.4.2.1 Determine the indentation hardness of a coil-coated material in accordance with Test Methods D 1474, using either
Method A (Knoop indentation hardness) or Method B (Pfund indentation hardness).
910.5 Flexibility:
910.5.1 There are several flexibility tests used in methods to measure the flexibility of a coil industry, all giving coating. All
give indications of what the fabrication properties of the coatings, arnd all involve evaluating the response of the coating under
tensio bn, elongation, or compression, or both. The rate of deformation is often critical in the assessment of the flexibility qualities
of the coil coating system. The most common tests used are impact, wedge bend, T-bends, and conical mandrel flexibility.

17
The sole source of supply of a suitable device known to the committee at this time is the DJH Designs, 2366 Wyecroft Rd., Unit D4, Oakville, Ontario Canada L6L
6M1. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

10
 D 3794 – 9400
910.5.2 Impact—Impact testing involves a rapid deformation process. Determine the impact resistance of a coil-coated material
in accordance with Test Method D 2794.
9.5.3 Wedge Bend—Determine the wedge bend flexibility in accordance with Test Method D 3281.
9.5.4
10.5.3 Conical Mandrel—Conical mandrel testing involves a slow deformation, graduated bend-radii operation. Determine the
conical mandrel flexibility in accordance with Test Methods D 522.
9.5.5 T Bends:
9.5.5.1 Summary of Method—T bend
10.5.4 T-Bends—T-bend flexibility involves a means of evaluating film flexibility and correlating T bends to fabrication
properties, by examining slow deformation operation. Determine the individual T bends for fracturing and tape adhesion T-bend
performance of the coating on each bend. The bends are classified 0T, 1T, 2T, 3T, etc., coil materials in accordance with a 0T bend
being defined as a 180 deg bend, (paint on Test Method D 4145.
10.5.5 Ball Punch Deformation—Determine the outside performance of the bend) pressed flat so there is no space between the
metal and the bend (Note 1). The 1T bend is made by wrapping or bending the metal around the first bent (0T) so that one thickness
of metal is between the new wrap, this bend is pressed flat so there is no space between the metal and the bend. This process is
repeated to produce the number of T bends required. (See Fig. 1.) The type of metal substrate to be used, whether or not the bends
are to be made a coil coating associated with ball punch deformagation in accordance with Test Method E 643.
10.5.6 Stretch Draw Test—Determine the grain ability of the metal, the designation for identifying T bends and the temperature
at which the bends will be made should be agreed upon between the producer and user.
9.5.5.2 Apparatus—Brake form machine.18

