ASTM D4585/D4585M-18

Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Water can cause degradation of coatings, so knowledge of how a coating resists water is helpful in predicting its service life. Failure in a condensation test may be caused by a number of factors including a deficiency in the coating itself, contamination of the substrate, or inadequate surface preparation. The test is therefore useful for evaluating coatings alone or complete coating systems.  
4.2 Condensation tests of coatings are used for specification acceptance, quality control, and research and development of coatings and substrate treatments. These tests usually result in a pass or fail determination but the degree of failure also may be measured. A coating system is considered to pass if there is no evidence of water-related failure after a specified period of time.  
4.3 Results obtained from the use of condensation tests in accordance with this practice should not be represented as being equivalent to a period of exposure to water in the natural environment, until the degree of quantitative correlation has been established for the coating or coating system.  
4.4 The test is usually conducted on metal, plastics, or wood specimens with the coating facing the inside of the chamber. However, it is possible to test the blister resistance of house coatings on wood specimens by mounting the uncoated wood surface facing the inside of the chamber.  
4.5 This practice can be used for corrosion tests particularly if the specimens are periodically dried. While corrosion products will drain into the water bath, they are not carried into the vapor that condenses on the test specimens.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers basic principles and operating procedures for testing water resistance of coatings using controlled condensation. Condensation is produced by exposing one surface of a coated specimen to a heated, saturated mixture of air and water vapor, while the reverse side of the specimen is exposed to the cooling effect of room temperature air. This practice is derived from research of the Cleveland Society for Coatings Technology.2  
1.2 This practice is limited to the methods of obtaining, measuring, and controlling conditions and procedures of controlled condensation tests. It does not specify specimen preparation, specific test conditions, or evaluation of results.  
Note 1: Alternative practices for testing water resistance of coatings include Practices D870, D1735, and D2247.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
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-Jun-2018
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.27 - Accelerated Testing

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4585/D4585M-13 - Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D870-15(2020) - Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2247-15(2020) - Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in 100 % Relative Humidity
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1730-09(2020) - Standard Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2616-19 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Difference With a Gray Scale
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D610-08(2019) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• 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 D1654-08(2016) - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM D2247-15 - Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in 100 % Relative Humidity
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1730-09(2014) - Standard Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM G154-12 - Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM D610-08(2012) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• 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 D2616-12 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Difference With a Gray Scale
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• 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

Overview

ASTM D4585/D4585M-18, titled Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation, establishes a method for evaluating the water resistance of coatings through controlled condensation exposure. Published by ASTM International, this standard is widely used by coating manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and research organizations to assess coatings’ durability and predict their service life in conditions where condensation and moisture are prevalent.

Water exposure can degrade coatings, leading to failures such as blistering, loss of adhesion, and corrosion. By simulating these effects in a controlled test environment, ASTM D4585/D4585M-18 helps stakeholders evaluate individual coatings or complete coating systems, informing product development, specification compliance, and quality control processes.

Key Topics

• Controlled Condensation Testing: The standard outlines procedures for exposing one side of a coated specimen to heated water vapor while the reverse side is cooled by room temperature air, causing condensation on the test surface. This simulates real-world moisture exposure that coatings may encounter.
• Specimen Orientation and Chamber Setup: Specimens are typically mounted to form the roof or walls of the chamber, inclined to let condensate run off. Maintaining proper sealing and inclination ensures reliable and repeatable results.
• Variable Test Conditions: Users can set different temperatures (typically between 38°C and 82°C [100°F to 180°F]), durations, and choose between continuous or cyclic drying and wetting schedules.
• Applications to Multiple Substrates: While commonly used for metals, this procedure is also suitable for plastics and wood. Special configuration allows testing of blister resistance in wood coatings as well.
• Evaluation Criteria: Final assessment usually involves pass/fail determination based on visual inspection for water-induced failures. Degree of deterioration, such as color changes or blistering, may also be quantitatively measured.
• Limitations: The results reflect resistance to water by condensation in the specific test set up and are not automatically equivalent to natural weather exposure unless a correlation has been demonstrated.
• Safety and Units of Measurement: The standard mandates independent use of SI or inch-pound units and requires users to follow appropriate safety and environmental practices.

Applications

ASTM D4585/D4585M-18 plays a critical role in various sectors of the coatings and materials industries. Common applications include:

• Specification Acceptance Testing: Verifying that coating products meet contract or regulatory specifications regarding water resistance.
• Quality Control: Routine testing of production batches to ensure consistent moisture protection performance.
• Research and Development: Comparative analysis of new or reformulated coatings and substrate treatments under controlled moisture exposure.
• Corrosion Testing: Especially valuable when specimens undergo periodic drying, facilitating the study of corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
• Failure Analysis: Diagnosing issues such as adhesion loss, blistering, and surface degradation caused by moisture ingress on diverse substrates.

Coating manufacturers and end-users benefit from the reproducibility and reliability of results that support product claims and help reduce the risk of premature failures in service.

