New solvent rub standard approved by ASTM

A new ASTM International standard describes a solvent rub technique that can be used in the laboratory, field or fabrication shop for assessing the solvent resistance of an organic coating that chemically and/or physically changes during the curing process.

ASTM D7835, Test Method for Determining the Solvent Resistance of an Organic Coating Using a Mechanical Rubbing Machine, was developed by Subcommittee D01.53 on Coil Coated Metal, part of ASTM International Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications.

Ted Best, a Scientist with Valspar Corp and a D01 member, said that the coil coated metals that are covered in the new standard are used in many markets, such as metal buildings, siding, roofing, trim, appliances and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. However, use of the standard is not limited to the coil coating industry.