Standardization News

Potential users, including coating manufacturers, architects, engineers and facility owners are encouraged to participate in the development of a proposed new ASTM International standard, WK34014, Practice for Determining the Dry Fall (Fog) Properties of Protective Coatings.

The proposed new standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings, which is part of ASTM International Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications.

"Dry fall coatings are manufactured and sold by a number of coating manufacturers, and their inherent dry fall properties are critical in avoiding damage to property adjacent to and below spraying operations," says Bill Corbett, professional services business unit manager, KTA-Tator Inc., and a D01 member. "Yet there is no known standardized procedure to evaluate whether these coatings possess dry fall properties on surfaces of varying temperature."

Corbett notes that the attachment of overspray particles to vehicles and other surfaces not intended to be coated can result in property damage and insurance claims. Dry fall coatings are formulated so that the overspray particles dry as they move through the air and before they land on horizontal surfaces. The particles can then be brushed off or vacuumed from the surfaces with no damage.

"Once it has been approved, this proposed practice will be used to evaluate the dry fall properties of coatings prior to large-scale use," says Corbett. "It will also be used to evaluate whether the coatings possess the same dry fall properties when the fallout collects on surfaces with an elevated temperature."

CONTACT Technical Information: Bill Corbett, KTA-Tator Inc. • Pittsburgh, Pa. • Phone: 412-788-1300, ext. 223 O ASTM Staff: Jeffrey Adkins • Phone: 610-832-9738 O Upcoming Meeting: Jan. 29-31, 2012 • January Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.

Containment for dry fall properties testing.