ASTM D1014-18

Standard Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Paints and Coatings on Metal Substrates

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The procedures described in this practice are intended to aid in evaluating the performance of coatings on various metal panels including either new or rusted steel.  
4.2 The relative durability of paints in outdoor exposures can be very different depending on the location of the exposure because of differences in solar radiation, time of wetness, temperature, pollutants, and other factors. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that results from one exposure in a single location will be useful for determining relative durability in a different location. Exposures in several locations with different climates which represent a broad range of anticipated service conditions are recommended.  
4.2.1 Because of year-to-year climatological variations, results from a single exposure test cannot be used to predict the absolute rate at which a material degrades. Several years of repeat exposures are needed to get an “average” test result for a given location.  
4.2.2 Solar radiation varies considerably as function of time of year. This can cause large differences in the apparent rate of degradation in many polymers. Comparing results for materials exposed for short periods (less than one year) is not recommended unless materials are exposed at the same time in the same location.  
4.3 The Significance and Use in Practice G7 addresses many variables to be considered in exterior exposure tests. Guide G141 provides more information on variability in weathering testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures to be followed for direct exposure of exterior paints and coatings to the environment when applied to metal surfaces. When originators of a weathering test have the actual exposure conducted by a separate agency, the specific conditions for the exposure of test and control specimens should be clearly defined and mutually agreed upon between all parties.  
1.2 Experience indicates that the metal used as a test substrate has a significant effect upon weathering results. The purpose of this practice is to define specific steel and other metal surfaces to be used for testing in order to minimize this source of variability.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parenthesis 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: 31-Mar-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 D1014-09 - Standard Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Paints and Coatings on Metal Substrates (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM A283/A283M-24 - Standard Specification for Low and Intermediate Tensile Strength Carbon Steel Plates
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4214-23 - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint Films
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D2803-09(2020) - Standard Guide for Testing Filiform Corrosion Resistance of Organic Coatings on Metal
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1212-91(2020) - Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Wet Film Thickness of Organic Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM E1347-06(2020) - Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-May-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 D662-93(2019) - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Erosion of Exterior Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D660-93(2019) - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Checking of Exterior Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D661-93(2019) - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Cracking of Exterior Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D610-08(2019) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D772-18 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Flaking (Scaling) of Exterior Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• 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 G147-17 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017

Overview

ASTM D1014-18, titled "Standard Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Paints and Coatings on Metal Substrates," is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This practice establishes consistent procedures for exposing exterior paints and coatings directly to environmental conditions when applied to metal surfaces, such as new or rusted steel, aluminum, and galvanized metal. Its purpose is to enable accurate and comparable evaluation of the durability and weathering performance of paints and coatings used in outdoor environments.

Exterior exposure testing following ASTM D1014-18 is a crucial step for manufacturers, researchers, and quality assurance professionals involved in the development, approval, and maintenance of industrial and architectural coatings intended for metal substrates.

Key Topics

• Exposure Procedures: The standard defines specific procedures for conducting direct outdoor exposure of coatings on prepared metal panels. It specifies methods for substrate selection, surface preparation, application, and handling of test specimens.
• Test Substrates: Emphasizes that substrate type (new or rusted steel, aluminum, galvanized steel) significantly impacts weathering results. Appropriate selection and preparation are crucial for minimizing variability.
• Exposure Site Selection: Addresses the need for multiple test sites representing diverse climates, as environmental factors like solar radiation, temperature, wetness, and atmospheric pollutants heavily influence coating durability.
• Inspection and Evaluation: Provides guidance for scheduled inspections, documentation, and the use of referenced ASTM test methods to evaluate degradation such as rusting, blistering, checking, cracking, and chalking.
• Control Materials: Stresses the importance of comparing test paints to control paints of known performance for reliable benchmarking.
• Reporting and Repeatability: Outlines requirements for thorough reporting and recommends repeat exposures over several years to overcome variability from climatic fluctuations.

Applications

ASTM D1014-18 is widely used in several industries to validate and benchmark the weathering resistance of coating systems intended for outdoor, metallic applications. Typical use cases include:

• Product Development: Paint manufacturers apply this practice during research and development to optimize and verify the exterior performance of new coatings on metal substrates.
• Quality Control: Companies use the standard to ensure shipped coatings meet minimum durability requirements under real-world conditions.
• Specification Compliance: Architects, engineers, and specifiers reference this standard to ensure building and infrastructure coatings will perform in anticipated service environments.
• Comparative Testing: Provides a repeatable method for comparing candidate paints or coatings to industry benchmarks or between suppliers.
• Maintenance Planning: Facility managers and asset owners employ exposure results for forecasting repaint intervals and lifecycle management of metal structures.

