ASTM D3153-23

Standard Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The essential practical usage of water-emulsion floor polishes as renewable coatings to protect and beautify floors depends upon satisfactory recoatability. This test method is useful both in product development and final product testing as a means of evaluating recoatability.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the effects of the application of a water-emulsion floor polish over a dried coating of the same polish. The method is designed for laboratory bench panel testing. A method is also provided for large area testing. A rating system is provided to indicate the acceptability of the polish based on recoatability performance.  
Note 1: Recoatability of a water-emulsion floor polish is a general-performance property, and the determination of it is dependent upon the observation of several other properties of the polish under the specific conditions expressed in this test method. This test method for recoatability is not designed for the evaluation of other properties, except as these properties relate to the recoatability of the specific polish being evaluated under the conditions of this test.  
1.2 Gloss as observed herein extends only to freedom from loss of apparent visual gloss upon recoating, in the execution of this test method, and should this loss occur, it indicates a distortion of the property of gloss, by recoating.  
1.3 A degree of recoatability failure may be reflected from a degree of leveling failure. The failure to level should be observed only if it is to be a part of the observation of recoatability.  
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-Nov-2023
• ICS: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry
• ICS: 97.080 - Cleaning appliances
• Technical Committee: D21 - Polishes
• Drafting Committee: D21.04 - Performance Tests

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3153-17 - Standard Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D2048-23 - Standard Test Method for Powdering of Floor Polish Films
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D3543-17 - Standard Test Method for Metal Glide Adhesion
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D4078-02(2021) - Standard Specification for Water Emulsion Floor Polish
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D3440-13(2019) - Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D3206-23 - Standard Test Method for Soil Resistance of Floor Polishes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023

Overview

ASTM D3153-23: Standard Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes defines a laboratory-based procedure to evaluate how well a new coat of water-emulsion floor polish adheres to and performs over an existing, dried coating of the same polish. Water-emulsion floor polishes are widely used to enhance the protection and appearance of floors. The ability to successfully recoat these surfaces is fundamental to their practical use and long-term effectiveness.

This standard provides detailed guidance for both bench panel and large area tests, incorporating a structured observation and rating system for recoatability performance. It helps manufacturers, quality control labs, and product developers determine if their floor polish supports effective recoating without visual or functional defects.

Key Topics

• Recoatability Assessment: The method focuses on evaluating the application of a fresh coat of water-emulsion floor polish on a previously dried layer, observing the appearance, adhesion, and compatibility between coats.
• Testing Approaches: Includes procedures for lab-scale bench panel testing and larger area field-like tests for practical evaluation.
• Observation of Defects: The test identifies issues such as beading, foaming, drag, streaking, ghosting, whitening, and loss of gloss that may arise during or after the recoating process.
• Rating System: Results are rated as Good, Fair, or Poor, based on a comparison between the single coat and multi-coat finishes, specifically evaluating gloss and general appearance.
• Environmental Control: Specifies controlled temperature and humidity ranges to ensure reproducibility.
• Reporting Requirements: Calls for detailed documentation of test surfaces, tile types, observations, and any specific problems detected.

Applications

• Product Development and Innovation: Enables manufacturers to refine the formulation of water-emulsion floor polishes, ensuring that new products maintain ease of maintenace by supporting subsequent reapplications.
• Quality Assurance: Offers a robust methodology for quality control teams to test the recoatability of production batches, helping guarantee product consistency for end users.
• Specification and Procurement: Assists facility managers and procurement specialists in selecting floor polishes that deliver proven recoat performance, critical for high-traffic commercial and institutional environments.
• Regulatory and Environmental Compliance: Provides an industry-accepted benchmark that aligns with international standardization principles required for global trade and compliance.

Related Standards

• ASTM D2825: Terminology Relating to Polishes and Related Materials - provides key definitions for terms used within this standard and the broader polishes industry.
• Other ASTM D21 Standards: Additional test methods and performance specifications for floor polishes and coatings, contributing to comprehensive product evaluation.

Keywords: ASTM D3153-23, recoatability, water-emulsion floor polish, floor coating, gloss, streaking, foaming, ghosting, beading, quality assurance, product testing, facility maintenance, floor polish standard, renewable coatings

For professionals in floor maintenance, manufacturing, or facilities management, ASTM D3153-23 ensures that water-emulsion floor polishes offer the required performance for repeated application, maintaining floor appearance and protection over time. Adhering to this internationally recognized test method supports quality, reliability, and compliance in the floor care industry.

