ASTM D2201-23

Standard Practice for Preparation of Zinc-Coated and Zinc-Alloy-Coated Steel Panels for Testing Paint and Related Coating Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The procedures described in this practice are designed to provide uniform zinc coated steel panels for testing of paint, varnish, lacquer, conversion coatings and related products.  
3.2 The proper description of the zinc coating on the substrate is an important part of this practice. Seemingly slight differences in zinc coating can produce substantial differences in coating performance.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the preparation of zinc-coated and zinc-alloy-coated sheet steel panels to be used for testing paint, varnish, lacquer, conversion coatings, and related products. It covers sheet steel coated with hot dipped galvanized, one-side galvanized, electrogalvanized, zinc-iron alloy coatings (such as galvanneal), and zinc-5 % aluminum alloy coatings. It does not cover steel panels coated with 55 % aluminum-45 % zinc alloy, because these behave more like aluminum than zinc.  
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-May-2023
• ICS: 77.140.50 - Flat steel products and semi-products
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.27 - Accelerated Testing

Relations

• Refers: ASTM A1092-15(2020) - Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, as Cold-Reduced, for Conversion to Annealed Cold-Rolled Steel Sheet, and Hot Dip Metallic-Coated Steel Sheet
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D7396-14(2020) - Standard Guide for Preparation of New, Continuous Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D6386-16 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM A1092-15 - Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, as Cold-Reduced, for Conversion to Annealed Cold-Rolled Steel Sheet, and Hot Dip Metallic-Coated Steel Sheet
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D7396-14 - Standard Guide for Preparation of New, Continuous Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM D609-00(2012) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM D6386-10 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010
• Refers: ASTM D7396-08 - Standard Guide for Preparation of New, Continuous Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM D7396-07 - Standard Guide for Preparation of New, Continuous Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM F22-02(2007) - Standard Test Method for Hydrophobic Surface Films by the Water-Break Test
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D609-00(2006) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM D6386-99(2005) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2005
• Refers: ASTM F22-02 - Standard Test Method for Hydrophobic Surface Films by the Water-Break Test
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Refers: ASTM D609-00 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2000
• Refers: ASTM D6386-99 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999

Overview

ASTM D2201-23: Standard Practice for Preparation of Zinc-Coated and Zinc-Alloy-Coated Steel Panels for Testing Paint and Related Coating Products provides comprehensive guidelines for the preparation of zinc-coated and zinc-alloy-coated steel panels intended for laboratory testing of paints, varnishes, lacquers, conversion coatings, and related products. This international standard, developed by ASTM International, ensures that test panels are prepared in a consistent and reliable manner, contributing to accurate performance evaluation of various coatings on zinc-coated steel substrates.

Key Topics

• Panel Preparation Procedures: Outlines the steps involved in preparing zinc-coated and zinc-alloy-coated steel panels to achieve uniform and contamination-free test surfaces.
• Types of Zinc Coatings: Applies to steel coated with hot-dipped galvanized, one-side galvanized, electrogalvanized, zinc-iron alloy (“galvanneal”), and zinc-5% aluminum alloy coatings.
• Exclusions: Does not include steel panels with 55% aluminum-45% zinc alloy coatings, as these exhibit characteristics more similar to aluminum than zinc.
• Surface Cleanliness: Emphasizes the importance of removing passivating treatments and ensuring panels are water-break free, which is critical for obtaining accurate test results.
• Reporting Requirements: Specifies detailed information that must be documented, such as panel size, zinc coating type, coating weights, surface treatment history, and preparation methods.

Applications

ASTM D2201-23 is widely used by manufacturers, laboratories, and researchers involved in the testing and development of:

• Paint and Coating Products: Provides a standard substrate for comparative evaluation of adhesion, durability, corrosion resistance, and other performance attributes of coatings intended for zinc-coated steel surfaces.
• Quality Control and Research: Enables consistent preparation of panels for repeatable and reproducible test results, essential for product development and process optimization.
• Materials Selection: Assists in selecting appropriate zinc-coated or zinc-alloy-coated steel types and surface conditions for specific coatings and end-use environments.
• Regulatory and Compliance Testing: Supports conformity with international specifications and facilitates trade by ensuring panels are prepared according to globally recognized procedures.

This standard is especially valuable in industries such as automotive, construction, appliance manufacturing, and any sector where zinc-coated steel is a primary substrate for protective or decorative coatings.

