ASTM D7072-04(2019)

Standard Practice for Evaluating Accelerated Efflorescence of Latex Coatings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Latex paints are sometimes applied over substrates that contain a high level of water-soluble salts that results in efflorescence. This practice evaluates a coating’s vulnerability to efflorescence.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the evaluation of the degree to which a latex paint resists the formation of efflorescence and alkali burnout on the exposed paint surface.  
1.2 This practice is designed primarily to relate efflorescence originating in the substrate to the deposit appearing on the surface of latex paints. This practice relates chiefly to the painting of masonry-type substrates such as concrete block, brick, mortar, stucco, poured concrete, and similar materials.  
1.3 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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-Mar-2019
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.42 - Architectural Coatings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7072-04(2013) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Accelerated Efflorescence of Latex Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04(2019) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04(2013) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1475-98(2012) - Standard Test Method For Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04(2009) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM D1475-98(2008) - Standard Test Method For Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1734-93(2007) - Standard Practice for Making Cementitious Panels for Testing Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4585-07 - Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1475-98(2003) - Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM D1734-93(2003) - Standard Practice for Making Cementitious Panels for Testing Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-May-2003
• Refers: ASTM D5068-02 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2002
• Refers: ASTM D4585-99 - Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1734-93(1998) - Standard Practice for Making Cementitious Panels for Testing Coatings
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1998
• Refers: ASTM D1475-98 - Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998

Overview

ASTM D7072-04(2019): Standard Practice for Evaluating Accelerated Efflorescence of Latex Coatings provides a standardized methodology for assessing the vulnerability of latex paint coatings to efflorescence and alkali burnout. Developed by ASTM International, this practice focuses on latex paints applied to masonry-type substrates, such as concrete block, brick, mortar, stucco, and poured concrete. Efflorescence, the migration and deposition of water-soluble salts on paint surfaces, can deteriorate film appearance and degrade coating performance. This standard is essential for paint manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and professionals specifying or applying latex coatings on substrate materials prone to efflorescence.

Key Topics

• Efflorescence Evaluation: Describes methods to measure the resistance of latex coatings to the formation of visible, powdery salt deposits resulting from substrate moisture migration.
• Alkali Burnout Assessment: Covers evaluation for premature fading or decomposition of paint films exposed to the high pH of masonry substrates.
• Test Substrates: Recommends the use of cementitious materials such as fiber-cement siding, concrete, or brick to simulate real-world applications.
• Test Conditions: Involves exposing painted test panels with known salt content to high humidity and elevated temperatures to accelerate potential efflorescence.
• Use of Controls: Encourages the inclusion of both passing and failing control paints to benchmark test results and facilitate comparative analysis.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Specifies the documentation of substrate types, paint formulations, application methods, and efflorescence severity (none, slight, moderate, or severe).

Applications

The ASTM D7072-04(2019) standard is widely used in:

• Product Development: Paint and coatings manufacturers rely on this test method to refine latex formulations, ensuring optimal resistance to efflorescence and improved durability on masonry facades and structures.
• Quality Control: Coating applicators and testing laboratories use the standard to verify product claims, compare performance between products, and establish quality benchmarks.
• Specification and Procurement: Architects, engineers, and builders reference this standard to select paints specifically designed for use on substrates susceptible to efflorescence, mitigating the risk of premature coating failure.
• Research and Comparison: Provides a consistent approach for academic and industrial researchers testing new additives or surface preparation techniques targeting efflorescence resistance.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1475: Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products - used during paint weight and spreading rate calculations.
• ASTM D1734: Practice for Making Cementitious Panels for Testing Coatings – guides the preparation of standardized substrates.
• ASTM D4585: Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation – referenced for test chamber conditions.
• ASTM D5068: Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation – ensures uniform paint application across test panels.

These related standards enable cohesive and repeatable testing procedures, supporting the reliability and practical value of ASTM D7072-04(2019) in real-world scenarios.

---

Keywords: ASTM D7072, evaluating efflorescence, latex paint coatings, alkali burnout, masonry substrates, paint performance testing, accelerated efflorescence evaluation, standard practice, paint quality control, efflorescence resistance.

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: D7072 − 04 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Evaluating Accelerated Efflorescence of Latex Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7072; 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 3. Terminology (Specific to This Practice)
1.1 This practice covers the evaluation of the degree to 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
which a latex paint resists the formation of efflorescence and 3.1.1 alkali burnout, n—the premature fading or decompo-
alkali burnout on the exposed paint surface. sitionofpaintsthataresensitivetothehighpHofthesubstrate.
The high alkaline content of the substrate can alter the color.
1.2 This practice is designed primarily to relate efflores-
3.1.2 efflorescence, n—the deposition of soluble salts on the
cence originating in the substrate to the deposit appearing on
exposed paint surface. Efflorescence is characterized by a
the surface of latex paints. This practice relates chiefly to the
light-colored, nonuniform, powdery incrustation which de-
painting of masonry-type substrates such as concrete block,
tracts from the paint film appearance. The discoloration occurs
brick, mortar, stucco, poured concrete, and similar materials.
when soluble salts in the substrate or paint migrate to the
1.3 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
surface by the leaching and evaporating action of the water
The values in parentheses are for information only.
carrier.Theefflorescenceoriginatingwithinthesubstrateisthat
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
with which this method is concerned.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Practice
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 Panels known to have a level of salts capable of being
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
easily and quickly transported to the paint surface are used.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Since tinted paints show the efflorescence most clearly, all
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
white paints should be tinted before application. The panel is
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
placed face down over the surface of the test chamber which
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
contains heated water, so that moisture condenses and remains
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
on the painted surface of the panel for a period of 48 h. After
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
drying at ambient conditions, the panels are rated for the
degree of efflorescence which has formed.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Significance and Use
D1475 Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks,
5.1 Latex paints are sometimes applied over substrates that
and Related Products
contain a high level of water-soluble salts that results in
D1734 Practice for Making Cementitious Panels for Testing
efflorescence. This practice evaluates a coating’s vulnerability
Coatings
to efflorescence.
D4585 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings
Using Controlled Condensation
6. Apparatus
D5068 Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evalu-
6.1 Condensation Test Chamber—As described in Practice
ation
D4585.
6.2 Test Substrate—Fiber-cement siding or a substrate
This practice is under the jurisdiction of Committee D01 on Paint and Related
agreed upon by the purchaser and seller. The substrate size
Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
would depend on the number of test paints.
mittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
Current edition approved on April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
6.3 White Portland Cement and Graded Standard Sand (as
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D7072 – 04 (2013).
described in Practice D1734).
DOI: 10.1520/D7072-04R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Hardieplank, a registered trademark of James Hardie, was found to be
the ASTM website. acceptable but others may be used.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA
...