9.5.5.3 Procedure—Place the panel to be tested into the bed of the brake face, coated side down. Bend panel 180 deg at a
uniform rate and press panels flat so there is no space between the metal and the bend, this is the OT bend. Repeat this process
coil coating to achieve withstand the desired number of T bends. Examine the T bends under 10-power magnification compressive
and report the degree of fracturing on each bend based on a rating system agreed upon between the producer and user. Tape each
bend with a tape13 agreed upon between the producer and user.
9.5.5.4 Report—Report the degree of pick off on each bend extension forces involved in a manner agreed upon between the
producer and user.
9.6 drawing application in accordance with Test Method D 4146.
10.6 Adhesion—Determine:
10.6.1 The level of adhesion of a coating to a substrate or to another coating (such as a primer) is a very difficult parameter to
measure. Often, the cohesive force of the coapting acts in such a way as to make the adhesion of the coating appear to be at an
acceptable limit, for example, a coating that has low cohesive strength breaks apart as you attempt to remove it, and the inability
to remove the coating from the substrate is considered to demonstrate acceptable adhesion. On the other hand, coatings with very
high cohesive strength may be more likely to peel off a substrate, since such coatings are tough enough that they do not tear apart
as you attempt to remove them. No one test device is commercially available to the coil coating industry that has the capability
of measuring the inherent adhesive attraction of a coating to another surface, but the following test methods are commonly used
and felt to indicate the level of “adhesion.” As already stated, these test methods are actually measuring certain aspects of both
adhesion and cohesive strength, and it is common that a combination of these tests, in conjunction with tests for hardness and
flexibility, are used to establish a standard level of “adhesion.”
10.6.2 Cross Hatch Tape Adhesion—Determine the cross hatch tape adhesion of a coating in accordance with Test Methods
D 3359.
10.6.3 Scrape Adhesion—Determine the level of scrape adhesion in accordance with Test Method D 2197.
10.7 Degree of Cure (Polymeric Properties):
10.7.1 Most coil coatings are thermally set, and are converted from a liquid, uncrosslinked polymeric state to a solid, highly
crosslinked polymeric state during the curing cycle in the baking oven. Many such coatings are composed of polymers that are
considered “glassy” (somewhat hard and brittle) at normal operating temperatures. Such polymeric systems usually undergo a
conversion at some temperature, where the inherent characteristics of the polymers change from the glassy state to a more rubbery
state. This temperature is known as the glass transition temperature (Tg). The number of crosslinks that have been formed during
the curing process (known as “crosslink density”) affects many of the material properties stated in this guide. While it is possible,
with a great deal of work, to determine the actual crosslink density of a cured coating, it is seldom necessary. Instead, a combination
of material properties is usually suitable to determine that the level of crosslinking has taken place in such a fashion that it will
result in suitable properties.
10.7.2 Glass Transition Temperature—An important parameter of an organic polymer is its glass transition temperature. While
a specific Tg value is often stated, the actual glassy-to-rubbery transition occurs over a temperature range (usually a few degrees
Celsius). Care must be taken when interpreting glass transition temperature data. While it is common to test a coated sample
(organic coating applied on a metal substrate), and the Tg data is often described as representing the Tg of the topcoat, most coil

11
 D 3794 – 9400
coatings are two-coat systems (primer+topcoat) and the primer layer can affect the Tg of the system. Interaction of the pretreatment
with the coating system may also influence the Tg.
10.7.2.1 Determine the glass transition temperature of a coil coating in accordance with Test Methods E 1545 (thermome-
chanical analysis), E 1640 (dynamic mechanical analysis), or E 1356 (differential scanning calorimetry).
NOTE 1—It would not be unusual for a single coated panel to yield three different Tg values when determined by the three preceding test methods. For
this reason, it is usually helpful to think of the Tg as occurring somewhere within a range of temperatures, rather than as being an absolute value.
10.7.3 Solvent Resistance—In many coil coating systems, as the degree of cure increases, the resistance of the coating to
dissolving in a particular solvent also increases. Determine the solvent resistance of a coating in accordance with Practice D 5402.