Related Standards

For comprehensive surface preparation and testing of zinc-coated and related steel products, the following standards are frequently referenced alongside ASTM D2201-23:

• ASTM A653/A653M: Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
• ASTM A875/A875M: Steel Sheet, Zinc-5% Aluminum Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
• ASTM A879/A879M: Steel Sheet, Zinc Coated by the Electrolytic Process
• ASTM A1092: Steel Sheet For Conversion to Annealed Cold-Rolled Steel and Hot Dip Metallic-Coated Steel Sheet
• ASTM D609: Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint and Related Products
• ASTM D6386: Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coated Iron and Steel Surfaces for Painting
• ASTM D7396: Preparation of New, Continuous Zinc-Coated Steel Surfaces for Painting
• ASTM F22: Test Method for Hydrophobic Surface Films by the Water-Break Test
• ISO 3575: Hot-Dip Zinc-Coated Carbon Steel Sheet
• ISO 5002: Electrolytic Zinc-Coated Carbon Steel Sheet

Practical Value

Utilizing ASTM D2201-23 guarantees reliable preparation of test specimens, helping to eliminate variables relating to substrate preparation when evaluating paint and coating performance on galvanized steel. By following standardized procedures for cleaning, handling, and documenting panel characteristics, users can confidently compare results across different laboratories, products, and applications. This standard thus underpins coatings research, product qualification, and materials certification processes, supporting both quality assurance and regulatory compliance in the coatings industry.

