ASTM D4946-89(2017)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints
Standard Test Method for Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks). This stringent test method can be used to compare and rate subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for evaluating the face-to-face blocking resistance of trades sales paints. This is not to be confused with blocking resistance Test Method D3003, which is concerned with blocking of industrial coatings on metal substrates, nor with Test Method D2793 which is concerned specifically with wood product finishes and reports results on a satisfactory or not satisfactory basis, rather than by the degree of blocking tendency as in this test method.
1.2 The values stated in the SI units of measurement are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jan-2017
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.42 - Architectural Coatings
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2006
Overview
ASTM D4946-89(2017) - Standard Test Method for Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints provides a precise, accelerated method to evaluate the blocking resistance of architectural, or trade sales, paints. Blocking occurs when two painted surfaces stick together under pressure, potentially causing damage to paint films on doors, windows, or other surfaces where contact is frequent. This ASTM test method helps manufacturers, quality control labs, and specifiers to assess and compare the tendency of dried architectural paints to adhere (block) when subjected to typical environmental and physical stresses.
Key Topics
- Blocking Resistance: Blocking is the undesirable sticking together of two painted surfaces under contact, determined by factors like paint hardness, pressure, temperature, humidity, and contact time.
- Accelerated Testing Procedure: The method simulates real-world conditions by placing painted samples face-to-face under specific pressure, exposing them to elevated temperatures, then cooling and peeling apart to assess tack or seal.
- Subjective Rating System: Paints are evaluated on a 0–10 numerical scale based on the degree of glue-like tack or physical seal remaining after separation.
- Significance for End Use: Paints with strong blocking resistance are less likely to cause problems in high-contact areas, maintaining finish quality and user satisfaction over time.
- Distinction from Related Standards: ASTM D4946 is targeted at architectural coatings, not industrial or wood-specific finishes, which are covered by ASTM D3003 and D2793, respectively.
Applications
- Quality Control in Paint Manufacturing: Paint producers use this standard to benchmark blocking resistance during product development and before market release.
- Architectural Paint Specification: Facilities managers, architects, and contractors refer to ASTM D4946 when selecting paints for doors, windows, cabinets, and other surfaces liable to face-to-face contact.
- Comparative Testing: Testing laboratories conduct blocking resistance tests to compare different paint formulations or brands, guiding purchasing and formulation decisions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that architectural paints meet specified durability expectations and perform correctly in end-use environments.
- Product Claims and Labeling: Paints that achieve higher ratings in accordance with ASTM D4946 may be marketed as “blocking-resistant” for consumer confidence.
Related Standards
- ASTM D16: Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications – provides critical definitions relevant to blocking and other coating properties.
- ASTM D2793: Test Method for Block Resistance of Organic Coatings on Wood Panel Substrates – applies specifically to wood finishes and uses a pass/fail system.
- ASTM D3003: Test Method for Pressure Mottling and Blocking Resistance of Organic Coatings on Metal Substrates – designed for industrial coatings on metal.
- International Standardization Principles: Developed in line with the World Trade Organization TBT Committee’s Decision on Principles for International Standards, ensuring global recognition and compatibility.
Practical Value
The use of ASTM D4946-89(2017) ensures consistent evaluation of paint blocking resistance, enabling the development and selection of higher-performance architectural paints. Manufacturers and quality professionals rely on its strict procedure to reduce end-user complaints, product failures, and costly call-backs due to sticking or finish damage in high-traffic building areas. By applying this standardized method, organizations uphold product integrity, meet relevant regulatory requirements, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Keywords: ASTM D4946, blocking resistance, architectural paints, paint testing, quality control, tack, sticking, coatings, durability, building maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D4946-89(2017) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks). This stringent test method can be used to compare and rate subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for evaluating the face-to-face blocking resistance of trades sales paints. This is not to be confused with blocking resistance Test Method D3003, which is concerned with blocking of industrial coatings on metal substrates, nor with Test Method D2793 which is concerned specifically with wood product finishes and reports results on a satisfactory or not satisfactory basis, rather than by the degree of blocking tendency as in this test method. 1.2 The values stated in the SI units of measurement are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.3 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks). This stringent test method can be used to compare and rate subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for evaluating the face-to-face blocking resistance of trades sales paints. This is not to be confused with blocking resistance Test Method D3003, which is concerned with blocking of industrial coatings on metal substrates, nor with Test Method D2793 which is concerned specifically with wood product finishes and reports results on a satisfactory or not satisfactory basis, rather than by the degree of blocking tendency as in this test method. 1.2 The values stated in the SI units of measurement are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.3 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.
