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: D5895 − 20

Standard Test Methods for

Evaluating Drying or Curing During Film Formation of
Organic Coatings Using Mechanical Recorders1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5895; 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 ness of Organic Coatings Using Micrometers

1.1 These test methods describe the determination of several D1640 Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation
stages and the rate of dry-film formation of organic coatings of Organic Coatings
using straight line and circular mechanical drying-time record- D3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
ing devices. The use of mechanical recorders is valuable in tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
comparing the drying behavior of coatings of the same generic Materials
type, allowing that one coating may form a gel or resist tearing D3925 Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related
at a faster rate than another. Pigmented Coatings
2.2 ISO Standard:
1.2 Drying time measured using the mechanical recorders ISO 9117-3 Drying tests—Surface—drying test using ballo-
may differ from those found using conventional methods, such tini3
as Test Method D1640 or ISO 9117-3 (formerly ISO 1517).
1.3 The values stated in SI are to be regarded as the 3. Terminology
standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
information only. 3.1.1 dry-hard time, n—the dry-hard condition is reached
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the using mechanical recorders when the drying and curing, or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the both, reactions have proceeded sufficiently that the film is not
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- displaced nor is any noticeable mark left by pinching the panels
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- between the thumb on the film and forefinger with a relatively
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. strong force.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.1.1 Discussion—In these test methods, the dry-hard time
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- is reached where the stylus has risen out of the film and rides
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the on the surface, leaving only a mark without disrupting the body
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- of the film (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3.1.2 dry-through time, n—the dry-through condition is
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. reached when the film has solidified so completely that a large,
twisting force can be applied without distorting the film.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.2.1 Discussion—In these test methods, the dry-through
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 time is reached when the stylus no longer left any visible mark
D823 Practices for Producing Films of Uniform Thickness on the film (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).
of Paint, Coatings and Related Products on Test Panels 3.1.3 set-to-touch time, n—The set-to-touch condition is
D1005 Test Method for Measurement of Dry-Film Thick- reached when the film has solidified sufficiently, by solvent
evaporation or chemical reaction, or both, that it not longer
1
flows nor sticks to a finger that lightly touches it.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct 3.1.3.1 Discussion—In these test methods, the set-to-touch
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.23 on Physical Properties of Applied Paint time is reached where a pear-shaped depression appears in the
Films. film when the film stops flowing over the path of the recorder’s
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5895 – 13. DOI:
stylus and leaves a track in the film revealing the glass
10.1520/D5895-20. substrate (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
 D5895 − 20
4. Summary of Test Methods
4.1 In Test Method A (Straight Line Recorder), the coating
is applied to glass strips approximately 300 by 25 mm (12 by
1 in.). The drying time recorder is immediately placed on the
wet film and the stylus lowered onto the wet coating. The stylus
moves across the glass strip at a selected constant speed.
4.2 In Test Method B (Circular Recorder), the coating is
applied to glass plates approximately 6 in. by 6 in. (150 by 150
mm). The drying time recorder is immediately placed on the
NOTE 1—The above figure represents a typical track of a coating that wet film and a stylus is moved in a 360° arc at a selected
does not skin over during curing. Any coating which exhibits skinning, constant speed.
such as two pack epoxies or polyurethane coatings, will show a very
different track where the stylus tears the surface of the film, leaving
diamond or kite-shaped patterns. 5. Significance and Use
FIG. 1 Stages of Drying Using Straight Line Drying Time
5.1 The drying times of a coating are significant in deter-
Recorders
mining when a freshly painted room, floor or stair may be put
back in use or a coated article handled or packaged. Slow
drying may result in dirt pick-up or, on an exterior surface,
moisture may cause a nonuniform appearance.
5.2 These test methods are used to determine the various
stages of drying or curing in the dry-film formation of organic
coatings using mechanical devices for the purpose of compar-
ing types of coatings or ingredient changes, or both. To
evaluate the stages of drying in a quantitative manner, use of
instrumentation under environmental controlled conditions is
strongly recommended. These devices also offer a method of
determining drying characteristics of coatings that can not be
ascertained within the standard 8-h work day.
5.3 When evaluating drying characteristics of baking
systems, the circular drying time devices offer a method to
determine quantitatively drying times of coatings at room
temperature and elevated conditions. Maximum temperatures
would be limited by considerations such as the affect of
temperature on the motor lubrication or structural components
of the device.
5.4 The straight line drying time devices offer a method to
determine quantitatively drying times of coatings tested simul-
taneously using one recorder.
FIG. 2 Stages of Drying Using Circular Time Drying Recorders 5.5 This method is useful in comparing the behavior of
coatings during drying of the same generic type. Determination
of actual drying times should be conducted following proce-
dures outlined in Test Method D1640 or ISO 9117-3.
3.1.4 tack-free time, n—the tack-free condition is reached
using mechanical recorders when the film surface has dried or 6. Coatings and Recommend Film Thicknesses
cured (see set-to-touch time) so that the film does not adhere to 6.1 Whenever tests are to be performed on coatings not
very light objects placed on it. listed in Table X1.1, there should be a prior agreement between
3.1.4.1 Discussion—In these test methods, the tack-free the purchaser and seller as to the substrate, film thickness,
time is reached where the continuous track in the film ceases application method, and conditions for testing the specific
and the stylus starts to tear the film or leave a ragged/sharp- coating involved.
edged groove as it first begins to climb over the film (see Fig. 6.2 Tests should be carried out at a practical viscosity under
1 and Fig. 2). which the coating can be applied at the proper film thickness
NOTE 1—The above descriptions are typical for coatings that do not with resultant good flow and leveling properties.
skin over during curing. Any coating which exhibits skinning, such as two
pack epoxies or polyurethane coatings, will show a very different track 6.3 Films to be tested should have practical thicknesses
where the stylus tears the surface of the film, leaving diamond or commensurate with those expected under actual usage for the
kite-shaped patterns. type under test.

