ASTM D5913-96(2019)

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Cleanability of Paint Brushes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The final appearance of a paint brush after it has been used and cleaned is related to the ability of the brush to perform consistently upon repeated use. This test method offers a subjective visual criteria that provides a rank order of cleanability of the filaments of a brush after use.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the evaluation or comparison of the cleanability of paint brushes, or both, when used with latex paints.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to paint brushes up to 100 mm (4 in.) in width and of similar head dimensions as described in Practice D5301.  
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 D5913-96(2013) - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Cleanability of Paint Brushes
• 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 D5068-04(2019) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• 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 D5068-04(2013) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2012) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1475-98(2012) - Standard Test Method For Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• 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 D3925-02(2010) - Standard Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related Pigmented Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04(2009) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2008) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1475-98(2008) - Standard Test Method For Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-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 D5068-04 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004

Overview

ASTM D5913-96(2019): Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Cleanability of Paint Brushes establishes a laboratory procedure to assess how easily paint brushes can be cleaned after use with latex paints. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a systematic and repeatable process to rank the cleanability of paint brush filaments using subjective visual criteria. Focusing on brushes up to 100 mm (4 in.) in width, this method is recognized internationally and helps ensure that paint brushes maintain performance and longevity through repeated use and cleaning.

Key Topics

• Laboratory Evaluation: The standard defines a controlled laboratory procedure, ensuring consistency and objectivity when testing different paint brushes' cleanability.
• Test Applicability: This method applies to brushes of up to 100 mm (4 in.) width with similar head dimensions described in ASTM Practice D5301, making it suitable for a wide range of paint application tools.
• Rank Order Assessment: Brushes are visually examined after cleaning, and their cleanability is ranked, providing manufacturers, suppliers, and quality control professionals with comparative data on brush maintenance.
• Standardized Conditions: All brush cleaning and evaluation steps are carried out under standardized environmental conditions, using specified materials and test paints, to minimize variables.
• Safety and Compliance: The standard emphasizes the need for users to consider safety, health, and environmental practices, and to comply with applicable regulations.

Applications

ASTM D5913-96(2019) is highly valuable for:

• Paint Brush Manufacturers: Enables objective comparison of different formulations or designs for easier marketing and product development focused on user convenience.
• Quality Control Laboratories: Facilitates routine checks and comparative testing for consistency in production runs and verifying supplier materials.
• Procurement and Specification: Provides a reliable basis for technical specifications in purchasing decisions, ensuring that brushes meet specified cleanability criteria.
• R&D and Product Evaluation: Supports research into new brush materials or coatings designed for improved clean-up after latex paint application.
• Professional and Consumer Use: Assures end users-such as paint contractors and DIY enthusiasts-of brush quality in terms of cleanability, impacting usability and service life.

Related Standards

Professionals referencing ASTM D5913-96(2019) for brush cleanability testing may also use the following related standards:

• ASTM D1475: Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products - for paint density measurement.
• ASTM D3924: Specification for Standard Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials (Withdrawn 2016) - for testing environment conditions.
• ASTM D3925: Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related Pigmented Coatings - for standardized paint sampling.
• ASTM D5068: Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation - for test brush preparation steps.
• ASTM D5301: Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes - for detailed brush dimension guidelines.

Practical Value

Testing the cleanability of paint brushes using ASTM D5913-96(2019) directly enhances product reliability, reduces paint contamination in subsequent jobs, and optimizes maintenance efforts. This standard is essential for anyone involved in the manufacture, selection, or use of paint brushes with latex paints, ensuring brushes are not only effective during application but also easy to restore for repeated use.

Keywords: ASTM D5913-96(2019), brush cleanability, paint brush testing, latex paint, paint brush cleaning, brush evaluation, quality control, ASTM International.

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: D5913 − 96 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Cleanability of Paint Brushes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5913; 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 D5068 Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evalu-
ation
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for the
D5301 Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint
evaluation or comparison of the cleanability of paint brushes,
Brushes
or both, when used with latex paints.
1.2 This test method is applicable to paint brushes up to 100
3. Summary of Test Method
mm (4 in.) in width and of similar head dimensions as
3.1 The test brushes are washed prior to painting to remove
described in Practice D5301.
any residual finishes from the manufacturer, broken in, and
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
then dipped into the test paint for a specified period, allowed to
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
drain and the excess removed by brushing out on paper. After
only.
a specified drying period, the brushes are cleaned and evalu-
ated for the presence of residual paint on the filaments.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 The final appearance of a paint brush after it has been
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
usedandcleanedisrelatedtotheabilityofthebrushtoperform
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
consistently upon repeated use. This test method offers a
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
subjective visual criteria that provides a rank order of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
cleanability of the filaments of a brush after use.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Apparatus
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 5.1 Test Brushes, up to 100-mm (4-in.) sizes.
5.2 Weight-per-Density Cup or pycnometer.
2. Referenced Documents
5.3 Balance, capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0.1 g.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.4 Stopwatch.
D1475 Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks,
and Related Products
6. Materials
D3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
6.1 Test Panels, with a sealed surface, having 1000 cm
tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
2 4
(1.076 ft ) of test area for 50-mm (2-in.) brushes.
Materials (Withdrawn 2016)
D3925 Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related
6.2 Laminated Fiber Board, (upson board) 610 by 305 mm
Pigmented Coatings
(24 by 12 in.) with at least one smooth side for 75-mm (3-in.)
and 100-mm (4-in.) size brushes.
6.3 Latex-Base Primer.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of 6.4 Specified Test Paint.
Subcommittee D01.61 on Paint Application Tools.
6.5 Abrasive Grit Soap.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5913 – 96 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/D5913-96R19.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Test charts such as Leneta Form 8H have been found suitable. They are
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM available from the Leneta Company, 15 Whitney Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Similar to U.S. Federal Specification TT-P-650C Primer Coating, White has
the ASTM website. beenfoundsuitableforthispurpose.Otherlatexprimersmaybeadaptedtomeetthe
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on requirements of this test method.
www.astm.org. Lava soap has been found suitable for this purpose.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5913 − 96 (2019)
6.6 Kraft or Brown Wrapping Paper, unsealed, 200 by 460 8.9 Fromthemiddleofthetestpanel,paintfirsttooneedge,
mm (8 by 18 in.). then reverse, painting to the opposite edge. Make sure that the
next stroke in each direction is a little above the first, and the
NOTE 1—The choice of the color of the test paint to be used should be
following one a little below (see Practice D5068).
dependent on the color of the filaments in the brushes under evaluation.A
light colored paint is preferable for dark filament-containing brushes and
8.10 Finish the area with light pressure by brushing in a
conversely, a dark colored paint is preferable for brushes containing
perpendiculardirectiontotheinitialapplicationutilizingthetip
light-colored filaments. Latex interior flat paints are preferred because
of the brush. Make sure that total application time for the test
they dry faster than gloss or semigloss paints.
panel is 30 to 35 s.
7. Sampling and Conditioning
8.1
...