Physical Properties
Cross-Hatch Adhesion,Wet Adhesion, Pencil Hardness, Impact Resistance, 90 deg. Gloss, Falling Sand Abrasion, Chemical Resistance,Mortar Resistance
Detergent Exposure, Muriatic Acid Resistance, Corrosion Resistance, Humidity Resistance, Salt Spray Resistance, Outdoor Weathering,Florida Exposure
Voluntary Specification for High Performance Organic Coatings On Architectural Aluminum Extrusion and Panels
Scope
1.1 This specification describes test procedures and requirements for high performance organic coatings applied to aluminum extrusion and panels for architectural products.
2. Purpose
The specification will assist the architect, owner And contractor to specify and obtain factory-applied organic coating which will provide and maintain a superior level of performance in terms of film integrity, Exterior weatherability and general appearance over a period of many years.
3. Definitions
3.1 The terms "film" and "coating" are used interchangeably in this specification and are defined as meaning the layer of organic material applied to the surface of the aluminum.
3.2 Exposed surfaces are those surfaces indicated by architectural drawings which are visible when the coated product is installed. These may include both closed and open positions of operating sash, ventilators and doors of panels.
4. General
4.1 To meet this specification, product tested shall meet all of the requirements of this specification.
4.2 Coatings shall be visibly free from flow lines, streaks, blisters or other surface imperfections in the dry-film state on exposed surface when observed at a distance of ten (10) feet (120 inches) from the metal surface and inspected at an angle of 90 degrees to the surface.
4.3 The total dry-film thickness on exposed surfaces, except inside corners and channels, shall be a minimum of 1.2 mil total film thickness.
Measurement areas over a single extrusion or panel taken according to ASTM D 1400-87, shall be evenly dispersed over the significant exposed area 80% of those measurements shall meet or exceed the minimum film thickness. In no case all measurements be below 1.0 mil (or 85% of film thickness specified).
5. Test Specimens
5.1 Test specimens shall consist of finished panels or extrusions representative of the production coated aluminum. A sufficient number of specimens on which to conduct instrument measurement with flat coated surfaces of at least 5’ long and 3’ wide, shall be submitted to the testing laboratory. The coating applicator or fabricator shall indicated exposed surfaces or submit drawings. Tests shall be performed on exposed areas as indicated on drawings or as marked on test specimens.
6. Metal preparation and pretreatment
Note: A multi-state cleaning and pretreatment system is required to remove organic and inorganic surface soils, remove residual oxides, and apply a chemical conversion coating to which organic coating will firmly adhere.
6.1 The products used to form the chemical conversion coating on aluminum extrusions and paneling shall conform with ASTM D 1730, Type B, Method 5 (amorphous Chromium Phosphate Treatment) or Method 7 (Amorphous Chromate Treatment).
6.2 The coating weight of the chemical conversion coating shall be a minimum of 30 mg. per ft. on exposed surfaces as specified in ASTM B 449, Section 6, Class 1. Processing shall conform with that specified in ASTM B 449, Section 5.
Note: Frequent in-plant testing and control of pretreatment is required to insurer satisfactory performance of the coating system.
7. Test
7.1 Color Uniformity
7.1.1 Procedure
Check random samples visually under a uniform light source such as a Mac Beth daylight lamp or the North daylight sky. Samples must meet minimum dry-film thickness.
7.1.2 Performance
Color uniformity shall be consistent with the established color range.
Note: Limits for acceptable production color variations are to be established between the approval source and applicator.
PASSES
7.2 Specular Gloss
7.2.1 Procedure
Measure in accordance with the latest issue of ASTM D 523 using a 50 degree gloss meter. Samples must meet minimum dry film thickness requirements.

Results
60 degree/ High Gloss 90
7.3 Dry Film Hardness
7.3.1 Procedure
Using a Berol Eagle Turquoise pencil, grade F minimum hardness, leave a full diameter of lead exposed to the length of 1/4", minimum to 3/8", maximum. Flatten the end of the lead 90 degrees to the pencil axis using fine-grit sand or emery paper. Hold the pencil at 45 degree to the film surface and push forward about 1/4" using as much downward pressure as can be applied without breaking the lead. Reference ASTM D 3363
7.3.2 Performance
No rupture of film per ASTM D 3363.
