ASTM F793-93(2004)
(Classification)Standard Classification of Wallcovering by Durability Characteristics
Standard Classification of Wallcovering by Durability Characteristics
SCOPE
1.1 This classification covers the classification of wallcovering by durability characteristics, that is, according to its serviceability in use, recognizing that certain wallcovering is designed primarily for decorative effect, while other wallcovering is also designed to achieve a high degree of serviceability.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The metric values given in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.3 The flammability test in this classification should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment that takes into account all of the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: F 793 – 93 (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Classification of
Wallcovering by Durability Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F793; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Building Materials
1.1 This classification covers the classification of wallcov-
G21 Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic
ering by durability characteristics, that is, according to its
Polymeric Materials to Fungi
serviceability in use, recognizing that certain wallcovering is
2.2 Federal Standards:
designed primarily for decorative effect, while other wallcov-
Fed. Std. No. 191 Textile Test Methods
ering is also designed to achieve a high degree of serviceabil-
Fed. Spec. CCCW-408C Wallcoverings and Vinyl Coated
ity.
2.3 Other Documents:
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
as the standard. The metric values given in parentheses are
NFPA255 TestofSurfaceBurningCharacteristicsofBuild-
provided for information only.
ing Materials
1.3 The flammability test in this classification should be
UL 723 Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Build-
used to measure and describe the properties of materials,
ing Materials
products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under
controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to
3. Terminology
describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials,
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However,
3.1.1 abrasion resistance—the ability to withstand me-
results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk
chanical action such as rubbing, scraping, or scrubbing that
assessment that takes into account all of the factors that are
may progressively tend to remove material from the surface of
pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end
a wallcovering.
use.
3.1.2 blocking resistance—the ability to resist adhesion or
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
sticking between two surfaces of a wallcovering that touch
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
under uniform loading and temperature conditions for a speci-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
fied time.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.3 breaking strength—the ability of a wallcovering to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
withstand a pulling force in the plane of the web.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.4 coating adhesion—a measure of the strength of the
2 bond between the surface coating and the backing or substrate
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of a wallcovering.
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
3.1.5 cold cracking resistance—theabilitytoresistcracking
for Testing
of the coated or decorative surface when a wallcovering is
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
folded during exposure to low temperatures.
D1308 Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on
3.1.6 colorfastness—the ability to resist change or loss of
Clear and Pigmented Organic Finishes
color resulting from exposure to light.
D2486 Test Method for Scrub Resistance of Wall Paints
3.1.7 crocking resistance—the ability to resist transfer of
color from a wallcovering surface when rubbed.
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.15 on
Wallcoverings.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2004. Published January 2004. Originally AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as F793–93 (1998). Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, ATTN: NPODS.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Corporate Progress, 333
the ASTM website. Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 793 – 93 (2004)
3.1.8 flammability—a measure of the ability of a wallcov- 4. Significance and Use
eringtoresistthepropagationofflameandthedevelopmentof
4.1 This classification provides criteria by which wallcov-
smoke under prescribed test conditions. (See 1.2.)
eringofappropriatedurabilitycharacteristicscanbechosenfor
3.1.9 heat aging resistance—the ability to resist deteriora- particular residential and commercial decorating applications.
tion of the coated or decorative surface when a wallcovering is
5. Basis of Classification
exposed to elevated temperatures over an extended period.
3.1.10 mildew-resistant wallcovering—a wallcovering that 5.1 Wallcovering is classified based on its durability in tests
for:
has been treated to deter the growth of fungi (mildew) on the
decorative surface.
Abrasion resistance
Blocking resistance
3.1.11 peelable wallcovering—a wallcovering from which
Breaking strength
the decorative surface may be dry-peeled from the substrate, Coating adhesion
Cold cracking resistance
leaving a continuous layer of the substrate on the wall, when
Colorfastness
the wallcovering has been installed and peeled in accordance
Crocking resistance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. Heat aging resistance
Maximum Flame Spread
3.1.12 scrubbability—the ability of a wallcovering to with-
Maximum Shrinkage
stand scrubbing with a brush and a prescribed detergent Maximum Smoke Development
Scrubbability
solution.
