Designation: D 4587 – 01

Standard Practice for

Fluorescent UV-Condensation Exposures of Paint and
Related Coatings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4587; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D 660 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Checking of

1.1 This practice covers the selection of test conditions for Exterior Paints3
accelerated exposure testing of coatings and related products in D 662 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Erosion of
fluorescent UV and condensation devices conducted according Exterior Paints3
to Practices G 151 and G 154. This practice also covers the D 714 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of
preparation of test specimens, and the evaluation of test results. Paints3
Table 1 describes commonly used test conditions. D 772 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Flaking (Scal-
ing) of Exterior Paints3
NOTE 1—Previous versions of this practice referenced fluorescent UV D 823 Test Methods for Producing Films of Uniform Thick-
devices described by Practice G 53, which described very specific
ness of Paint, Varnish, and Related Products on Test
equipment designs. Practice G 53 has been withdrawn and replaced by
Practice G 151, which describes performance criteria for all exposure Panels3
devices that use laboratory light sources, and by Practice G 154, which D 1005 Test Methods for Measurement of Dry Film Thick-
gives requirements for exposing nonmetallic materials in fluorescent UV ness of Organic Coatings Using Micrometers3
devices. D 1186 Test Methods for Nondestructive Measurement of
NOTE 2—ISO 11507:1997 also describes fluorescent UV-condensation Dry Film Thickness of Nonmagnetic Coatings Applied to
exposures of paints and coatings. a Ferrous Base3
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the D 1400 Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of
safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility Dry Film Thickness of Nonconductive Coatings Applied to
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and a Nonferrous Metal Base3
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory D 1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
limitations prior to use. Differences of Diffusely Illuminated Opaque Materials3
D 1730 Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and
2. Referenced Documents Aluminum-Alloy Surfaces for Painting5
2.1 ASTM Standards: D 2244 Test Method for Calculation of Color Differences
D 358 Specification for Wood to Be Used As Panels in from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates3
Weathering Tests of Coatings2 D 2616 Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Differ-
D 523 Test Method for Specular Gloss3 ence With a Gray Scale3
D 609 Practice for Preparation of Cold-Rolled Steel Panels D 3359 Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by Tape
for Testing Paint, Varnish, Conversion Coatings, and Test3
Related Coating Products3 D 3980 Practice for Interlaboratory Testing of Paint and
D 610 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Related Materials6
Painted Steel Surfaces2 D 4214 Test Methods for Evaluating Degree of Chalking of
D 659 Method of Evaluating Degree of Chalking of Exte- Exterior Paint Films3
rior Paints4 D 5870 Practice for Calculating Property Retention Index
of Plastics7
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Determine the Precision of a Test Method8
Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D01.27 on Accelerated Testing.
Current edition approved July 10, 2001. Published September 2001. Originally
5
published as D 4587 – 86. Discontinued June 2000 and reinstated as D 4587 – 01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.05.
2 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.02. Discontinued 1998; see 1997 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01.
3 7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.03.
4 8
Discontinued 1989; see 1990 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.01. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 4587
TABLE 1 Test Cycles Commonly Used for Fluorescent UV–Condensation Exposure Testing of Paints and Related CoatingsA
Cycle Number Cycle Description 340 nm IrradianceB Black Panel TemperatureC Typical UsesD
1 8 h UV 2
0.72 W/(m ·nm) 70 6 2.5 ºC (158 6 5 ºF) Automotive coatingsE
4 h condensation dark period 50 6 2.5 ºC (122 6 5 ºF)
Repeated continuously
2 4 h UV 0.77 W/(m2·nm) 60 6 2.5 (140 6 5 ºF) Industrial maintenance coatingsF
4 h condensation dark period 50 6 2.5 (122 6 5 ºF)
Repeated continuously
3 4 h UV 0.77 W/(m2·nm) 60 6 2.5 (140 6 5 ºF) Exterior wood coatings
20 h condensation dark period 50 6 2.5 (122 6 5 ºF)
Repeated continuously
4 8 h UV 0.77 W/(m2·nm) 60 6 2.5 (140 6 5 ºF) General metal coatings
4 h condensation dark period 50 6 2.5 (122 6 5 ºF)
Repeated continuously
A
The cycles described are not listed in any order indicating importance, and are not necessarily recommended for the applications listed. Additional exposure cycles
are described in Practice G 154.
B
The irradiance set point given is typical for devices operated without irradiance control. Other irradiance levels may be used, but must be described in the report.
C
Temperature is at equilibrium for either an uninsulated or insulated black panel, although the response of the insulated black panel might be slower than that for the
uninsulated black panel. Refer to Practice G 151 for more information about the construction and differences between uninsulated and insulated black panels.
D
Typical uses do not imply that results from exposures of these materials according to the cycle described will correlate to those from actual use conditions.
E
SAE J2020 describes the test used in many automotive specifications and requires use of a FS40 fluorescent UVB lamp.
F
Historical convention has established this as a very commonly used test cycle. This cycle may not adequately simulate the effects of outdoor exposure.