Results
Pencil Hardness H Passes
7.4 Film Adhesion
7.4.1 Procedure
7.4.1.1 Dry Adhesion
Make 11 parallel cuts, 1/16" apart through the film. Make 11 similar cuts at 90 degrees to and crossing the first 11 cuts. Apply tape (Permacel 99 or equivalent of sufficient size to cover the test areas) over the cuts by pressing down firmly against the coating to eliminate voids and air pockets. Sharply pull the tape off at a right angle to the plane of the surface being tested. Test pieces should be at ambient temperature (approximately 65-80 degrees F).
7.4.1.2 Wet adhesion
Make cuts as outlined in 7.4.1.1. immerse the sample in distilled or de-ionized water at 100 degrees F for 24 hours. Remove and wipe the sample dry. Repeat the test specified in 7.4.1.1 within 5 minutes.
7.4.1.3 Boiling Water Adhesion
Make cuts as outlined in 7.4.1.1 immerse the sample in boiling distilled or de-ionized water (210-212 degrees F) for 20 minutes. The water shall remain boiling throughout the test. Remove the sample and wipe it dry. Repeat the test specified in 7.4.1.1 within 5 minutes.
7.4.2 Performance
No removal of film under the tape within or outside of the cross-hatched area or blistering anywhere on the wet test specimen. Report loss of adhesion as a percentage of squares affected, (ie, 10 squares lifted as 10% failure).
Results
100% Retention Passes All
7.5 Impact Resistance
7.5.1 Procedure
Using a 5/8" diameter round-nosed impact tester (160 in.-lb. range) such as a Gardner impact tester, apply a load directly to the coated surface of sufficient force to deform the test sample a minimum of 0.10”. Apply tape (Permacel 99 or equivalent of sufficient size to cover the test area) by pressing down firmly against the coating to eliminate voids and air pockets. Sharply pull the tape off at a right angle to the plane of the surface being tested. The test specimen temperature should be 65-80 degrees F.
7.5.2 Performance
No removal of film to substrate.
Note: Minute cracking at the perimeter of the concave area of the test panel is permissible but no coating pick-off should be apparent.
Results
No Defects - Passes
7.6 Abrasion Resistance
7.6.1 Procedure
Using the falling sand test method, ASTM D 968, the Abrasion Coefficient shall be calculated according to the formula which follows:
Abrasion Coefficient - Liters per mil - V/T
Where: v = Volume of sand used in liters t = Thickness of coating in mills (0.001)
7.6.2 Performance
The Abrasion Coefficient Value of the coating shall be 20 minutes.
Results
20 Liters/Mill - Passes
Test
7.7 Chemical Resistance
7.7.1 Muriatic Acid Resistance (15 Minute Spot Test) 
7.7.1.2 Performance No blistering, and no visual change in appearance when examined by the unaided eye.
Results
No Change - Passes
7.7.2 Mortar Resistance
(24 Hour Pat Test)
7.7.2.1 Procedure
Prepare mortar by mixing 75 grams of building line conforming to ASTMK C207 and 225 grams of dry sand, both passing through a 10 mesh wire screen.
Test 7.7 Chemical Resistance
7.7.1 Muriatic Acid Resistance (15 Minute Spot Test)
7.7.1.1 Procedure
Apply 10 drops of 10% (by volume) solution of muriatic acid (37% commercial grade hydrochloric acid) in tap water and cover it with a watch glass, convex side up. The acid solution and test shall be conducted at 65-80F. After a 15 minute exposure, wash off with running tap water.
7.7.1.2 Performance
No blistering, and no visual change in appearance when examined by the unaided eye.
