ASTM D7514-14(2022)

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Ink Stainblocking of Architectural Paint Systems by Visual Assessment

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This standard may be used by paint companies and raw material suppliers to assess effectiveness of interior architectural primers for blocking stains from bleeding through to a topcoat.  
5.2 In practice, different ink-stained substrates may give various results for stainblocking performance for a primer and topcoat system. As such, this test method may be used for a number of different ink-stained surfaces.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard provides a method for evaluating the ability of an architectural paint system to block ink stains from markers and writing instruments from bleeding through a primer into a topcoat.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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: 30-Nov-2022
• ICS: 87.080 - Inks. Printing inks
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.42 - Architectural Coatings

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D823-17 - Standard Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Varnish, and Related Products on Test Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2017
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• 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 D823-95(2012) - Standard Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Varnish, and Related Products on Test Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• 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 E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1640-03(2009) - Standard Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of Organic Coatings at Room Temperature
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• 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 E177-08 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D823-95(2007) - Standard Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Varnish, and Related Products on Test Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM E177-06b - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E177-06a - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-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 E177-04e1 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004

Overview

ASTM D7514-14(2022) is the internationally recognized standard test method for evaluating the ink stainblocking properties of architectural paint systems through visual assessment. Developed by ASTM International, this method helps paint manufacturers and raw material suppliers assess how effectively interior architectural primers and topcoat systems block ink stains from markers, pens, and similar writing instruments from bleeding through the paint layers.

This standard is essential for improving quality control and performance in coatings used in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The method is applicable to a range of ink-stained substrates, making it a versatile tool for paint companies and materials suppliers.

Key Topics

• Stainblocking Assessment: The core of ASTM D7514-14(2022) is the evaluation of a paint system’s ability to prevent ink stains from bleeding through primer into the topcoat, ensuring durable surface aesthetics and protection.
• Test Procedure:
  • Prepare a substrate, apply a basecoat (if needed), and create ink stains using various writing implements such as permanent markers, washable markers, dry erase markers, ink pens, and highlighters.
  • Apply the test primer and allow it to dry, followed by a topcoat application.
  • The drying times should align with product recommendations or be determined using standardized drying methods.
• Visual Assessment: After the system has dried, each stain is visually evaluated and rated on a 0 to 10 scale, where "10" indicates complete stainblocking and "0" indicates severe stain bleed-through.
• Repeatability and Reproducibility: The standard provides guidelines for consistent test results across operators and laboratories, supporting reliable product comparisons.

Applications

ASTM D7514-14(2022) plays a critical role in several practical settings:

• Product Development: Paint manufacturers use this standard to develop and benchmark primers and topcoats designed for superior ink stain resistance.
• Quality Assurance: Regular testing during production ensures that marketed paint systems meet performance claims for stainblocking.
• Material Selection: Raw material suppliers evaluate the compatibility and effectiveness of their components in blocking stain migration in finished coatings.
• Specification Compliance: Architects, building owners, and contractors can reference this standard when specifying coating systems for high-performance stain resistance in environments such as schools, offices, and healthcare facilities.
• Performance Verification: This method allows direct, visual confirmation that a paint system can maintain surface appearance and durability against common ink-based stains.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards are referenced within ASTM D7514-14(2022) and provide supporting methodologies:

• ASTM D823: Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels.
• ASTM D1640: Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of Organic Coatings.
• ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method.

Summary

Adopting ASTM D7514-14(2022) ensures a standardized approach to evaluating and improving ink stainblocking in interior architectural coatings. This standard helps paint companies and suppliers deliver high quality, durable finishes that stand up to everyday stains, supporting both product reputation and customer satisfaction. For anyone involved in coatings formulation or procurement, understanding and applying this ink stainblocking test method is essential for achieving lasting surface protection and superior aesthetics.

Keywords: ink stainblocking, architectural paint systems, ASTM D7514, primer, topcoat, visual assessment, bleed-through, coating performance, architectural primer, interior coatings.

