ASTM D6578/D6578M-13(2018)

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: D6578/D6578M − 13 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Practice for
Determination of Graffiti Resistance
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6578/D6578M; 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 sures of Paint and Related Coatings
D6695 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposures of Paint and
1.1 This practice covers a basic method for evaluating
Related Coatings
graffiti resistance of coatings, and use of this practice to
E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea-
evaluate graffiti resistance of coatings after outdoor or labora-
surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
tory accelerated exposure (either prior to or after graffiti is
E1349 Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by
applied). Graffiti resistance is based on how a defined set of
Spectrophotometry Using Bidirectional (45°:0° or 0°:45°)
markings is removed by a defined set of cleaning agents.
Geometry
1.2 This practice also defines procedures (optional) to
G7 Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Test-
evaluate graffiti removal after re-marking with subsequent
ing of Nonmetallic Materials
re-cleaning. It does not address recoatability after a coating is
G113 Terminology Relating to Natural andArtificial Weath-
no longer graffiti resistant.
ering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in 3. Terminology
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
3.1 The definitions given in Terminology G113 are appli-
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
cable to this practice.
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
with the standard.
3.2.1 cleaning agent, n—a material used to remove a mark-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ing material from the coating surface.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.2 graffıti resistance, n—the property of coatings to be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
resistant to the application of graffiti or exhibiting removal of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
graffiti without surface damage.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.3 marking material, n—a material that can be used to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- produce graffiti.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.4 recleanability, n—the ability of a coating to withstand
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
multiple cycles of marking with subsequent cleaning while
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
maintaining its original characteristics.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.5 repellent, n—the property of coatings that prevents
materials commonly used as graffiti markings, from forming a
2. Referenced Documents
continuous film upon application.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
4. Summary of Practice
D4587 Practice for Fluorescent UV-Condensation Expo-
4.1 A series of materials typically used as graffiti markings
is applied to test panels of the surface being evaluated. Test
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
specimensmaybeexposedtooutdoororacceleratedexposures
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
(either before or after markings have been applied).The graffiti
Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings.
markings are removed using a series of procedures that begin
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
with wiping with a dry cloth and end with cleaning the surface
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D6578/D6578M – 13.
DOI: 10.1520/D6578_D6578M-13R18.
with an aggressive cleaner. After the best attempt has been
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
madetoremovemarkings,specimensareevaluatedvisually,or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
alternatively, by gloss and color change measurements to
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. determine cleanliness. The graffiti resistance is reported as a
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6578/D6578M − 13 (2018)
cleanability level based on the mildest cleaning agent that 6.7 For Laboratory Accelerated Exposures:
completely removes the graffiti marking without damaging the 6.7.1 Fluorescent UV Exposure Device, equipped with fluo-
coating. rescent UVA lamps with peak emission at 343 nm, and
operated in accordance with Practice D4587.
5. Significance and Use
6.7.2 Xenon Arc Exposure Device, equipped with xenon
5.1 Graffiti on building and structures is an ongoing and arc(s) with daylight filter(s) and operated in accordance with
Practice D6695, cycle 6.
increasing problem.Anumber of coatings have been produced
that are intended to be resistant to the application of a graffiti
6.8 Proper Safety Equipment, as determined from the sol-
marking,ortoprovideasurfacefromwhichsuchmarkingscan
vent Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), for example,
be easily removed. The procedures described in this practice
solvent resistant gloves, and respirator.
provideastandardsetofconditionsthatcanbeusedtoevaluate
6.9 Glossmeter, 60°, (for Evaluation Method B only).
the graffiti resistance of a surface.
6.10 Colormeter, capable of D65, CIE LAB measurements
5.2 Graffiti resistance determined according to this practice
meeting Test Method E1347 or Test Method E1349 (for
is applicable to smooth surfaces. Graffiti resistance of the same
Evaluation Method B only).
coatings applied to a rough or textured surface may be lower.
5.3 Graffitiresistanceofcoatingsdeterminedafternaturalor
7. Test Specimen
laboratory accelerated weathering, either before or after
7.1 Apply the coating to be evaluated for graffiti resistance
marking, conducted according to this practice, is considered as
to the 15 by 30 cm [6 by 12 in.] test panels according to the
having more weight than graffiti resistance of the same coating
manufacturer’s instructions, following any relevant procedures
determined without weathering. Graffiti resistance of coatings
for surface preparation prior to application.
determined after natural weathering should be considered as
7.2 Prepare at least three specimens of each coating being
having more weight than graffiti resistance determined after
evaluated.
laboratory accelerated weathering.