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: D3153 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3153; 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 2.1.1 beading, n—the apparent failure of the liquid polish to
wet out the surface as evidenced by the gathering of the polish
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the effects
into puddle-like beads.
of the application of a water-emulsion floor polish over a dried
2.1.2 drag, n—the resistance observed when the wet appli-
coating of the same polish. The method is designed for
cator is moved over the wet coating, when the polish is being
laboratory bench panel testing. A method is also provided for
spread.
large area testing. A rating system is provided to indicate the
acceptability of the polish based on recoatability performance.
2.1.3 foaming, n—the development and persistence of
bubbles in the wet polish during application.
NOTE 1—Recoatability of a water-emulsion floor polish is a general-
2.1.4 ghosting, n—the dissimilar appearance, in transpar-
performance property, and the determination of it is dependent upon the
observation of several other properties of the polish under the specific
ency or gloss, of a portion of the coating.
conditions expressed in this test method. This test method for recoatability
2.1.5 streaking, n—the apparent mark (or marks) that re-
is not designed for the evaluation of other properties, except as these
mains in the dried film showing the path followed by the
properties relate to the recoatability of the specific polish being evaluated
under the conditions of this test.
applicator during the spreading of the liquid polish.
2.1.6 whitening, n—the development of a white color on or
1.2 Gloss as observed herein extends only to freedom from
within a coating during the drying process, which reduces the
loss of apparent visual gloss upon recoating, in the execution of
functioning of a polish to beautify and (possibly) protect floors.
this test method, and should this loss occur, it indicates a
distortion of the property of gloss, by recoating.
3. Summary of Test Method
1.3 A degree of recoatability failure may be reflected from a
3.1 The test method involves the application of floor polish
degree of leveling failure. The failure to level should be
using, but not restricted to, cheesecloth or a lamb’s wool
observed only if it is to be a part of the observation of
applicator for spreading a measured amount of polish over
recoatability.
previously applied coatings of the polish. The test method
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
includes a fast recoat cycle at 30 min, but can also be used
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
following manufacturer’s directions, and an extended recoat
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
cycle of seven days. All tests are run on commercial floor tile.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 The essential practical usage of water-emulsion floor
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
polishes as renewable coatings to protect and beautify floors
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
depends upon satisfactory recoatability. This test method is
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
useful both in product development and final product testing as
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
a means of evaluating recoatability.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Interferences
2. Terminology
5.1 The presence of the factory finish, mold-release agents,
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
or other foreign materials on the test surface, prior to the first
application of the polish that is to be tested in accordance with
this method, will cause irregular results. Abrading the surface
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes
of the test panel or area (for example, by cleaning with an
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.04 on Performance Tests.
abrasive pad) prior to the first application of the polish, will
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published January 2024. Originally
yield abnormal results. The cleaning formula listed in Footnote
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D3153 – 17. DOI:
10.1520/D3153-23. 5 should be used to remove the above mentioned coatings.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3153 − 23
NOTE 2—2.5 mL of polish are used for 12 in. by 12 in. (304.8 mm by
6. Apparatus
304.8 mm) panels. 1.4 mL of polish are used for 9 in. by 9 in. (228.6 mm
6.1 Floor Tile Panels, black vinyl (homogeneous) or offi-
by 228.6 mm) panels. Test can be performed using polish manufacturer’s
cial vinyl composition tile (OVCT), 304.8 mm by 304.8 mm
recommended rate of application.
(12 in. by 12 in.).
8.1.4 Application of Second Coat—Thirty minutes after
6.2 Floor Tile Area, black vinyl (homogeneous) or OVCT,
application of the first coat of polish, or following manufac-
1.2 m by 0.9 m (4 ft by 3 ft).
turer’s dry time recommendations, take two of the five panels
and apply on each a second coat using the procedure detailed
6.3 Cheesecloth, clean, completely free of sizing.
in 8.1.3 for applying and spreading the polish. Record the
6.4 Pipet, 5 mL, graduated in 0.2 mL.
temperature and relative humidity. Observe and record any
6.5 Graduated cylinder, 50 mL.
foaming of the polish and drag of the applicator during
application and spreading. Observe and record any beading of
6.6 Applicator, lamb’s wool.
the polish or required additional stroking with applicator to wet
6.6.1 Optional applicators include microfiber flat
out the surface. Allow to dry 2 h, and observe and record any
mops, chenille pads, and cotton and synthetic mops.
removal of the first coat, any whitening, streaking, or ghosting.
7. Conditioning Observe and record leveling. Visually observe the apparent
gloss of the recoated polish, and record the comparison with
7.1 Average ambient conditions shall be equal for all
the single coat of polish.
polishes and surfaces used, and shall be free of drafts, and shall
8.1.5 After allowing them to remain undisturbed for seven
be between 15 °C and 30 °C (59 °F and 86 °F) with the relative
days under average ambient conditions, take two of the three
humidity not in excess of 70 % or below 40 %.
remaining panels which have a single coat of polish, recoat,
8. Procedure
using the procedure given in 8.1.4, making and recording
observations as directed in that paragraph. Include those
8.1 Bench Panel Test:
observations made after allowing the recoat to dry for
...

