Paint R&D and Testing Laboratory

These tests are an integral part of the data needed to compile technical data sheets, but also to learn about the performance of paints, such as stability to freezing and thawing or flash point.

The scope of the tests also includes assessment of the penetration of stains from the substrate, e.g. ink stainblocking, blocking tannin stains, nicotine stains, soot stains, etc., and also enamel holdout properties of top-coat paints and primers/undercoaters.

The tests are based on the worldwide methods of determining wet-scrub resistance, washability, burnish resistance, cleanability and stain resistance (see menu stain resistance).

We prepare formulations for testing with various additives, waxes, polymer dispersions, and stain resistant agents for further evaluation by test methods:

Standard soilants:

*Pencil, crayon, mercurochrome, ball pen, whiteboard marker, lipstick and soilant ASTM D3450

**pencil Mars-Lumograph HB100, wax crayon Pelikan, drawing charcoal

***staining media agreed with the customer

for each test it is possible to choose other media, e.g. wine, coffee, ketchup, mustard, beverages and other agreed with the client

After the tests, the report includes photos and an extensive assessment of changes in the coatings (color, gloss, sheen, etc.)

Liquid resistance tests are also all tests in which the reaction of the coating to contact with various liquids is checked, e.g. leaching, water permeability, the effectiveness of coating removers, etc.

If you are looking for wet scrub resistance tests – go to the ‘Scrubbability and Washability section’

Tests in laboratory chambers are carried out in accordance with the standards as in the table below, however, taking into account the guidelines included additionally in the standards:

·         ASTM G154 – for all exposure tests in xenon-arc chamber

·         ASTM G155 – for all exposure tests in fluorescent UV chamber

In the field of tests in the xenon-arc chamber, we use various filters (basic daylight filters, window-glass filter and special ones, e.g., cutting off of infrared, a part of ultraviolet, etc.)

For tests in the UV chamber, we use exposure using three types of lamps to choose from: UVA-340, UVA-351 and UVB-313.

In terms of tests, we offer the selection of appropriate exposure cycles and cycles both in the xenon-arc chamber and with ultraviolet radiation.

ISO 16747-2

ISO 16474-3

ISO 4892-2

ISO 4892-3

ISO 4892-2

ISO 4892-3

We perform tests for reference samples, in correlation with tests in natural weather conditions or to obtain certain types of changes agreed with the client.

The test report includes a comprehensive description of the course of the tests, changes occurring during the exposure (inter-operative or post-test assessment of changes) and photos. See also the section “evaluation of changes”.

– exposure of samples to natural weather conditions (direct exposure)

– exposure of samples to accelerated natural weather conditions (e.g. black box, concentrators)

Tests are carried out by subcontracting laboratories cooperating with us from all over the world. We have partners with whom we regularly visit their research stations in the USA (Arizona desert and the subtropical climate in Florida), Canada, Brazil, India, China, Australia, UAE and Europe.

We deal with the comprehensive preparation of test panels, shipment, project coordination and supervision of the test run, as well as the return of samples and evaluation of changes.

We perform tests for reference samples, in correlation with tests in natural weather conditions or to obtain certain types of changes agreed with the client. The test report includes a comprehensive description of the course of the tests, changes occurring during the exposure (inter-operative or post-test assessment of changes) and photos. See also the section “evaluation of changes”

After the tests, the report includes photos, also under the microscope, extensive assessment of changes in the coatings (see “evaluation of changes”) and evaluation of physical properties (adhesion, flexibility, etc.)

Assessments are carried out using instrumental and visual methods, depending on the type of test and the assessment method. The scope of the assessment of changes each time covers the full scope of the following standards, and the report includes complete assessments with photos and results of other tests showing the changes (e.g. change in adhesion, hardness, flexibility, etc.)

We also conduct comprehensive multi-path testing of additives in specific client systems or our calibrated formulations, we set recommendations and application guides and we develop start point formulations.

Our research and testing includes:

·         Wetting and dispersing agents, e.g. sodium polyphosphate, carboxylic acid salts, branched polymeric dispersants, high molar dispersants, etc.