Stain resistance
3.1.13 shrinkability—the change in the dimension of the Tear resistance
Washability
wallcovering after wetting it and drying it.
Wallcovering shall be classified in accordance with the
3.1.14 stain resistance—the ability of a wallcovering to
performance criteria listed in Table 1 when tested in accor-
show no appreciable change in appearance after application
dance with the appropriate test methods in Section 7.
and removal of specified reagents.
5.1.1 Category I, Decorative Only—Wallcoveringmanufac-
3.1.15 strippable wallcovering—a wallcovering that can be
turedfordecorativepurposesthatcanbehungwithoutdamage
dry-stripped from the wall after having been installed and
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
stripped in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions,
5.1.2 Category II, Decorative with Medium Serviceability—
leaving a minimum of product residue on the wall and without
Wallcovering primarily decorative but more washable and
damage to the wall surface.
colorfast than Category I wallcovering.
3.1.16 tear strength—the ability of a wallcovering to resist
5.1.3 Category III, Decorative with High Serviceability—
the propagation of an existing tear.
Wallcovering manufactured for medium use, where abrasion
3.1.17 wallcovering—a flexible product designed to cover
resistance, stain resistance, scrubbability, and increased color-
walls and ceilings for decorative or functional purposes, or
fastness are necessary. Category III wallcovering must also
both.
meet breaking strength and crocking resistance criteria.
3.1.18 washability—the ability of a wallcovering to with- 5.1.4 Category IV, Type I Commercial Serviceability—
standoccasionalspongingwithaprescribeddetergentsolution. Wallcovering manufactured for use where higher abrasion
TABLE 1 Classification Criteria
Category II Category III Category IV Category V Category VI
Category I
Section Decorative Decorative Type I Type II Type III
Property Decorative
Reference with Medium with High Commercial Commercial Commercial
Only
Serviceability Serviceability Serviceability Serviceability Serviceability
Minimum colorfastness 7.3 23 h 46 h 200 h 200 h 200 h
Minimum washability 7.4 100 cycles 100 cycles 100 cycles 100 cycles 100 cycles
Minimum scrubbability 7.7 50 cycles 200 cycles 300 cycles 500 cycles
Minimum abrasion resistance 7.8 200 cycles 300 cycles 1000 cycles
(220 grit) (220 grit) (220 grit)
Minimum breaking strength 7.9 40 lb 50 lb 100 lb
MD (machine direction) 30 lb 55 lb 95 lb
CMD (cross machine direction)
Minimum crocking resistance 7.6 good good good good
Minimum stain resistance 7.5 Reagents 1 to 9 Reagents 1 to 9 Reagents 1 to 12 Reagents 1 to 12
Minimum tear resistance 7.10 12 25 50
Maximum blocking resistance 7.11 2 2 2
Minimum coating adhesion 7.12 2 lb/in 3 lb/in. 3 lb/in.
Minimum cold cracking resistance 7.13 no change no change no change
Minimum heat aging resistance 7.14 pass pass pass
Maximum flame spread 7.15 25 25 25 25 25
Maximum smoke development 7.15 50 50 50 50 50
Maximum shrinkage 7.19
MD (machine direction) 2 2 2
CMD (cross machine direction) 1 1 1.5
F 793 – 93 (2004)
resistance, stain resistance, and scrubbability are necessary in 6.2 When specified in the purchase order or contract, a
heavy consumer and light commercial use. Category IV producer’s or supplier’s certification shall be furnished to the
wallcovering must also meet crocking resistance, tear resis- purchaser that the material was manufactured, sampled, tested,
tance, blocking resistance, cold cracking resistance, heat aging and inspected in accordance with this specification and has
resistance, and breaking strength criteria. Wallcovering meets been found to meet the requirements. When specified in the
Type I performance as defined by Fed. Spec. CCCW-408C. purchase order or contract, a report of the test results shall be