E 1347 Test Method for Color and Color Difference Mea- heat, and water can be very significant for many applications.
sured by Tristimulus (filter) Colormetry3 This practice is intended to induce property changes associated
G 53 Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure with end-use conditions, including the effects of sunlight,
Apparatus (Fluorescent UV-Condensation Type) for Expo- moisture, and heat. The exposure used in this practice is not
sure of Nonmetallic Materials9 intended to simulate the deterioration caused by localized
G 113 Terminology Relating to Natural and Artificial weather phenomena such as atmospheric pollution, biological
Weathering Tests of Nonmetallic Materials10 attack, and saltwater exposure.
G 141 Guide for Addressing Variability in Exposure Testing 4.2 Cautions—Variation in results may be expected when
on Nonmetallic Materials10 different operating conditions are used. Therefore, no reference
G 147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonme- to the use of this practice shall be made unless accompanied by
tallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering a report prepared according to Section 10 that describes the
Tests10 specific operating conditions used. Refer to Practice G 151 for
G 151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Ac- detailed information on the caveats applicable to use of results
celerated Test Devices That Use Laboratory Light obtained according to this practice.
Sources10 NOTE 3—Additional information on sources of variability and on
G 154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus strategies for addressing variability in the design, execution and data
for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials10 analysis of laboratory accelerated exposure tests is found in Guide G 141.
G 169 Guide for Application of Basic Statistical Methods to
4.2.1 The spectral power distribution of light from fluores-
Weathering Tests10
cent UV lamps is significantly different from that produced in
2.2 ISO Standard:11
light and water exposure devices using other light sources. The
ISO 11507:1997
type and rate of degradation and the performance rankings
2.3 SAE Standard:12
produced in exposures to fluorescent UV lamps can be much
SAE J2020 Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior
different from those produced by exposures to other types of
Materials Using a Fluorescent UV Condensation Appara-
laboratory light sources.
tus
4.2.2 Interlaboratory comparisons are valid only when all
3. Terminology laboratories use the same design of fluorescent UV device,
lamp, and exposure conditions.
3.1 The definitions given in Terminology G 113 are appli-
4.3 Reproducibility of test results between laboratories has
cable to this practice.
been shown to be good when the stability of materials is
4. Significance and Use evaluated in terms of performance ranking compared to other
materials or to a control.13,14 Therefore, exposure of a similar
4.1 The ability of a paint or coating to resist deterioration of
material of known performance (a control) at the same time as
its physical and optical properties caused by exposure to light,
the test materials is strongly recommended. It is recommended

9
Discontinued 2000; see 1999 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.04.
10 13
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.04. Fischer, R., “Results of Round Robin Studies of Light- and Water-Exposure
11
Available from International Organization for Standardization, 1 Rue de Standard Practices,” Accelerated and Outdoor Durability Testing of Organic
Varembé, Case Postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland. Materials, ASTM STP 1202, ASTM, 1993.
12 14
Available from Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Ketola, W., and Fischer, R., “Characterization and Use of Reference Materials
Warrendale, PA 15096-0001. in Accelerated Durability Tests,” VAMAS Technical Report No. 30, NIST, June 1997.

