ASTM C510-16(2022)

Standard Test Method for Staining and Color Change of Single- or Multicomponent Joint Sealants

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Staining of a building is an aesthetically undesirable occurrence. This test method evaluates the likelihood of a sealant causing early stain on a porous substrate due to certain chemical exudations from the sealant.  
4.1.1 This test method may not predict staining caused by such factors as residue run-down or dirt pick-up by a sealant exudate.  
4.2 This test method is useful to predict potential color changes in the sealant itself after weathering.  
4.3 This test method measures color change in a sealant and staining of substrate by the sealant under conditions of artificial weathering. See also Test Method D2203, which measures staining by a sealant due to gross exudations from the sealant; it does not subject the sealant to artificial weathering.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers an accelerated laboratory procedure to determine if a sample of a joint sealant will stain the substrate when in contract with masonry, concrete, or stone (such as marble, limestone, sandstone, and granite). This test method also is intended to determine whether the sealant itself will change in color when exposed to the weather.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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-Dec-2021
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
• Drafting Committee: C24.40 - Weathering

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C109/C109M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C717-19 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-18 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C717-17a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-17 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-16a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-16 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-14a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM G113-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-13 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM C109/C109M-12 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12b - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2012

Overview

ASTM C510-16(2022) - Standard Test Method for Staining and Color Change of Single- or Multicomponent Joint Sealants provides a consistent laboratory procedure to evaluate the likelihood of a joint sealant causing stains on porous construction substrates such as masonry, concrete, and natural stone (marble, limestone, sandstone, granite). This test method also assesses if the sealant itself is prone to color change under accelerated artificial weathering conditions. The standard offers essential guidance for manufacturers, specifiers, architects, and contractors aiming to ensure the aesthetic integrity of building façades and surfaces where joint sealants are used.

Key Topics

• Staining Assessment: Evaluates the potential for single- or multicomponent joint sealants to discolor substrates, focusing on early staining due to chemicals exuded from the sealant.
• Color Change Detection: Addresses the possibility of color changes in the sealant material itself following exposure to artificial weathering, helping predict performance and visual longevity.
• Test Procedure: Utilizes mortar slabs as a substrate base, with both sealed and unsealed specimens undergoing controlled weathering tests using devices like xenon arc or UV/condensation chambers.
• Artificial Weathering Exposure: Replicates long-term environmental effects within a laboratory to accelerate observations of staining and color changes.
• Result Reporting: Requires clear documentation of observed stains and sealant color variation post-exposure.
• Limitations: The method does not cover all possible staining causes, such as dirt pickup or water runoff, focusing instead on chemical exudation and accelerated weathering.

Applications

The ASTM C510-16(2022) test method is widely used in the construction and building envelope industries, with direct benefits for:

• Product Development: Enables manufacturers of sealants to validate and improve formulation to minimize staining and color change, thus enhancing product quality and competitive advantage.
• Project Specification: Provides architects and specifiers with a recognized basis for selecting appropriate sealant products for high-visibility assemblies, including building façades, masonry joints, and stone cladding.
• Quality Assurance: Facilitates building owners and contractors in confirming that installed sealant systems meet aesthetic and performance expectations before full-scale application.
• Comparative Testing: Permits stakeholders to evaluate competing sealant products under identical laboratory conditions, ensuring informed decision-making based on standardized results.

Related Standards

ASTM C510-16(2022) references and aligns with several other ASTM standards to ensure comprehensive evaluation and clarity on terminology:

• ASTM C109/C109M: Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars
• ASTM C150: Specification for Portland Cement
• ASTM C207: Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Purposes
• ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• ASTM C1442: Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus
• ASTM D2203: Test Method for Staining from Sealants (focuses on gross exudations without artificial weathering)
• ASTM G113: Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials

These standards support consistent testing conditions and result interpretation across projects and laboratories.

Practical Value

The implementation of ASTM C510-16(2022) allows construction professionals to:

• Minimize Risk: Avoid costly remediation by identifying sealants that may cause unacceptable staining or color change, especially on prestigious or heritage surfaces.
• Ensure Compliance: Demonstrate adherence to international standards required by project specifications and regulatory frameworks.
• Enhance Durability: Promote use of joint sealant products that maintain building aesthetics and performance over time, contributing to long-term asset value.

By selecting and specifying sealants according to ASTM C510-16(2022), stakeholders ensure high standards for appearance, durability, and market reputation in modern construction projects.

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: C510 − 16 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Staining and Color Change of Single- or Multicomponent
Joint Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C510; 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 Artificial Weathering Apparatus
D2203 Test Method for Staining from Sealants
1.1 This test method covers an accelerated laboratory pro-
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
cedure to determine if a sample of a joint sealant will stain the
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
substrate when in contract with masonry, concrete, or stone
(such as marble, limestone, sandstone, and granite). This test
3. Terminology
method also is intended to determine whether the sealant itself
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
will change in color when exposed to the weather.
method, see Terminology C717 for terms relating to building
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
seals and sealants, and Terminology G113 for terms relating to
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
natural and artificial weathering tests.
only.
4. Significance and Use
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4.1 Staining of a building is an aesthetically undesirable
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- occurrence. This test method evaluates the likelihood of a
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- sealant causing early stain on a porous substrate due to certain
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. chemical exudations from the sealant.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 4.1.1 This test method may not predict staining caused by
such factors as residue run-down or dirt pick-up by a sealant
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the exudate.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 This test method is useful to predict potential color
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
changes in the sealant itself after weathering.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.3 This test method measures color change in a sealant and
stainingofsubstratebythesealantunderconditionsofartificial
2. Referenced Documents
weathering. See also Test Method D2203, which measures
2.1 ASTM Standards:
staining by a sealant due to gross exudations from the sealant;
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
it does not subject the sealant to artificial weathering.
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube
Specimens)
5. Apparatus
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
5.1 Theexposureapparatusshallbeoneofthethreetypesof
C207 Specification for Hydrated Lime for Masonry Pur-
laboratoryacceleratedweatheringdevicesdescribedinPractice
poses
C1442 that use either xenon arc, fluorescent UV, or open flame
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
carbon arc radiation. Consult Practice C1442 for the differ-
C1442 Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using
ences in test parameters among the devices. Because of
differences in test conditions, test results may differ with the
type of device used. The choice of device shall be by mutual
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuilding
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.40 on agreement among the interested parties.
Weathering.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published January 2022. Originally 6. Materials
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C510 – 16. DOI:
6.1 Portland Cement, white, nonstaining, conforming to
10.1520/C0510-16R22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Type I of Specification C150.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.2 Hydrated Lime, conforming to Type S of Specification
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. C207.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C510 − 16 (2022)
6.3 Ottawa Sand, graded, white, conforming to the require- UV/condensation and open flame carbon arc tests. The expo-
ments of Section 4 of Test Method C109/C109M. sure duration for the xenon arc test shall be a minimum of 184
kJ/(m · nm) at 340 nm.This is based on a minimum of a 100-h
6.4 Aluminum Plates, eight 152 mm by 70 mm (6-in. by
exposure at an irradiance level of 0.51 W/(m · nm)
...