7.7.2 Mortar Resistance
(24 Hour Pat Test)
7.7.2.1 Procedure
Prepare mortar by mixing 75 grams of building lime conforming to ASTM C207 and 225 grams of dry sand, both passing through a 10 mesh wire screen with sufficient water, approximately 100 grams, to make a soft past. Immediately apply wet pats of mortar about 2 square inches in area and 1/2" in thickness to coated aluminum specimens which have been aged at least 24 hours after coating, immediately expose test sections for 24 hours to 100% relative humidity at 100F.
7.7.2.2 Performance
Mortar shall dislodge easily from the painted surface, and any residue shall be removable with a damp cloth. Any lime residue should be easily removed with the 10% muriatic acid solution described in 7.7.1.1. There shall be no loss of film adhesion or visual change in appearance when examined by the unaided eye.
TEST
7.7.3 Nitric Acid Resistance
7.7.3.1 Procedure
Fill an eight-ounce wide-mouth bottle one- half full of nitric acid, 70% ACS reagent grade. Place the test panel completely over the mouth of the bottle painted side down, for 30 minutes. Rinse the sample with tap water, wipe it dry, and measure any color change after a one-hour recovery period.
(1) The essay of the nitric acid (HNO3) should be Fisher A-200 or equivalent, minimum 69.0%, maximum 71.0%
7.7.3.2 Performance
Not more than 5 "triangle" E Unit: (Hunter) of color change, calculated in accordance with ASTM D 2244, when comparing measurements on the acid-exposed painted surface and the unexposed surface.
Results
No Change - Passes
Results
E = 4.9 - Passes
TEST
7.7.4 Detergent Resistance
7.7.4.1 Procedure
Prepare 3% (by weight) solution of detergent and distilled water. Immerse at least 2 test specimens in the detergent solution at 100F for 72 hours. Remove And wipe the samples dry. Immediately apply tape (Permacel 99 or equivalent 3/4" wide tape) by pressing down firmly against the coating to eliminate voids and air pockets. Place the tape longitudinally along the entire length of the test specimens. lf blisters are visible, then the blistered area must be taped and rated. Sharply pull of at a right angle to the plane of the surface being tested, Detergent composition is as follows:
Technical Grade Reagents % By Weight
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate 46
Soduim Sulphate Anhydrous 23
Soduim Alkyiarsulfonate 22
Sodium Metasilicate, Hydrated 8
Sodium Carbonate Anhydrous 2
Total 100
* Allied Chemical Co. Nacconal 90F
7.7.4.2 Performance
No loss of adhesion of the film to the metal. No blistering and no significant visual change in appearance when examined by the unaided eye.
Results
7.8 Corrosion Resistance
7.8.1 Humidity Resistance
7.8.1.1 Procedure
Expose the sample in a controlled heat and humidity cabinet for 3,000 hours at 100F and 100% RH with the cabinet operated in accordance with ASTM D 2247.
7.8.1.2 Performance
Formation of blisters not to exceed "Few" blisters Size No. 8 as shown in Figure 4, ASTM D 714.
Wash Primer + LF200 Topcoat
1000 hours
Blister rating None
2000 hours
Blister rating None
3000 hours
Blister rating None
Passes
7.8.2 Salt Spray Resistance
7.8.2.1 Procedure
Score the film sufficiently deep to expose the base metal using a sharp knife or blade instrument. Expose the sample for 3,000 hours according to ASTM D 117 using a 5% salt solution Remove and wipe sample dry immediately apply tape (Parmacel 99 or equivalent of sufficient size to cover the scored area) by pressing down firmly against the coating to eliminate voids and air pockets. Sharply pull the tape off at a right angle to the plane of the surface being tested.
No Change - Passes
7.8.2.2 Performance
Minimum rating of 7 on scribe or cut edges, and a minimum blister rating of 8 within test specimen field, in accordance with the following Table 1 and Table 2 (Reference-modification of ASTM D 1 654).

Table 2 - Rating of Area Other Than Scribe
(Blisters, Corrsion etc.) (See Note)
Note: The use of a ruled plastic grid is recommended as an aid In evaluated this type of failure. A 1/4" (6.4 mm) grid is suggested as most practical for the usual specimen. In using the grid, the number of squares In which one or more points of failure are found is divided by the total number of squares covering the specimen. Convert this to a percentage figure.