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 D 4587
that at least three replicates of each material be exposed to or D 1400. Nondestructive methods are preferred because
allow for statistical evaluation of results. panels so measured need not be repaired.
4.4 Test results will depend upon the care that is taken to 7.4 Prior to exposing coated panels in the apparatus, condi-
operate the equipment according to Practice G 154. Significant tion them at 23 6 2°C (73 6 3°F) and 50 6 5 % relative
factors include regulation of line voltage, temperature of the humidity for one of the following periods in accordance with
room in which the device operates, temperature control, and the type of coating:
condition and age of the lamps. Baked coatings 24 h
4.5 All references to exposures in accordance with this Radiation-cured coatings 24 h
All other coatings 7 days
practice must include a complete description of the test cycle
used. 7.4.1 Other procedures for preparation of test specimens
may be used if agreed upon by all interested parties.
5. Apparatus 7.5 Mount specimens in holders so that only the minimum
5.1 Use of fluorescent UV apparatus that conform to the specimen area required for support by the holder is covered.
requirements defined in Practices G 151 and G 154 is required Do not use this covered area of the specimen as part of the test
to conform to this practice. area.
NOTE 4—A fluorescent UV apparatus that complied with Practice G 53 7.6 Unless otherwise specified, expose at least three repli-
also complies with Practice G 154. cate specimens of each test and control material.
7.7 Follow the procedures described in Practice G 147 for
5.2 Unless otherwise specified, the spectral power distribu-
identification and conditioning and handling of specimens of
tion of the fluorescent UV lamp shall conform to the require-
test, control, and reference materials prior to, during, and after
ments in Practice G 154 for a UVA 340 lamp.
exposure.
NOTE 5—Fluorescent UV exposures described in SAE J2020 for 7.8 Do not mask the face of a specimen for the purpose of
automotive applications call for use of fluorescent UVB lamps. showing on one panel the effects of various exposure times.
5.3 Test Chamber Location: Misleading results may be obtained by this method, since the
5.3.1 Locate the apparatus in an area maintained between 18 masked portion of the specimen is still exposed to temperature
and 27°C (65 and 80°F). Measure ambient temperature at a and humidity cycles that in many cases will affect results.
maximum distance of 150 mm (6 in.) from the plane door of 7.9 Retain a supply of unexposed file specimens of all
the apparatus. Control of ambient temperature is particularly materials evaluated.
critical when one apparatus is stacked above another, because 7.9.1 When destructive tests are run, it is recommended that
the heat generated from the lower unit can interfere with the a sufficient number of file specimens be retained so that the
operation of the units above. property of interest can be determined on unexposed file
5.3.2 Place the apparatus at least 300 mm (12 in.) from specimens each time exposed materials are evaluated.
walls or other apparatus. Do not place the apparatus near a heat NOTE 6—Since the stability of the file specimen may also be time
source such as an oven. dependent, users are cautioned that over prolonged exposure periods, or
5.3.3 Ventilate the room in which the apparatus is located to where small differences in the order of acceptable limits are anticipated,
remove heat and moisture. comparison of exposed specimens with the file specimen may not be valid.
Nondestructive instrumental measurements are recommended whenever
6. Hazards possible.
6.1 Warning—In addition to other precautions, never look 7.10 Specimens should not ordinarily be removed from the
directly at the fluorescent UV lamp because UV radiation can exposure apparatus for more than 24 h, then returned for
damage the eye. Turn the device off before removing panels for additional tests, since this may not produce the same results on
inspection. all materials as tests run without this type of interruption. When
specimens are removed from the exposure apparatus for 24 h or
7. Test Specimens
more, then returned for additional exposure, report the elapsed
7.1 Apply the coating to flat (plane) panels with the sub- time as noted under Section 10.
strate, method of preparation, method of application, coating
8. Procedure
system, film thickness, and method of drying consistent with
the anticipated end use, or as mutually agreed upon between 8.1 Table 1 lists several exposure cycles that are used for
the producer and user. fluorescent UV exposures of nonmetallic materials. Obtain
7.2 Panel specifications and methods of preparation include agreement between all concerned parties for the specific
but are not limited to Practices D 609, D 1730, or Specification exposure cycle used. Additional intervals and periods of
D 358. Select panel sizes suitable for use with the exposure condensation may be substituted upon agreement among the
apparatus. concerned parties.
7.2.1 For specimens coated on insulating materials, such as NOTE 7—Each setpoint and its tolerances found in Table 1 represent an
foams, maximum specimen thickness is 20 mm in order to operational control point for equilibrium conditions at a single location in
allow for adequate heat transfer for condensation. the cabinet, which may not necessarily represent the uniformity of those
7.3 Coat test panels in accordance with Practices D 823, conditions throughout the cabinet. ASTM Committee G03 is working to
then measure the film thickness in accordance with an appro- refine these tolerances and address the uniformity issue.
priate procedure selected from Test Methods D 1005, D 1186, 8.2 If no other cycle is specified, use Cycle 2.