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: D2201 − 23
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Zinc-Coated and Zinc-Alloy-Coated Steel
Panels for Testing Paint and Related Coating Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2201; 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 the Electrolytic Process for Applications Requiring Des-
ignation of the Coating Mass on Each Surface
1.1 This practice covers the preparation of zinc-coated and
A1092 Specification for Steel Sheet, as Cold-Reduced, for
zinc-alloy-coated sheet steel panels to be used for testing paint,
Conversion to Annealed Cold-Rolled Steel Sheet, and Hot
varnish, lacquer, conversion coatings, and related products. It
Dip Metallic-Coated Steel Sheet
covers sheet steel coated with hot dipped galvanized, one-side
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels
galvanized, electrogalvanized, zinc-iron alloy coatings (such as
for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and
galvanneal), and zinc-5 % aluminum alloy coatings. It does not
Related Coating Products
cover steel panels coated with 55 % aluminum-45 % zinc alloy,
D6386 Practice for Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galva-
because these behave more like aluminum than zinc.
nized) Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Surfaces for Painting
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
D7396 Guide for Preparation of New, Continuous Zinc-
only.
Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the F22 Test Method for Hydrophobic Surface Films by the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Water-Break Test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2.2 ISO Standards:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ISO 3575 Continuous hot-dip zinc-coated carbon steel sheet
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of commercial, lock-forming and drawing qualities
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
ISO 5002 Hot-rolled and cold-reduced electrolytic zinc-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
coated carbon steel sheet of commercial and drawing
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
qualities
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1 The procedures described in this practice are designed to
provide uniform zinc coated steel panels for testing of paint,
2. Referenced Documents
varnish, lacquer, conversion coatings and related products.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2 The proper description of the zinc coating on the
A653/A653M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated
substrate is an important part of this practice. Seemingly slight
(Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed)
differences in zinc coating can produce substantial differences
by the Hot-Dip Process
in coating performance.
A875/A875M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-5 % Alu-
minum Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
4. Metal Substrate
A879/A879M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc Coated by
4.1 The test panels shall be completely free of any visible
signs of storage stain or white rust (zinc corrosion). All corners
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
and edges shall be smooth and uniformly rounded.
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
4.2 The type of zinc coating, zinc thickness, metal
Subcommittee D01.27 on Accelerated Testing.
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally
thickness, and panel size shall be agreed upon between the
approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as D2201 – 22. DOI:
purchaser and seller.
10.1520/D2201-23.
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 Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2201 − 23
4.3 Zinc coated steel may be shipped from the mills unoiled. spraying, or placing the panel under any source of clean water
However, zinc coated steel that has been oiled with a nonre- (for example, distilled water, deionized water, or clean tap
active rust preventative oil shall be acceptable under this water). If a continuous film of water on the surface is not
specification. retained (that is, the water film "breaks" or exhibits de-wet
areas), repeat the cleaning process and check for a water-break-
4.4 Zinc coated steel may be shipped from the mill with a
free condition. Thoroughly dry the panel using compressed air.
phosphate pretreatment for improved paint bonding.
See Test Method F22.
NOTE 1—Caution: Alkaline cleaning such pre-phosphated metal will
often remove the phosphate coating.
6. Protection after Processing
4.5 Elimination of Passivating Treatments:
6.1 To prevent corrosion, panels should be used as quickly
4.5.1 The test panels shall be free of passivating treatments
as possible after processing. Panels that are not to be used
(Note 2), because such treatments interfere with paint bonding.
immediately after preparation shall be wrapped in a paper
NOTE 2—Passivating treatments are applied at the mill to prevent
impregnated with a volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) specifi-
oxidation of the zinc (white rust) during storage. Because they bond
cally designed for zinc, and then placed in a waterproof bag or
tightly to the zinc, they also prevent paints and other coatings from
envelope. In order to avoid contamination from fingerprints, do
bonding to the zinc. Zinc coated material stocked in commercial ware-
houses almost always has a passivating treatment. To obtain nonpassivated not touch the surface of the panel after it has been cleaned.
zinc coated steel, it’s generally necessary to special order steel directly
Handle the panels by the edges only.
from a steel mill
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D2201 − 22 D2201 − 23
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Zinc-Coated and Zinc-Alloy-Coated Steel
Panels for Testing Paint and Related Coating Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2201; 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
1.1 This practice covers the preparation of zinc-coated and zinc-alloy-coated sheet steel panels to be used for testing paint, varnish,
lacquer, conversion coatings, and related products. It covers sheet steel coated with hot dipped galvanized, one-side galvanized,
electrogalvanized, zinc-iron alloy coatings (such as galvanneal), and zinc-5 % aluminum alloy coatings. It does not cover steel
panels coated with 55 % aluminum-45 % zinc alloy, because these behave more like aluminum than zinc.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A653/A653M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the
Hot-Dip Process
A875/A875M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-5 % Aluminum Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
A879/A879M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc Coated by the Electrolytic Process for Applications Requiring Designation of
the Coating Mass on Each Surface
A1092 Specification for Steel Sheet, as Cold-Reduced, for Conversion to Annealed Cold-Rolled Steel Sheet, and Hot Dip
Metallic-Coated Steel Sheet
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating
Products
D6386 Practice for Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware Surfaces for Painting
D7396 Guide for Preparation of New, Continuous Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Surfaces for Painting
F22 Test Method for Hydrophobic Surface Films by the Water-Break Test
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.27 on Accelerated Testing.
Current edition approved June 1, 2022June 1, 2023. Published July 2022June 2023. Originally approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 20182022 as
D2201 – 18.D2201 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/D2201-22.10.1520/D2201-23.
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 ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2201 − 23
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 3575 Continuous hot-dip zinc-coated carbon steel sheet of commercial, lock-forming and drawing qualities
ISO 5002 Hot-rolled and cold-reduced electrolytic zinc-coated carbon steel sheet of commercial and drawing qualities
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The procedures described in this practice are designed to provide uniform zinc coated steel panels for testing of paint, varnish,
lacquer, conversion coatings and related products.
3.2 The proper description of the zinc coating on the substrate is an important part of this practice. Seemingly slight differences
in zinc coating can produce substantial differences in coating performance.
4. Metal Substrate
4.1 The test panels shall be completely free of any visible signs of storage stain or white rust (zinc corrosion). All corners and
edges shall be smooth and uniformly rounded.
4.2 The type of zinc coating, zinc thickness, metal thickness, and panel size shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and seller.
4.3 Zinc coated steel may be shipped from the mills unoiled. However, zinc coated steel that has been oiled with a nonreactive
rust preventative oil shall be acceptable under this specification.
4.4 Zinc coated steel may be shipped from the mill with a phosphate pretreatment for improved paint bonding.
NOTE 1—Caution: Alkaline cleaning such pre-phosphated metal will often remove the phosphate coating.
4.5 Elimination of Passivating Treatments:
4.5.1 The test panels shall be free of passivating treatments (Note 2), because such treatments interfere with paint bonding.
NOTE 2—Passivating treatments are applied at the mill to prevent oxidation of the zinc (white rust) during storage. Because they bond tightly to the zinc,
they also prevent paints and other coatings from bonding to the zinc. Zinc coated material stocked in commercial warehouses almost always has a
passivating treatment. To obtain nonpassivated zinc coated steel, it’s generally necessary to special order steel directly from a steel mill, or to buy panels
from manufacturers of standard test panels. See Appendix titled Identifying the Presence of and Removing Chromate Treatments used as Wet-Storage
(Also Called Humid-Storage) Stain Inhibitors of Practice D6386 for further information on identifying the presence of passivating treatments.
4.5.2 Zinc coated sheet that has never been subjected to any kind of passivating treatment is preferred for this practice.
4.5.3 Zinc coated sheet that has been passivated may be used if the passivating treatment is removed in accordance with 5.1.
NOTE 3—Caution: Removing the passivation may alter the morphology of the zinc crystal structure.
5. Methods of Preparation
5.1 If the surface has a passivating treatment, remove it by rubbing with a non-woven abrasive pad and rinsing with distilled or
deionized water.
5.2 Use one of the methods of preparation described in Specification A1092 or Guide D7396.
NOTE 4—Oiled electrogalvanized or zinc-iron alloy sometimes needs to be cleaned with mineral spirits before alkaline cleaning, depending on the length
of time the metal has been stored with the oil on the surface.
5.3 After pr
...