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: D7514 − 14 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Ink Stainblocking of Architectural Paint Systems
by Visual Assessment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7514; 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 3.1.1 stainblocking, n—the ability of a paint or coating to
prevent stains from bleeding through into the top finish.
1.1 This standard provides a method for evaluating the
ability of an architectural paint system to block ink stains from
4. Summary of Test Method
markers and writing instruments from bleeding through a
4.1 A substrate, typically a painted surface or an uncoated
primer into a topcoat.
building material, is stained using a series of ink writing
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
implements.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.2 The stained substrate is coated with the test paints and
standard.
allowed to dry for a specified interval.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.3 The test paints are top-coated with a wall paint and the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
test paint/topcoat system is evaluated for stainblocking effec-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tiveness.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Significance and Use
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 This standard may be used by paint companies and raw
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
material suppliers to assess effectiveness of interior architec-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tural primers for blocking stains from bleeding through to a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
topcoat.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 In practice, different ink-stained substrates may give
various results for stainblocking performance for a primer and
2. Referenced Documents
topcoat system. As such, this test method may be used for a
2.1 ASTM Standards:
number of different ink-stained surfaces.
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels 6. Apparatus
D1640 Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation
6.1 Film applicator, such as a drawdown bar, capable of
of Organic Coatings
applying 0.075 mm to 0.100 mm (3 mil to 4 mil) wet film
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
thickness with a minimum film width as needed to cover the
ASTM Test Methods
test area defined in 9.2.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
6.2 Ruler or suitable straight edge instrument.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
7. Reagents and Materials
3. Terminology
7.1 Substrate desired for testing. The substrate must be able
3.1 Definitions:
to accept a variety of ink marks and must have a uniform flat
surfacetoenablepaintfilmstobeappliedwithadrawdownbar
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
applicator.Asealed drawdown chart coated with a base paint is
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
commonly used.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally
7.2 Staining media selected from among the following
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7514 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/D7514-14R22.
materials:
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
7.2.1 Permanent marker.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
7.2.2 Washable marker.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 7.2.3 Dry erase marker.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
D7514 − 14 (2022)
7.2.4 Ink pen. 9.1.2.1 Select a paint to use as a basecoat. Any commer-
7.2.5 Highlighter. cially available white flat wall paint may be used for this
7.2.6 Other suitable writing implements as agreed upon purpose.
between purchaser and seller.
NOTE2—Becausedifferentbasecoatpaintswillvaryinhowtheyaccept
NOTE 1—Parties involved in comparing ink stainblocking results
the ink stains, performance can only be compared for tests using the same
between laboratories must ensure the selected writing implements are
substrate system.
from a common supply. This is important as inks may produce different
staining effects depending on their age, storage conditions, or manufac-
9.1.2.2 Apply the selected basecoat paint to an all-white
tured lot. Additionally, it may be useful when replacing ink pens or
sealed drawdown chart to achieve a wet-film thickness of
markers with a new supply to conduct a comparison of old and new to
approximately 0.075 mm (3.0 mils). The application shall be
validate if new ink stainblocking results will correlate to historical
conducted in accordance with any appropriate practice de-
findings.
scribed in Practices D823.
8. Hazards
9.1.2.3 The basecoat paint must cover enough of the width
of the drawdown chart to enable smooth passage of the
8.1 The user of this standard should refer to appropriate
drawdown bar for subsequent coats of test paint. The progres-
MSDSforhazardsassociatedwithhandlingofpaintsamplesor
sion of paint applications for this standard beginning with the
other laboratory items used as specified in this standard.
basecoat application is represented in Fig. 1.
9. Procedure
9.1.2.4 Allow basecoat paint to dry overnight. Environmen-
tal conditions during drying of the basecoat paint are not
9.1 Substrate Preparation:
critical to the end test result, however, the basecoat paint
9.1.1 If the primer/topcoat system is to be evaluated directly
should be Dry-Through as described in Test Methods D1640
over an existing substrate that will accept ink stains, proceed
before continuing.
directly to the ink-staining procedure in 9.1.3.
9.1.2 If no specific substrate is identified for the evaluation, 9.1.3 Usingastraightedgeasaguide,makeaseriesofsolid
a test substrate shall be prepared by coating a drawdown chart stain lines perpendicular to the direction of the drawdown with
with a suitable basecoat as follows. various ink markers and pens as specified in 7.2. It is generally
FIG. 1 Progression of Paint Applications
D7514 − 14 (2022)
suggested to select inks of varying chemical composition such 9.2.4 If the test paint system is designed for use without an
as those having different carrier solvents. additional topcoat, proceed directly to final evaluation de-
9.1.4 A minimum of 2 colors of each marker and pen is scribed in Section 10.
recommended. Leave a minimum of 3 mm unstained area 9.2.5 Select a paint to use as a topcoat. The topcoat paint
between each stain line. should represent a paint that would be applied over the test
paints in practice. If evaluating a self-priming system, the test
NOTE 3—Selecting a variety of colors for each stain is recommended as
paint itself may be used as the topcoat.
this gives an indication of a coating system’s stainblocking ability using a
9.2.6 Complete the panel by applying the selected topcoat
commoninkcompositionbutwithvaryingpigmentation.Inpractice,three
or more colors are often selected to represent each ink.
using a film applicator to achieve a 0.075 mm to 0.100 mm
(3 mil to 4 mil) wet film.
9.1.5 If the test will be run using Method A as described in
9.2.6.1 Method A—The topcoat drawdown is cast so that it
9.2.6.1, the distance between the top and bottom stain lines on
is parallel to the applied direction of the ink stains on the
the test chart should not exceed the practical application width
substrate.
...