5.1 The ability of a coating to resist printing is important because its appearance is adversely affected if the smoothness of the coating film is altered by contact with another surface, particularly one with a texture. Interior paint systems, particularly gloss and semigloss on window sills and other horizontal surfaces, often have objects such as flower pots placed on them that may tend to leave a permanent impression. This tendency for a paint film to “print” is a function of the hardness of the coating, the pressure, temperature, humidity, and the duration of time that the object is in contact with the painted surface.

1.1 This test method covers an accelerated procedure for evaluating the print resistance of architectural paints. It differs from print resistance Test Method D2091 in that the latter is concerned with lacquer finishes under packaging, shipping, and warehousing conditions, whereas this test method is concerned with decorative coatings undergoing random on-site pressure contact.

Note 1: Printing should not be confused with blocking, which is measured in Test Method D4946. The former relates to the indentation of a surface, and the latter, the sticking together of two surfaces.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

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

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.