5.1.5 Category V, Type II Commercial Serviceability— furnished.
Wallcovering manufactured for use where better wearing
7. Test Methods
qualities are required and exposure to wear is greater than
normal. Category V wallcovering must meet high abrasion 7.1 General—The inspection and test procedures contained
resistance, stain resistance, and colorfastness criteria, in addi- in this section shall be used to determine the conformance of
tiontohighercrockingresistance,tearresistance,andbreaking the product to the requirements of this classification. Each
strength criteria than Categories I to IV. Blocking resistance, manufacturer who represents a product as conforming to this
cold cracking resistance, coating adhesion, and heat aging classification may use statistically based sampling plans that
resistance tests also apply. Wallcovering meets Type II perfor- are appropriate for each particular manufacturing process, but
mance as defined by Fed. Spec. CCCW-408C. shall keep such essential records as are necessary to document
5.1.6 Category VI, Type III Commercial Serviceability— withahighdegreeofassurancetheclaimthattherequirements
Wallcovering manufactured for use in heavy traffic areas. of this classification have been met.
Category VI wallcovering must meet highest abrasion resis- 7.2 Testing Conditions—Unless otherwise provided, test
tance, stain resistance, tear resistance, colorfastness, crocking specimens under standard conditions as set forth in Method
resistance, and breaking strength criteria. Blocking resistance, D685. To determine whether the visual appearance of a test
coating adhesion, cold cracking resistance, and heat aging specimen has been appreciably changed by a test, suspend the
resistance tests also apply. Wallcovering meets Type III per- specimen at eye level in a vertical position, as on the wall,
formance as defined by Fed. Spec. CCCW-408C. under illumination between 100 to 150 fc (1000 to 1500 lx),
5.2 Wallcoveringlabeledwithaflammabilityratingshallbe and view the specimen from a distance of 4 ft (1.2 m). An
tested and classified as a “Class A, B, or C Interior Finish” in appreciable change is one such as discoloration, change in
accordance with 6-5.1.5 and 6-5.1.6 of NFPA 101, the Life gloss,blistering,softening,swelling,orlossofadhesionthatis
Safety Code. noticeable when the tested specimen is compared with a
5.3 Wallcovering described as peelable shall be capable of sample of the original specimen.
having the decorative surface removed as a discrete self- 7.3 Colorfastness—Test for colorfastness to light in accor-
supporting film by a dry method defined by the manufacturer, dance with Fed. Std. No. 191, Method5660.1. The exposed
leaving a surface that may be removed in the conventional sample shall show no appreciable change after the prescribed
manner or left on the wall for rehanging. hours of exposure.
5.4 Wallcovering described as strippable shall be capable of 7.4 Washability—Cut a sample of wallcovering 6 ⁄2 by 17
being dry-stripped in accordance with the manufacturer’s in. (165 by 430 mm) with the longer dimension in the cross
instructions without leaving appreciable residue or otherwise direction.Chooseanareawithasmanydifferentprintedcolors
damaging the wall. as possible. The test shall include each printed color and the
5.5 Wallcovering described as mildew-resistant shall be ground surface. For routine quality control it is not necessary
protected to resist fungi (mildew) growth on the decorative forthespecimentobe“hung.”Ifthewallcoveringisatypethat
surface to achieve a rating of 0 or 1 when tested in accordance cannot be washed the requisite number of rubs without
with Practice G21. wrinkling or tearing, the specimen should be hung or mounted
on ⁄8-in. (3.2-mm) smooth-finish board and allowed to dry 24
6. Labeling
h at room temperature with good air circulation.
6.1 Eitherofthefollowingstatementsissuggestedforusein
7.4.1 Place the specimen in a washability machine,
representingproductsasconformingtoallrequirementsofthis
equipped with a cellulose sponge, mounted on a plated brass
classification:
holder [weight 1 lb (454 g)]. Distribute 1 tablespoon (15 mL)
6.1.1 “This Category __ (descriptive phrase) wallcovering
of detergent solution (Note 1) over the area to be washed.
conforms to all requirements established in Standard Classifi-
Install the cellulose sponge holder, that has been soaking in
cation of Wallcovering by Durability Characteristics ASTM
detergent solution for at least 15 min, in the machine, set the
F793. Full responsibility for the conformance of this product
counter at zero, and turn the switch to start. At the end of the
to the standard is assumed by (name and address of manufac-
requisite number of cycles, stop the machine, remove the
turer or distributor);” or
spe
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