ASTM D1308 Standard Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Coating Systems

Get Certified ASTM D1308 Testing for Reliable Household Chemical Resistance 

Many household liquids contact appliance, furniture, cabinet, and interior surface coatings. ASTM D1308 testing certifies the reactions of a coating to such liquids in a standard manner. The manufacturers use the results to help make formulation decisions, product claims, and quality control. Testing in accordance with a recognized method also provides a reliable basis for comparing the various coating systems. 

The scope of ASTM D1308 includes: 

• Material type: Continuous film, clear, pigmented, organic finishes and coating systems. 
• Purpose: An evaluation of the effect of household chemicals on the surface of a coating. 
• Properties measured: Discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, softening, swelling, loss of adhesion, and special phenomena. 
• Method: A coating film is exposed to selected household chemicals, and the surface is examined. 
• Result: Observations of surface alteration for each chemical, used to compare coating systems. 
• Test Limitations: Continuous films are required for reliable results, and results are relative, not absolute. 
• Use conditions: Test liquids are typical household chemicals with which a coating may come in contact during normal use.
• Applications: Development of coatings, comparison of product finishes, and quality control of household and consumer product finishes. 

What are the Uses of ASTM D1308 Testing?

ASTM D1308 testing gives laboratories a standardized method for determining coating resistance to household liquids and helps formulators optimize coating systems. This standard-

• Assesses the impact of household chemicals on clear and coloured organic finishes.
• Recognizes surface changes like discoloration, loss of gloss, blistering, and softening.
• Detects swelling and loss of adhesion after chemical exposure.
• Allows for comparison of the relative performance of the various coating systems side by side.
• Assists formulators in studying the effect of composition on chemical resistance
• Helps with product development and quality control in the home product finish-making industry. 

What Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D1308? 

ASTM D1308 covers clear and pigmented organic finishes for surfaces where they come in contact with household liquids during service. The method is applicable to metal and other surfaces, as long as the coating is continuous and completely cured prior to the test. Laboratories produce representative coated panels for each coating system to minimize the effect of the preparation on the results. 

Why is ASTM D1308 Important? 

Household surfaces contact cleaners, drinks, food, and other liquids daily. A coating that stains, softens, or blisters after brief contact can lead to complaints, returns, and refinishing. ASTM D1308 provides a standard for companies to measure this behavior before a product is launched to the market. The method incorporates common household liquids, so the results are very similar to the way that customers use and clean coated products. 

ASTM D1308 Testing Process and Data Collection

This process starts with an analyst creating coated panels for each type of coating and letting the coating cure completely. The technician then sprays each household chemical on a different section of the film. The operator subsequently removes the chemical and inspects the surface for signs of corrosion. Analysts then report any discoloration, loss of gloss, blistering or softening, swelling, loss of adhesion, etc., and compare findings between various coating systems.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

ASTM D1308 results depend on complete, cured films and uniform exposure conditions. Chemicals may penetrate the film through pinholes, uneven film thickness, and incomplete cure, causing distortion of results. Technicians minimize these issues by producing all coating systems simultaneously and by checking each coating film before testing. Laboratories also enhance reliability by exposing all chemicals and all panels under the same exposure time and procedure in a comparison.

• The laboratory reports whether each chemical caused discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, softening, swelling, or loss of adhesion.
• The technician records any special phenomena observed on the film after exposure.
• The analyst records the chemical(s) and conditions of the exposure for each test.
• The formulator uses the results to make a judgment about the effect of composition on chemical resistance by comparing the results between coating systems.
• The manufacturer uses the results to support formulation changes, product claims, and quality control decisions. 

Link to ASTM D1308