ASTM D3440-13(2019)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
ABSTRACT
This guide covers preparing specifications for water-emulsion floor polishes on all non-wood floors and for sealed wood floors. The two types of floor polish covered are the Buff?ng-Type Floor Polish and the Self-Polishing-Type Floor Polish. The floor polishes shall be tested using infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography; and the individual grades shall conform to specified values of color, total solids, sediment, alkalinity, stability, odor, and total ash and silica. The performance test includes performance, removability, resistance to soiling, water spotting, recoatability, powdering, static coefficient of friction, detergent resistance, and gloss.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers preparing specifications for water-emulsion floor polishes on all nonwood floors and for sealed wood floors.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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
- 30-Jun-2019
- Technical Committee
- D21 - Polishes
- Drafting Committee
- D21.05 - Specifications
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM D3440-13 - Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes - Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2016
Overview
ASTM D3440-13(2019): Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes provides guidance for the development of comprehensive specifications for water-emulsion floor polishes. This standard, developed by ASTM International, applies to both non-wood and sealed wood floor surfaces, covering two primary polish types: Buffing-Type Floor Polish and Self-Polishing-Type Floor Polish. By specifying physical properties, performance tests, and methods for product sampling and evaluation, ASTM D3440 ensures the quality, safety, and performance consistency of floor polishes based on water-emulsion technology.
Key Topics
- Coverage: The guide details steps for preparing specifications for water-emulsion polishes suitable for all non-wood floors as well as sealed wood floors.
- Polish Types:
- Buffing-Type Floor Polish, which improves shine with buffing
- Self-Polishing-Type Floor Polish, which dries to a shine without buffing
- Testing Methods: Includes procedures such as infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and various ASTM test methods for color, solids, sediment, pH, stability, odor, ash, and silica content
- Performance Criteria: Addresses performance, removability, soiling resistance, water spotting, recoatability, powdering, static coefficient of friction, detergent resistance, and gloss
- Quality Assurance: Sampling protocols and acceptance criteria ensure that every batch meets agreed-upon standards
- Purchase and Reference Material: Guidance for using reference materials and qualification and acceptance samples in procurement processes
- Safety and Compliance: Emphasizes the user's responsibility for health, safety, and environmental considerations, including regulatory compliance
Applications
Organizations involved in the manufacture, procurement, or quality control of water-emulsion floor polishes will find practical value in ASTM D3440. Key application areas include:
- Product Specification Development: Ensures manufacturers and purchasers use a common language and objective metrics when specifying requirements for water-emulsion floor polishes
- Quality Control and Inspection: Provides standardized methods for verifying that products meet expected performance and physical properties, improving consistency across production batches
- Procurement Processes: Enables buyers to require uniform product characteristics and assess supplier compliance reliably
- Facility Management: Helps facility managers select appropriate floor polishes based on scientifically validated performance criteria
- Regulatory Compliance: Assists in meeting national and international requirements for product safety, labeling, and environmental impact
Related Standards
Several referenced ASTM standards support compliance with ASTM D3440 for testing and evaluation:
- ASTM D2047 - Static Coefficient of Friction for Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces
- ASTM D2048 - Powdering of Floor Polish Films
- ASTM D2825 - Terminology Relating to Polishes and Related Materials
- ASTM D2834 - Total Solids in Floor Polishes
- ASTM D3052 - Rating Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
- ASTM D3153 - Recoatability of Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
- ASTM D3206 - Soil Resistance of Floor Polishes
- ASTM D3207 - Detergent Resistance of Floor Polish Films
- ASTM D3210 - Comparing Colors of Films from Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
- ASTM D1290 - Sediment in Water-Emulsion Polishes
- ASTM E70 - pH of Aqueous Solutions
Practical Value
Complying with ASTM D3440-13(2019) ensures that water-emulsion floor polishes deliver consistent quality, safety, and performance across a range of flooring types. The standard provides both manufacturers and end users with a reliable basis for specification, testing, and procurement. This promotes product uniformity, supports regulatory compliance, and ultimately ensures floors maintain their appearance and safety for end-users.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3440-13(2019) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Preparing Specifications for Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This guide covers preparing specifications for water-emulsion floor polishes on all non-wood floors and for sealed wood floors. The two types of floor polish covered are the Buff?ng-Type Floor Polish and the Self-Polishing-Type Floor Polish. The floor polishes shall be tested using infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography; and the individual grades shall conform to specified values of color, total solids, sediment, alkalinity, stability, odor, and total ash and silica. The performance test includes performance, removability, resistance to soiling, water spotting, recoatability, powdering, static coefficient of friction, detergent resistance, and gloss. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers preparing specifications for water-emulsion floor polishes on all nonwood floors and for sealed wood floors. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 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.
