ASTM D869-21

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Settling of Paint

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Paints, if not formulated or processed properly may settle excessively. Paint that settles excessively is difficult to reincorporate into the paint system causing time delays or valuable pigment being left in the drum. This test method is an attempt to evaluate the degree of settling caused by the accelerated Test Method D1309. This very subjective method of evaluation in conjunction with the variables of Test Method D1309 raises questions as to the usefulness of the results for specification compliance.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the degree of pigment suspension and ease of remixing a shelf-aged sample of paint to a homogeneous condition suitable for the intended use.  
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, health, and environmental 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-Oct-2021
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.24 - Physical Properties of Liquid Paints & Paint Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1309-93(2015) - Standard Test Method for Settling Properties of Traffic Paints During Storage (Withdrawn 2020)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1309-93(2010) - Standard Test Method for Settling Properties of Traffic Paints During Storage
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1309-93(2004) - Standard Test Method for Settling Properties of Traffic Paints During Storage
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1309-93(1998) - Standard Test Method for Settling Properties of Traffic Paints During Storage
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998

Overview

ASTM D869-21: Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Settling of Paint establishes a standardized procedure to assess the degree of pigment settling in paints during storage and the ease of remixing shelf-aged samples. Paint settling occurs when pigments separate from the liquid medium and accumulate at the bottom of the container, potentially leading to product waste and quality issues. The method evaluates how effectively settled paints can be reincorporated to a homogeneous state, which is crucial for maintaining consistent application and appearance.

This test is recognized by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense and forms an important quality control measure for paint manufacturers and end users alike, ensuring paints remain usable throughout their shelf life.

Key Topics

• Pigment Suspension in Paints: The method examines the extent of pigment separation and settling that occurs over time, helping to identify formulations that maintain good suspension stability.
• Ease of Remixing: It assesses how readily the settled pigments can be reincorporated into the paint through manual stirring, which impacts both usability and product efficiency.
• Settling Rating Scale: Paint samples are rated on a scale from 10 (perfect suspension) to 0 (non-reincorporable, firm cake) based on inspection with a spatula, providing a simple and effective qualitative metric.
• Subjective Evaluation: While the method relies on visual and manual assessment, it offers a practical approach when more precise instrumental analysis is unnecessary or unavailable.
• Comparative Testing: The method includes recommendations for standardized equipment, such as container and spatula specifications, to support consistent comparative evaluations between batches or suppliers.

Applications

ASTM D869-21 is widely used across various sectors, including:

• Paint Manufacturing and Quality Control: Ensures finished products maintain stable suspension and are easy to remix after storage, reducing waste and customer complaints.
• Specification Compliance: Provides a basis for discussions and agreements between buyers and suppliers regarding acceptable levels of pigment settling, especially for high-value or high-performance coatings.
• Research and Development: Supports the evaluation of new paint formulations, particularly when adjusting ingredients or processing conditions to enhance suspension stability.
• Regulatory and Safety Assessments: Assists organizations in maintaining adherence to internal and external standards, helping to streamline audit and compliance processes.

Related Standards

The following standards are often referenced alongside ASTM D869-21 for a comprehensive approach to paint testing:

• ASTM D1309: Test Method for Settling Properties of Traffic Paints During Storage (Withdrawn). Served as a complementary accelerated test method for evaluating settling.
• ASTM D01 Standards: Collection of ASTM standards on paint, coatings, materials, and applications, providing context for various physical and chemical property tests.
• Other International Paint Standards: Documents developed following the World Trade Organization TBT Committee principles, ensuring broad recognition and harmonization.

Practical Value

Using ASTM D869-21 helps organizations:

• Reduce material losses by identifying paints susceptible to excessive settling.
• Improve product reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Facilitate clear communication and agreement between manufacturers and users on acceptable paint qualities.
• Maintain consistency in quality control procedures and support regulatory compliance efforts within the global paint and coatings industry.

Keywords: ASTM D869-21, paint settling, pigment suspension, paint testing, quality control, remixing paint, paint standards, shelf-aged paint, pigment reincorporation, paint manufacturing.