Related Standards

ASTM D4585/D4585M-18 references and complements several other key ASTM coating test standards, supporting comprehensive evaluation programs:

• ASTM D870 - Water Immersion testing of coatings
• ASTM D1735 - Water Fog Apparatus for water resistance
• ASTM D2247 - 100% Relative Humidity Exposure
• ASTM D609, D610, D714, D823, D1654, D1730, D2616, D3359, D3363, D4541 - Various methods for substrate preparation, application, and properties evaluation
• ASTM G154 - Fluorescent UV Lamp Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

Using these standards in combination enables organizations to comprehensively assess the performance and durability of coating systems under various simulated environmental conditions.

Keywords: water resistance, condensation testing, coatings durability, ASTM D4585, quality control, accelerated aging, corrosion, substrate protection, laboratory testing

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: D4585/D4585M − 18
Standard Practice for
Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled
Condensation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4585/D4585M; 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* 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice covers basic principles and operating 2.1 ASTM Standards:
procedures for testing water resistance of coatings using D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels
controlled condensation. Condensation is produced by expos- for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and
ing one surface of a coated specimen to a heated, saturated Related Coating Products
mixture of air and water vapor, while the reverse side of the D610 Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted
specimen is exposed to the cooling effect of room temperature Steel Surfaces
air. This practice is derived from research of the Cleveland D714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of
Society for Coatings Technology. Paints
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
1.2 This practice is limited to the methods of obtaining,
of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels
measuring, and controlling conditions and procedures of con-
D870 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings
trolled condensation tests. It does not specify specimen
Using Water Immersion
preparation, specific test conditions, or evaluation of results.
D1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated
NOTE 1—Alternative practices for testing water resistance of coatings
Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
include Practices D870, D1735, and D2247.
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
D1735 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
Using Water Fog Apparatus
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
D2247 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
100 % Relative Humidity
with the standard.
D2616 Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Differ-
ence With a Gray Scale
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D4541 Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Portable Adhesion Testers
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3. Summary of Practice
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1 Watervaporisgeneratedbyheatingapanofwateratthe
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
bottom of the test chamber. The specimens form the roof or
walls of the test chamber so that the back sides of the
specimens are exposed to the cooling effects of room tempera-
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
tureair.Theresultingheattransfercausesvaportocondenseon
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.27 on Accelerated Testing.
the test specimens as liquid water saturated with air.
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published July 2018. Originally approved
in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D4585 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/
D4585_D4585M-18.
2 3
Foecking, N. J., “Cleveland Condensing Type Humidity Cabinet,” Offıcial For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Digest, December 1963, Vol 35, No. 467, pp. 1318–1327; and Higgins, W. A., contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
“Cleveland Condensing Type Humidity Cabinet: II,” Offıcial Digest, November Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
1965, Vol 37, No. 490, pp. 1392–1404. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4585/D4585M − 18
3.2 The temperature and amount of condensate forming on
the specimens is controlled by the temperature differential
between the test chamber and the room.The test specimens are
inclined so that condensate runs off the test surface by gravity
and is replaced by fresh condensate in a continuous process
during the condensate cycle.
3.3 Exposure conditions are varied by selecting: (a) the
temperature of the test, (b) the duration of the test, and (c)
periodic drying of the specimens. Testing may be conducted at
temperatures from 38 to 82°C [100 to 180°F].Any effects such
as color change, blistering, loss of adhesion, softening, or
embrittlement are observed and reported.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Water can cause degradation of coatings, so knowledge
ofhowacoatingresistswaterishelpfulinpredictingitsservice
life. Failure in a condensation test may be caused by a number
of factors including a deficiency in the coating itself, contami-
nation of the substrate, or inadequate surface preparation. The
FIG. 2 Apparatus Cross Section
test is therefore useful for evaluating coatings alone or com-
plete coating systems.
insulated side walls mounted on a base, test specimen racks
4.2 Condensation tests of coatings are used for specification
attached to the side walls, a heated water pan, and provisions
acceptance, quality control, and research and development of
for controlling and indicating the vapor temperature within the
coatings and substrate treatments. These tests usually result in
chamber. Vents, approximately 3 to 5 mm [0.10 to 0.20 in.]
a pass or fail determination but the degree of failure also may
wide, shall be provided to admit room air at the bottom of the
be measured.Acoating system is considered to pass if there is
test chamber. Locate the chamber away from air vents and
no evidence of water-related failure after a specified period of
direct drafts.
time.
NOTE 2—The apparatus described in Practice G154 may be used if the
4.3 Results obtained from the use of condensation tests in
ultraviolet lamps specified in Practice G154 are turned off.
accordance with this practice should not be represented as
5.2 Specimens shall form the roof of the test chamber. If the
being equivalent to a period of exposure to water in the natural
specimens cannot completely fill all the openings, blank panels
environment, until the degree of quantitative correlation has
shall be used. Certain substrates may deform from the heat and
been established for the coating or coating system.
moisture. The specimens shall be mounted to eliminate gaps
4.4 The test is usually conducted on metal, plastics, or wood
between specimens that allow heat and moisture to escape.
specimens with the coating facing the inside of the chamber.
Various types of tape can be used to seal the gaps that develop
However, it is possible to test the blister resistance of house
when the specimen deforms. Specimens shall be inclined from
coatings on wood specimens by mounting the uncoated wood
15 to 75° from the horizontal and arranged so that condensate
surface facing the inside of the chamber.
is returned to the water pan without dripping on other speci-
4.5 This practice can be used for corrosion tests particularly
mens.
if the specimens are periodically dried. While corrosion prod-
5.3 Water Supply, with water level control.
...