10.7.4 Dry Heat Resistance—Determine the resistance to the aging of prestressed prepainted metal in accordance to Practice
D 6491.
10.8 Other Tests:
10.8.1 Pressure Marking (Mottling) and Blocking—Precoated coils are wound under tension, and may be stacked “eye-
horizontal,” that is, like a doughnut standing on it edge. Some coatings will “mark” or “mottle” (subtle surface deformation) as
a result of the pressure to which the coating is subjected. Under certain circumstances, the precoated coils may even display a
certain level of sticking (of a topcoat, on the topside of the coil, to the backer, on the backside of the coil), which may prove to
be an innocuous effect, or may result in certain substantive problems (for example, the removal and transfer on one coating, say,
the topcoat onto the backer). Determine the pressure marking and blocking resistance of coil-coated materials in accordance with
Test Method D 3003.
910.8.2 Overbake—Determine—While the coil coating process is essentially a continuous, steady-state process, there are
occasions when the time that a coating spends in the oven may be extended over the normal operating parameters. Determine the
effect of overbaking a coil-coating material in accordance with Practice D 2454.
9.9
10.8.3 Detergent Resistance—Determine—Coil coatings are often used in the home laundry industry, where it is common for
the prepainted system to be exposed to common laundry detergents. Determine the detergent resistance of an organic coating for
the appliance industry in accordance with Practice D 2248.
9.10
10.8.4 Stain Resistance—Determine—Coil coatings are used extensively in the appliance industry, and establishing the
resistance of a coil coating to common household chemicals is required. Determine the stain resistance and effect of household
chemicals on a coil-coated finish in accordance with Test Method D 1308.
10. Exterior Durability
10.8.5 Mar and Abrasion Resistance—Abrasion resistance is another complex material property that is not easily measured T.
A coating may undergo wear (where the coating is rubbed away, and eventually the underlying material can be seen), or it may
be scratched repeatedly, such that the coating is removed. Scratching may occur on a macroscopic level (where the damage is
evident to the naked eye) or on a microscopic level (where the microscopic scratches may not be easily seen and may occur over
a period of time before the damage is evident). Wear resistance and scratch resistance, therefore, are different properties, but both
are often subsumed under the heading “abrasion resistance.” Since wear and abrasion resistance parameters may be difficult to
distinguish, the reader is advised to refer to each of the following tests with the specific language suggested.
10.8.5.1 OTaber Abraser Resistance—This device produces thousands of microscopic cuts in the sur Eface of a coating, and
may actually be measuring the toughness of coating more than its abrasion resistance. Determine a coating’s Taber abraser
resistance properties in accordance with Test Method D 4060.
10.8.5.2 Falling Abrasive Resistance—Determine a coating’s resistance to falling abrasive in accordance with Test Methods
D 968.
NOTE 2—This test has not been shown to have any relationship to typical conditions to which a coating is exposed during its service life.
10.8.5.3 Mar Resistance—Determine a coating’s resistance to marring in accordance with Test Method D 5178.
10.8.6 Flame Spread—Determine the flame spread characteristics of a coating in accordance with Test Method E 84.
10.8.7 Chip Resistance—Determine the chip resistance of a coating in accordance with Test Method D 3170.
10.8.8 Elastic Memory—All polymers under stress have some tendency to retract to their original orientation (that is, before
strain was applied), a property sometimes referred to as “elastic memory.” The evaluation of this property can be accelerated by
subjecting the coated/stressed material to heat, which is described as “dry-heat resistance” (when the heat source is a hot oven)
or “boiling water resistance” (when the coated/stressed sample is immersed in boiling water). This is a particularly important
property to assess, since most coil coated systems receive some form of fabrication.
10.8.9 Coeffıcient of Friction—Determine the coefficient of friction of a coil coating in accordance with Test Methods D 4518.
11. Weathering and Corrosion Resistance Properties of a Cured Coil Coating System
11.1 Real-Time Weathering:
101.1.1 While laboratheory accelerated tests given elsewhere in this practice are intended can be used to enable assist in the
prediction of probable weathering performance, such methods used solely, may actually lead to misleading conclusions regarding

