ASTM D1455-17(2023)

Standard Test Method for 60° Specular Gloss of Emulsion Floor Polish

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method may be used to evaluate the difference in gloss of dried films of emulsion floor polishes when the light reflected at a 60° angle is measured. Extremely high- or low-gloss polishes may not be differentiated at a 60° angle. A20° angle measured in accordance with Test Method D523 may give better definition of gloss.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the 60° specular gloss of films of emulsion floor polish after application to a substrate.  
Note 1: Specular gloss is one of several related appearance attributes that produce the sensation of glossiness. For this reason, specular gloss measurements may not always correlate well with visual rankings of glossiness.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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-Aug-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

• Refers: ASTM D1436-17 - Standard Test Methods for Application of Emulsion Floor Polishes to Substrates for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1436-97(2015) - Standard Test Methods for Application of Emulsion Floor Polishes to Substrates for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D523-14 - Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM D523-08 - Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1436-97(2008) - Standard Test Methods for Application of Emulsion Floor Polishes to Substrates for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008
• Refers: ASTM D523-89(2008) - Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2008
• Refers: ASTM D523-89(1999) - Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1436-97(2002) - Standard Test Methods for Application of Emulsion Floor Polishes to Substrates for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-1997

Overview

ASTM D1455-17(2023), titled Standard Test Method for 60° Specular Gloss of Emulsion Floor Polish, is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This standard specifies the method for determining the 60° specular gloss of dried films of emulsion floor polishes after application to a substrate. By measuring the light reflected at a 60° angle from the surface, it evaluates the glossiness of emulsion floor polishes. Specular gloss is a critical appearance attribute, influencing perceptions of cleanliness and maintenance in commercial and residential flooring.

This standard is particularly useful for manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and end-users who need to compare gloss differences between floor polish products. Compliance with ASTM D1455-17(2023) helps ensure consistent, reliable results across the industry.

Key Topics

• Specular Gloss Measurement
  The standard describes how to measure the specular gloss of floor polish films using a glossmeter at a 60° incident angle. It helps identify differences in gloss between products.

• Applicability and Limitations
  While effective for most emulsion floor polishes, this method may not clearly differentiate between extremely high or low gloss finishes. In such cases, an alternative 20° angle measurement (following ASTM D523) can provide better detail.

• Test Apparatus and Substrates

  • Glossmeter: Must comply with ASTM D523 requirements, set for 60° reflection.
  • Floor Polish Applicator: As prescribed by ASTM D1436.
  • Substrates: Black glass (for most applications except hazy films) or official vinyl composition tiles (OVCT).

• Reporting Requirements
  Detailed reporting is mandated, including:

  • Average gloss readings at 60° (and 20°, if used)
  • Substrate types
  • Application method and number of coats
  • Instrument make/model and reference standards

• Precision, Bias, and Safety

  • Results should be repeatable within 2.5% on the same instrument (with black glass substrates).
  • Users must establish their own appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices before conducting tests.

Applications

ASTM D1455-17(2023) is essential in various practical scenarios:

• Floor Polish Manufacturing
  Manufacturers use this standard in R&D and quality control to ensure consistent gloss levels across batches and to benchmark new formulations.

• Comparative Product Testing
  Distributors and commercial procurement teams apply the method to compare different products for selection and specification purposes.

• Facility Maintenance Evaluation
  Building managers and cleaning service providers use gloss measurements to assess floor maintenance regimes and verify polish performance after application.

• Compliance and Certification
  Ensures alignment with industry best practices, contributing to acceptance in regulatory or contractually mandated testing protocols.

Related Standards

• ASTM D523 - Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss: Provides procedures for gloss measurement at different angles (including 20° and 85°) and is referenced for certain cases in D1455-17(2023) for expanded versatility.
• ASTM D1436 - Test Methods for Application of Emulsion Floor Polishes to Substrates for Testing Purposes: Specifies standard application procedures ensuring consistency and repeatability.
• World Trade Organization TBT Principles - Ensures international acceptance by aligning with globally recognized standardization processes.

Keywords: 60° specular gloss, emulsion floor polish, glossmeter, ASTM D1455, black glass, vinyl composition tile, floor finish testing, appearance attributes, substrate, test methods

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: D1455 − 17 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
60° Specular Gloss of Emulsion Floor Polish
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1455; 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 reflected at a 60° angle is measured. Extremely high- or
low-gloss polishes may not be differentiated at a 60° angle.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the 60°
A20° angle measured in accordance with Test Method D523
specular gloss of films of emulsion floor polish after applica-
may give better definition of gloss.
tion to a substrate.
NOTE 1—Specular gloss is one of several related appearance attributes
5. Apparatus
that produce the sensation of glossiness. For this reason, specular gloss
5.1 Glossmeter—The instrument and the reference stan-
measurements may not always correlate well with visual rankings of
glossiness. dards shall conform to the requirements prescribed in Test
Method D523, using an angle of reflection of 60°.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2 Floor Polish Applicator—The equipment for application
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of the floor polish shall conform to the requirements prescribed
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
in Test Methods D1436.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- 6. Substrates
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6.1 Two standard substrates are commonly used; however,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
commercial types may be used to test specific applications.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Better agreement of results can be expected when black glass
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
is used as the substrate, except for those cases where the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sample being tested produces a hazy film. Where a hazy film is
produced, black glass should not be employed as the substrate.
2. Referenced Documents
The standard types are as follows:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3,4
6.1.1 Black Glass, having a highly polished plane surface
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
with a refractive index of 1.567.
D1436 Test Methods for Application of Emulsion Floor
6.1.2 Offıcial Vinyl Composition Tile, new and unused.
Polishes to Substrates for Testing Purposes
7. Procedure
3. Terminology
7.1 Apply the floor polish to the substrate in accordance
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
with the procedures described in Test Methods D1436. Method
3.1.1 specular gloss, n—the ratio of reflected to incident
A, using the automatic dip coater, can be expected to give
light, times 1000, for specified apertures of illumination and
better agreement of results. For comparison of results, the same
reception when the axis of reception coincides with the mirror
method of application must be used.
image of the axis of illumination.
7.2 Determine the specular gloss at 60° in accordance with
4. Significance and Use
Test Method D523.
4.1 This test method may be used to evaluate the difference
in gloss of dried films of emulsion floor polishes when the light
The sole source of supply of black glass known to the committee at this time
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes is L. Perilstein Glass, 2543 Kensington Ave. Phila., PA 19125.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.04 on Performance Tests. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting
approved in 1956. Last previous editio
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