ASTM D3274-09e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Fungal or Algal Growth, or Soil and Dirt Accumulation
Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Fungal or Algal Growth, or Soil and Dirt Accumulation
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The growth of fungi in and on the surface of paint films represents a major cause of discoloration or disfigurement of painted surfaces. Because of their dark pigmentation, it is frequently difficult to distinguish fungi from dirt or soil particles.
Use of Pictorial Standards:
The pictorial references that are part of this test method are for illustration purposes and may be used for visual comparisons.
The diagrams represent an idealized schematic of various growth levels on paint films. they are intended as a representation only, but will serve as a useful guideline to establish amount and type of growth.
The diagrams represented in Fig. 1 are not derived from a linear scale. The scale is intended to provide for more discrimination at the earlier stages of fungal or algal growth. It is at these levels that greater discernment is necessary.
Comparisons made on dark colored substrates will be much more difficult, and will therefore require much more care and attention. It must be noted that because it is difficult to distinguish mild fungal or algal growth on the very dark substrates, there may be a tendency to under-rate those specimens.
SCOPE
1.1 Fungal growth, frequently referred to as mildew in the paint industry, causes defacement of paint film exposed outdoors. The visual rating of paint surface disfigurement due to fungal or algal attack is required in order to compare the performance of different coatings.
1.2 This method of rating mildew evaluation is intended to be used on exterior exposed paint films. This method may be used to rate interior fungal or algal growth, but it should be noted that the growth patterns on interior surfaces are different than exterior due to the lack of weathering influences. It is primarily intended for test specimens, but can also be sued for rating mildew growth on larger structures such as entire houses. If this is used for large areas, the project should be broken down into smaller sections.
1.3 This method is intended for field use for the macro rating of surface disfigurement only. The visual scales are meant to be used by the unaided eye to rate algal, fungal, or dirt disfigurement on larger surface areas such as test panels, siding boards, or entire buildings. Techniques are included for the differentiation of soil and dirt.
1.4 Fungi will grow on most paint films exposed outdoors that are located in conditions favorable to growth. Test procedures such as Practices D1006, D3456, and G7 are available describing natural exposure tests that can be used to expose paint films, in order to create fungal or algal growth.
1.5 The pictorial references available for use with this test method provide a numerical basis for rating the degree of fungal or algal growth on paint films.
1.6 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
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´1
Designation:D3274 −09
StandardTest Method for
Evaluating Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films
1
by Fungal or Algal Growth, or Soil and Dirt Accumulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3274; 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 Department of Defense.
1
´ NOTE—Research report was added editorially in March 2010.
1. Scope* responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 Fungal growth, frequently referred to as mildew in the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
paint industry, causes defacement of paint film exposed out-
doors. The visual rating of paint surface disfigurement due to
2. Referenced Documents
fungal or algal attack is required in order to compare the
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
performance of different coatings.
D1006Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of
1.2 This method of rating mildew evaluation is intended to
Paints on Wood
be used on exterior exposed paint films. This method may be
D3456Practice for Determining by Exterior Exposure Tests
used to rate interior fungal or algal growth, but it should be
theSusceptibilityofPaintFilmstoMicrobiologicalAttack
noted that the growth patterns on interior surfaces are different
D4610Guide for Determining the Presence of and Remov-
than exterior due to the lack of weathering influences. It is
ing Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth on Paint and
primarily intended for test specimens, but can also be sued for
Related Coatings
rating mildew growth on larger structures such as entire
G7Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Test-
houses. If this is used for large areas, the project should be
ing of Nonmetallic Materials
broken down into smaller sections.
3. Terminology
1.3 This method is intended for field use for the macro
rating of surface disfigurement only. The visual scales are 3.1 Types of Fungal Growth—Duringexaminationofapaint
meanttobeusedbytheunaidedeyetoratealgal,fungal,ordirt
film, it may be possible to distinguish between the several
disfigurementonlargersurfaceareassuchastestpanels,siding
typesoffungaloralgalgrowth.Ifrequired,itmaybenecessary
boards, or entire buildings. Techniques are included for the
to note the type of fungal or algal growth found. Under
differentiation of soil and dirt.
magnification, and with some identification training, it is
possible to be able to distinguish growth types. The following
1.4 Fungi will grow on most paint films exposed outdoors
definitions are some growth types that may be found.
that are located in conditions favorable to growth. Test proce-
dures such as Practices D1006, D3456, and G7 are available 3.2 hyphae, n—thread-like, tubular fungal filaments that
describing natural exposure tests that can be used to expose compose the mycelium.
paint films, in order to create fungal or algal growth.
3.3 mildew, n—a popular term for the conglomerations of
fungi that grow on and disfigure paint films.
1.5 The pictorial references available for use with this test
method provide a numerical basis for rating the degree of
3.4 mycelium, n—vegetative mass of hyphae forming the
fungal or algal growth on paint films.
body of a fungus.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.5 spore—an asexual reproductive cell capable of develop-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ing into a mature fungus without fusion with another cell.
3.5.1 Discussion—Spores tend to be spherical in morphol-
ogy and are observed singly or in clusters. Spores may or may
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
2
Subcommittee D01.28 on Biodeterioration. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2009. Published May 2009. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D3274–95(2002). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D3274-09E01. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
D3274−09
not be associated with fungal mycelia and can range in a wide 4.2.4 Comparisons made on
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.