12
 D 3794 – 9400
the prediction of outdoor performance. For this reason, actual outdoor exposures should be made on coatings intended for exterior
use exposure performed in accordance with Test Method D 1014. Practice D 1014, and G 7, is required to determine the durability
of exterior coil coatings to the outdoor environment. The extensive usage of coil coated paint systems in the coil area building
products and construction markets, and the durability and liability connected with these systems, is so varied that no one set of
conditions (length, location, (duration, location, and manner of exposure) can be given in this practice guide to cover all situations.
These conditions, as well as the type of substrate, pretreatment, bake schedule, etc., should be agreed upon between the producer
and the user.
10.1.2 Throughout user. For this reason, it is recommended that real-time exposure testing be conducted in each of the
environments to which the coil coating system will be exposed. This is not a simple task, since so many environments, and many
more microenvironments, exist around the world. Because outdoor weather conditiongs vary from season to season, and from year
to year, outdoor tests, including those referred to as “accelerated,” cannot be used to establish absolute performance ratings for
coatings. The procedures should only be used for comparing the relative performance of coatings exposed at the same time and
at the same location. Additionally, each exposure series should contain one or more control specimens to act as comparison
standards, and to provide a means for determining the severity of the exposure conditions encountered by the series. For best
results, there should be at least two controls differing significantly in their durability.
11.1.2 Several properties should be evaluated periodically or at time intervals agreed upon between the producer and user in
accordance with the following test methods:
101.1.2.1 Blistering—Test Method D 714.
101.1.2.2 Chalking—Test Method D 4214.
101.1.2.3 Checking—Test Method D 660.
101.1.2.4 Cracking—Test Method D 661.
101.1.2.5 Rusting—Method D 610.
101.1.2.6 Corrosion—Test Method D 1654.
101.2 Accelerated Durability:
10.2.1 Corrosion and Environmental Resistance Characteristics:
11.2.1 Salt Spray Resistance—Salt spray standard testing of coatings may be helpful in determining thei general resistance to
failure in service under conditions of constant high humidity and exceptionally high salt concentrations. U There is wide
recognition, however, that salt spray testing does not correlate with real-time test results in the accelerated conditions majority of
the laboratory test, the temperature, pH, concentration of the salt solution industries, applications, and other physical parameters
can be controlled. service conditions. The selection of substrate, pretreatment, the coating system, the manner in which the coating
is scribed, the location or position of the panels within the cabinet, the length of the standard test, the inspection of panels and
method of reporting results, must be agreed upon between the producer and user. Test for salt spray resistance in accordance with
Method Practice B 117.
10.2.2 Acidified Salt Spray—The acidified salt spray is used in the coil industry as a more accelerated test (compared to regular
salt spray) for evaluating corrosion resistance of coatings over aluminum. Determine the acidified salt spray resistance of a coating
in accordance with Method B 287.
10.2.3
11.2.2 Humidity—Determine the humidity resistance of coil-coated material in accordance with Practices D 2247 and D 1735.
The former method generates the 100 % humidity condition by heating water in the bottom of the cabinet, while the latter method
achieves the identical set of conditions by using an atomization tower (as is used in Practice D 2247.
10.2.3.1 B 117).
11.2.3 Controlled Condensation—Determine the resistance of coil-coated material to water in accordance with Practice D 4585
(also known as “Cleveland Condensing” test).
101.2.4 Water Immersion—Determine the resistance of a coil-coated material to water immersion in accordance with Practice
D 870.
101.2.5 Cyclic Humidity and Salt Spray—Alternatives to a constant state of 100 % humidity are Test Methods G 60 (cyclic
humidity), Practices G 85 (cyclic salt spray), and D 5894 (cyclic salt fog/UV condensation). There have been some encouraging
studies that indicate that cyclic test methodology (humidity cycle, with or without electrolyte, coupled with a dry cycle) may be
more predictive of real-time corrosion effects, under multiple service conditions.
11.2.6 Moist SO2 (“Kesternich”)—To assess to effect of exposure to SO2, test in accordance with Practice G 87.
NOTE 3—Since the level of SO2 used in this practice is considerably higher than those levels experienced anywhere in the world, the coil coating
industry generally feels that Practice G 87 should be only interpreted as providing a certain level of information about the coating’s resistance to change
color (as a result of the pigments reacting with the SO2 in air). Other events, such as blistering, are generally ignored.
11.2.7 Copper-Accelerated Salt Spray (CASS)—This is another test often used when aluminum substrate is involved. Test in
accordance with Test Method B 368.
11.2.8 Filiform Corrosion—Evaluate a coil coating system’s tendency to display filiform resistance in accordance with Guide
D 2803.

