ASTM D5402-19

Standard Practice for Assessing the Solvent Resistance of Organic Coatings Using Solvent Rubs

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Coatings that chemically change during the curing process, such as epoxies, vinyl esters, polyesters, alkyds and urethanes, become more resistant to solvents as they cure. These coatings should reach specific levels of solvent resistance prior to being topcoated and prior to placing in service; the levels of solvent resistance necessary vary with the type of coating and the intended service. Rubbing with a cloth saturated with the appropriate solvent is one way to determine when a specific level of solvent resistance is reached. However, the level of solvent resistance by itself does not indicate full cure and some coatings become solvent resistant before they become sufficiently cured for service.  
4.2 The time required to reach a specific level of solvent resistance can be influenced by temperature, film thickness, air movement and, for water-borne or water-reactive coatings, humidity.  
4.3 The test solvent’s effect upon the coating varies with coating type and solvent used. The coating manufacturer may specify the solvent, the number of double rubs, and the specific test results needed.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a solvent rub technique for assessing the solvent resistance of an organic coating that chemically changes during the curing process. This technique can be used in the laboratory, in the field, or in the fabricating shop. Test Method D4752 is the preferred method for ethyl silicate zinc-rich primers.  
1.2 This practice does not specify the solvent, number of double rubs, or expected test results.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given 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. Consult the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet for specific hazard information relating to the solvent used.  
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-May-2019
• ICS: 25.220.60 - Organic coatings
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.46 - Industrial Protective Coatings

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4752-20 - Standard Practice for Measuring MEK Resistance of Ethyl Silicate (Inorganic) Zinc-Rich Primers by Solvent Rub
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D740-11(2019) - Standard Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone^,
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D843-19 - Standard Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D843-18 - Standard Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D843-17 - Standard Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM D843-16 - Standard Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM D523-14 - Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM D7091-12 - Standard Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to Ferrous Metals and Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coatings Applied to Non-Ferrous Metals
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D740-11 - Standard Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3363-05(2011) - Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3363-05(2011)e1 - Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3363-05(2011)e2 - Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test (Withdrawn 2020)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D843-06(2011)e1 - Standard Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2011
• Refers: ASTM D4752-10 - Standard Practice for Measuring MEK Resistance of Ethyl Silicate (Inorganic) Zinc-Rich Primers by Solvent Rub
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM D523-08 - Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008

Overview

ASTM D5402-19: Standard Practice for Assessing the Solvent Resistance of Organic Coatings Using Solvent Rubs is a key ASTM standard utilized for evaluating the solvent resistance of organic coatings that undergo chemical changes during curing. The solvent rub test method outlined in this practice provides a practical, field-applicable approach to determine when a coating achieves the necessary resistance to solvents, a crucial factor prior to overcoating or putting into service. This process is widely applied in industrial and commercial painting, protective coatings, and quality assurance environments.

Key Topics

• Solvent Resistance Assessment: The method described is used to assess the level of resistance that coatings like epoxies, alkyds, vinyl esters, polyesters, and urethanes attain during the curing process.
• Double Rub Method: The procedure involves rubbing a cloth saturated with a specified solvent across the coated surface using a defined force, with each forward and back movement counted as a "double rub."
• Curing and Service Readiness: Solvent resistance is indicative of coating maturity, but full cure may require further evaluation. The assessment aids in determining appropriate recoating and service times.
• Environmental Influence: Factors such as temperature, humidity, film thickness, and air movement can significantly impact the time required for a coating to develop solvent resistance.
• Test Variables: The specific solvent, number of rubs, and pass/fail criteria may vary depending on the coating type and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Applications

The ASTM D5402-19 solvent rub test is extensively applicable in:

• Laboratories for research, product development, and comparative analysis of coating materials.
• Field Inspections to assess readiness for top-coating or placing painted structures into service.
• Manufacturing and Fabrication Shops for quality control during coating application and curing.
• Industrial Coating Projects involving pipelines, storage tanks, machinery, and marine structures.
• Coil Coating Industry, utilizing a specific method adaptation provided in the standard.

Practical outcomes of following this standard include:

• Objective measurement of solvent resistance to ensure coatings meet performance specifications.
• Verification of adequate curing before overcoating, reducing risks of adhesion loss or premature failure.
• Documentation of testing parameters and conditions, supporting traceability and compliance with contractual or regulatory requirements.