·         Rheological additives, cellulose derivatives, alkali swellable (HASE, ASE), HEUR, xanthan-gum, attapulgite, magnesium aluminium silicate, and other

·         Plasticizers and coalescing agents, for decreasing of MFFT, for permanently flexibility of coatings, etc.

·         Co-solvents for additional dissolving of thickeners (e.g. HEUR)

·         Adhesion promoters for wood and plastics water-borne systems

·         Defoamers, mineral-oil based, silicone-based, polymer-based, vegetable-oil based, etc.

·         Additives for surface modification, e.g. matting agents, waxes, etc.

·         Flow and levelling, e.g. slip additives,

·         Driers for water-borne alkyd systems

·         Additives for special function (e.g. anti-skinning additives, light stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, etc.)

·         Other special and new additives for water-borne architectural paints

Below we present examples of the scopes of the most frequently performed research works. All test programs are individually determined in accordance with the client’s needs and budget.

The tests are also performed as comparisons to competitive raw materials from various markets.

·         tests of polymer dispersion properties to determine compliance with the specification, assess the repeatability of delivery, etc.

·         tests of the influence of polymer dispersions on the properties of paints and coatings in individual formulations, PVC’s, synergy with other raw materials, selection of coalescents, plasticizers, etc.

We carry out comprehensive tests and consultations in the selection of polymer dispersion for various water-based systems, including systems based on water glass (silicate paints and plasters)

Guide for testing latex vehicles

Methods for characterizing waterbased binders

*The method is not mentioned in ASTM D4143 but it is appropriate for determining freeze-thaw stability

Below we present examples of tests performed according to standardized test methods, however, their scope and application are each time adjusted to water-based paints and the use of pigments and fillers in architectural dispersion paints and varnishes.

We conduct tests in accordance with test programs established through our experience and knowledge of the characteristics of pigments and fillers and their evaluation in various architectural paint systems.

The subject of our tests and laboratory studies are, among others:

·         Titanium dioxide pigments (rutil and anatase, different grades ASTM D476 and ISO 591-1)

·         Prime pigments and fillers: e.g. ground and calcinated kaolin, iron oxide pigments, etc.

·         Reinforcements and functional fillers: e.g. nepheline syenite, wollastonite, talc, etc.

·         Standard fillers: e.g. GCC (ground calcium carbonate), PCC (precipitated calcium carbonate), etc.

·         Slurries: suspensions of pigments and fillers, ready to use TiO₂ slurries, etc.

We use pigments and fillers to prepare test paints with a different range of PVC, based on various other raw materials, in order to make comparisons, case studies and laboratory tests of the impact on various properties of paints and coatings (e.g. effect on hiding power, gloss/sheen, mechanical properties of dried coatings, weathering & lightfastness resistance, rheology and stability properties of liquid paints, color development, etc.)

For the scope of paint and coating tests, visit the other tests in the Testing Service menu.

“In-can” microbiological tests are carried out on test organisms Klebsiela aerogenes (ATCC #13048), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC #10145) and additional Bacillus subtilus (ATCC #27328) and other organisms agreed with the client. In the field of tests of coatings in terms of fungal and algae growth, tests are carried out on coatings subjected to natural and artificial weathering processes and other operations aimed at washing out components from the coatings so that the test is carried out with reference to the coatings operated after a specified time.

·         EN 15824 – classification of interior and exterior plasters in Europe

·         ASTM C647 – evaluation of plasters and mastics for facade coatings on thermal insulation systems in the United States and Canada

We conduct tests of various formulations in order to select the optimal dose of binder, filler system, modification of open time, coalescence at low temperatures, color stability of facade coatings (natural and artificial weathering) and other.

The scope of plaster tests depends on the customer’s requirements and market habits. Below is a general test list for reference only. We also perform plaster tests according to other standards on request.

Fluorescent UV chamber: ASTM G155, ISO 16474-3

Throught window glass: ASTM G24 type A, ISO 877-2

Accelerated outdoor weathering: ASTM D4141 method B, ASTM D5722, ISO 877-3

* Test performed at the subcontractor’s premises. The Spektrochem Laboratory takes over all the formalities and subcontracting the sample tests.