Related Standards

ASTM D1014-18 references and complements several other key ASTM standards and practices to ensure thorough and consistent testing, including:

• ASTM D523: Test Method for Specular Gloss
• ASTM D610: Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces
• ASTM D609: Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing
• ASTM D1654: Test Method for Evaluation of Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
• ASTM D2200: Practice for Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation Standards for Painting Steel Surfaces
• ASTM G7: Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Testing
• ASTM G141: Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing

By adhering to ASTM D1014-18, organizations benefit from a standardized, credible approach to evaluating paint and coating performance under real-world outdoor conditions, promoting product reliability and regulatory compliance in international markets.

Keywords: ASTM D1014-18, exterior exposure tests, paints, coatings, metal substrates, weathering, durability, outdoor exposure, rusted steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, standard practice, coating performance.

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: D1014 − 18
Standard Practice for
Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Paints and Coatings
on Metal Substrates
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1014; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* A283/A283M Specification for Low and Intermediate Ten-
sile Strength Carbon Steel Plates
1.1 Thispracticecoversprocedurestobefollowedfordirect
B209 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
exposure of exterior paints and coatings to the environment
Sheet and Plate
when applied to metal surfaces. When originators of a weath-
B449 Specification for Chromates on Aluminum
ering test have the actual exposure conducted by a separate
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
agency, the specific conditions for the exposure of test and
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels
control specimens should be clearly defined and mutually
for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and
agreed upon between all parties.
Related Coating Products
1.2 Experience indicates that the metal used as a test
D610 Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted
substrate has a significant effect upon weathering results. The
Steel Surfaces
purpose of this practice is to define specific steel and other
D660 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Checking of
metal surfaces to be used for testing in order to minimize this
Exterior Paints
source of variability.
D661 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Cracking of
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Exterior Paints
standard. The values given in parenthesis are for information
D662 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Erosion of
only.
Exterior Paints
D714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Paints
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D772 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Flaking (Scal-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- ing) of Exterior Paints
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D1212 Test Methods for Measurement of Wet Film Thick-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ness of Organic Coatings
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D1654 Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
2. Referenced Documents
D1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting
A36/A36M Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
D2200 Practice for Use of Pictorial Surface Preparation
Standards and Guides for Painting Steel Surfaces
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and D2201 Practice for Preparation of Zinc-Coated and Zinc-
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Alloy-Coated Steel Panels for Testing Paint and Related
Subcommittee D01.27 on Accelerated Testing.
Coating Products
Current edition approved April 1, 2018. Published April 2018. Originally
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D1014 – 09 which was
withdrawn January 2018 and reinstated in April 2018. DOI: 10.1520/D1014-18.
Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Coordinates
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
D2616 Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Differ-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. ence With a Gray Scale
*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
D1014 − 18
D2803 Guide for Testing Filiform Corrosion Resistance of 4.3 The Significance and Use in Practice G7 addresses
Organic Coatings on Metal many variables to be considered in exterior exposure tests.
D3359 Test Methods for Rating Adhesion by Tape Test Guide G141 provides more information on variability in
D4214 Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking weathering testing.
of Exterior Paint Films
D7091 Practice for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry 5. Materials Used for Test Specimens
Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to
5.1 A minimum of two and preferably four test specimens
Ferrous Metals and Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coat-
shall be used to evaluate the performance of any paint system.
ings Applied to Non-Ferrous Metals
5.2 The surface preparation shall be the same for all test
E41 Terminology Relating To Conditioning
panels in the test program unless surface preparation is one of
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea-
the variables to be evaluated. Surface preparation shall be
surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
essentially identical for all test panels, as the thoroughness of
G7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Test-
