ASTM D3450-15(2020)

Standard Test Method for Washability Properties of Interior Architectural Coatings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Interior architectural paints are often discolored by dirt and other soilant materials. This test method covers the relative ease and completeness of removal of a specific soilant from such a surface by scrubbing. The greater the ease of soil removal with a minimum of film erosion, the greater the useful service life is expected to be.  
5.2 Results obtained by this test method do not necessarily correlate with all types of soilants.  
5.3 Semigloss finishes generally require only the nonabrasive type cleaner for good soilant removal, whereas flat paints may require the abrasive type.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative ease of removing soilant discolorations from the dried film of an interior coating by washing with either an abrasive or nonabrasive cleaner.  
1.2 This test method is limited to coatings having a CIE-Y reflectance of 60 % or more, as measured in accordance with Test Method E1347.  
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.  
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: 30-Nov-2020
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.42 - Architectural Coatings

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E70-24 - Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1347-06(2020) - Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM E1347-06(2015) - Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM E70-07(2015) - Standard Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D562-10(2014) - Standard Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity Using a Stormer-Type Viscometer
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1347-06(2011) - Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D562-10 - Standard Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity Using a Stormer-Type Viscometer
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1210-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM E1347-06 - Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D562-01(2005) - Standard Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity Using a Stormer-Type Viscometer
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1210-05 - Standard Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1210-96(2004) - Standard Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Refers: ASTM E1347-03 - Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus (Filter) Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003
• Refers: ASTM D562-01 - Standard Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity Using a Stormer-Type Viscometer
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2001

Overview

ASTM D3450-15(2020): Standard Test Method for Washability Properties of Interior Architectural Coatings provides a reliable procedure for evaluating the washability and soilant removal properties of interior paints and coatings. This test method is crucial for manufacturers, specifiers, and quality control professionals seeking to determine how effectively interior architectural coatings can resist discoloration from dirt and other soilant materials, as well as how easily such stains can be removed by cleaning.

Washability performance impacts the longevity, aesthetic quality, and maintenance requirements of painted surfaces in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other buildings. ASTM D3450 is aligned with internationally recognized principles, ensuring its findings are globally applicable and relevant to trade and regulatory standards.

Key Topics

• Purpose: The standard assesses the relative ease and completeness of removing specific soilants from dried films of interior coatings via scrubbing, using either abrasive or nonabrasive cleaners.
• Applicability: Only coatings with a CIE-Y reflectance of 60% or higher (measured per ASTM E1347) are covered by this method.
• Soilant Definition: The method distinguishes between soilants (material sitting on the film surface) and stains (material penetrating the film).
• Test Approach:
  • Application of a standard soilant (such as carbon black in mineral oil) to the dried coating film.
  • Scrubbing with standardized cleaners using a mechanical washability tester.
  • Measurement of reflectance before and after cleaning to determine soil removal efficiency.
• Reporting: Results include the type of scrub medium used, numerical reflectance recovery, and notes on any surface erosion.
• Limitations: Results may not correlate with all soilant types or with coatings outside the reflectance criteria.

Applications

ASTM D3450-15(2020) is widely used in the paint and coatings industry for:

• Product Development: Formulators and R&D teams use washability data to improve resistance of interior paints to common household stains.
• Quality Control: Production batches are routinely tested to ensure consistent washability performance.
• Specification and Procurement: Architects, builders, and facility managers reference washability ratings to select coatings that will maintain their appearance and withstand cleaning in high-traffic or demanding environments.
• Marketing Claims: Manufacturers use compliance with ASTM D3450 to substantiate claims of soil resistance or easy-clean surfaces.
• Regulatory Compliance: Test results support compliance with regulatory or procurement requirements where durability and maintenance are critical.

Semigloss finishes typically exhibit improved cleanability with nonabrasive methods, while flat paints may require abrasive cleaners for effective soil removal. By providing objective, reproducible data, ASTM D3450 helps stakeholders make informed decisions about coating performance and lifecycle costs.

Related Standards

• ASTM D562: Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D1210: Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-Vehicle Systems
• ASTM E70: Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the Glass Electrode
• ASTM E1347: Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry

These referenced standards support procedures for sample preparation, reagent quality, physical measurements, and consistency in testing, ensuring that ASTM D3450 delivers reliable, comparable results across laboratories and product lines.

Keywords: ASTM D3450-15, washability, interior architectural coatings, soilant resistance, paint testing, cleaning efficiency, building maintenance, standard test method, scrub resistance, reflectance recovery, quality control.

