ASTM D4946-89(2017)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints
Standard Test Method for Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks). This stringent test method can be used to compare and rate subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for evaluating the face-to-face blocking resistance of trades sales paints. This is not to be confused with blocking resistance Test Method D3003, which is concerned with blocking of industrial coatings on metal substrates, nor with Test Method D2793 which is concerned specifically with wood product finishes and reports results on a satisfactory or not satisfactory basis, rather than by the degree of blocking tendency as in this test method.
1.2 The values stated in the SI units of measurement are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Jan-2017
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.42 - Architectural Coatings
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2006
Overview
ASTM D4946-89(2017): Standard Test Method for Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints provides a reliable and consistent procedure for evaluating the blocking resistance of architectural paints. Blocking refers to the unwanted sticking of two painted surfaces when pressed together, particularly under pressure, temperature, or humidity. This standard establishes an accelerated test method to assess the face-to-face blocking tendency of trades sales paints, offering both manufacturers and users a means to compare and rate paints based on their resistance to this common defect.
Key Topics
- Blocking Resistance: The key focus of ASTM D4946 is on "blocking"-the degree to which dry paint surfaces adhere to each other under pressure. This property is critically important for paints used on movable surfaces such as doors and windows, where painted areas are likely to come into contact.
- Accelerated Testing Procedure: The method involves conditioning painted panels, applying a specific pressure, exposing them to controlled heat and humidity, and then rating the ease of separation after cooling. The blocking resistance is evaluated on a scale from 0 (very poor) to 10 (perfect), based on the subjective tackiness and percentage of surface seal.
- Subjective Rating Scale: The standard uses descriptive ASTM values, correlating tactile and audible cues (such as the sound of separation) with the degree of sticking or surface seal.
Applications
ASTM D4946 is widely used in the following contexts:
- Paint Manufacturing: Quality control professionals utilize this standard to benchmark new paint formulations and ensure maximum performance in end-use environments.
- Architectural Projects: Specifiers and contractors use the blocking resistance ratings to select paints that minimize the risk of sticking, especially in areas subject to surface-to-surface contact such as:
- Window sashes
- Door frames
- Cabinetry and trim
- Product Comparison: Provides an objective, repeatable method for comparing blocking resistance among various architectural paint products.
- Regulatory and Certification Testing: Required by clients or regulatory authorities to demonstrate compliance with performance expectations for architectural coatings.
- R&D and Product Development: Assists research and development teams in improving paint hardness, drying properties, and overall durability to reduce blocking tendencies.
Related Standards
Several related ASTM test methods address blocking resistance for different types of coatings and substrates:
- ASTM D3003: Focuses on blocking of industrial coatings on metal substrates, using a different methodology tailored to metal rather than architectural surfaces.
- ASTM D2793: Assesses block resistance specifically for organic coatings on wood panel substrates, reporting results as satisfactory or not, rather than on the graduated scale used in D4946.
- ASTM D16: Provides terminology and definitions related to paints, coatings, materials, and applications.
Practical Value
By implementing ASTM D4946-89(2017), paint manufacturers, specifiers, and end users benefit from:
- Consistent quality assessment of architectural paints for residential and commercial projects.
- Reduced risk of paint defects such as sticking or tacky surfaces, which can lead to aesthetic or functional failures.
- Improved customer satisfaction through the use of paints with verified blocking resistance.
- Efficient comparison and selection of architectural paints based on quantified blocking resistance performance.