Related Standards

ASTM D5402-19 references several associated standards and practices to support comprehensive coating assessments:

• ASTM D235 - Specification for Mineral Spirits (Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)
• ASTM D523 - Test Method for Specular Gloss
• ASTM D740 - Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
• ASTM D843 - Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene
• ASTM D3363 - Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
• ASTM D4138 - Practices for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Protective Coating Systems by Destructive, Cross-Sectioning Means
• ASTM D4752 - Practice for Measuring MEK Resistance of Ethyl Silicate (Inorganic) Zinc-Rich Primers by Solvent Rub (recommended for certain primer types)
• ASTM D7091 - Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness

For enhanced safety and test consistency, users of ASTM D5402-19 should closely follow the manufacturer’s safety data sheets for solvents and use protective equipment as required.

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Keywords: ASTM D5402-19, solvent resistance, organic coatings, solvent rub test, coating cure, double rub method, protective coatings, industrial painting, quality control, paint testing standards

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: D5402 − 19
Standard Practice for
Assessing the Solvent Resistance of Organic Coatings
Using Solvent Rubs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5402; 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 D843 Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene
D3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
1.1 This practice describes a solvent rub technique for
D4138 Practices for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of
assessing the solvent resistance of an organic coating that
Protective Coating Systems by Destructive, Cross-
chemically changes during the curing process. This technique
Sectioning Means
can be used in the laboratory, in the field, or in the fabricating
D4752 Practice for Measuring MEK Resistance of Ethyl
shop. Test Method D4752 is the preferred method for ethyl
Silicate (Inorganic) Zinc-Rich Primers by Solvent Rub
silicate zinc-rich primers.
D7091 Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry
1.2 This practice does not specify the solvent, number of
Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to
double rubs, or expected test results.
Ferrous Metals and Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coat-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the ings Applied to Non-Ferrous Metals
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only. 3. Terminology
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.1 double rub, n—the act of rubbing a cloth in one
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
complete forward and back motion over a coated surface.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
Consult the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet for specific hazard
4.1 Coatings that chemically change during the curing
information relating to the solvent used.
process, such as epoxies, vinyl esters, polyesters, alkyds and
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
urethanes, become more resistant to solvents as they cure.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
These coatings should reach specific levels of solvent resis-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tance prior to being topcoated and prior to placing in service;
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the levels of solvent resistance necessary vary with the type of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
coating and the intended service. Rubbing with a cloth satu-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
rated with the appropriate solvent is one way to determine
whenaspecificlevelofsolventresistanceisreached.However,
2. Referenced Documents
the level of solvent resistance by itself does not indicate full
2.1 ASTM Standards:
cure and some coatings become solvent resistant before they
D235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits)
become sufficiently cured for service.
(Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)
4.2 The time required to reach a specific level of solvent
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
