ASTM D1308-20

Standard Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Coating Systems

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Resistance to various liquids used in the home is an important characteristic of organic finishes. These test methods provide the means by which the relative performance of coating systems may be evaluated. It should be recognized that continuous films are necessary for reliable results.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the effect of household chemicals on clear and pigmented organic finishes, resulting in any objectionable alteration in the surface, such as discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, softening, swelling, loss of adhesion, or special phenomena.  
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: 30-Nov-2020
• ICS: 87.040 - Paints and varnishes
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.55 - Factory Applied Coatings on Preformed Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D609-00(2012) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM D609-00(2006) - Standard Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM D609-00 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2000

Overview

ASTM D1308-20: Standard Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Coating Systems defines procedures to assess how household chemicals impact the appearance and performance of clear and pigmented organic finishes. Widely adopted in the coatings and materials industries, this standard provides a consistent method for evaluating alterations such as discoloration, gloss change, blistering, softening, swelling, loss of adhesion, and other observable effects resulting from exposure to common household substances. Compliance with ASTM D1308-20 supports quality assurance, research, and product development for coatings subjected to domestic environments.

Key Topics

• Test Methods: The standard outlines three principal test methods to simulate household chemical exposure:
  • Spot Test, Covered: A chemical is applied to the coating, covered for a specified duration, and observed for effect.
  • Spot Test, Open: The chemical is applied directly without covering and evaluated after exposure.
  • Immersion Test: Panels are partially immersed in specific reagents, then assessed for changes.
• Substrate Preparation: Recommendations for using cold-rolled steel panels (as per ASTM D609) or mutually agreed substrates to ensure representative results.
• Typical Reagents: Includes distilled water (hot and cold), alcohol, vinegar, alkali and acid solutions, soaps and detergents, oils, fats, fruits, condiments, and beverages.
• Reporting Requirements: The test report should specify the system tested, the method employed, conditions used, and any observed effects.
• Assessment Criteria: Evaluates nonquantitative changes in appearance such as:
  • Discoloration
  • Loss or change of gloss
  • Blistering or softening
  • Swelling or loss of adhesion

Applications

ASTM D1308-20 is essential in industries that manufacture, specify, or apply organic coating systems intended for residential use, including furniture finishes, appliance coatings, cabinetry, and decorative or protective finishes for building products. Key practical applications include:

• Quality Assurance: Manufacturers use this standard to verify that coatings withstand exposure to household chemicals as expected, helping to reduce warranty claims, product failures, and customer complaints.
• Product Development: R&D departments evaluate new formulations’ resistance to household substances early in the design process.
• Specification Compliance: Procurement and project management teams rely on ASTM D1308-20 to validate that coatings specified for projects will perform reliably under typical end-user conditions.
• Performance Benchmarking: Provides an industry-accepted framework for comparing the chemical resistance of competitive coatings.

Related Standards

• ASTM D609 - Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating Products
• ASTM D3359 - Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test
• ASTM D523 - Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
• ISO 2812-1/2 - Paints and varnishes - Determination of resistance to liquids

For comprehensive and reliable assessment of coating durability in domestic environments, refer to ASTM D1308-20 and its related standards on coating performance and chemical resistance. Adhering to these methods ensures products meet rigorous quality and durability expectations for household applications.