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: D869 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Degree of Settling of Paint
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D869; 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 accelerated Test Method D1309. This very subjective method
of evaluation in conjunction with the variables of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the degree
D1309 raises questions as to the usefulness of the results for
of pigment suspension and ease of remixing a shelf-aged
specification compliance.
sample of paint to a homogeneous condition suitable for the
intended use.
4. Apparatus
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4.1 Container, standard 500-mL(1-pt) friction-top can paint
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3 1
container, 85.5 6 1.5 mm (3 ⁄8 6 ⁄16 in.) in diameter, and 98.5
only.
7 1
6 1.5 mm (3 ⁄8 6 ⁄16 in.) in height.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 Spatula, stainless-steel blade with a handle with a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
127 mm (5 in.) long blade and approximately 20 mm ( ⁄16 in.)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
in width.Approximately 2 mm of the end shall be cut off such
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
that the end is square. For comparative testing it is recom-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
mended to use the indicated spatula parameters as variances
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
may show different results. Other specifications may be accept-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
able and should be decided on between purchaser and seller.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 5. Procedure
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Place the specimen to be tested for pigment suspension
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
in a 500-mL (1-pt) container, filling the can to within 13 mm
( ⁄2 in.) of the top. Close the can tightly and hold undisturbed
2. Referenced Documents
for shelf aging for 6 months or for such other periods of time
2.1 ASTM Standards:
agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
D1309 Test Method for Settling Properties of Traffic Paints
5.2 Open the can holding the shelf-aged sample without
During Storage (Withdrawn 2020)
shaking or agitation, and examine the sample without removal
3. Significance and Use of supernatant vehicle. Use the spatula to determine the extent
and character of portions of the paint that may have separated
3.1 Paints, if not formulated or processed properly may
during storage. Hold the spatula perpendicular to and in the
settle excessively. Paint that settles excessively is difficult to
center area of the paint at a height whereby the bottom edge of
reincorporate into the paint system causing time delays or
the spatula is level with the top of the can. Drop the spatula
valuable pigment being left in the drum. This test method is an
from that position. Rate the condition of the sample in
attempt to evaluate the degree of settling caused by the
accordance with 5.4.
5.3 After examination of the entire specimen as described in
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
5.2, if a portion of the pigment has separated out to form a firm
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.24 on Physical Prope
...

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: D869 − 85 (Reapproved 2015) D869 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Degree of Settling of Paint
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D869; 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
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the degree of pigment suspension and ease of remixing a shelf-aged sample of
paint to a homogeneous condition suitable for the intended use.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1309 Test Method for Settling Properties of Traffic Paints During Storage (Withdrawn 2020)
3. Significance and Use
3.1 Paints, if not formulated or processed properly may settle excessively. Paint that settles excessively is difficult to reincorporate
into the paint system causing time delays or valuable pigment being left in the drum. This test method is an attempt to evaluate
the degree of settling caused by the accelerated Test Method D1309. This very subjective method of evaluation in conjunction with
the variables of Test Method D1309 raises questions as to the usefulness of the results for specification compliance.
4. Apparatus
3 1
4.1 Container, standard 500-mL (1-pt) friction-top can paint container, 85.5 6 1.5 mm (3 ⁄8 6 ⁄16 in.) in diameter, and 98.5 6
7 1
1.5 mm (3 ⁄8 6 ⁄16 in.) in height.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.24 on Physical Properties of Liquid Paints and& Paint Materials.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015Nov. 1, 2021. Published June 2015December 2021. Originally approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
D869 – 85 (2011).(2015). DOI: 10.1520/D0869-85R15.10.1520/D0869-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
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D869 − 21
4.2 Spatula, weighing 45 6 1 g with square-end blade 125 mm (4stainless-steel blade with a handle with a 127 mm ⁄4 (5 in.) in
lengthlong blade and approximately 20 mm 20 mm ( ⁄16 in.) in width, shall be used to examine the paint for pigment settling and
reincorporation characteristics.width. Approximately 2 mm of the end shall be cut off such that the end is square. For comparative
testing it is recommended to use the indicated spatula parameters as variances may show different results. Other specifications may
be acceptable and should be decided on between purchaser and seller.
5. Procedure
5.1 Place the specimen to be tested for pigment suspension in a 500-mL (1-pt) container, filling the can to within 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.)
of
...