Keywords: ASTM D4946, blocking resistance, architectural paints, sticking, tack, paint test method, quality control, paint standards, accelerated test, comparative testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D4946-89(2017) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks). This stringent test method can be used to compare and rate subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for evaluating the face-to-face blocking resistance of trades sales paints. This is not to be confused with blocking resistance Test Method D3003, which is concerned with blocking of industrial coatings on metal substrates, nor with Test Method D2793 which is concerned specifically with wood product finishes and reports results on a satisfactory or not satisfactory basis, rather than by the degree of blocking tendency as in this test method. 1.2 The values stated in the SI units of measurement are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks). This stringent test method can be used to compare and rate subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for evaluating the face-to-face blocking resistance of trades sales paints. This is not to be confused with blocking resistance Test Method D3003, which is concerned with blocking of industrial coatings on metal substrates, nor with Test Method D2793 which is concerned specifically with wood product finishes and reports results on a satisfactory or not satisfactory basis, rather than by the degree of blocking tendency as in this test method. 1.2 The values stated in the SI units of measurement are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM D4946-89(2017) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D4946-89(2017) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D4946-89(2012), ASTM D2793-99(2024), ASTM D16-24, ASTM D2793-99(2017), ASTM D16-16, ASTM D16-14, ASTM D16-12, ASTM D3003-01(2012), ASTM D16-11a, ASTM D2793-99(2011), ASTM D16-11, ASTM D16-10, ASTM D16-08, ASTM D16-07, ASTM D3003-01(2006). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D4946-89(2017) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D4946 − 89 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Blocking Resistance of Architectural Paints
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4946; 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 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for 4.1 Dried paint films are placed face-to-face and a pressure
evaluating the face-to-face blocking resistance of trades sales of about 127 g/cm (1.8 psi) is applied. These paint films are
paints. This is not to be confused with blocking resistance Test put into an oven for 30 min to make the test more stringent.
Method D3003, which is concerned with blocking of industrial After cooling, the blocked panels are peeled apart. The degree
coatings on metal substrates, nor with Test Method D2793 of blocking is rated subjectively for tack or seal using a series
which is concerned specifically with wood product finishes and of standard descriptive terms corresponding to numerical
reports results on a satisfactory or not satisfactory basis, rather ASTM values of 10 to 0.
than by the degree of blocking tendency as in this test method.
5. Significance and Use
1.2 The values stated in the SI units of measurement are to
5.1 Dry paint often comes in contact with itself especially in
be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses
window and door areas and, depending on its hardness, the
are for information only.
pressure, temperature, humidity, and duration of time the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
surfaces are in contact, sometimes sticks to itself (blocks).This
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
stringent test method can be used to compare and rate
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
subjectively the resistance of paints to blocking.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Conditioned Room, at 18 to 29.5°C (65 to 85°F) and 40
2. Referenced Documents
to 60 % relative humidity.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.2 Sealed Paper Test Charts, approximately 190 by 280
D16 TerminologyforPaint,RelatedCoatings,Materials,and
mm (7.5 by 11 in.).
Applications
D2793 Test Method for Block Resistance of Organic Coat- 6.3 Applicator Blade, 13 to 15 cm (5 to 6 in.) wide,
ings on Wood Panel Substrates 0.15-mm (6-mil) clearance.
D3003 Test Method for Pressure Mottling and Blocking
6.4 Oven, 48 to 52°C (115 to 125°F).
Resistance of Organic Coatings on Metal Substrates
6.5 Rubber Stoppers, No. 8, 3.2 cm (1.25 in.) smaller
diameter.
3. Terminology
6.6 Weights, 1000 g.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 blocking, n—the undesirable sticking together of two
6.7 Scissors.
painted surfaces when pressed together or placed in contact
6.8 Aluminum Tray or Pan, flat.
with each other for an extended period of time, as referenced in
Terminology D16.
7. Procedure
7.1 Cast the paint to be tested on a sealed test chart using the
applicator blade. Condition coated panels in the conditioned
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
room for seven days. All painted panels should be kept free of
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
grease, oil, or fingerprints since these will affect block resis-
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2017. Published February 2017. Originally
tance.
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D4946 – 89 (2012).
DOI: 10.1520/D4946-89R17.
7.2 After the panels have been conditioned, cut out six 3.8
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1 1
by 3.8-cm (1 ⁄2 by 1 ⁄2-in.) sections from the painted chart.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Start the cut at least 1.3 cm ( ⁄2 in.) away from the edge
...
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