This guide covers the proper selection and use of procedures for testing varnishes. Properties of liquid varnishes that may be tested are as follows: appearance; color (Gardner, tristimulus, and Platinum-Cobalt scale); viscosity (Gardner-Holdt bubble time, Ford cup efflux, and high precision kinematic viscosity); specific gravity; volatile content; nonvolatile matter; flash point (tag closed-cup, Pensky Martens, tag open-cup, and Setaflash closed tester); skinning; acid value; reactivity of paint liquids; quantitative rosin content; and qualitative rosin content (Lieberman-Storch and Halphen-Hicks). Drying and curing properties that may be tested are drying and print free time. Finally, properties of dry varnish that may be tested are as follows: gloss (specular gloss and reflective haze); resistance of dried films to water and alkali; abrasion resistance by carborundum air blast, falling abrasive, and Taber abraser; exterior durability; color of dried film; and clear floor sealers.

1.1 This guide covers the selection and use of procedures for testing varnishes. Some test methods are included but most sections refer to specific ASTM test methods.

1.2 Varnishes may be applied under such diverse conditions to so many different surfaces, and their dried films may be subjected to so many kinds of wear and exposure, that it is not possible to assure desired performance from a single selection of test methods and numerical results. Those skilled in varnish technology may find partial assurance of obtaining desired qualities in various types of varnishes through careful selection of the methods covered and intelligent interpretation of results.

1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.