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: D3153 − 17 D3153 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3153; 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 test method covers the determination of the effects of the application of a water-emulsion floor polish over a dried coating
of the same polish. The method is designed for laboratory bench panel testing. A method is also provided for large area testing.
A rating system is provided to indicate the acceptability of the polish based on recoatability performance.
NOTE 1—Recoatability of a water-emulsion floor polish is a general-performance property, and the determination of it is dependent upon the observation
of several other properties of the polish under the specific conditions expressed in this test method. This test method for recoatability is not designed for
the evaluation of other properties, except as these properties relate to the recoatability of the specific polish being evaluated under the conditions of this
test.
1.2 Gloss as observed herein extends only to freedom from loss of apparent visual gloss upon recoating, in the execution of this
test method, and should this loss occur, it indicates a distortion of the property of gloss, by recoating.
1.3 A degree of recoatability failure may be reflected from a degree of leveling failure. The failure to level should be observed
only if it is to be a part of the observation of recoatability.
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 and healthsafety, 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2825 Terminology Relating to Polishes and Related Materials
2. Terminology
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1.1 beading—beading, n—the apparent failure of the liquid polish to wet out the surface as evidenced by the gathering of the
polish into puddle-like beads.
2.1.2 drag—drag, n—the resistance observed when the wet applicator is moved over the wet coating, when the polish is being
spread.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.04 on Performance Tests.
Current edition approved March 1, 2017Dec. 1, 2023. Published April 2017January 2024. Originally approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 20152017 as
D3153 – 87 (2015).D3153 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D3153-17.10.1520/D3153-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3153 − 23
2.1.3 foaming—foaming, n—the development and persistence of bubbles in the wet polish during application.
2.1.4 ghosting—ghosting, n—the dissimilar appearance, in transparency or gloss, of a portion of the coating.
2.1.5 streaking—streaking, n—the apparent mark (or marks) that remains in the dried film showing the path followed by the
applicator during the spreading of the liquid polish.
2.1.6 whitening—whitening, n—the development of a white color on or within a coating during the drying process, which reduces
the functioning of a polish to beautify and (possibly) protect floors.
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The test method involves the application of floor polish using, but not restricted to, cheesecloth or lamb’sa lamb’s wool
applicator for spreading a measured amount of polish,polish over previously applied coatings of the polish. The test method
includes a fast recoat cycle at 30 min whichmin, but can also be used following manufacturer’s directionsmanufacturer’s directions,
and an extended recoat cycle of seven days. All tests are run on commercial floor tile.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The essential practical usage of water-emulsion floor polishes as renewable coatings to protect and beautify floors,floors
depends upon satisfactory recoatability. This test method is useful both in product development and final product testing,testing
as a means of evaluating recoatability.
5. Interferences
5.1 The presence of the factory finish, mold-release agents, or other foreign materials on the test surface, prior to the first
application of the polish that is to be tested in accordance with this method, will cause irregular results. Abrading the surface of
the test panel or area (for example, by cleaning with an abrasive pad) prior to the first application of the polish, will yield abnormal
results. The cleaning formula listed in Footnote 3 should 5 should be used to remove the above mentioned coatings.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Floor Tile Panels, black vinyl (homogeneous), 304.8 (homogeneous) or official vinyl composition tile (OVCT), 304.8 mm by
304.8 mm (12(12 in. by 12 in.).
6.2 Floor Tile Area, black vinyl (homogeneous), 1.2 (homogeneous) or OVCT, 1.2 m by 0.9 m (4(4 ft by 3 ft).
6.3 Cheesecloth, clean, completely free of sizing.
6.4 Pipet, 5-mL,5 mL, graduated in 0.2 mL.
6.5 Graduate, Graduated cylinder, 50 mL. 50 mL.
6.6 Applicator, lamb’s wool.
6.6.1 Optional applicators include chenille pads microfiber flat mops, chenille pads, and cotton and synthetic mops.
NOTE 2—Black vinyl composition floor tile panels or black vinyl composition floor tile area of the same dimensions as stated for the black vinyl
OVCT tile may be obtained through Armstrong Flooring from various home improvement stores. The following Armstrong tile substrates have been found to perform
adequately for this test method: Armstrong Excelon Feature Tile: Black (56790), http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/product_details_toolbox_magnify.jsp?item_
id=47394.(56790).
Gauze pads, available from most pharmacies, are suitable.
Lamb’s wool applicators sold commercially, having an area about 508508 mm by 254 mm (2(2 in. by 10 in.) of lamb’s wool mounted on a support of the same size and
attached to a handle of suitable length, are recommended.
D3153 − 23
(homogeneous) tile may be used. See Sections 9 and 11 of this method for information regarding the selection of test surfaces and reporting of results.
7. Conditioning
7.1 Average ambient conditions shall be equal for all polishes and surfaces used, and shall be free of drafts, and shall be between
15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F)15 °C and 30 °C (59 °F and 86 °F) with the relative humidity not in excess of 70 % or below 40 %.
8. Procedure
8.1 Bench Panel Test:
8.1.1 Selection of Panels—Select either five black vinyl (homogeneous) floor tile panels or five black vinyl composition floor tile
panels, for each polish under test, basing selection on like-new condition. Do not intermix these two types of test surfaces in any
one test sequence.
8.1.2 Preparation of Test Panels—Prepare five panels for each polish under test by cleaning with undiluted comparison cleaning
solution described in Footnote 6.5. Soak the panels face to face for 20 min. Using a soft brush or clean cheesecloth, scrub
thoroughly to remove all coatings, soil, etc. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and let dry completely.
8.1.3
...