Designation: D2486 − 06 (Reapproved 2012)´1

Standard Test Methods for

Scrub Resistance of Wall Paints1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2486; 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 Department of Defense.

´1 NOTE—Footnotes in 6.3.1 were editorially updated in February 2012.

1. Scope in place on a drawdown plate in a washability machine by

1.1 These test methods cover a procedure for determining means of a gasketed frame. The coated panel is then scrubbed
the resistance of wall paints to erosion caused by scrubbing, with a bristle brush and an abrasive scrub medium until the
referred to herein after as “scrub resistance.” paint film is removed in one continuous thin line across the
shim.
1.2 Two test methods are covered as follows:
1.2.1 Test Method A—Cycles-to-failure obtained on test 3.2 In Test Method B, the test paint and a reference paint are
paint. applied simultaneously perpendicular to the length of the black
1.2.2 Test Method B—Ratio expressed as a percentage of plastic panel. After curing, the coated panel is placed over two
cycles-to-failure obtained on the test paint to that obtained on 12.7 by 0.25-mm (1⁄2-in. by 10-ml) shims that are positioned
a concurrent run with a known reference paint. under each coating. The coatings are then scrubbed with a
bristle brush and an abrasive scrub medium until each paint
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the film is removed in one continuous thin line across its own
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information shim.
only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4.1 Paints often become soiled, especially near doorways,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- windows, and in work and play areas. These test methods cover
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- the determination of the relative resistance of different paints to
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. erosion when repeatedly scrubbed during the life of the paint.
4.2 Test Method D4213 is a similar scrub resistance test
2. Referenced Documents
using a weight-loss technique and reporting volumetric film
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 erosion rates.
D3924 Specification for Environment for Conditioning and
4.3 Test Method A measures scrub resistance by the tradi-
Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Materials
tional cycles-to-failure concept. Poor correlation in scrub
D4213 Test Method for Scrub Resistance of Paints by
testing can be attributable to among other things variations in
Abrasion Weight Loss
the stiffness of the brush bristles, condition of washability
3. Summary of Test Method tester, application and drying conditions. In an attempt to
improve reproducibility, Test Method B has been developed.
3.1 In Test Method A, the test paint is applied to a black
plastic panel. After curing, the coated panel is placed over a 5. Apparatus
12.7 wide by 0.25-mm thick (1⁄2-in. by 10-mil) shim and held 5.1 Straight Line Washability Machine.
5.1.1 Accessory Apparatus: (see Figs. 1 and 2).
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on 5.1.1.1 Nylon Bristle Brush and Accessories,(total weight
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct 454 6 10 g).
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.42 on Architectural Coatings. 5.1.1.2 Drawdown Plate, 454 by 165 by 6.3 mm (177⁄8 by
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2012. Published February 2012. Originally
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D2486 – 06. DOI:
61⁄2 by 1⁄4 in.).
10.1520/D2486-06R12E01. 5.1.1.3 Brass Shims, 12.7- by 0.25-mm (1⁄2-in. by 10-mils).
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Its length can be fitted to the width of the drawdown plate.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 5.2 Film Applicator, having 0.18-mm (7-mil) clearance and
the ASTM website. 6.25-mm (1⁄4-in.) edge and width of 135 mm (51⁄4-in.).

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 D2486 − 06 (2012)´1

FIG. 2 Accessory Apparatus for Scrub Test

FIG. 1 Accessory Apparatus for Scrub Test

grams
Water, distilled or deionized 49.4A
Hydroxyethyl cellulose4 ,6 0.8
Ammonium hydroxide, 28 % 0.1
Detergent4,7 2.0
6. Reagents and Materials Trisodium phosphate, anhydrous 2.0
Silica4,8 45.0
6.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be Acetic acid (glacial) 0.7B
used in all tests. Preservative4,9 0.03g

6.2 Black Plastic Panels.3,4

A
Adjust to achieve viscosity of 110 to 120 Krebs units before use.
6.3 Abrasive Scrub Medium.4,5 B
Vary to achieve a pH of 9.5 to 10.
6.3.1 Laboratory standardized abrasive scrub medium con- 6.4 Reference paint when using Test Method B.
sisting of the following:

6
Cellosize QP-4400H, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan, was
3
Dull black plastic panels, P-121-10N, 165 by 432 by 0.25 mm (6 1⁄2 by 17 in. used in developing the Precision and Bias statement. Other equivalent molecular
by 10 mils) manufactured by The Leneta Co., 15 Whitney Rd., Mahwah, NJ 07430 weight cellulosic thickeners can be used such as Natrosol 250 MR, Ashland
were used in the original development of this standard in order to get the results in Aqualon, Wilmington, Delaware.
7
these test methods. The sole source of supply of the Triton X-100 detergent known to the
4
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to committee at this time is The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan.
8
ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider- The sole source of supply of the Imsil 45 known to the committee at this time
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend. is Unimin Specialty Minerals Inc., 258 Elm St., New Canaan, CT 06840.
5 9
The sole source of supply of the abrasive scrub medium known to the The preservative package recommended is BIT, 1,2–Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one.
committee at this time is The Leneta Company. There are several suppliers who offer BIT-based agents.

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 D2486 − 06 (2012)´1
7. Preparation of Apparatus uniformly over the brush bristles. Place the brush at one end of
the path. Wet the panel with 5 mL of water in the path of the
7.1 Washability Machine—The straight line washability ma-
brush.
chine should be leveled before use and operated at 37 6 1
cycles per minute. 8.4 Start the test. After each 400 cycles before failure,
remove the brush (do not rinse), add 10 g of stirred abrasive
7.2 Brush—Replace the brush when the bristles have be- scrub medium and place 5 mL of water on the path of the brush
come worn to a point that the bristles extend less than 15 mm before continuing.
(5⁄8 in.) from the block. Mark the ends of the brush to ensure it
is oriented in the same direction for each use. 8.5 Record the number of cycles to remove one continuous
7.2.1 Brushes (that are in frequent use)—Brushes that are in thin line of paint film across the 12.7-mm (1 ⁄2-in.) width of the
frequent use shall be stored in water. Each time before starting shim. Stop the machine and wipe off the shim area to
the first test of the day, remove the brush and rinse in water, determine, if necessary, if the end point is achieved.
then precondition the brush, by running it for 400 cycles on a 8.6 Test two of the drawdowns. If the two results differ by
scrub panel, after which it is ready for test work. more than 30 % of the average, test the third drawdown. If one
7.2.2 Brushes (that are not in regular use)—Brushes that of the three results is obviously discrepant, discard it, then
will not be used on a regular basis shall be washed out average the results from the remaining drawdowns.
thoroughly in water after their last use and stored with the
TEST METHOD B
bristling side up under ambient conditions. Before being used
again, the brush should be soaked in water for at least 24 h.
9. Procedure
Precondition the brush as directed in 7.2.1 before starting the
test work. 9.1 Stir the test paint and reference paint thoroughly and
strain to remove all skins and particles. Draw down the test and
7.3 Brush Holder—For washability testers that include a reference paints side by side perpendicular to the length of the
separate brush holder, insert a 3.2-mm (1⁄8-in.) thick rubber mat panel following procedures outlined in 8.1. Prepare three
in the holder above the brush block. When in operation, this drawdowns for each test/reference paint. The paints should be
mat allows the brush to ride evenly on the paint surface without drawn down simultaneously and the painted portion should be
tilting. The brush must fit loosely in the holder. Mount the in the middle of the chart. Air dry in a horizontal position for
brush in the holder being sure that the mat is in place above the 7 days at standard conditions.
brush block and that the brush and holder are always in the
same position. 9.2 Soak the brush in water overnight. Clean the plate and
set it in the pan of the washability machine. Centrally place two
TEST METHOD A shims, one each under the test paint and one under the
reference paint drawdown areas on the chart. Wipe the test
8. Procedure panel carefully and place it on top of the shimmed plate with
the painted side up. Be sure that there are no defects in the film
8.1 Stir the test paint thoroughly and strain to remove all
above the shims and that the test areas are level. Place the
skins and particles. Make three drawdowns of each paint. Draw
gasket over the painted surface and clamp in place.
down the paint on the black plastic panel using the same
operator and same 0.18-mm (7.0-mil) clearance film applicator. 9.3 Remove the brush and shake it vigorously to remove
The time for application should be fairly slow –3 to 4 s from any excess water. Before testing, the brush shall be conditioned
end to end to prevent formation of pinholes or holidays in the for 400 cycles as outlined in 7.2.1. Follow procedures outlined
film. Air dry in a horizontal position for 7 days in an in 8.3 and 8.4. It is recommended that the first two panels to be
conditioning chamber at 23 6 2°C (73.5 6 3.5°F) and 50 6 tested are prepared by altering the position of the reference
5 % relative humidity in accordance with Specification D3924. paint, that is, one panel has the reference paint on the right, and
the second panel has the reference paint on the left.
8.2 Soak the brush in water overnight. Clean the plate and
set it in the pan of the washability tester. Ensure that the shim 9.4 Record respectively the number of cycles to remove one
is smooth and free of burrs and placed perpendicular to the path continuous thin line of paint film from both the test and
of the brush. Wipe the test panel carefully and place it on top reference paints across the 12.7-mm (1⁄2-in.) width of each of
of the shimmed plate with the painted side up. Be sure that the shims. Stop the machine and wipe off the shim areas to
there are no defects in the film above the shim and that the test determine, if necessary, if each end point is achieved.
area is level. Place the frame over the drawdown being sure 9.5 Test two of the drawdowns. If the two results differ by
that the entire gasket is on the painted surface. Clamp the more than 30 %, test the third drawdown. If one of the three
gasket in place. The clamps should be tight enough to ensure results is obviously discrepant, discard it, then average the
close contact, but not tight enough to cause warping of the results from the remaining drawdowns.
panel.
8.3 Before beginning the test, it should be confirmed that the 10. Report
brush has been preconditioned for 400 cycles as outlined in 10.1 Report the following information:
7.2.1. Remove the brush and shake vigorously to remove any 10.1.1 When using Test Method A, report the mean number
excess water. Stir the abrasive scrub medium and spread 10 g of cycles to failure.