7.9 Weathering
7.9.1 The coating shall maintain its film integrity and as a minimum meet the following color retention, chalk resistance, gloss retention and erosion resistance properties. The architect, owner. or contractor should request data relative to the long-term durability of the color(s) selected. Exposure panels must be made available to the architect or owner upon request.
7.9.1.1 Test Site and Duration
Test sites for on-fence testing are acceptable as follows:
Florida exposure South of latitude 27 degrees North at a 45 degree angle facing South for five years 7.9.1 .2 Color Retention 7.9.1.2.1 Performance Maximum of 5 "triangle" E Units (Hunter) Color change as calculated in accordance with ASTM D 2244-85, Section 6.3 after the exposure test per 7.9.1.1. Color change shall be measured on the exposed painted surface which has been cleaned of external deposits with clear water and a soft cloth and corresponding values shall be measured on the original retained panel or the unexposed flap area of the panel. A portion of the exposure panel may be washed lightly to remove surface dirt only. Heavy scrubbing or any polishing is not permitted where color measurements are made. New colors may be qualified without the exposure test per 7.9.1.1 provided that they are produced with the same pigments In the same coating resin system as a color on which acceptable five (5) year test data is available and which is within +/- 10 Hunter units in lightness (L)
RESULT
5 Year E - 3.2 - Passes
7.9.1.3 Chalk Resistance
7.9.1.3.1 Performance
Chalking shall be no more than that represented by a No. 8 rating based on ASTM D 659 after test site exposure (per 7.9.1.1) Chalking shall be measured on an exposed, unwashed painted surface.
RESULT
5 Year 10 (No Charge) - Passes
7.9.1.4 Gloss Retention
7.9.1.4.1 Procedure
Measure 60 degrees gloss of exposed and unexposed areas of a test site exposure panel (per 7.9.1.1) as described in 7.9.1. Following ASTM D 523-85. The exposure panel may be washed lightly with clear water and a soft cloth to remove loose surface dirt. Heavy scrubbing or any polishing to restore the surface is not permitted where gloss measurements are made.
7.9.1.4.2 Performance
Gloss retention shall be greater than 30 percent after the exposure test per 7.9.1.1 expressed as: % Retention - 60 degrees exposed x 100% 60 degrees unexposed.
RESULT
5 Yr. 83% Gloss Retention - Passes
7.9.1.8 Resistance to Erosion
7.9.1.5.1 Procedure
Measure dry film thickness of exposed and adjacent unexposed areas of exposure panels per 7.9.1.1. following procedures described in 7.9.1 using an eddy current meter as described in ASTM B 244 or other instrumental methods of equal precision.
7.9.1.5.2 Performance
Less than 10 percent film loss after the exposure test per 7.9.1.1 expressed as a percent loss of total film:
100% Dry film thickness exposed x 100%
Dry film thickness unexposed
7.10 Sealent Compatability
The fabricator of the finished products should consult the sealant supplier in the selection of sealant which will exhibit adequate adhesion to the painted aluminum surface. Panel exhibits of the specific coating to be used should be submitted to the sealant manufacturer for tests and recommendations It is recommended that the sealant manufacturer reconfirm tests with the actual materials used in production.
TEST REPORTS
8 .1 The test reports on file with the applicator shall include the following information:
8.1.1 Date when tests were performed and date of issue of report
8.1.2 Identification of organic coating and/or coating system tested including production date, batch number cure conditions and pre-treatment data. Manufacturer's name and company submitting coated samples used in test.
8.1.3 Copy of drawings submitted showing exposed surfaces.
8.2 Test Results
8.2.1 A statement indicating that the organic coating and/or coating system tested passed all tests or failed one or more.
8.2.2 In the case of a failure, which test (s) and a description of the failure (s).
8.2.3 statement that all tests were conducted In accordance with this standard.
8.2.4 Name and address of the laboratory which conducted these tests and issued the report.

There is a "DIFFERENCE"