7.3 Prepare also at least one file specimen that can be used
6. Apparatus
for comparison to the unmarked or unexposed materials.
6.1 15 by 30 cm [6 by 12 in.] panels representing the
7.4 Unless otherwise specified, allow the coated test speci-
intended substrate.
mens to cure for at least 24 h at room temperature before
6.2 Lint-Free Cotton Cloth.
continuing the test.
NOTE 1—It may be useful to prepare several sets of panels for each
6.3 Graffıti Marking Material:
coating and allow the different sets to cure for different periods. The
6.3.1 Solvent-Based Permanent Ink Marker, blue,
purpose would be to determine the point at which optimum graffiti
6.3.2 Solvent-Based Acrylic Spray Paint, red,
resistance occurs.
6.3.3 Solvent-Based Alkyd Spray Paint, red,
7.5 Measure and record initial 60° gloss in accordance with
6.3.4 Wax Crayon, blue or black,
Test Method D523 and color in accordance with Test Method
6.3.5 Ballpoint Ink,
E1347 or Test Method E1349 (using a D65 illuminant, CIE
6.3.6 Water-based Ink Marker, black,
LAB calculations) on coated test specimens (for Evaluation
6.3.7 Other marking materials based on mutual agreement
Method B only).
between all interested parties.
7.6 Place the template described in 6.4 over the prepared
6.4 15 by 30 cm [6 by 12 in.] Template, with 25 by 25 mm
test panel and apply the entire complement of marking mate-
[1 by 1 in.] square holes used to define area where graffiti
rialsprescribedin6.3sothateachpanelismarkedwitha25by
marking material will be applied. The number of holes should
25 mm [1 by 1 in.] square of all graffiti materials (one marking
be equal to the number of marking materials, should be spread
material for each space in the template).
apart from each other as much as possible, and should have a
7.6.1 Be careful not to cross-contaminate one marking
13 mm (0.5 in.) margin along the perimeter.
material with another. Remove template. Store the marked
6.5 Cleaning Agents:
panels at room temperature for at least 24 h before beginning
6.5.1 Dry, Lint-Free Cotton Cloth,
to evaluate for removal.
6.5.2 Mild Detergent, as agreed upon between purchaser
7.7 If the graffiti marking material does not uniformly cover
and seller (a solution of 5 % sodium phosphate is
the test area of the panel, or resists adhering to it, the test
recommended),
surface is considered “repellent.” In this case, beading of the
6.5.3 Isopropyl Alcohol,
marking material might occur. In this case, the appearance of
6.5.4 Mineral Spirits,
the dried marking may be very irregular.
6.5.5 Xylene,
6.5.6 Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK).
8. Graffiti Removal Procedure
6.6 For Outdoor Exposures—Outdoor Exposure Rack,
8.1 Attempt to remove each marking material from the
meeting the requirements of Practice G7 for open backed
panel with a cotton cloth alone, then by using a cotton cloth
exposures.
that has been wetted with the following cleaning agents,
working through them in the order listed (increasing strength).
D6578/D6578M − 13 (2018)
(a) mild detergent strength. If a particular mark was not removed from the first
(b) isopropyl alcohol (IPA) replicate with MEK, begin with xylene on subsequent repli-
(c) mineral spirits cates.
(d) xlyene
10.2 If it is not possible to completely remove the spot
(e) methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
without adversely affecting the film, it is considered to be not
The area of the cotton cloth that is wetted should be well
cleanable.
saturated, but not dripping.
10.3 Based upon the average of the results of the 3 replicate
8.2 Rub each marking vigorously until it is completely
trials, use the following rating scale for cleanability for each
cleaned off, or until it is visually evident that no more of the
coating.
mark can be removed.
Cleanable with a dry rag = 10
Cleanable with detergent = 9
8.3 Reposition and re-wet the cotton cloth between mark-
Cleanable with IPA = 8
ings as necessary, working through the entire panel with one
Cleanable with mineral spirits = 7
cleaning agent at a time. Cleanable with xylene = 6
Cleanable with MEK = 5
8.4 Use a different cotton cloth with each cleaning agent.
Not cleanable, gloss loss = 4
Not cleanable, slight shadow = 3
NOTE 2—As cleaning agents of increasing strength are used, some of
Not cleanable, heavy shadow = 2
themarkingswillprobablybecleanable,whereasotherswillnot.Exercise
Not cleanable, shadow and gloss loss = 1
care so that areas that have been cleaned are not contaminated with
stronger agents that are being used to clean other marks.
11. Recleanability Procedure (Optional)
9. Evaluation of Cleanability
11.1 In some cases, it is necessar
...