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: D1308 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented
Coating Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1308; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3.1.1 Spot Test, Covered—The reagent is placed on the test
surface and immediately covered with a watch glass.
1.1 This test method covers determination of the effect of
3.1.2 SpotTest,Open—The test surface is subjected directly
household chemicals on clear and pigmented organic finishes,
to the effect of substance, such as citrus fruit, oils, greases,
resulting in any objectionable alteration in the surface, such as
beverages, etc.
discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, softening, swelling,
3.1.3 Immersion Test—A suitably prepared panel is im-
loss of adhesion, or special phenomena.
mersed in the test reagent.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
4. Significance and Use
only.
4.1 Resistance to various liquids used in the home is an
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
important characteristic of organic finishes.These test methods
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
provide the means by which the relative performance of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
coating systems may be evaluated. It should be recognized that
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
continuous films are necessary for reliable results.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Test Panels
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Steel Panels—See Practice D609.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 5.2 Othermetalpanels,asagreeduponbythepurchaserand
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical the seller of the finish being tested.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.3 Other substrates, as agreed upon by the purchaser and
the seller of the finish being tested.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6. Reagents
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels
6.1 The choice of reagent shall be governed by ultimate
for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and
coating use and by agreement between the purchaser and the
Related Coating Products
seller of the finish being tested. The following reagents are
suggested:
3. Summary of Test Method
6.1.1 Distilled Water, cold.
3.1 Three test methods, each of which is particularly appli-
6.1.2 Distilled Water, hot.
cable to individual reagents under study, are described as
6.1.3 Ethyl Alcohol (50% volume).
follows:
6.1.4 Vinegar (3% acetic acid).
6.1.5 Alkali Solution.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
6.1.6 Acid Solution.
and Related Coatings, Materials, andApplications and is the direct responsibility of
6.1.7 Soap Solution.
Subcommittee D01.55 on Factory Applied Coatings on Preformed Products.
6.1.8 Detergent Solution.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
6.1.9 Lighter Fluid and Other Volatile Reagents.
approved in 1954. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D1308 – 02 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/D1308-20.
6.1.10 Fruit—Piece of cut fruit, with cut portion placed face
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
down on panel.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.1.11 Oils and Fats—Butter, margarine, lard, shortening,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. vegetable oils, etc.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1308 − 20
6.1.12 Condiments—Mustard, catsup (ketchup). andexamineimmediatelyforeffectsaslistedin1.1.Frequently
6.1.13 Beverages—Coffee, tea, cocoa. used intervals are 15 min, 1 h, and 16 h, or by agreement
6.1.14 Lubricating Oils and Greases. between the producer and the user. If desired, allow the panel
6.1.15 Other Reagents, as agreed upon bet
...

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: D1308 − 02 (Reapproved 2013) D1308 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented
Organic FinishesCoating Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1308; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers determination of the effect of household chemicals on clear and pigmented organic finishes, resulting
in any objectionable alteration in the surface, such as discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, softening, swelling, loss of
adhesion, or special phenomena.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Related Coating
Products
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Three test methods, each of which is particularly applicable to individual reagents under study, are described as follows:
3.1.1 Spot Test, Covered—The reagent is placed on the test surface and immediately covered with a watch glass.
3.1.2 Spot Test, Open—The test surface is subjected directly to the effect of substance, such as citrus fruit, oils, greases, beverages,
etc.
3.1.3 Immersion Test—A suitably prepared panel is immersed in the test reagent.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.55 on Factory Applied Coatings on Preformed Products.
Current edition approved June 1, 2013Dec. 1, 2020. Published July 2013December 2020. Originally approved in 1954. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
D1308 – 02 (2007).(2013). DOI: 10.1520/D1308-02R13.10.1520/D1308-20.
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 the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1308 − 20
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Resistance to various liquids used in the home is an important characteristic of organic finishes. These test methods provide
the means by which the relative performance of coating systems may be evaluated. It should be recognized that continuous films
are necessary for reliable results.
5. Test Panels
5.1 Steel Panels—See Practice D609.
5.2 Other Metal Panels,metal panels, as agreed upon by the purchaser and the seller of the finish being tested.
5.3 Other substrates, as agreed upon by the purchaser and the seller of the finish being tested.
6. Reagents
6.1 The choice of reagent shall be governed by ultimate coating use and by agreement between the purchaser and the seller of the
finish being tested. The following reagents are suggested:
6.1.1 Distilled Water, cold.
6.1.2 Distilled Water, hot.
6.1.3 Ethyl Alcohol (50 % volume).
6.1.4 Vinegar (3 % acetic acid).
6.1.5 Alkali Solution.
6.1.6 Acid Solution.
6.1.7 Soap Solution.
6.1.8 Detergent Solution.
6.1.9 Lighter Fluid and Other Volatile Reagents.
6.1.10 Fruit—Piece of cut fruit, with cut portion placed face down on panel.
6.1.11 Oils and Fats—Butter, margarine, lard, shortening, vegetable oils, etc.
6.1.12 Condiments—Mustard, catsup (ketchup).
6.1.13 Beverages—Coffee, tea, cocoa.
6.1.14 Lubricating Oils and Greases.
6.1.15 Other Reagents, as agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
7. Procedure
7.1 Panel Preparation—Spot and direct application tests may be carr
...