ASTM D4946-89(2017) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D4946-89(2017) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D4946-89(2012), ASTM D2793-99(2024), ASTM D16-24, ASTM D2793-99(2017), ASTM D16-16, ASTM D16-14, ASTM D16-12, ASTM D3003-01(2012), ASTM D16-11a, ASTM D2793-99(2011), ASTM D16-11, ASTM D16-10, ASTM D16-08, ASTM D16-07, ASTM D3003-01(2006). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D4946-89(2017) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D4946 − 89 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4946; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for 4.1 Dried paint films are placed face-to-face and a pressure
evaluating the face-to-face blocking resistance of trades sales of about 127 g/cm (1.8 psi) is applied. These paint films are
paints. This is not to be confused with blocking resistance Test put into an oven for 30 min to make the test more stringent.
Method D3003, which is concerned with blocking of industrial After cooling, the blocked panels are peeled apart. The degree
coatings on metal substrates, nor with Test Method D2793 of blocking is rated subjectively for tack or seal using a series
which is concerned specifically with wood product finishes and of standard descriptive terms corresponding to numerical
reports results on a satisfactory or not satisfactory basis, rather ASTM values of 10 to 0.
than by the degree of blocking tendency as in this test method.
5. Significance and Use
1.2 The values stated in the SI units of measurement are to
5.1 Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in
be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses
window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the
are for information only.
pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks).This
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
stringent test method can be used to compare and rate
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Conditioned Room, at 18 to 29.5°C (65 to 85°F) and 40
2. Referenced Documents
to 60 % relative humidity.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.2 Sealed Paper Test Charts, approximately 190 by 280
D16 TerminologyforPaint,RelatedCoatings,Materials,and
mm (7.5 by 11 in.).
Applications
D2793 Test Method for Block Resistance of Organic Coat- 6.3 Applicator Blade, 13 to 15 cm (5 to 6 in.) wide,
ings on Wood Panel Substrates 0.15-mm (6-mil) clearance.
D3003 Test Method for Pressure Mottling and Blocking
6.4 Oven, 48 to 52°C (115 to 125°F).
Resistance of Organic Coatings on Metal Substrates
6.5 Rubber Stoppers, No. 8, 3.2 cm (1.25 in.) smaller
diameter.
3. Terminology
6.6 Weights, 1000 g.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 blocking, n—the undesirable sticking together of two
6.7 Scissors.
painted surfaces when pressed together or placed in contact
6.8 Aluminum Tray or Pan, flat.
with each other for an extended period of time, as referenced in
Terminology D16.
7. Procedure
7.1 Cast the paint to be tested on a sealed test chart using the
applicator blade. Condition coated panels in the conditioned
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
room for seven days. All painted panels should be kept free of
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
grease, oil, or fingerprints since these will affect block resis-
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2017. Published February 2017. Originally
tance.
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D4946 – 89 (2012).
DOI: 10.1520/D4946-89R17.
7.2 After the panels have been conditioned, cut out six 3.8
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1 1
by 3.8-cm (1 ⁄2 by 1 ⁄2-in.) sections from the painted chart.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Start the cut at least 1.3 cm ( ⁄2 in.) away from the edge
...
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