13
 D 3794 – 9400
11.2.9 Specification for Reagent Water—Should reagent water information be needed, test in accordance with Specification
D 1193.
11.3 Accelerated Weathering—The intention of the accelerated weathering test is to:
11.3.1 Accelerated Weathering—Laboratory and outdoor tests cause the faster degradation of coating films to occur much faster
than in would be the case under natural outdoor weathering in various field conditions. Artificial radiation sources can produce
more rapid failure Laboratory accelerated tests allow for control of films than natural sunlight, but not necessarily exposure
conditions. If, however, the same type exposure conditions of failure. This results from differences between the accelerated test
(such as the spectral power distribution (SPD), “time of wetness,” and temperature) differ from those condition to which the
material will be exposed in the field, the type of failure and mechanism of degradation may differ from those effects experienced
in real-time outdoor exposure. Certain accelerated devices have been developed in an athtempt to match the SPD of natural sunlight
measured at normal sunshine.
NOTE 4—“Normal” sunshine varies depending on the location on the plarnet, as well as th’e season of the year. Winter sunshine contains a
considerfably smaller UV component than that in the summer season. The open-flame carbon xenon arc device, with the proper filters, matches the normal
sunlight SPD quite well in the UV, visible and certain near-infrared (NIR) regions. Emission from fluorescent UVA-340 bulbs matches a portion of the
UV sunlamps (UV B-313, F3 40) spectrum of natural sunlight, but includes only a negligible amount of visible and NIR energy. UVB-313 bulbs, on the
other hand, emit shorter wavelength UV radiation than sunlight (at below the earth’s solar cut-off (295 nm), and, as a result, different degradation reactions
may occur than that which would occur in normal daylight. Fre)snel devices collect and high intensity peaks at certain wavelengths concentrate “direct
beam” normal sunlight, but short wavelength UV radiation is not reflected completely due to the limitations of the reflector and scattering by the earth’s
atmosphere so that a portion of the short wavelengths are eliminated from the sun’s direct beam. In general, the optimum simulation of effects of natural
radiation. Materials exposures is obtained with a test source that absorb at wavelengths where accurately simulates the full spectrum of the naktural source
in the UV occur will degrade more rapidly than those that are transparent region, and through the near infrared region (250 to those wavelengths. Most,
but not all, organic binders are especially sensitive 3000 nm). A close match to radiation below 300 nm, the UV spectral power distribution of daylight
reduces the possibility of different failure mechanisms and reversals in some cases, no realistic evaluation stability rankings of weathering properties
materials. Accelerated devices that can be expected. For these reasons, correlation between natural simulate the visible and accelerated weathering near
infrared regions of the sunlight’s SPD is not always obtained. Whenever possible comparisons should be made with materials having similar vehicles
and known durability. Conduct accelerated weathering important when testing on colored materials. Both visible and near infrared radiation- absorbed
increases the temperature of the specimens, thus accelerating the secondary degradations reactions.
11.3.2 Dew Cycle (Unfiltered Open-Flame Carbon Arc)—Test a coating’sh response to dew cycle exposure in accordance with
Practices D 3361 and G 151.
11.3.3 Filtered, Open-Flame Carbon Arc Weather-Ometer—Test in accordance with Practice D 822, D 4141, G 151, and G 152.
11.3.4 Fluorescent UV-Condensation Device—Test in accordance with Practices D 4587, G 151, and G 154.
11.3.5 Enclosed Carbon Arc Device—Test in accordance with Practices D 5031, G 26 or D 3361, or method agreed upon
between producer G 151, and user.
10.2.6 Filiform Corrosion Resistance— Filiform corrosion is a type of corrosion that occurs under single-coat systems on a
metal substrate G 153.
11.3.6 Xenon Arc Device—Test in accordance with Practice G 151, and is characterized by definite thread-like structure G 155.
11.3.7 Accelerated Outdoor Tests (Black Box, Heated Black Box, Fresnel Device)—Test in accordance with Practices D 4141,
G 7, and directional growth. When filiform corrosion occurs on residential siding the esthetic value G 90.
11.4 Measuring Solar Reflectance:
11.4.1 Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low-Slope Surfaces in the siding is reduced since the corrosion cannot
be washed off. Determine the susceptibility of a coil coated material Field—Test in accordance to this type of corrosion by Test
Method D E 1918.
11.4.2 Measuring Total Normal Emittance—Test in accordance to Test Methods E 408.
11.4.3 Measuring Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, and Transmittance Using Integrating Spheres—Test in accordance with Test
Method E 903.
11.4.4 Tables for Spectral Irradiance at Air Mass 1.5: Direct Normal and Hemispherical for a 37° Tilted Surface.
12. Keywords
12.1 absorbance; accelerated; acetic acid; adhesion; chip resistance; chromate; coil coatings; color; cone and plate; cyclic;
density; dew cycle; film thickness; flame spread; fluorescent-UV condensation; Fresnel; glass transition; hardness; humidity;
impact; irradiance; Kesternich; metamerism; methods; pH; phosphate; reflectance; salt spray; solar reflectance; solids; solvent
resistance; standards; Taber; T bends; transmittance; viscosity; VOC; weathering; xenon; Zahn

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

14
 D 3794 – 9400

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).

15