ASTM D7804-12(2017)

Standard Test Method for Fiber Shedding of Paint Roller Covers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 fibers that are released during painting can lead to a finish that is aesthetically unacceptable.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining the amount of releasable fibers transferred from a paint roller cover to a surface being painted.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to pile fabric paint roller covers.  
1.3 Because both the application and panel evaluation are subjective, this test method should be used only for comparative testing within one facility using one operator for each set of applications, as the end result assigned by different facilities may not agree.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 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. Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards.  
1.6 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-May-2017
• ICS: 87.100 - Paint coating equipment
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.61 - Paint Application Tools

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7804-12 - Standard Test Method for Fiber Shedding of Paint Roller Covers
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017

Overview

ASTM D7804-12(2017) - Standard Test Method for Fiber Shedding of Paint Roller Covers is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines a test method for evaluating the amount of lint or fibers released from pile fabric paint roller covers during painting. Fiber shedding can significantly affect the quality of paint finishes, resulting in aesthetically unacceptable surfaces. ASTM D7804 provides a reproducible procedure for measuring fiber release and supports comparative evaluations within a controlled environment, ensuring better product performance and quality control in manufacturing and application processes.

Key Topics

• Fiber Shedding Measurement: The standard specifies a method for determining the quantity of fibers released from paint roller covers onto a painted surface. This is done by painting a sealed test paper with a roller cover and counting the number of visible fibers after the paint dries.

• Comparative Testing: It is important to note that this test method is primarily intended for comparative testing within a single facility using a single operator. Due to the subjective elements of the test, results might vary between different operators and locations.

• Applicability: The procedure is specifically suited for pile fabric paint roller covers. It helps manufacturers and users to assess and compare the shedding performance of roller covers.

• Test Conditions: All tests are conducted in a controlled environment. The method prescribes the use of commercially available semi-gloss or gloss paint and sealed test paper. A consistent process for loading the roller with paint, applying paint to the test surface, and evaluating fibers using a magnifying glass is detailed for repeatable results.

• Safety Considerations: Users are responsible for establishing appropriate safety and health practices and must consider applicable regulations. Some safety considerations are highlighted in the standard’s hazards section.

Applications

• Quality Control in Manufacturing: This test method is widely used by paint roller manufacturers to monitor and control lint and fiber shedding. By applying the standard, companies can ensure that their roller covers meet customer expectations for clean, lint-free finishes.

• Comparative Product Testing: Within a facility, this standard allows for side-by-side comparison of different roller cover materials, pile heights, and manufacturing methods, supporting research and development efforts.

• End-User Assurance: By following ASTM D7804, suppliers and contractors can select roller covers proven to have low fiber shedding, reducing the likelihood of paint finish defects and the need for costly touch-ups.

• Regulatory and Trade Compliance: Since ASTM D7804 follows internationally recognized standardization principles, it facilitates compliance and acceptance in global markets, supporting international trade and product certification.

Related Standards

• ASTM D3272: Standard Test Method for Aging Resistance of Fabric-Backed Wall Coverings by Exposure to Light.
• ASTM D2486: Standard Test Methods for Scrub Resistance of Wall Paints.
• ISO 15528: Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes - Sampling.
• ASTM D344: Standard Test Method for Relative Hiding Power of Paints by the Visual Evaluation of Brushouts.
• ASTM D333: Standard Practice for Clear or Pigmented Lacquers by Spray.

Keywords: ASTM D7804, fiber shedding, paint roller covers, lint test, standard test method, product quality, comparative testing, surface finish, pile fabric, quality control, paint tool standards.

By adhering to ASTM D7804, manufacturers and end users benefit from improved consistency, reduced defects, and greater customer satisfaction in painting applications.

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: D7804 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Fiber Shedding of Paint Roller Covers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7804; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Test Specimen
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining 4.1 Threeidenticalpaintrollercovers,9by1.5in.(228.6by
the amount of releasable fibers transferred from a paint roller 38.1 mm) diameter core.
cover to a surface being painted.
5. Apparatus
1.2 This test method is applicable to pile fabric paint roller
covers. 5.1 Paint Roller Frame—designed for the paint roller cover
being tested.
1.3 Because both the application and panel evaluation are
subjective, this test method should be used only for compara- 5.2 Paint Tray—suitable for the paint roller cover being
tested.
tive testing within one facility using one operator for each set
of applications, as the end result assigned by different facilities
6. Materials
may not agree.
6.1 Test Paint—commercially available semi-gloss or gloss
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
paint, identified as to type, product number, and color. Paint to
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
be mixed to a uniform consistency. Results may vary when
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
using different paint types.
and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 6.2 Sealed Test Paper—tominimizeabsorptionoftestpaint,
which allows formation of paint film. Sections measuring 28
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
in. (711.2 mm) wide by 20 in. (508 mm) long and have a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
minimum 10-mil thickness with a basis weight of 50 lb/Mft
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
(250 g/m ).
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Some specific
hazards statements are given in Section 7 on Hazards.
6.3 Tack Cloth—commercially prepared cloth designed to
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
remove dust and lint.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6.4 Lighted Magnifying Glass—with 5× magnification.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
7. Procedure
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 7.1 All tests are to be conducted in controlled environment.
7.2 Prepare a clean, dry paint tray by wiping clean with a
2. Summary of Test Method
tack cloth to remove all foreign material. Wipe paper surface
2.1 The paint roller cover that is to be evaluated is used to
and surrounding area with tack cloth also.
paint a section of sealed test paper. After the paint film has
7.3 Secure the two sections of sealed test paper to a flat
dried, the fibers are counted.
vertical surface creating a 28 by 40 in. (711.2 by 1.016 mm)
test surface.
3. Significance and Use
7.4 Pour fresh paint into tray. Depth of paint to be the same
3.1 fibers that are released during painting can lead to a
as the pile height of the paint roller covers being tested. For
finish that is aesthetically unacceptable.
1 1
example, ⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) pile height cover would use ⁄2 in.
(12.7 mm) of paint in tray. Do not use paint that has been
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
exposed to fibers.
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.61 on Paint Application Tools. 7.5 Place the paint roller cover on the frame.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally
7.6 Load the paint roller cover by using twenty back and
approved in 2012. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D7804 – 12. DOI:
10.1520/D7804-12R17. forthstrokes,tenstrokestotalthatgointothepainttraywellto
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7804 − 12 (2017)
7.10 Repeat procedure following instructions 7.1 – 7.9 two
moretimesontheremainingidenticalpaintrollercovers,being
sure to use fresh paint and new tray.
7.11 Place painted test panel on a flat horizontal surface in
a well-lighted area and wipe with a clean piece of tack cloth.
7.12 Circle and count each fiber (only lint) that is observed
in the dried paint film over the entire painted surface with a
magnifying glass with 5× power and fluorescent light. Record
the results. See Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, magnified to show detail.
FIG. 1 Roll Out Stroke Pattern
7.13 The results will be recorded as number of fibers.
8. Calculation or Interpretation of Results
8.1 Average the three results obtained in 7.13.
9. Precision and Bias
9.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
interlaboratory study of D7804, Test Method for Fiber Shed-
ding of Paint Roller Covers, conducted in 2006. Seven
laboratories participated in this project, testing two different
typesofpaintrollercovers.Datafromonelaboratorycouldnot
be used in the calculation of precision. Every “test result”
represents an individual deter
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