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: D4585/D4585M − 13 D4585/D4585M − 18
Standard Practice for
Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled
Condensation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4585/D4585M; 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 basic principles and operating procedures for testing water resistance of coatings using controlled
condensation. Condensation is produced by exposing one surface of a coated specimen to a heated, saturated mixture of air and
water vapor, while the reverse side of the specimen is exposed to the cooling effect of room temperature air. This practice is derived
from research of the Cleveland Society for Coatings Technology.
1.2 This practice is limited to the methods of obtaining, measuring, and controlling conditions and procedures of controlled
condensation tests. It does not specify specimen preparation, specific test conditions, or evaluation of results.
NOTE 1—Alternative practices for testing water resistance of coatings include Practices D870, D1735, and D2247.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating
Products
D610 Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces
D714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels
D870 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Immersion
D1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
D1735 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Water Fog Apparatus
D2247 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings in 100 % Relative Humidity
D2616 Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Difference With a Gray Scale
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test
D3363 Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test
D4541 Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
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, 2013July 1, 2018. Published September 2013July 2018. Originally approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
D4585 – 07.D4585 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/D4585_D4585M-13.10.1520/D4585_D4585M-18.
Foecking, N. J., “Cleveland Condensing Type Humidity Cabinet,” Offıcial Digest, December 1963, Vol 35, No. 467, pp. 1318–1327; and Higgins, W. A., “Cleveland
Condensing Type Humidity Cabinet: II,” Offıcial Digest, November 1965, Vol 37, No. 490, pp. 1392–1404.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4585/D4585M − 18
G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
3. Summary of Practice
3.1 Water vapor is generated by heating a pan of water at the bottom of the test chamber. The specimens form the roof or walls
of the test chamber so that the back sides of the specimens are exposed to the cooling effects of room temperature air. The resulting
heat transfer causes vapor to condense on the test specimens as liquid water saturated with air.
3.2 The temperature and amount of condensate forming on the specimens is controlled by the test temperature and the room
temperature. temperature differential between the test chamber and the room. The test specimens are inclined so that condensate
runs off the test surface by gravity and is replaced by fresh condensate in a continuous process during the condensate cycle.
3.3 Exposure conditions are varied by selecting: (a) the temperature of the test, (b) the duration of the test, and (c) periodic
drying of the specimens. Testing may be conducted at temperatures from 38 to 82°C [100 to 180°F]. Any effects such as color
change, blistering, loss of adhesion, softening, or embrittlement are observed and reported.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Water can cause degradation of coatings, so knowledge of how a coating resists water is helpful in predicting its service life.
Failure in a condensation test may be caused by a number of factors including a deficiency in the coating itself, contamination of
the substrate, or inadequate surface preparation. The test is therefore useful for evaluating coatings alone or complete coating
systems.
4.2 Condensation tests of coatings are used for specification acceptance, quality control, and research and development of
coatings and substrate treatments. These tests usually result in a pass or fail determination but the degree of failure also may be
measured. A coating system is considered to pass if there is no evidence of water-related failure after a specified period of time.
4.3 Results obtained from the use of condensation tests in accordance with this practice should not be represented as being
equivalent to a period of exposure to water in the natural environment, until the degree of quantitative correlation has been
established for the coating or coating system.
4.4 The test is usually conducted on metal, plastics, or wood specimens with the coating facing the inside of the chamber.
However, it is possible to test the blister resistance of house paintscoatings on wood specimens by mounting the uncoated wood
surface facing the inside of the chamber.
4.5 This practice can be used for corrosion tests particularly if the specimens are periodically dried. While corrosion products
will drain into the water bath, they are not carried into the vapor that condenses on the test specimens.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Test Chamber (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), consisting of insulated side walls mounted on a base, test specimen racks attached
to the side walls, a heated water pan, and provisions for controlling and indicating the vapor temperature within the chamber. Vents,
approximately 3 to 5 mm [0.10 to 0.20 in.] wide, shall be provided to admit room air at the bottom of the test chamber. Locate
the chamber away from air vents and direct drafts.
NOTE 2—The apparatus described in Practice G154 may be used if the ultraviolet lamps specified in Practice G154 are turned off.
5.2 Specimens shall form the roof of the test chamber. If the specimens cannot completely fill all the openings, blank panels
shall be used. Certain substrates may deform from the heat and moisture. The specimens shall be mounted to eliminate gaps
between specimens that allow heat and moisture to escape. Various types of tape can be used to seal the gaps that develop when
the specimen deforms. Specimens shall be inclined from 15 to 75° from the horizontal and arranged so that condensate is returned
to the water pan without dripping on other specimen
...