2
 D5895 − 20
7. Test Conditions stylus carrier is at the starting position. Lower the clean stylus
7.1 Air Dry Coatings, conduct all tests in a well ventilated gently into position on the strip. Always assure that the tip of
room, free from direct drafts, dust, laboratory fumes, and under the styli is clean and free from dried paint from previous tests
diffused light. Make all measurements at a temperature of 23 6 prior to use. Switch on the motor and the stylus will be drawn
2°C and 50 6 5 % relative humidity in accordance with along the glass strip by the carrier.
Specification D3924. For baking systems, conduct all tests in a 10.2 Always mark the point on the glass strip where the
forced draft oven at controlled temperatures within the limits of stylus is first lowered into the wet film by use of a marker pen
the drying time device. or similar method. This will aid measurement of times along
7.2 Light Conditions—Illumination of air dry films during the strip during the assessment stage as it is often not obvious
the entire drying test period should be about 270 lx (25 fc) from at what point the track starts, as paint flows back into the
normal laboratory or sky sources, never from direct sunlight or groove.
other sources high in nonvisible radiant energy. 10.3 After drying, evaluate the glass plates or strips to
determine the stages of drying time as shown in Fig. 1. The use
8. Preparation of Test Specimens of magnification (7× etc.) will enhance the evaluation.
8.1 All test specimens shall be prepared and tested by one TEST METHOD B—CIRCULAR DRYING TIME
operator properly skilled in the methods to be used. Conduct
testing at least in duplicate. Sampling shall be conducted in 11. Apparatus
accordance with procedures outlined in Practice D3925. 11.1 Circular Drying Time Recorder, consisting of a motor
8.2 Apply the test materials to clean glass panels or other that is mounted on a rubber-tipped tripod. The motor shaft is
specific substrates of suitable dimensions agreed upon between oriented in the vertical, with a pivotal arm assembly attached to
the purchaser and the seller. the shaft to operate a counter-poised vertical stylus consisting
of a teflon stylus approximately 10 mm (3⁄8 in.) in diameter.
NOTE 2—Ground-glass plates may be more suitable for certain types of The teflon stylus, typically under a weighted load of 12 g,
coatings that have a tendency to crawl, such as low-viscosity drying oils.
Suitable plates can be prepared by roughening the surface of polished scribes an arc in the drying film. The arm assembly includes a
glass by grinding a paste of silicon carbide (grit 1-F) and water between counter weight to permit adjusting the pressure on the needle to
two glass plates. near zero. The stylus is moved in a 360° arc at a selected
8.3 Cast the test films preferably with an appropriate film constant speed. Recorders are available to cover various drying
applicator for the recommended dry film thickness as indicated times, such as 1, 6, 12 or 24 h.
in Table X1.1. When a suitable applicator is not available or it 11.2 Template—A transparent template with scale
has been agreed to apply the film in some other manner, the graduations, corresponding to the particular motor speed, is
various conventional or automatic methods of spray, dip, flow used for timing the various stages of drying revealed by
and brush application may be used, provided dry film thick- differences observed in the scribed pattern.
nesses conform to the requirements in Table X1.1. See Practice
D823 for a descriptions of the spray and dip methods of 12. Procedure
application. 12.1 Panel Preparation—Prepare specimens following pro-
cedures outlined in 8.1 through 8.4. Glass plates or panels,
8.4 Measure the dry film thickness of the test films with an
about 150 by 150 mm (6 by 6 in.), are used for the determi-
appropriate film thickness gage. A micrometer or dial indicator,
nation of drying times using this recording device.
as described in Test Methods D1005, has been found suitable
for glass substrates. 12.2 Apply the coating to the glass plates or panels. Record
time of application. Immediately attach the glass plates or
TEST METHOD A—STRAIGHT LINE DRYING TIME panels to the instrument, and lower the clean stylus gently into
position on the panel. Always assure that the tip of the stylus is
9. Apparatus clean and free from dried paint from previous tests prior to use.
9.1 Straight Line Drying Time Recorder, consists of multiple Switch on the motor so the stylus is drawn along the glass
styli 2 mm (0.08 in.) in diameter with rounded tips, being panels.
drawn over multiple parallel-coated glass panels typically 12.3 Always mark the point where the stylus is first lowered
measuring 300 by 25 mm (12 by 1 in.). The stylus arm into the wet film by use of a marker pen or similar method. This
generally comes with 5-g brass weights that may be added to will aid measurement of times along the track during the
apply greater pressure on the needles and thus record through assessment stage as it is often not obvious at what point the
drying. Other weights can be adapted as agreed upon between track starts, as paint flows back into the groove.
purchaser and seller. Speed can be varied to cover drying
12.4 After drying, evaluate the glass plates or panels to
periods from 6, 12 and 24 h.
determine the stages of drying time as shown in Fig. 2. The use
of magnification (7× etc.) will enhance the evaluation.
10. Procedure
10.1 Apply the coating to the glass plates or strips. Record 13. Report
time of application. Immediately attach the glass plates or 13.1 Report the following information:
strips to the instrument, and lower the stylus carrier so that the 13.1.1 Test results of drying time determinations,

