ASTM D3210-95(2023)

Standard Test Method for Comparing Colors of Films from Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Whiteness index obtained from reflectance measurements on exaggerated dried polish films on filter paper can be used as a measurement of the color of such films.  
5.2 Whiteness index may be useful in predicting the potential discoloring effect of polish films on flooring substrates.  
5.3 Whiteness index should be useful in specifications when color comparisons are made with a standard sample polish.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers comparing colors of films (or solids) deposited from the emulsified particles in water emulsion floor polishes. It is based upon luminous reflectance measurements made with tristimulus colorimeters such as the Hunter Color Difference Meter.2  
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-Aug-2023
• ICS: 17.180.20 - Colours and measurement of light
• ICS: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry
• Technical Committee: D21 - Polishes
• Drafting Committee: D21.04 - Performance Tests

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E259-06(2015) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Pressed Powder White Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical and Bi-Directional Geometries (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM E259-06(2011) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Pressed Powder White Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical and Bi-Directional Geometries
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E259-06 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Pressed Powder White Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical and Bi-Directional Geometries
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM E259-98(2003) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Pressed Powder White Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical and Bi-Directional Geometries
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003

Overview

ASTM D3210-95(2023) is the Standard Test Method for Comparing Colors of Films from Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes, developed by ASTM International. This test method establishes procedures for comparing the color of dried films formed from water-emulsion floor polishes. Color comparison is based on luminous reflectance measurements using tristimulus colorimeters, such as the Hunter Color Difference Meter. The main outcome is the calculation of a "whiteness index," which provides a quantitative measure of a polish film's color characteristics.

The standard serves manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and formulators in the floor finish and maintenance industry by offering a reliable approach to evaluate and specify the color impact of polish films on flooring surfaces.

Key Topics

• Water-Emulsion Floor Polish Evaluation: The test method specifically covers the assessment of films produced by emulsified particles in water-based floor polishes.
• Color Measurements: Reflectance measurements are taken with tristimulus colorimeters, commonly the Hunter Color Difference Meter. The method focuses on obtaining L (lightness) and b (yellow-blue scale) values or their equivalents.
• Whiteness Index Calculation: The core indicator is the whiteness index (WI), representing the film’s color against a white background. This is a valuable metric for predicting the potential for discoloration when applied on flooring substrates.
• Standardization and Comparability: By providing a standardized color evaluation method, the test enables consistent quality control, guides product development, and supports regulatory and specification requirements in both domestic and international contexts.

Applications

• Quality Control for Floor Polishes: The method is widely used by manufacturers to ensure consistent batch-to-batch color appearance in water-emulsion polishes. This minimizes customer complaints related to visible discoloration.
• Product Development and Benchmarking: R&D and formulation chemists use the whiteness index to develop new floor finishes or benchmark competitive products, ensuring the desired color or transparency is achieved.
• Specification Compliance: Facilities management professionals and procurement teams rely on whiteness index data when specifying polish films to avoid films that may cause visible changes in floor appearance.
• Discoloration Prediction: The test provides important data on the likelihood of a polish film causing discoloration, supporting better product selection for sensitive or high-visibility environments.
• International Trade: Adherence to this ASTM standard ensures that products meet globally recognized practices, simplifying regulatory compliance and market acceptance.

Related Standards

To fully address the color measurement of films from floor polishes, the following standards may also be relevant:

• ASTM E259: Practice for Preparation of Pressed Powder White Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical and Bi-Directional Geometries - referenced for preparing calibration standards in reflectance measurements.
• Instrument Standards: Use of calibrated porcelain enamel or white glass panels (often referred to as Vitrolite) as instrument standards for reflectance measurements.
• ISO/IEC Color Measurement Standards: Standards that align with the use of tristimulus colorimetry and color difference evaluation in related industries.
• ASTM Committee D21 Standards: Additional polishes and performance test methods, further assisting in comprehensive quality evaluation.

Keywords: ASTM D3210, color measurement, whiteness index, floor polish, water-emulsion, floor films, reflectance, color difference meter, quality control, floor finish 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: D3210 − 95 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Comparing Colors of Films from Water-Emulsion Floor
Polishes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3210; 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 whiteness index, n—a color measurement calculated
from the equation
1.1 This test method covers comparing colors of films (or
WI 5 L 2 3b (1)
solids) deposited from the emulsified particles in water emul-
sion floor polishes. It is based upon luminous reflectance
where L and b are values measured directly with the Color
measurements made with tristimulus colorimeters such as the
Difference Meter. L measures lightness, which is 100 for
Hunter Color Difference Meter.
perfectly white and zero for black; and b measures yellow-
ness when plus, blueness when minus, and zero for neutral
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
gray or white. Conversion factors for instruments reading in
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
X, Y, Z units are:
only.
= =
L 5 10 Y b 5 7.0 ~Y 2 0.847 Z!/ Y (2)
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 4.1 Reflectance measurements are made on exaggerated or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. heavy dried polish films produced by saturating white filter
paper. The color measurement is expressed as whiteness index.
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
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 5.1 Whiteness index obtained from reflectance measure-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical ments on exaggerated dried polish films on filter paper can be
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. used as a measurement of the color of such films.
5.2 Whiteness index may be useful in predicting the poten-
2. Referenced Documents
tial discoloring effect of polish films on flooring substrates.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.3 Whiteness index should be useful in specifications when
E259 Practice for Preparation of Pressed Powder White
color comparisons are made with a standard sample polish.
Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical
6. Apparatus
and Bi-Directional Geometries
6.1 Tristimulus Colorimeter, which gives reflectance read-
3. Terminology
ings which in turn are converted by calculations to L, a, and b
color scale values, or these color scale values may be read
3.1 Definitions:
directly from an instrument that automatically makes the
calculations. Other apparatus is satisfactory if equivalent re-
sults are obtained.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.04 on Performance Tests
6.2 Filter Paper, medium flow rate, cut into strips 76.2 mm
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally
by 152.4 mm (3 in. by 6 in.).
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D3210 – 95 (2016).
DOI: 10.1520/D3210-95R23.
6.3 Spring Clamp, approximately 76 mm (3 in.) wide, two
Hunter, R. S., “Photoelectric Color Difference Meter,” Journal of the Optical
are required.
Society, Vol. 48, 1958, p. 985.
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 Hunter, R. S., “Instruments and Test Methods for Control of Whiteness in
the ASTM website. Textile Mills,” American Dyestuff Reporter, Vol 56, No. 25, Dec. 4, 1967, pp. 80–87.
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