ABSTRACT This guide covers preparing specifications for water-emulsion floor polishes on all non-wood floors and for sealed wood floors. The two types of floor polish covered are the Buff?ng-Type Floor Polish and the Self-Polishing-Type Floor Polish. The floor polishes shall be tested using infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography; and the individual grades shall conform to specified values of color, total solids, sediment, alkalinity, stability, odor, and total ash and silica. The performance test includes performance, removability, resistance to soiling, water spotting, recoatability, powdering, static coefficient of friction, detergent resistance, and gloss. SCOPE 1.1 This guide covers preparing specifications for water-emulsion floor polishes on all nonwood floors and for sealed wood floors. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 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.
ASTM D3440-13(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D3440-13(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D3440-13, ASTM E70-24, ASTM D3052-23, ASTM D3153-23, ASTM D3206-23, ASTM D2048-23, ASTM D1793-23, ASTM D2047-17, ASTM D1793-17, ASTM D3153-17, ASTM D3207-17, ASTM D3206-17, ASTM D2048-17, ASTM D3052-17, ASTM D3207-92(2016). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D3440-13(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D3440 −13 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Guide for
Preparing Specifications for Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3440; 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 Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces as Measured by the
James Machine
1.1 This guide covers preparing specifications for water-
D2048 Test Method for Powdering of Floor Polish Films
emulsion floor polishes on all nonwood floors and for sealed
D2825 Terminology Relating to Polishes and Related Mate-
wood floors.
rials
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
D2834 Test Method for Nonvolatile Matter (Total Solids) in
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes, Solvent-Based Floor
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
Polishes, and Polymer-Emulsion Floor Polishes
and are not considered standard.
D3052 Practice for Rating Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the D3153 Test Method for Recoatability of Water-Emulsion
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Floor Polishes
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- D3206 Test Method for Soil Resistance of Floor Polishes
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D3207 Test Method for Detergent Resistance of Floor Polish
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Films
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
D3210 Test Method for Comparing Colors of Films from
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Water-Emulsion Floor Polishes
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
E70 Test Method for pH of Aqueous Solutions With the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Glass Electrode
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of other terms used in this
2. Referenced Documents
guide refer to Terminology D2825.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.1.1 specification—a precise statement of a set of require-
D1288 Test Method for Test for Total Ash and Silica In ments to be satisfied by a material, product, system, or service,
Water-Emulsion Polishes (Withdrawn 1984) indicating, whenever appropriate the procedure by means of
D1290 Test Method for Sediment in Water-Emulsion Pol- which it may be determined whether the requirements given
ishes by Centrifuge are satisfied. As far as practicable, it is desirable that the
D1455 Test Method for 60° Specular Gloss of Emulsion requirements be expressed numerically in terms of units
Floor Polish together with their limits.
D1791 Test Method for Accelerated Aging of Liquid Water-
Emulsion Floor Polishes 4. Classification
D1792 Test Method for Long-Term Removability Properties
4.1 Buffıng-Type Floor Polish—A floor polish that requires
of Emulsion Floor Polishes
buffing to maintain or enhance appearance, or both.
D1793 Test Method for Water Spotting of Emulsion Floor
4.2 Self-Polishing-Type Floor Polish—Aself-polishing-type
Polishes
floor polish that dries to a shine.
D2047 Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of
5. Basis of Purchase
5.1 Reference Material—Afloor polish which the purchaser
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes and
has found to provide the desired characteristics in each of the
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.05 on Specifications.
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published July 2019. Originally approved
tests described and which is mutually agreed upon between the
in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3440 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/
purchaser and the seller, will be used as a reference material.
D3440-13R19.
Other polishes will be compared to this reference material for
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. performance.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3440 − 13 (2019)
5.2 Qualification Sample—Seller shall submit a sample standard front surface test mirror used in the specular reflec-
typical of the material he intends to supply for qualification tance accessory (individual spectrophotometers have different
testing. accessories).Apply approximately 1 mLof floor polish with an
eye dropper in a zig-zag pattern, and produce a uniform layer
5.3 Acceptance Sample—Samples shall be taken from each
by means of a 2-in. (51-mm) doctor blade with 0.008-in.
shipment and examined for conformation to the qualification
(0.20-mm) gap. The sample thus prepared is allowed to dry
sample.
overnight before use.
8.1.2 Procedure—Run the spectrum of the coated foil on an
6. Requirements
infrared spectrophotometer equipped with a specular reflec-
6.1 Physical:
tance accessory. The base line of the spectrum should show
6.1.1 All values in the following tests are to be mutually
approximately 90 % transmittance, and the most intense band
agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller. Infrared
should show approximately 10 %. It may be necessary to move
spectroscopy and gas chromatography are optional.
the coated aluminum foil slightly to approach these conditions
6.1.2 Infrared Spectroscopy
...




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