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 D 4587
8.3 Mount test specimens in the device following the 9.2 The time or radiant exposure necessary to produce a
placement and specimen repositioning procedures described in defined change in a material property can be used to evaluate
Practice G 154. or rank the stability of materials. This method is preferred over
8.3.1 Fill any empty spaces in the exposure area with blank evaluating materials after an arbitrary exposure time or radiant
nonrusting panels. Seal any holes in specimens larger than 2 exposure.
mm (0.08 in.) and any openings larger than 1 mm (0.04 in.) 9.2.1 Exposure to an arbitrary time or radiant exposure may
around irregularly shaped specimens to prevent loss of water be used for the purpose of a specific test if agreed upon by the
vapor. Attach porous specimens to a solid backing such as parties concerned or if required for conformance to a particular
aluminum that can act as a vapor barrier. specification. When a single exposure period is used, select a
8.3.2 Reposition specimens in devices with a planar expo- time or radiant exposure that will produce the largest perfor-
sure area using the following procedure unless it can be shown mance differences between the test materials or between the
that the irradiance uniformity meets the requirements of test material and the control material.
Practice G 151 for no repositioning. In devices that do not have 9.2.2 The minimum exposure time used shall be that nec-
a planar exposure area, reposition specimens using a procedure essary to produce a substantial change in the property of
agreed upon by all interested parties. interest for the least stable material being evaluated. An
8.3.2.1 Repositioning Procedure—Unless otherwise speci- exposure time that produces a significant change in one type of
fied, move the two extreme right-hand holders to the far left of material cannot be assumed to be applicable to other types of
the exposure area, and slide the remaining holders to the right. materials.
Fig. 1 shows the repositioning of specimen holders. 9.2.3 The relation between time to failure in an exposure
8.3.2.2 Unless otherwise specified, reposition specimens conducted according to this practice and service life in an
vertically within each specimen holder so that each spends the outdoor environment requires determination of a valid accel-
same amount of exposure time in each vertical position within eration factor. Do not use arbitrary acceleration factors relating
the specimen holder. Fig. 2 shows the vertical rotation se- time in an exposure conducted according to this practice and
quence for cases where there are two, three, or four specimens time in an outdoor environment because they can give errone-
in a holder. ous information. The acceleration factor is material dependent
and is only valid if it is based on data from a sufficient number
NOTE 8—In devices without irradiance control, incident energy at the
extremes of the exposure area is often only 70 % of that at the center. This of separate exterior and laboratory accelerated exposures so
condition requires that the procedures described in 8.3 be followed to that results used to relate times to failure in each exposure can
ensure uniformity of radiant exposure. be analyzed using statistical methods.
8.3.3 Repositioning Frequency—Unless otherwise speci- NOTE 9—An example of a statistical analysis using multiple laboratory
fied, the repositioning frequency shall be 10 % of the exposure and exterior exposures to calculate an acceleration factor is described by
increment between evaluations. J.A. Simms.15 See Practice G 151 for more information and additional
8.4 Water Purity: cautions about the use of acceleration factors.
8.4.1 It is recommended that deionized water be used for 9.3 After each exposure increment, determine the changes
water used to produce condensation. in exposed specimens. Test Method D 523, D 610, D 659,
8.5 Identification of any control specimen used shall accom- D 660, D 662, D 714, D 772, D 2244, D 2616, D 3359,
pany the report. D 4214, E 1347 or Practice D 1729 may be used. Consider
9. Periods of Exposure and Evaluation of Results product use requirements when selecting appropriate methods.
9.3.1 Other methods for evaluating test specimens may be
9.1 In most cases, periodic evaluation of test and control used if agreed upon between all interested parties.
materials is necessary to determine the variation in magnitude
and direction of property change as a function of exposure time
or radiant exposure. 15
Simms, J.A., Journal of Coatings Technology, Vol 50, 1987, pp. 45-53.

