Meaning and use

4.1 Contamination of paints and coatings by fungal growth (mold, mildew) is a common phenomenon, and algal growth contamination can also occur under certain conditions. It is well known that differences in environment, light, temperature, humidity, substrate pH and other factors, in addition to the paint combination, can affect the sensitivity of a given painted surface. This test method attempts to provide a way to compare and evaluate the relative properties of different coating formulations under given conditions. This does not mean that a coating that resists growth under these conditions will necessarily resist growth in real-world applications. This method is not intended to simulate or substitute for indoor or outdoor exposure to paint film or related coatings.

Note 1: The rankings for relative performance of hope are similar to those for outdoor exposure. Coatings designated for use under external conditions should be pretreated by accelerated weathering in a laboratory prior to exposure to fungi. All pre-processing needs to be detailed in the final report. However, this test method should not be used as a substitute for external exposure (i.e. D3456) because many other factors, only some of which are listed, can affect these results.

4.2 Familiarity with microbial technology is required. People without at least basic microbiological training should not use this test method.

ASTM D5590-2017 Standard Test Method for Determining Resistance of Paint Film and Related Coatings to Fungal Fouling by Accelerated Four-Week AGAR Plate Assay

Step 1: Scope

1.1 The test method includes an accelerated method for determining the relative resistance of two or more paints or coatings to fungal growth.

1.2 Values expressed in SI units shall be considered standard. The values given in parentheses are for reference only.

1.3 This standard is not intended to address all safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of users of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory restrictions prior to use.

1.4 This international standard is based on internationally recognized standardization principles established in the “Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guidelines and Recommendations” issued by the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) of the World Trade Organization.