ASTM D1475-13(2020)

• Abstract:

  SIGNIFICANCE AND USE; 5.1 Density is weight per unit volume. It is a key property in the identification, characterization, and quality control of a wide range of materials. Density measurements in terms of weight per gallon are commonly used to check paint quality. If the density is not within specification, there is a good chance that there was a mischarge or other serious problem. ; 5.2 This test method is suitable for the determination of density of paint and related products and components when in liquid form. It is particularly applicable when the fluid has too high a viscosity or when a component is too volatile for a density balance determination. ; 5.3 This test method provides for the maximum accuracy required for hiding power determinations. It is equally suitable for work in which less accuracy is required, by ignoring the directions for recalibration and consideration of temperature differentials, and using as the container a “weight-per-gallon” cup. ; 5.4 Automatic equipment for measuring density is available (see Test Method D4052) from several manufacturers. Such apparatus has been used for resins and latices as well as for oils and solvents. Before such equipment is used for a given product, results must be checked very carefully. Particularly with paints, inks, and resins, there are possibilities of gumming, fouling, and other interferences with operation.; SCOPE; 1.1 This test method covers the measurement of density of paints, inks, varnishes, lacquers, and components thereof, other than pigments, when in fluid form. ; 1.2 For higher precision when working with nonpigmented materials (drying oils, varnishes, resins and related materials), Test Method D1963 can be used to determine specific gravity and, thence, density. ; 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. ; 1.3.1 Exception—The values for density are to be stated in inch-pound units. ; 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. A specific precaution statement is given in 8.1.1.1. ; 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.

• 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: D01.24 - Physical Properties of Liquid Paints & Paint Materials

• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM E691-05 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM E691-99 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99e1 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999
• Refers: ASTM D4052-96(2002)e1 - Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1996
• Refers: ASTM D1963-85(1996) - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Drying Oils, Varnishes, Resins, and Related Materials at 25/25&#176C (Withdrawn 2004)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1996

Overview

ASTM D1475-13(2020), Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products, is a widely recognized standard developed by ASTM International. It provides a precise methodology for measuring the density of paints, varnishes, inks, lacquers, and similar products in their liquid forms. Density, defined as the weight per unit volume, is a critical parameter in the identification, quality control, and characterization of coatings and inks. Accurate density measurements are essential for ensuring product consistency, verifying formulations, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes.

This standard is particularly valuable when dealing with liquids that are too viscous or volatile for procedures based on density balances. It is compliant with internationally recognized principles as outlined by the World Trade Organization's TBT Committee, supporting global trade and harmonization of quality practices.

Key Topics

• Significance of Density Measurement: Density is essential for checking the quality of paints and coatings. Deviations from specified density can indicate formulation errors, contamination, or processing issues.
• Applicability: The method is suitable for liquid paints, inks, varnishes, and related products, excluding solid pigments. It is especially useful for samples where volatility or viscosity interferes with other test methods.
• Required Apparatus: Implements such as weight-per-gallon cups or pycnometers, calibrated thermometers, constant-temperature baths, and laboratory analytical balances are used for achieving high measurement accuracy.
• Accuracy and Precision: The standard details procedures to maximize repeatability and reproducibility, important for both quality control and product development.
• Handling High Viscosity or Volatile Materials: Specific guidance is provided for managing samples prone to air entrapment or rapid evaporation, including optional procedures such as dilution or centrifuging for better results.
• Automated Measurement Equipment: While traditional techniques are outlined, the standard also acknowledges available automated systems, provided their accuracy is validated for coatings, resins, or inks in use.

Applications

ASTM D1475-13(2020) is used by manufacturers, formulators, and quality assurance laboratories in the coatings and printing industries. Its practical applications include:

• Quality Control: Routine density checks help ensure that paints, inks, varnishes, or lacquers meet their formulation specifications and deliver consistent performance characteristics such as coverage and hiding power.
• Product Characterization: Density data supports product identification and the development of technical datasheets for downstream users.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting international density measurement standards can be crucial for exporting products and fulfilling customer or governmental requirements.
• Troubleshooting and Production Monitoring: Detecting off-spec density helps to quickly identify errors in batching, raw material mix-ups, or unintentional variations in solvent content.
• Performance Optimization: Density values are central to the calculation of other properties, such as weight per gallon, which is crucial for shipping, packaging, and end-use application rates.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards and practices complement or extend the methodologies described in ASTM D1475-13(2020):

• ASTM D1963: Test Method for Specific Gravity of Drying Oils, Varnishes, Resins, and Related Materials. Recommended for higher precision work with nonpigmented materials.
• ASTM D4052: Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter. Suggested for automated density measurement.
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water. Specifies types of water to use in density calibration.
• ASTM E180 and E691: Guidelines for assessing test method precision and conducting interlaboratory studies.

By applying ASTM D1475-13(2020), stakeholders in the coatings and printing industries can achieve reliable and reproducible density measurements, supporting both internal quality systems and regulatory acceptance in global markets.