FIG. 1 Diagram Showing Repositioning of Specimen Holders

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 D 4587

NOTE—“X” denotes orientation of each specimen.

FIG. 2 Specimen Repositioning Within Holders

NOTE 10—For some materials, changes may continue after the speci- used are statistically significant. Expose replicates of the test
men has been removed from the exposure apparatus. Measurements specimen and the control specimen so that statistically signifi-
(visual or instrumental) should be made within a standardized time period cant performance differences can be determined.
or as agreed upon between interested parties. The standardized time period
needs to consider conditioning prior to testing. NOTE 11—Fischer illustrates use of rank comparison between test and
control materials in specifications.16
9.4 It is recommended that the following procedure be
NOTE 12—Guide G 169 includes examples showing use of analysis of
followed when results from exposures conducted according to variance to compare materials.
this practice are used in specifications.
9.4.1 If a standard or specification for general use requires 10. Report
a defined property level after a specific time or radiant 10.1 Report the following information:
exposure in an exposure test conducted according to this 10.1.1 Type and model of exposure device.
practice, base the specified property level on results from 10.1.2 Type of light source.
round-robin experiments run to determine the test reproduc- 10.1.3 Average distance from specimens to light source.
ibility from the exposure and property measurement proce- 10.1.4 Age of lamps at the beginning of the exposure, and
dures. Conduct these round robins according to Practice E 691 whether any of the lamps were replaced during the period of
or D 3980 and include a statistically representative sample of exposure.
all laboratories or organizations that would normally conduct 10.1.5 Type of black panel (uninsulated or insulated) used.
the exposure and property measurement. 10.1.6 If required, report irradiance measured at a single
9.4.2 If a standard or specification for use between two or wavelength in W/(m2·nm) and radiant energy for a single
three parties requires a defined property level after a specific wavelength in J/(m2·nm). Report irradiance measured in a
time or radiant exposure in an exposure test conducted accord- broad band, such as 300-400 nm, in W/m2 with the spectral
ing to this practice, base the specified property level on at least region specified. Report radiant energy measured in a broad
two independent experiments run in each laboratory to deter- band as J/m2 with the spectral region specified.
mine the reproducibility for the exposure and property mea- 10.1.6.1 Do not report irradiance or radiant exposure unless
surement process. The reproducibility of the exposure/property direct measurement of irradiance was made during the expo-
measurement process is then used to determine the maximum sure.
or minimum level of property after the exposure that is 10.1.7 Elapsed exposure time.
mutually agreeable to all parties. 10.1.7.1 When required, report any test interruptions greater
9.4.3 When reproducibility in results from an exposure test than 24 h in accordance with 7.10.
conducted according to this practice has not been established 10.1.8 Light and dark-water-condensation cycle employed.
through round-robin testing, specify performance requirements 10.1.9 Operating black panel temperature.
for materials in terms of comparison (ranked) to a control 10.1.10 Operating relative humidity during light exposure
material. All specimens shall be exposed simultaneously in the (if measured).
same device. All concerned parties must agree on the specific
control material used. 16
Fischer, R., Ketola, W., “Impact of Research on Development of ASTM
9.4.3.1 Conduct analysis of variance to determine whether Durability Testing Standards,” Durability Testing of Non-Metallic Materials, ASTM
the differences between test materials and any control materials STP 1294, ASTM, 1995.

5
 D 4587
10.1.11 Specimen repositioning procedure (if different from practice will vary with the materials being tested, the material
that described in 8.4). property being measured, and the specific test conditions and
10.1.12 Results of property tests. Where retention of char- cycles that are used.
acteristic property is reported, calculate results according to 11.2 Bias—Bias can not be determined because no accept-
Practice D 5870. able standard weathering reference materials are available.
NOTE 13—In some cases, exposures are conducted by a contracting
agency but property tests are conducted by the contracting party. In these 12. Keywords
cases, the agency that conducts the exposures cannot report results from
property tests. 12.1 degradation; exposure; fluorescent UV; light exposure;
ultraviolet; weathering
11. Precision and Bias
11.1 Precision—The repeatability and reproducibility of
results obtained in exposures conducted according to this

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