resistance can be influenced by temperature, film thickness, air
D740 Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone
movement and, for water-borne or water-reactive coatings,
humidity.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
4.3 The test solvent’s effect upon the coating varies with
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings.
coating type and solvent used. The coating manufacturer may
Current edition approved June 1, 2019. Published June 2019. Originally
specify the solvent, the number of double rubs, and the specific
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D5402 – 15. DOI:
test results needed.
10.1520/D5402-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5. Materials and Equipment
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 5.1 Solvent:
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5402 − 19
5.1.1 Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), conforming to Specifi- rubbed area with an adjacent unrubbed area. Gloss and
cation D740,or hardness will tend to return to initial values as the recovery
5.1.2 Mineral Spirits, conforming to Specification D235,or timeincreases.Thefollowingmethodsmaybeusedtoevaluate
5.1.3 Xylene, conforming to Specification D843,or the solvent-rubbed area: gloss may be measured in accordance
5.1.4 Other Solvents, as specified by the coating manufac- with Test Method D523; pencil hardness with Test Method
turer or user. D3363; film thickness of the rubbed area by the same method
used in 6.3 (allow up to 24 h for the coating to recover before
5.2 100 % Cotton, Shop Cloth or Cheesecloth. Cheesecloth
measuring film thickness).
is for coil coatings, mesh grade 28 by 24. Approximately 300
by 300 mm (12 by 12 in.) and contrasting in color to the
NOTE 2—It may be difficult to measure film thickness and gloss in the
narrow solvent-rubbed area of the panel.
coating being evaluated, or other mutually agreed upon cloth.
5.3 Proper Safety Equipment, as determined from the sol-
Method B (Coil Coater’s Method)
vent MSDS, for example, solvent resistant gloves, respirator.
6.8 This Method is similar to Method A except with the
6. Procedure following changes:
6.8.1 For testing in a laboratory setting, us a balance to
Method A (Standard Method)
check the pressure applied with a finger using the procedure in
6.1 If the testing is being performed in a laboratory setting, 6.1. Note the amount of pressure required to apply 2000 to
3000 g of force. This will be considered to be moderate to
before actually testing the specimens, perform a sufficient
number of double rubs with the index finger covered with a heavy pressure. Use cheesecloth as stated in 5.2.
6.8.2 Use the same procedure as in 6.2 except select an area
cotton cloth on a laboratory balance such that 1000 to 2000 g
of force is constantly being applied. This is the amount of 200 mm (8 in.) long.
6.8.3 Use the same procedure as in 6.3 except mark off an
pressure the operator will apply when testing the specimens,
and will be considered as being moderate pressure. area 200 mm (8 in.) long.
6.8.4 Use the same procedure in 6.4.
6.2 Select areas on the coated surface at least 100-mm
6.8.5 Use the procedure in 6.5 except rub at the rate of 100
(4-in.)longonwhichtorunthetests.Cleanthesurfacewithtap
double rubs per min.
water to remove any loose material and allow to dry.
6.8.6 Usetheprocedurein6.6exceptforthefollowingnote:
6.3 Measure the dry-film thickness of the coating in the
NOTE 3—If fatigue sets in, making it difficult to maintain the 2000 to
selected areas in accordance with Test Methods D4138 or
3000 g force, stop testing until fatigue is gone.
Practice D7091. Mark a 100- by 25-mm (4- by 1-in.) rectan-
6.8.7 Use the procedure in 6.7.
gular test area on the undamaged, cleaned surface using a
pencil or other suitable solvent resistant marker.
NOTE 4—It is known that some operators have used cotton swabs or an
object of consistent weight (such as a ball peen hammer) to perform
6.4 Fold the cotton cloth into a pad of double thickness and
solvent double rubs. It was determined in an interlaboratory study that
saturate it to a dripping wet condition with the specified
these alternative methods produce results that are more variable than
solvent. Do not allow more than 10 s to elapse before
results obtained when using either method A or B. The results c
...

