ASTM D7306-07(2017)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Testing Low Temperature Film-Formation of Latex Paints by Visual Observation
Standard Practice for Testing Low Temperature Film-Formation of Latex Paints by Visual Observation
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice can be used by paint formulators to determine if a given paint has the ability to form a film at low temperatures. This practice can be used as an aid for determining coalescing solvent level required to form a good film. Test Method D3793 compares the porosity of a film drawn down at room temperature to another film drawn down and cured at low temperature.
5.2 This practice provides no absolute information, rather ranking only of the selected series of paints.
5.3 This practice can provide a pass-fail situation if known acceptable and unacceptable paints are included in the test.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice specifies a laboratory procedure for evaluating the ability of a latex paint to form a uniform film free of visible defects at low temperatures.
1.2 The values stated in SI units 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.
1.4 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-May-2017
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.42 - Architectural Coatings
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2004
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2001
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Mar-2000
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2017
Overview
ASTM D7306-07(2017), titled Standard Practice for Testing Low Temperature Film-Formation of Latex Paints by Visual Observation, establishes a laboratory procedure for evaluating the film-formation ability of latex paints under low temperature conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this standard enables paint formulators, manufacturers, and quality control specialists to visually assess whether latex paints can create uniform films without visible defects, such as cracking, when cured at reduced temperatures. This is particularly significant for evaluating product performance in climates or seasons where low temperatures could impact paint application and durability.
Key Topics
- Low Temperature Coalescence: The ability of latex paint to form a continuous, defect-free film at temperatures as low as 4 ± 2°C (39 ± 4°F).
- Visual Inspection and Grading: Paint films are examined for cracking, with ratings assigned based on severity from ‘no cracking’ to ‘film chips off completely’. Both sealed and unsealed areas are assessed.
- Standardized Testing Apparatus:
- Cold cabinet for controlled temperature exposure
- Vacuum drawdown plate and paint applicator for uniform film thickness
- Magnifying glass for detailed examination
- Humidity monitoring, as variations can affect film formation
- Evaluation Procedure: Creaming the paint, applying it to test panels, conditioning at low temperature, and subsequent visual observation and rating.
- Comparative and Ranking Approach: The standard enables comparison and ranking of a series of paints, including a pass-fail option when reference paints with known outcomes are included.
Applications
ASTM D7306-07(2017) is most valuable for:
- Paint Formulation and Product Development
- Determining the minimum temperature at which a latex paint can achieve effective film formation
- Assessing the required coalescing solvent content for optimal low temperature performance
- Quality Control in Manufacturing
- Ensuring latex paints meet performance expectations for cold weather applications
- Bench-marking new batches or formulations against accepted industry standards
- Comparative Product Testing
- Ranking multiple paint formulations for their ability to resist cracking or defects under cold curing conditions
- Providing objective visual criteria for product selection and improvement
- Technical Communication
- Offering standardized terminology and methodology for discussions between formulators, customers, and regulatory agencies
Related Standards
- ASTM D823: Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness of Paint, Varnish, and Related Products on Test Panels - referenced for standard application procedures.
- ASTM D3793: Test Method for Low-Temperature Coalescence of Latex Paint Films by Porosity Measurement (withdrawn) - provides alternative low temperature coalescence evaluation by measuring film porosity.
- Global Guidelines: Developed in line with internationally recognized principles as set out by the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Keywords: latex paint, low temperature film-formation, coalescence, cracking, ASTM D7306, paint testing, visual observation, paint industry standards, cold weather application.
By following ASTM D7306-07(2017), organizations gain a rigorous, standardized process for assessing latex paint performance at low temperatures, supporting reliable product development and consistent quality across diverse environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D7306-07(2017) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Testing Low Temperature Film-Formation of Latex Paints by Visual Observation". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This practice can be used by paint formulators to determine if a given paint has the ability to form a film at low temperatures. This practice can be used as an aid for determining coalescing solvent level required to form a good film. Test Method D3793 compares the porosity of a film drawn down at room temperature to another film drawn down and cured at low temperature. 5.2 This practice provides no absolute information, rather ranking only of the selected series of paints. 5.3 This practice can provide a pass-fail situation if known acceptable and unacceptable paints are included in the test. SCOPE 1.1 This practice specifies a laboratory procedure for evaluating the ability of a latex paint to form a uniform film free of visible defects at low temperatures. 1.2 The values stated in SI units 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. 1.4 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This practice can be used by paint formulators to determine if a given paint has the ability to form a film at low temperatures. This practice can be used as an aid for determining coalescing solvent level required to form a good film. Test Method D3793 compares the porosity of a film drawn down at room temperature to another film drawn down and cured at low temperature. 5.2 This practice provides no absolute information, rather ranking only of the selected series of paints. 5.3 This practice can provide a pass-fail situation if known acceptable and unacceptable paints are included in the test. SCOPE 1.1 This practice specifies a laboratory procedure for evaluating the ability of a latex paint to form a uniform film free of visible defects at low temperatures. 1.2 The values stated in SI units 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. 1.4 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.
ASTM D7306-07(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 D7306-07(2017) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D7306-07(2013), ASTM D823-17, ASTM D823-95(2012), ASTM D823-95(2007), ASTM D3793-06, ASTM D3793-04, ASTM D823-95(2001), ASTM D823-95, ASTM D3793-00, ASTM D5324-16(2022), ASTM D3730-17(2022). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D7306-07(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: D7306 − 07 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Testing Low Temperature Film-Formation of Latex Paints by
Visual Observation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7306; 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 3.1.1 low temperature coalescence (LTC), n—the ability of
a latex paint to form a film at low temperatures, typically
1.1 This practice specifies a laboratory procedure for evalu-
4 6 2°C (39 6 4°F).
ating the ability of a latex paint to form a uniform film free of
visible defects at low temperatures.
4. Summary of Practice
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4.1 The paint, applicator and the test panel are allowed to
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
equilibrateforatleast4hat4 62°C(39 64°F).Thetestpaint
only.
is applied to a part-sealed/part-unsealed drawdown chart and
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
immediately placed in a cold cabinet.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.2 After 18 h the panel is removed from the cold cabinet
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
and evaluated for any cracking of the paint film.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
NOTE 1—Temperature of film formation testing may be altered upon
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mutual consent of all parties involved.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Significance and Use
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 This practice can be used by paint formulators to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical determine if a given paint has the ability to form a film at low
temperatures. This practice can be used as an aid for determin-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ing coalescing solvent level required to form a good film. Test
Method D3793 compares the porosity of a film drawn down at
2. Referenced Documents
roomtemperaturetoanotherfilmdrawndownandcuredatlow
2.1 ASTM Standards:
temperature.
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness
5.2 This practice provides no absolute information, rather
of Paint, Varnish, and Related Products on Test Panels
ranking only of the selected series of paints.
D3793 Test Method for Low-Temperature Coalescence of
Latex Paint Films by Porosity Measurement (Withdrawn
5.3 This practice can provide a pass-fail situation if known
2012)
acceptable and unacceptable paints are included in the test.
3. Terminology
6. Apparatus and Materials
3.1 Definitions:
6.1 Vacuum Plate.
6.2 Paint Test Chart with sealed and unsealed evaluation
areas.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
6.3 Paint Applicator(s), typically to apply 3 and 10 mil wet
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
film thickness of paint with higher thickness being more
Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally
severe.
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D7306 – 07 (2013).
6.4 Cold Cabinet, maintaining 4 6 2°C (39 6 4°F) or a
DOI: 10.1520/D7306-07R17.
For referenced ASTM sta
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