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 is an internationally recognized method developed by ASTM International to assess how effectively paint brushes can be cleaned after application with latex paints. The test evaluates the ability of paint brush filaments to be cleaned and retain their performance and appearance over repeated use. This standard provides a subjective, visual ranking system for comparing the cleanability of different paint brushes under controlled laboratory conditions, ensuring consistency and reliability for manufacturers, suppliers, and quality assurance professionals.

Key Topics

• Evaluation Procedure: Specifies a step-by-step laboratory process to test and compare the cleanability of paint brushes, focusing on brushes up to 100 mm (4 in.) in width.
• Test Materials: Outlines the use of specific equipment such as test panels, latex primers, prescribed paint types, abrasive soap, and kraft paper to ensure standardized results.
• Visual Assessment: Emphasizes subjective visual inspection to rank brushes based on residual paint left on filaments after specified cleaning procedures.
• Applicability: Designed for laboratory evaluation of brushes used with latex paints and supports both product development and quality control.
• Safety Considerations: Reminds users to establish suitable safety practices and comply with health, environmental, and regulatory guidelines.

Applications

ASTM D5913-96(2019) is highly valuable for stakeholders throughout the paint and coatings industry:

• Manufacturers: Enables brush manufacturers to benchmark and enhance product cleanability, leading to improved performance and user satisfaction.
• Quality Control: Supports in-house and third-party quality assurance processes by providing a consistent method to compare cleanability.
• Product Development: Facilitates R&D efforts in paint brush design and material selection to optimize the ease of cleaning and usability for end-users.
• Purchasing & Specification: Assists procurement, specifiers, and professional contractors in selecting paint brushes that meet their performance and maintenance expectations.
• Consumer Guidance: Offers retailers and consumers a means to evaluate cleaning ease and longevity of paint brushes, which can translate to cost savings and better painting results.

Related Standards

The following standards are referenced and complement ASTM D5913-96(2019):

• ASTM D1475: Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• ASTM D3924: Standard Environment for Conditioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials (Withdrawn 2016)
• ASTM D3925: Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related Pigmented Coatings
• ASTM D5068: Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• ASTM D5301: Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes

Practical Value

ASTM D5913-96(2019) offers a standardized, reproducible method for assessing the cleanability of paint brushes used with latex coatings. This standard is essential for product assurance, competitive benchmarking, and customer satisfaction. By applying this method, manufacturers and end-users can ensure that paint brushes remain cleanable and maintain consistent performance, which is critical for high-quality painting outcomes and brush longevity.

For further information or to obtain the standard, visit ASTM International.

Keywords: paint brush cleanability, ASTM D5913, latex paint, brush cleaning evaluation, paint application tools, quality control, laboratory test method, paint brush manufacturing, brush performance standards.

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
...