preparation may directly determine the performance life of the
ing of Nonmetallic Materials
applied coating system.
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
5.3 Steel Panels—Unless otherwise specified, fabricate steel
G141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing
test panels from the same material over which the coating is
of Nonmetallic Materials
expected to perform in-service, when the exact composition of
G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
the substrate is known. Any of the following surfaces may be
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
used.
5.3.1 Abrasive Blasted Steel Plate—The steel plate shall
2.2 Other Standard:
conform to Specification A36/A36M or Specification A283/
SSPC Method 1 Test Panel Preparation Method No 1,
A283M.Theminimumthicknessshallbe1.6mm( ⁄16in.).The
Uncontaminated Rusted Steel SSPC
minimum size shall be 75 by 150 mm (3 by 6 in.). Burrs and
sharp projections shall be removed from the edges by filing.
3. Terminology
The test panels shall be freed of oil by suitable grease-
3.1 Definitions—The definitions given in Terminologies
removingsolventsinaccordancewithProceduresB,C,orDof
E41 and G113 are applicable to this practice.
PracticeD609.Unlessotherwisespecifiedandagreedupon,the
surface shall be blasted to meet the requirements of Standard
4. Significance and Use
D2200,Sa2 ⁄2 .
5.3.2 Rusted Surfaces—Hot rolled steel angle or plate, or
4.1 Theproceduresdescribedinthispracticeareintendedto
both, are useful for determining the performance of paints
aid in evaluating the performance of coatings on various metal
applied to structures that cannot be thoroughly cleaned of rust
panels including either new or rusted steel.
andcorrosionproducts.Thesteelangleandplateshallconform
4.2 The relative durability of paints in outdoor exposures
toSpecificationA283/A283M.Thesteelanglesshallbeatleast
can be very different depending on the location of the exposure
100 by 100 by 3.2 mm (4 by 4 by ⁄8 in.) in cross section and
because of differences in solar radiation, time of wetness,
300 mm (12 in.) in length. The minimum size of the steel plate
temperature, pollutants, and other factors. Therefore, it cannot
shall be 100 by 150 mm (4 by 6 in.) with a minimum thickness
be assumed that results from one exposure in a single location of 1.6 mm ( ⁄16 in.). Burrs and sharp projections shall be
will be useful for determining relative durability in a different
removedfromtheedgesbyfiling.Thetestpiecesshallbefreed
location. Exposures in several locations with different climates from oil by the use of suitable grease-removing solvents in
which represent a broad range of anticipated service conditions
accordance with Procedures B, C, or D of Practice D609.
are recommended. Those persons desiring to test coatings over rusty or slightly
rusted surfaces (Note 1) should refer to Practice D2200, select
4.2.1 Because of year-to-year climatological variations, re-
the degree of rusting desired from the rust grades given, and
sults from a single exposure test cannot be used to predict the
utilize the degree of surface preparation that can be accom-
absolute rate at which a material degrades. Several years of
plished in the field or on the job.
repeat exposures are needed to get an “average” test result for
5.3.2.1 When evaluating performance over rusty surfaces, it
a given location.
is recommended that substrates be pre-corroded (weathered) in
4.2.2 Solar radiation varies considerably as function of time
the same environment in which they will be ultimately be
of year. This can cause large differences in the apparent rate of
exposed. SSPC Method 1 describes this pre-aging procedure.
degradationinmanypolymers.Comparingresultsformaterials
Artificial rusting is permitted but conditions used must be
exposed for short periods (less than one year) is not recom-
stated in the test report.
mended unless materials are exposed at the same time in the
same location.
NOTE 1—The environment in which the steel is rusted prior to painting
has considerable influence on the performance of paint applied to such
steel.
5.3.3 Cold-Rolled Steel Strip—Cold-rolled steel strip has a
Available from Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Dr.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15205, http://www.sspc.org. slightly roughened surface free from mill scale and rust, and is
D1014 − 18
useful for checking the relative performance of paints on a 6.4 Allowtheproperdryingtimebetweencoatsformultiple
clean, uniform surface. The steel strip shall conform to one of paint systems and before exposure as required by the coating’s
the types described in Practice D609. The panels shall be not manufacturer and include in the test record.
less than 100 by 150 mm (4 by 6 in.) in size and it is
6.5 Paint the back and edges of all test specimens with the
recommended that all edges shall be smooth and uniformly
same systems as that tested on the front of each panel. This
rounded. The metal panels shall be prepared by the agreed
painting provides considerable information on the behavior of
upon procedure (A, B, C, or D) in Practice D609.
paint systems on the reverse side. Back and edge painting may
5.3.4 Galvanized Steel—When galvanized steel panels are
also provide “insulating” properties that allow metal panels to
used, prepare test specimens according to Practice D2201.
be mounted on metal racks.
5.4 After surface preparation, steel panels shall be prime 6.5.1 Theedgesofsteelpanelsmaybecoatedorwrappedto
coated as soon as possible to prevent flash rusting or deposit of prevent rusting.
any foreign contaminant on the cleaned surface. After surface
6.6 Thetestspecimensmaybescribedtobasemetalpriorto
preparation, if the panels are stored prior to coating, precau-
exposure. Unless otherwise specified, scribe panels according
tions must be taken to preserve the clean surface.
to Test Method D1654.
5.5 Aluminum Panels—Use aluminum panels that
...