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: D1475 − 13 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1475; 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 Varnishes, Resins, and Related Materials at 25/25°C
(Withdrawn 2004)
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of density of
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
paints,inks,varnishes,lacquers,andcomponentsthereof,other
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
than pigments, when in fluid form.
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
1.2 For higher precision when working with nonpigmented Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Spe-
materials (drying oils, varnishes, resins and related materials),
cialty Chemicals (Withdrawn 2009)
Test Method D1963 can be used to determine specific gravity E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
and, thence, density.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3. Terminology
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3.1 Definitions:
only.
3.1.1 density, n—the mass of a unit volume of a material at
1.3.1 Exception—The values for density are to be stated in
a specified temperature. In this method, it is expressed as the
inch-pound units.
weight in grams per millilitre, or as the weight in pounds
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
avoirdupois of one U. S. gallon, of the liquid at the specified
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
temperature; in the absence of other temperature specification,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
25°C is assumed.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.2 specific gravity (relative density), n—the ratio of the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A
mass of a unit volume of a material at a stated temperature to
specific precaution statement is given in 8.1.1.1.
the mass of the same volume of distilled water at the same
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
temperature.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4. Summary of Test Method
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 Theaccuratelyknownabsolutedensityofdistilledwater
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
at various temperatures (Table 1) is used to calibrate the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
volume of a container. The weight of the paint liquid contents
of the same container at the standard temperature (25°C) or at
2. Referenced Documents
an agreed-upon temperature is then determined and density of
the contents calculated in terms of grams per millilitre, or
2.1 ASTM Standards:
pounds per gallon at the specified temperature.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1963 Test Method for Specific Gravity of Drying Oils,
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Densityisweightperunitvolume.Itisakeypropertyin
the identification, characterization, and quality control of a
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
wide range of materials. Density measurements in terms of
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.24 on Physical Properties of Liquid Paints & Paint Materials.
weight per gallon are commonly used to check paint quality. If
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
the density is not within specification, there is a good chance
approved in 1957. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D1475 – 13. DOI:
that there was a mischarge or other serious problem.
10.1520/D1475-13R20.
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 last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1475 − 13 (2020)
TABLE 1 Absolute Density of Water, g/mL pycnometers may have filled weights that exceed the capacity of the usual
laboratory analytical balance. In such cases, use of a hanging pan,
°C Density
triple-beam balance, with scales graduated to 0.01 g has been found to
15 0.999127
provide results the mean of which was consistent with the overall
16 0.998971
precision and accuracy of the method.
17 0.998772
18 0.998623
7.5 Desiccator and Desiccated Balance, or a room of
19 0.998433
reasonably constant temperature and humidity are desirable.
20 0.998231
21 0.998020
22 0.997798
8. Calibration of Cup or Pycnometer
23 0.997566
24 0.997324
8.1 Determine the volume of the container at the specified
25 0.997072
temperature by employing the following steps:
26 0.996811
27 0.996540 8.1.1 Clean and dry the container and bring it to constant
28 0.996260
weight. Chromic acid (see 8.1.1.1) or other effective glass
29 0.995972
cleaner and nonresidual solvents may be used with glass
30 0.995684
containers and solvents with metal containers. For maximum
accuracy, continue rinsing, drying, and weighing until the
difference between two successive weighings does not exceed
5.2 This test method is suitable for the determination of
0.001 % of the weight of the container. Fingerprints on the
density of paint and related products and components when in
container will change the weight and must be avoided. Record
liquid form. It is particularly applicable when the fluid has too
the weight, M, in grams.
high a viscosity or when a component is too volatile for a
8.1.1.1 Warning—Chromic acid cleaning solution is corro-
density balance determination.
sivetoskin,eyesandmucousmembranesandcancausesevere
5.3 This test method provides for the maximum accuracy
burns. Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In making
required for hiding power determinations. It is equally suitable
dilute solution, always add acid to water with care. Chromic
for work in which less accuracy is required, by ignoring the
acid cleaning solution is a strong oxidizer. Avoid contact with
directions for recalibration and consideration of temperature
organic or reducing substances as a fire could results. See
differentials, and using as the container a “weight-per-gallon”
supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.
cup.
Other cleaners are much safer and may be equally effective.
5.4 Automatic equipment for measuring density is available
8.1.2 Fill the container with reagent water conforming to
(see Test Method D4052) from several manufacturers. Such
Type II of Specification D1193 at a temperature somewhat
apparatushasbeenusedforresinsandlaticesaswellasforoils
below that specified. Cap the container, leaving the overflow
and solvents. Before such equipment is used for a given
orifice open. Immediately remove excess overflowed water or
product, results must be checked very carefully. Particularly
water held in depressions by wiping dry with absorbent
with paints, inks, and resins, there are possibilities of
material. Avoid occluding air bubbles in the container.
gumming, fouling, and other interferences with operation.
8.1.3 Bring the container and contents to the specified
temperature using the constant-temperature bath or room if
6. Interferences
necessary. This will cause further slight flow of water from the
6.1 Highly viscous materials may entrap air and give
overflow orifice due to the expansion of the water with the rise
erroneous low density values.
of the temperature.
8.1.4 Remove the excess overflow by wiping carefully with
6.2 Paint or ink liquids may be trapped in the ground glass
absorbent material, avoiding wicking of water out of orifice,
or metal joints of the pieces of apparatus and give erroneous,
and immediately cap the overflow tube where such has been
high density values.
provided. Dry the outside of the container, if necessary, by
7. Apparatus
wiping with absorbent material. Do not remove overflow that
occurs subsequent to the first wiping after attainment of the
7.1 Cup or Pycnometer—Any metal weight-per-gallon cup
desired temperature (Note 3). Immediately weigh the filled
orglasspycnometermaybeused,providedthatitmaybefilled
container to the nearest 0.001 % of its weight (Note 4). Record
readilywithaviscousliquid,adjustedtoexactvolume,covered
this weight, N, in grams.
to exclude loss of volatile matter, an
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