3
 D5895 − 20
13.1.2 Type of coating material used, coefficient 20.35 % with 42 df with no values discarded. Based
13.1.3 Method of application, on these coefficients, the following criteria should be used for
13.1.4 Film thickness used, judging at the 95 % confidence level, the acceptability of
13.1.5 Type of mechanical drying recorder used, and results:
13.1.6 All applicable conditions that deviated from the 14.1.1 Repeatability—Two single results obtained by the
standards as outlined or special conditions or tests used. same operator at different times should be considered suspect
if they differ by more than 57.7 % of their mean value.
14. Precision and Bias4
14.1.2 Reproducibility—Two results, each the mean of two
14.1 Precision—In an interlaboratory study of these test repeat determinations, obtained by operators in different labo-
methods, drying times were recorded in four laboratories for ratories should be considered suspect if they differ by more
four drying stages of four different coatings varying widely in than 58.15 % of their mean value.
drying characteristics. The intralaboratory coefficient of varia-
14.2 Bias—Bias cannot be determined because there is no
tion was found to be 20.35 % with 56 df and the interlaboratory
standard reference material available.
4
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may 15. Keywords
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D01-1119. Contact ASTM Customer
Service at service@astm.org. 15.1 drying stages mechanical devices; drying time

APPENDIX

X1. SUGGESTED FILM THICKNESS OF MATERIALS

TABLE X1.1 Suggested Film Thickness of Materials to be TestedA

Material Dry Film Thickness
Oil paints 45 ± 2.5 µm (1.8 ± 0.2 mil)
Enamels 25 ± 2 µm (1.0 ± 0.1 mil )
Waterborne paints 25 ± 2 µm (1.0± 0.1 mil)
Drying oils 25 ± 2 µm (1.0 ± 0.1 mil)
Varnishes 20 ± 2 µm (0.85 ± 0.1 mil)
Resin solutions 20 ± 2 µm (0.85 ± 0.1 mil)
Lacquers 12.5 ± 2 µm (0.5 ± 0.1 mil)
A
This table is a general guide to be used when there is no specific agreement
between the purchaser and the seller.

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