ASTM D7801-17

Standard Terminology for Paint Brush Application Tools

SCOPE
1.1 This standard establishes the definitions for terminology used in testing and manufacturing of paint brushes.  
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 and health 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-May-2017
• ICS: 01.040.87 - Paint and colour industries (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 87.100 - Paint coating equipment
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.61 - Paint Application Tools

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7801-12 - Standard Terminology for Paint Brush Application Tools
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2024) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D7834-13(2019) - Standard Test Method for Filling Material Shedding of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04(2019) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2016) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04(2013) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D7834-13 - Standard Test Method for Filling Material Shedding of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2012) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D7834-12 - Standard Test Method for Filling Material Shedding of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04(2009) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2008) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D7073-05 - Standard Guide for Application and Evaluation of Brush and Roller Applied Paint Films
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM D5068-04 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM D5068-02 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2002
• Refers: ASTM D5301-92(2002) - Standard Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-1992

Overview

ASTM D7801-17: Standard Terminology for Paint Brush Application Tools defines standardized terms and definitions relevant to the manufacturing, testing, and evaluation of paint brushes. Issued by ASTM International, this terminology standard ensures a common language for industry professionals, manufacturers, laboratories, and quality assurance teams. By providing precise definitions, ASTM D7801-17 supports the accurate communication and assessment of paint brush attributes and techniques, promoting consistency and quality in the production and use of paint brush application tools worldwide.

Key Topics

ASTM D7801-17 covers terminology essential to understanding and discussing paint brush construction, characteristics, and performance. Core topics include:

• Component Definitions:
  • Brush ferrule: the fitting that secures filaments to the handle
  • Brush filling material: the aligned filaments (natural or synthetic) forming the brush
• Performance Characteristics:
  • Brush stiffness: resistance of bristles to deflection
  • Snap: flexibility and resilience of filaments
  • Wear: effectiveness loss due to abrasion of filaments
• Manufacturing Terms:
  • Chisel trim: shaping filaments to a domed tip
  • Formed chisel: filaments assembled for a domed tip profile
  • Tapered filament: synthetic bristles with gradually reduced diameter
  • Tipped: filaments ending in a fine point by specific processes
• Application Methods:
  • Cut-in: precision painting near edges
  • Feathering: softening paint edges during application
  • Heeling: performance reduction from hardened paint at the filament base
  • Length clear: measured exposed filament length from ferrule to tip
  • Fishtail: specific wear pattern at the center of the brush

These terms lay the foundation for uniform communication and aid in developing related test methods, evaluation procedures, and manufacturing practices.

Applications

The definitions provided in ASTM D7801-17 are vital for several stakeholders in the coatings and painting tools industries:

• Manufacturers: Use standardized terminology to design, produce, and describe brushes with precise features and performance attributes.
• Testing Laboratories: Apply consistent definitions in methods for evaluating brush qualities such as stiffness, shedding, and wear.
• Quality Control Professionals: Reference terminology for product inspections and compliance assessments.
• Standards Developers: Ensure new methods and specifications use correct and up-to-date language.
• Trainers and Educators: Facilitate training on paint brush use and application techniques with internationally accepted terms.

Broad adoption of these definitions helps prevent misunderstandings, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports global trade by aligning with World Trade Organization guidelines.

Related Standards

ASTM D7801-17 references and aligns with several related ASTM standards that further guide paint brush evaluation and use:

• ASTM D5068 - Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
• ASTM D5301 - Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
• ASTM D7073 - Guide for Application and Evaluation of Brush and Roller Applied Paint Films
• ASTM D7834 - Test Method for Filling Material Shedding of Paint Brushes

These documents work collectively to create a comprehensive framework for paint brush testing, evaluation, and terminology, supporting continuous improvement in the coatings industry.

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Keywords: ASTM D7801-17, paint brush application tools, paint brush terminology, brush manufacturing, brush testing, coatings industry standards, quality assurance, standardized definitions, brush construction, brush performance.

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: D7801 − 17
Standard Terminology for
Paint Brush Application Tools
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7801; 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 brush stiffness, n—force required to deflect the filaments to a
particular displacement.
1.1 This standard establishes the definitions for terminology
used in testing and manufacturing of paint brushes.
chisel trim, n—a brush making process in which the tip of the
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
brush is mechanically (cut or sheared) shaped to a domed
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the profile.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
cut-in, v—to carefully paint an edge to avoid spreading paint
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
onto an adjacent area.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
feathering, n—for painting, to reduce the thickness of a wet,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
coated region (such as using the strokes of a relatively dry
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
brush) so that the edge fades off or softens.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
fishtail, n—a condition in which the center filaments of a brush
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
wear down more than the filaments on the side of the brush.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents formed chisel, n—a property of a brush produced by a brush
2 making process in which the filaments are assembled,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
formed and bound at the butt end to produce a domed
D5068 Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evalu-
(beveled) profile at the tip end.
ation
D5301 Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint
formulation, n—a specification that gives the ingredients and
Brushes
amounts or process.
D7073 Guide for Application and Evaluation of Brush and
heeling, n—for paint brush filaments, reduction of brush
Roller Applied Paint Films
performance caused by paint hardening in the handle (heel)
D7834 Test Method for Filling Material Shedding of Paint
end of the filament bundle.
Brushes
3. Terminology length clear, n—the length of the filament exposed from the
ferrule edge to the tip of the brush filament.
3.1 Definitions:
brush ferrule, n—the fitting that houses the butt end of the
snap, n—for paint brush filaments,theflexibili
...

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: D7801 − 12 D7801 − 17
Standard Terminology for
Paint Brush Application Tools
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7801; 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
1.1 This standard establishes the definitions for terminology used in testing and manufacturing of paint brushes.
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 and health 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D5068 Practice for Preparation of Paint Brushes for Evaluation
D5301 Practice for Physical Characterization of Paint Brushes
D7073 Guide for Application and Evaluation of Brush and Roller Applied Paint Films
D7834 Test Method for Filling Material Shedding of Paint Brushes
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
brush ferrule, n—the fitting that houses the butt end of the filament and secures it to the handle.
brush filling material, n—a set of aligned filament (whether natural hair, plant fibers or synthetic) used to provide the brushing
portion of a paint brush.
brush stiffness, n—force required to deflect the filaments to a particular displacement.
chisel trim, n—a brush making process in which the tip of the brush is mechanically (cut or sheared) shaped to a domed profile.
cut-in, v—to carefully paint an edge to avoid spreading paint onto an adjacent area.
feathering, n—for painting, to reduce the thickness of a wet, coated region (such as using the strokes of a relatively dry brush)
so that the edge fades off or softens.
fishtail, n—a condition in which the center filaments of a brush wear down more than the filaments on the side of the brush.
formed chisel, n—a property of a brush produced by a brush making process in which the filaments are assembled, formed and
bound at the butt end to produce a domed (beveled) profile at the tip end.
formulation, n—a specification that gives the ingredients and amounts or process.
heeling, n—for paint brush filaments, reduction of brush performance caused by
...