ASTM D5068-04(2019)

Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Until the paint brush is fully conditioned and wetted with paint, only part of the paint loaded onto the brush can be transferred to the surface being painted. By properly preparing the brush before use, the amount of paint delivered to the surface can be made more uniform and reflect real use.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the preparation of paint brushes for evaluation.  
1.2 This practice is applicable to paint brushes 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 in.) in width.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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.  
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: 30-Sep-2019
• ICS: 87.100 - Paint coating equipment
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.61 - Paint Application Tools

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5068-04(2013) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2024) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2016) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM D3924-16 - Standard Specification for Standard Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2012) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3924-80(2011) - Standard Specification for Standard Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2008) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3924-80(2005) - Standard Specification for Standard Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM D3924-80(1996) - Standard Specification for Standard Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1996
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2002) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-1992
• Referred By: ASTM D7801-17 - Standard Terminology for Paint Brush Application Tools
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D4958-10(2016) - Standard Test Method for Comparison of the Brush Drag of Latex Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D7072-04(2019) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Accelerated Efflorescence of Latex Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D5146-10(2019) - Standard Guide to Testing Solvent-Borne Architectural Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Referred By: ASTM D7488-11(2016) - Standard Test Method for Open Time of Latex Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019

Overview

ASTM D5068-04(2019) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation provides a standardized procedure for preparing paint brushes before conducting laboratory evaluations. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is essential for ensuring consistent and reliable test results by addressing the importance of fully conditioning brushes prior to testing. Proper brush preparation impacts the uniformity of paint application, allowing for accurate assessment of brush and paint performance under controlled conditions.

Key Topics

• Conditioning Paint Brushes: The standard outlines procedures for conditioning paint brushes (50 to 100 mm in width) so that the paint transfer aligns with real-world application. By conditioning brushes, test results become more meaningful and reproducible.
• Standard Testing Environment: All brush evaluations must be conducted in a controlled environment with specific temperature and humidity levels, reducing variability due to environmental factors.
• Weighing Procedures: Accurate weight measurements of the brush are taken before loading, after loading with paint, and after application. This quantifies paint pick-up and discharge for detailed analysis.
• Break-In Process: Brushes undergo repeated paint loading and application cycles (“break-in” procedures) to achieve a state where additional paint pick-up falls below a threshold (less than 20%), ensuring the brush is fully conditioned for evaluation.
• Uniform Application Technique: The standard describes specific methods for paint application, including dips to consistent depths and controlled movement across test panels, optimizing uniformity and reliability.
• Brush and Panel Requirements: Only brushes within the 50-100 mm range are used, with suitable brush-out panels and materials such as test paint and masking tape for panel fixation.

Applications

ASTM D5068-04(2019) is widely applicable in laboratories, quality control departments, and manufacturing environments within the paints and coatings industry. Practical uses include:

• Product Development: Manufacturers use this standard to evaluate new paint brush designs or paint formulations under controlled, reproducible conditions.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures batch-to-batch consistency in paint and brush performance, aiding in detecting any deviations in manufacturing.
• Comparative Testing: Standardizes procedures for comparing performance across different brush types or brands, enabling data-driven decision-making for product selection and development.
• Training and Best Practices: Laboratory and quality control staff utilize the standard to understand correct brush preparation and ensure uniform evaluation techniques.
• Regulatory Compliance: The standard promotes adherence to internationally recognized best practices and may be referenced to satisfy quality or trade requirements.

Related Standards

For further guidance and complementary practices, consider the following ASTM standards:

• ASTM D5301 - Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes: Focuses on the physical properties and characteristics relevant to brush evaluation.
• ASTM D3924 (Withdrawn) - Specification for Standard Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials: Provided the environmental conditions for testing, referenced in this practice.
• Other Relevant Standards: Many ASTM documents outline general practices for coating, materials testing, and laboratory procedures, facilitating holistic product evaluation.

Conclusion

Implementing ASTM D5068-04(2019) standardizes the preparation of paint brushes for evaluation, driving consistent paint brush testing, improved quality management, and reliable performance metrics in the global paints and coatings industry. By adhering to these guidelines, organizations strengthen their quality assurance programs, support product innovation, and align with international best practices.

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: D5068 − 04 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5068; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This practice describes the preparation of paint brushes 4.1 Until the paint brush is fully conditioned and wetted
for evaluation. with paint, only part of the paint loaded onto the brush can be
transferred to the surface being painted. By properly preparing
1.2 This practice is applicable to paint brushes 50 to 100
the brush before use, the amount of paint delivered to the
mm (2 to 4 in.) in width.
surface can be made more uniform and reflect real use.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information 5. Apparatus
only.
5.1 Container, to hold paint, for example, a quart can.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.2 Test Brush, 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 in.) in width.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.3 Balance, to weigh brush to the nearest 0.1 gram.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6. Materials
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6.1 Test Paint.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6.2 Brush-Out Panels, or other typical panels to be used.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6.3 Masking Tape, to secure the panel to a flat surface.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
7. Procedure
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
7.1 All tests are to be conducted in an atmosphere having a
temperature of 23 6 2°C (73.5 6 3.5°F) and a relative
2. Referenced Documents
humidity of 50 6 5% (see Specification D3924).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
7.2 Record weight of the test brush before loading (W1)
D3924Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
using the example format as a guide (see Table 1). Place brush
tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
out panel on scale and tare.
Materials (Withdrawn 2016)
D5301 Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint
7.3 Dip the brush into the specified paint to one-half the
Brushes
length of the filament.
3. Summary of Practice NOTE 1—It is very important to assure that the depth that the brush
filamentsaredippedintothepaintisconsistentfrombrushouttobrushout.
3.1 Using a paint chosen for the evaluation, the brush to be
Toaidindeterminingthedepthtodipthefilaments,atonguedepressoror
tested is repeatedly loaded with paint and brushed over a
other guide for the specified length can be taped to the brush ferrule.
specified area in a specified application time.
7.4 Hold the brush at the specified depth in the paint for
10 s. Remove and hold the brush vertically for 30 s allowing
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
any excess paint to drain back into the paint can.
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
7.5 Secure the brush-out panel with masking tape to a flat,
Subcommittee D01.61 on Paint Application Tools.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally
smooth, horizontal surface.
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5068–04 (2013).
7.6 After the drain period, immediately place brush on a
DOI: 10.1520/D5068-04R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
tared brush-out panel and weigh. Record the brush weight
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. Any smooth type panel can be used. A Leneta 8H-BW Chart, available from
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on TheLenetaCo.,15WhitneyRoad,Mahaw,N.J.07430hasbeenusedinroundrobin
www.astm.org. testing for this purpose.
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