ASTM C475/C475M-17(2022)

Standard Specification for Joint Compound and Joint Tape for Finishing Gypsum Board

ABSTRACT
This specification covers all-purpose, taping and finishing joint compounds, paper joint tape and glass-mesh joint tape. No cracks in the thinner half of the wedge and no deep fissure cracks in the thicker half of the wedge. Other physical properties such as putrefaction, shrinkage, joint tape, width, thickness and tensile strength shall also be determined. Tests such as dimensional stability test, assembly of taping or all-purpose compound and joint-tape test, bond test, edge cracking test, and skewness test are required for paper joint-tape.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers all-purpose, taping and finishing joint compounds, paper joint tape, and glass-mesh joint tape.  
1.1.1 The joint materials used in this standard are designed to be used with gypsum board installed in accordance with Specification C840.  
1.2 This specification also covers the minimum requirements for an assembly of taping and all-purpose compound and joint tape.  
1.3 The text of this specification references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.  
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI (metric) units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each system shall be used independent of the other. Values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
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-2022
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C11 - Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Drafting Committee: C11.02 - Specifications and Test Methods for Accessories and Related Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1615-19(2024) - Standard Specification for Cautionary Labeling for Five-Gallon Open-Head Plastic Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C840-23 - Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3882-08(2020) - Standard Test Method for Bow and Skew in Woven and Knitted Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM C474-15(2020) - Standard Test Methods for Joint Treatment Materials for Gypsum Board Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM C840-19b - Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM C840-19a - Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C840-19 - Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1615-19 - Standard Specification for Cautionary Labeling for Five-Gallon Open-Head Plastic Containers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C840-18b - Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM C840-18a - Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C11-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM C840-18 - Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM C11-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM C840-17a - Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C11-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017

Overview

ASTM C475/C475M-17(2022) is the internationally recognized standard specification developed by ASTM for joint compounds and joint tapes used in the finishing of gypsum board assemblies. This standard outlines the requirements for all-purpose, taping, and finishing joint compounds, as well as for paper and glass-mesh joint tapes designed to reinforce and conceal joints between gypsum boards. Products meeting this specification support durable and crack-free finishes, ensuring the integrity and aesthetics of interior wall and ceiling systems.

Key Topics

• Materials Covered:
  • All-purpose, taping, and finishing joint compounds
  • Paper joint tape and glass-mesh joint tape
• Test Requirements:
  • Dimensional stability tests for paper tape
  • Bond strength, tensile strength, and edge crack resistance
  • Skewness and width/thickness tolerances for joint tape
  • Physical property checks for joint compounds, including shrinkage and resistance to putrefaction
• Performance Criteria:
  • No cracks in thinner wedge applications, no deep fissure cracks in thicker applications
  • Specified minimums for width, thickness, and tensile strength of tapes
  • Limits on shrinkage and expansion to maintain joint and surface integrity
• Inspection & Certification:
  • Sampling procedures for quality assurance
  • Documentation to certify compliance with the standard
• Packaging & Labeling:
  • Marking of products with identifying information including manufacturer, size, and weight
  • Special labeling requirements for specific container types

Applications

This ASTM specification is crucial for professionals and manufacturers involved in:

• Gypsum Board Installation: Ensures compatibility and performance of joint compounds and tapes when used with gypsum boards installed according to ASTM C840.
• Interior Construction: Essential for achieving smooth, crack-resistant walls and ceilings in residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
• Quality Control: Provides a basis for evaluating product performance, ensuring only compounds and tapes that meet stringent physical and mechanical property criteria are used.
• Procurement and Project Specifications: Assists architects, contractors, and building owners in specifying compliant materials for reliable joint treatment and long-term durability.
• Manufacturing and Supply: Guides producers in formulating, testing, and certifying joint treatment products to meet international market demands.

Related Standards

Compliance with ASTM C475/C475M-17(2022) often involves reference to associated standards:

• ASTM C840: Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board
• ASTM C474: Test Methods for Joint Treatment Materials for Gypsum Board Construction
• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D3882: Test Method for Bow and Skew in Woven and Knitted Fabrics
• ASTM F1615: Specification for Cautionary Labeling for Five-Gallon Open-Head Plastic Containers

By adhering to ASTM C475/C475M-17(2022), stakeholders ensure that gypsum board finishes are robust, reliable, and meet both functional and aesthetic requirements demanded in modern construction. This standard supports quality-driven building practices and streamlines the selection and qualification of joint compounds and tapes worldwide.

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:C475/C475M −17 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Joint Compound and Joint Tape for Finishing Gypsum
Board
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C475/C475M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Materials and Systems
C474 Test Methods for Joint Treatment Materials for Gyp-
1.1 This specification covers all-purpose, taping and finish-
sum Board Construction
ing joint compounds, paper joint tape, and glass-mesh joint
C840 SpecificationforApplicationandFinishingofGypsum
tape.
Board
1.1.1 The joint materials used in this standard are designed
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
to be used with gypsum board installed in accordance with
D3882 Test Method for Bow and Skew in Woven and
Specification C840.
Knitted Fabrics
1.2 This specification also covers the minimum require-
F1615 Specification for Cautionary Labeling for Five-
mentsforanassemblyoftapingandall-purposecompoundand
Gallon Open-Head Plastic Containers
joint tape.
3. Terminology
1.3 The text of this specification references notes and
3.1 Definitions—Definitions shall be in accordance with
footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and
Terminology C11.
footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
considered as requirements of the specification.
3.2.1 glass-mesh joint-tape, n—a strip of multidirectional
1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI (metric)
glass yarn material designed to reinforce the joint between two
units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text,
gypsum boards.
theSIunitsareshowninparentheses.Thevaluesstatedineach
3.2.2 joint tape, n—a strip of material used to conceal and
system shall be used independent of the other. Values from the
reinforce the joint between two gypsum boards.
two systems shall not be combined.
3.2.3 joint tape, self-adhering, n—a joint tape manufactured
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
to adhere directly to the substrate.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Tapeshavingthisqualitydonotrequire
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
mechanical or embedment means of attachment to the sub-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
strate.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.4 paper joint tape, n—a strip of paper reinforcing
materialdesignedtobeembeddedinthejointcompoundandto
2. Referenced Documents
reinforce the joint between two gypsum boards.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.5 skewness, n—as defined in Terminology D123.
C11 Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building
4. Physical Properties
4.1 General—Thephysicalpropertiesshallbedeterminedin
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C11 on
accordance with Test Methods C474, except as noted.
Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems and is the direct responsibility
4.2 Joint Compounds.
of Subcommittee C11.02 on Specifications and Test Methods for Accessories and
Related Products.
4.2.1 Check Cracking—No cracks in the thinner half of the
Current edition approved June 1, 2022. Published June 2022. Originally
wedge and no deep fissure cracks in the thicker half of the
approved in 1961. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C475/C475M – 17.
wedge.
DOI: 10.1520/C0475_C0475M-17R22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4.2.2 Putrefaction—No putrefaction in less than four days.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.2.3 Shrinkage—Not more than 35 % by volume.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 4.3 Joint Tape:
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