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 D2486 − 06 (2012)´1
10.1.2 When using Test Method B, report a percentage as 11.1.2 Reproducibility—Two results (each the mean of du-
follows: plicate measurements) obtained by operators in different labo-
Cycles for test paint ratories should be considered suspect if they differ by more
3 100 (1) than 58 % of their mean.
Cycles for reference paint

if: Test Method B

Result is > 100 %, test paint has better scrub resistance than 11.1.3 On the basis of an interlaboratory study in which
reference paint. operators in five laboratories tested five coatings, including
if: both flat and semi-gloss coatings, the following criteria should
Result is < 100 %, test paint has poorer scrub resistance than be used for judging the acceptability of the results at the 95 %
reference paint.
confidence level:
10.1.3 Method used (Test Method A or Test Method B).
10.1.4 Referenced paint used, if using Test Method B. 11.1.3.1 Repeatability—Two results (each the mean of du-
10.1.5 Outline any deviations from standard procedures. plicate measurements) obtained by the same operator should be
considered suspect if they differ by more than 25 % of their
11. Precision and Bias mean value.
11.1 Precision—In an interlaboratory study of these test 11.1.3.2 Reproducibility—Two results (each the mean of
methods, scrub resistance was recorded in five laboratories duplicate measurements) obtained by operators in different
using three coatings. The following criteria should be used for laboratories should be considered suspect if they differ by more
judging the acceptability of results of scrub resistance tests at than 58 % of their mean.
a 95 % confidence level.
11.2 Bias—Bias is not applicable to these test methods.
Test Method A
11.1.1 Repeatability—Duplicate results by a single operator 12. Keywords
should be considered suspect if they differ by more than 30 %
12.1 scrub resistance; wet abrasion resistance
of their mean value.

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