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.
Designation: D5402 − 15 D5402 − 19
Standard Practice for
Assessing the Solvent Resistance of Organic Coatings
Using Solvent Rubs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5402; 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
1.1 This practice describes a solvent rub technique for assessing the solvent resistance of an organic coating that chemically
changes during the curing process. This technique can be used in the laboratory, in the field, or in the fabricating shop. Test Method
D4752 is the preferred method for ethyl silicate zinc-rich primers.
1.2 This practice does not specify the solvent, number of double rubs, or expected test results.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Consult the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet for specific hazard information relating
to the solvent used.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits) (Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent)
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
D740 Specification for Methyl Ethyl Ketone
D843 Specification for Nitration Grade Xylene
D3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
D4138 Practices for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Protective Coating Systems by Destructive, Cross-Sectioning
Means
D4752 Practice for Measuring MEK Resistance of Ethyl Silicate (Inorganic) Zinc-Rich Primers by Solvent Rub
D7091 Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to Ferrous Metals
and Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coatings Applied to Non-Ferrous Metals
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 double rub, n—the act of rubbing a cloth in one complete forward and back motion over a coated surface.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Coatings that chemically change during the curing process, such as epoxies, vinyl esters, polyesters, alkyds and urethanes,
become more resistant to solvents as they cure. These coatings should reach specific levels of solvent resistance prior to being
topcoated and prior to placing in service; the levels of solvent resistance necessary vary with the type of coating and the intended
service. Rubbing with a cloth saturated with the appropriate solvent is one way to determine when a specific level of solvent
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015June 1, 2019. Published June 2015June 2019. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
D5402 – 06 (2011).D5402 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/D5402-15.10.1520/D5402-19.
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 the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5402 − 19
resistance is reached. However, the level of solvent resistance by itself does not indicate full cure and some coatings become
solvent resistant before they become sufficiently cured for service.
4.2 The time required to reach a specific level of solvent resistance can be influenced by temperature, film thickness, air
movement and, for water-borne or water-reactive coatings, humidity.
4.3 The test solvent’s effect upon the coating varies with coating type and solvent used. The coating manufacturer may specify
the solvent, the number of double rubs, and the specific test results needed.
5. Materials and Equipment
5.1 Solvent:
5.1.1 Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), conforming to Specification D740, or
5.1.2 Mineral Spirits, conforming to Specification D235, or
5.1.3 Xylene, conforming to Specification D843, or
5.1.4 Other Solvents, as specified by the coating manufacturer or user.
5.2 100 % Cotton, Shop Cloth or Cheesecloth. Cheesecloth is for coil coatings, mesh grade 28 by 24. Approximately 300 by
300 mm (12 by 12 in.) and contrasting in color to the coating being evaluated, or other mutually agreed upon cloth.
5.3 Proper Safety Equipment, as determined from the solvent MSDS, for example, solvent resistant gloves, respirator.
6. Procedure
Method A (Standard Method)
6.1 If the testing is being performed in a laboratory setting, before actually testing the specimens, perform a sufficient number
of double rubs with the index finger covered with a cotton cloth on a laboratory balance such that 1000 to 2000 g of force is
constantly being applied. This is the amount of pressure the operator will apply when testing the specimens, and will be considered
as being moderate pressure.
6.2 Select areas on the coated surface at least 100-mm (4-in.) long on which to run the tests. Clean the surface with tap water
to remove any loose material and allow to dry.
6.3 Measure the dry-film thickness of the coating in the selected areas in accordance with Test Methods D4138 or Practice
D7091. Mark a 100- by 25-mm (4- by 1-in.) rectangular test area on the undamaged, cleaned surface using a pencil or other suitable
solvent resistant marker.
6.4 Fold the cotton cloth into a pad of double thickness and saturate it to a dripping wet condition with the specified solvent.
Do not allow more than 10 s to elapse before proceeding to the next steps.
6.5 Place the properly protected index finger into the center of the pad while holding excess cloth with the thumb and remaining
fingers of the same hand. With the index finger at a 45° angle to the test surface, rub the rectangular test area with moderate
pressure first away from the operator and then back towards the operator. Use the amount of pressure determined in 6.1. One
forward and back motion is one double rub, and complete at the rate of approximately 1/s.
6.6 Continue rubbing the test area for a total of 25 double rubs. Take care to stay within the rectangular test area.
6.6 If additional solvent rubs are specified, reposition the finger on an unused clean portion of the cloth and re-saturate the cloth
with the selected solvent to a dripping wet condition. Do not allow more than 10 s to elapse before continuing the double rub
procedure on the marked test area for an additional 25 double rubs. Repeat this step Repeat the double rubs until reaching the
specified test criteria, such as, until the substrate becomes visible, or until a predetermined number of double rubs havehas been
performed. If multiple specimens are being tested in a laboratory, it may be useful to occasionally check the pressure exerted on
a balance with a dry cotton cloth between specimens.Ensure that the cloth remains saturated. If it is desirable to change or expose
a fresh cloth surface at a specified double rub interval (for example, every 25 double rubs), such a procedure must be agreed upon
between producer and user.
NOTE 1—If multiple specimens are being tested and fatigue sets in making it difficult to maintain the 1000 to 2000 g force, stop testing (after completing
a specimen) until fatigue is gone.
NOTE 1—If multiple specimens are being tested and fatigue sets in making it difficult to maintain the 1000 to 2000 g force, stop testing (after completing
a specimen) until fatigue is gone.
6.7 If the film has not been removed down to the substrate, immediately inspect the middle 75 mm (3 in.) of the rubbed area,
disregarding 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.) at each end, for fingernail hardness and visual changes in appearance, comparing the rubbed area with
an adjacent unrubbed area. Gloss and hardness will tend to return to initial values as the recovery time increases. The following
meth
...