ASTM D3730

Introducing ASTM D3730 – Industrial Physics

ASTM D3730 is an ASTM industry standard that’s used as a guide for high-performance interior architectural wall coating testing (HIPAC). 

The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) is one of the most influential standard bodies in existence. Established in 1898, ASTM international exists to develop standardized test methods, specifications, practices, guides, classification, and terminology across a range of subject areas. 

The ASTM D3730 test covers the selection and use of test methods for high-performance interior architectural wall coatings (HIPAC testing). These are coatings that differ from more conventional coatings as they’re tougher, more stain-resistant and more abrasion-resistant. They’re typically designed to be applied to wall surfaces of steel, masonry (poured concrete, concrete block, or cinder block), and plaster or gypsum wallboard.  

These tests may not be required for each HIPAC system. Selection of the test methods to be followed should be governed by experience and the requirements in each individual case, and agreement between the purchaser and the seller. 

The definition of an architectural coating

The term “architectural coating” in this context is defined as: “organic coatings intended for on-site application to interior or exterior surfaces of residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings, in contrast to industrial coatings. They’re protective and decorative finishes applied at ambient temperatures, often referred to as “trade sales coatings.” 

HIPAC are tough, extra-durable organic coating systems applied as continuous (seamless) film and cured to a hard finish. HIPAC are not usually intended for ceilings and floors and would not ordinarily be used in homes. 

What’s covered in the ASTM D3730 HIPAC testing standard?

The tests included in the ASTM D3730 HIPAC testing standard examine liquid coating properties including:  

• Skinning  

• Condition in container 

• Coarse particles and foreign matter 

• Density or weight per gallon 

• Fineness of dispersion 

• Odor 

• Flash point 

• Dilution stability 

• Volatile content 

• Free diisocyanate content 

• Package stability.  

The ASTM D3730 HIPAC test also helps you to inspect the following coating application and film formation properties of your HIPAC:  

• Brush, roller, and spray application properties 

• Rheological properties 

• Curing 

• Wet-film thickness 

• Touch-up uniformity.  

The ASTM D3730 HIPAC dry coating appearance tests include: 

• Color difference 

• Directional reference 

• Gloss 

• Hiding power 

• Yellowness index.  

The types of dry coating properties you can test with ASTM D3730 HIPAC testing includes:  

• Abrasion resistance 

• Adhesion 

• Impact resistance 

• Chemical resistance 

• Washability and cleansability 

• Mildew resistance 

• Perspiration resistance 

• Heat and cold resistance 

• Heat and humidity resistance 

• Fire hazards 

• Dry-film thickness. 

Our ASTM D3730 HIPAC coating testing equipment

So, how can Industrial Physics improve your ASTM D3730 architectural coating testing?  

TQC Sheen TABER Abraser 1700-1750
Taber abrasion is used to determine relative resistance to abrasion defined as ‘the ability of a material to withstand mechanical damage’ such as rubbing, scraping or erosion. Our Taber abraser, from TQC Sheen, is used across many industries for wear and durability testing of leather, parquet, metals, textiles, rubber, lacquered surfaces, carpets and coatings. 

We also make a wide range of abrasion testing wheels to suit all sorts of abrasion testing standards. These include the Taber CS 17 abrasion wheels, the Taber CS 10 wheels or our CS-10F Calibrase® Wheel Set.
In our portfolio of abrasion testing products we have various sandpaper options, including our Taber S-42 sandpaper strips (100pcs) or our Taber S 16 specimen plates (10pc). 

Need help with your inks and coatings? Get in touch!

We’ve learnt a thing or two about testing inks and coatings over the decades. We like to share our knowledge. Across the knowledgebase section of our website we publish lots of blogs on related subjects.  

You could start with this blog on the impact of additives in paint and coatings. Then you could follow-up with this piece which delves into how to measure viscosity. 

If you have any questions about ASTM D3730 HIPAC testing or need help to analyze any property of any ink or coating you are examining, just get in touch!

Your global test and measurement partner for ASTM D3730