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of Pressed Powder White Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical and Bi-Directional Geometries (Withdrawn 2024)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), Standard Test Method for Comparing Colors of Films from Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes establishes a precise procedure for measuring and comparing the color of films or solids formed by water-emulsion floor polishes. This standard specifies using luminous reflectance measurements and tristimulus colorimeters-such as the Hunter Color Difference Meter-to determine the whiteness index of dried polish films applied to filter paper. The methodology outlined provides an objective, reproducible means to assess the potential discoloration effects of polish films on flooring and supports standardized quality specifications across the industry.

Key Topics

• Whiteness Index Measurement:
  The method uses reflectance data, specifically the whiteness index calculated from instrument readings, to quantify the color of polish films. A higher whiteness index indicates a whiter, less discolored film.

• Test Apparatus and Calibration:
  Standard equipment includes a tristimulus colorimeter and specified white filter paper. Consistent calibration with primary (magnesium oxide) and instrument standards (white porcelain enamel or glass) ensures reliable results.

• Standard Test Procedure:

  • Filter paper strips are saturated with floor polish, dried, and subjected to reflectance measurements.
  • Multiple readings are averaged for accuracy.
  • Calculations use standardized equations for L (lightness) and b (yellowness/blueness) values.

• Comparative Analysis:
  The method enables side-by-side comparison of sample polishes with standards, supporting consistency in color quality among floor care products.

• Significance and Use:
  The whiteness index serves multiple practical purposes:

  • Measuring and comparing film color
  • Predicting potential discoloration on subfloors
  • Formulating specifications in manufacturing and procurement

Applications

• Quality Control in Floor Polish Production:
  Manufacturers use ASTM D3210 to ensure product batches meet color uniformity requirements, reducing the risk of off-color or discolored films on consumer flooring.

• Product Development and Optimization:
  R&D departments rely on whiteness index comparisons to formulate new polishes with minimal visual impact on different substrate types.

• Procurement and Specification Compliance:
  Buying organizations reference this standard when specifying allowable color properties for floor polishes, ensuring suppliers deliver consistent, high-quality products.

• Verification and Certification:
  Third-party laboratories utilize the standardized test method for independent assessment and certification of floor polish products against industry benchmarks.

• Discoloration Risk Assessment:
  Facility managers and flooring contractors apply the test method to predict and control potential discoloration caused by maintenance products before widespread application.

Related Standards

• ASTM E259, Practice for Preparation of Pressed Powder White Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical and Bi-Directional Geometries:
  Provides guidelines on preparing and using reflectance standards for color measurement.

• General Color Measurement Standards:
  Instruments such as the Hunter Color Difference Meter, Color Eye Colorimeter, and others cited in ASTM D3210 are also referenced in broader color evaluation standards.

• International Principles on Standardization (WTO TBT Committee):
  This ASTM standard is developed following globally recognized practices, ensuring international relevance.

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Adhering to ASTM D3210-95(2023) provides manufacturers, suppliers, and users of water-emulsion floor polishes with a reliable method for comparing color and preventing unwanted discoloration, ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction.

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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