Exposure Testing for Paints and Varnishes
ISO 16474-1, the International Standardization Organization’s testing standard that supersedes 11507, provides general guidance for exposing paints, varnishes, and other related coatings to laboratory light sources to simulate the effects of sunlight and artificial light. This testing is used to evaluate the stability and durability of coatings under conditions that replicate UV radiation exposure, temperature fluctuations, visible light, and moisture. By mimicking these environmental factors in ATS’ controlled environmental testing laboratory, ATS’ experts help clients predict the long-term performance of coatings, identify potential weaknesses, and ensure that their products meet quality and safety standards.
ISO 16474-1 Testing at Applied Technical Services
Our environmental testing experts apply decades of experience, unparalleled industry expertise, and thorough knowledge of testing standards to provide clients with complete exposure and accelerated aging testing for paints, varnishes, and other coatings. ISO 16474-1 is the first of its series of standards, which provide detailed guidelines for using fluorescent UV lamps, xenon arc lamps, and other specialized equipment to test the integrity and resilience of coatings. These laboratory light sources are designed to accelerate the aging process, allowing for quicker evaluation of a coating’s resistance to fading, discoloration, cracking, and other forms of failure caused by prolonged exposure to light and weathering. Our coating testing technicians follow the extensive principles, test conditions, and evaluation criteria established by this testing standard to produce reliable, repeatable results that our clients can count on.
The ISO 16474-1 Testing Process
This testing method begins with the preparation and conditioning of a sample according to strict guidelines to ensure uniformity and accuracy in testing. The coating is applied to a substrate and cured before being exposed to light sources that simulate the solar spectrum, including UV radiation and visible light. Exposure cycles may also include periods of condensation or water spray to replicate the effects of dew, rain, and humidity, allowing an assessment of how the coating will perform in outdoor environments. The final test report includes thorough documentation detailing every step of the testing process, including changes in color, gloss retention, surface appearance, and mechanical properties. Color spectrophotometry and gloss measurements are used to quantify changes and compare them against baseline values, and visual inspections identify physical defects such as cracking, peeling, or blistering. The data obtained from these evaluations provide valuable insights into the formulation and suitability of the coating for specific applications. Some of the advantages of ISO 16474-1 testing include:
- Reproducible Results
- Accelerated Timeframe
- Versatile Applications
- Cost-Efficient
- Reduced Product Development Timeline
The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies
With a reputation for exceptional service quality and a dedication to achieving the highest level of customer satisfaction, the coating testing experts at ATS are the premier choice for paint and varnish testing to ISO standards. Give us a call at 1 (888) 287-5227 for a free quote or submit a form on this page to schedule service or request additional information.