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: D3450 − 15 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Washability Properties of Interior Architectural Coatings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3450; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D1210Test Method for Fineness of Dispersion of Pigment-
Vehicle Systems by Hegman-Type Gage
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationoftherelative
E70Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the
ease of removing soilant discolorations from the dried film of
Glass Electrode
an interior coating by washing with either an abrasive or
E1347Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea-
nonabrasive cleaner.
surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
1.2 This test method is limited to coatings having a CIE-Y
3. Terminology
reflectance of 60% or more, as measured in accordance with
Test Method E1347.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 soilant, n—a discoloring substance that clings to the
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
surfaceofacoating,whosedispersedcolorcomponentisnotin
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
solution and therefore does not penetrate into the film.
only.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Soilant differs from stain in that the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
colorant of a stain is in solution and, therefore, can penetrate
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
into the film.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Summary of Test Method
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 The test material is applied to a black plastic panel and
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
allowed to dry for 7 days. The reflectance of the film is
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
measured (R ) and then a soilant consisting of carbon black
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
dispersed in mineral oil is applied on the film. The panel is
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
placedonaglassplateinawashabilitymachineandthefilmis
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
washed with either an abrasive or nonabrasive scrub medium
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
for100cycles.Thepanelisrinsedanddriedandthereflectance
in the stained area is read (R ). The ratio of the reflectance,
2. Referenced Documents
R /R , is a measure of the degree to which the soilant has been
2 1
2.1 ASTM Standards:
removed.
D562Test Method for Consistency of Paints Measuring
5. Significance and Use
KrebsUnit(KU)ViscosityUsingaStormer-TypeViscom-
eter
5.1 Interior architectural paints are often discolored by dirt
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
andothersoilantmaterials.Thistestmethodcoverstherelative
ease and completeness of removal of a specific soilant from
such a surface by scrubbing. The greater the ease of soil
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
removalwithaminimumoffilmerosion,thegreatertheuseful
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
service life is expected to be.
Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
5.2 Results obtained by this test method do not necessarily
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D3450–15. DOI:
correlate with all types of soilants.
10.1520/D3450-15R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.3 Semigloss finishes generally require only the nonabra-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
sive type cleaner for good soilant removal, whereas flat paints
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. may require the abrasive type.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3450 − 15 (2020)
7,8
6. Apparatus 7.4 Sponge.
7.5 Masking Tape.
6.1 Washability Tester, also referred to as a straight line
9,8
washability machine.
7.6 Soilant Medium, consisting of the following:
6.1.1 Accessory Apparatus:
grams
Mineral oil, USP heavy 60
6.1.1.1 Glass Plate, measured to fit, 454 by 165 by 6.3 mm
Odorless mineral spirits 32
7 1 1
(17 ⁄8 by 6 ⁄2 by ⁄4 in.),
10,8
Carbon black 8
6.1.1.2 Stainless Steel Pan,
6.1.1.3 “C” Clamps, 7.6.1 MixcomponentsanddispersetoaHegmanfinenessof
7 (0.5 mils or 13 µm) or when measured in accordance with
6.1.1.4 Scale, standard,
Test Method D1210.
6.1.1.5 White Blotter, and
7.7 Scrub Media (Note 1).
6.1.1.6 Holder, brass, measuring 95 by 76 by 25.4 mm (3 ⁄4
9,8
by 3 by 1 in.). 7.7.1 Nonabrasive Medium consisting of the following:
4 grams
6.2 U-Shaped Film Caster, having both a 0.18-mm (7-mil)
A
Water 89.7
clearance by 132 mm width and a 0.25-mm (10-mil) clearance
Hydroxyethyl cellulose 2.0
12,8
Detergent 4.0
by 138 mm width.
Trisodium phosphate, anhydrous 4.0
B
Acetic acid glacial 0.3
6.3 Film Applicator, 76 mm (3 in.) width with 76-µm
13,8
Preservative 0.03
(3-mil) clearance.
100.0
6.4 Suction Plate for drawdowns (large size).
A
Vary to achieve a final consistency of 165 to 220 g (75 to 85 Krebs Units) with a
Stormer Viscometer in accordance with Test Method D562.
6.5 45°, 0° Reflectometer, with green filter, as specified in
B
Vary to achieve a final pH from 9.5 to 10.0 in accordance with Test Method E70.
Test Method E1347.
9,8
7.7.2 Abrasive Medium, consisting of the following:
6.6 Balance, with 0.1-g scale graduation.
grams
A
6.7 Fineness of Dispersion Gauge, as specified in Test Water 49.5
Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.8
Method D1210.
Ammonium hydroxide 28 % ---
12,8
Detergent 2.0
Trisodium phosphate, anhydrous 2.0
7. Reagents and Materials
14,8
Silica 45.0
B
Acetic acid, glacial 0.7
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
13,8
Preservative 0.03
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
100.0
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society, A
Vary to achieve a final consistency of 475 to 600 g (110 to 120 Krebs Units) with
the Stormer Viscometer in accordance with Test Method D562.
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
B
Vary to achieve a final pH of 9.5 to 10.0 in accordance with Test Method E70.
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
7.8 Slowly add the hydroxethyl cellulose to the water while
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
stirring mechanically. Stir until uniform and then slowly add 2
accuracy of the determination.
to 3 drops of 28% ammonium hydroxide solution while
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, reference
mixing and continue mixing until the solution turns clear. In
towatershallbeunderstoodtomeanreagentwaterconforming
to Type IV of Specification D1193.
7.3 Black Plastic Panels. 7
Thesolesourceofsupplyofasponge,cellulosictype,coarseporegrade,95by
3 1
76 by 38 mm (3 ⁄4by3by1 ⁄2 in.) meeting Federal Spec. L-S-626, Type II, known
to the committee at this time is the O’Cel-O Div., General Mills, Inc., 305 Sawyer
Ave., Tonawanda, NY 14150.
3 8
ModelAG 8100 (replaced by BYK-Gardner model 5060) from BYK-Gardner, If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
Inc., Gardner Laboratory, 9104 Guilford Road, Columbia, MD 21046 and Model ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider-
“D”fromPaulN.GardnerCo.,Inc.,316N.E.FirstSt.,PompanoBeach,FL33060 ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
were used originally in this test method. See RR:D01-1065. Straight-line washabil- The sole source of supply of laboratory standardized stain and scrub media,
ity testers may be adapted to meet the requirements of this method. known to the committee at this time is the Leneta Co.
4 10
The Dow film caster from BYK-Gardner, was used originally in this test The sole source of supply of Carbon Black, known to the committee at this
method. time is Printex U Beads,The DeGussa Corp., 65 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park,
ACS Reagent Chemicals, Specifications and Procedures for Reagents and NJ 07660.
Standard-Grade Reference Materials, A
...