Marine and Protective Coatings

Global Technical Support

Additional Information:

Definitions and
Abbreviations

The information in this guideline is not intended to be exhaustive; any person using the product for any purpose other than that specifically recommended in
this guideline without first obtaining written confirmation from us as to the suitability of the product for the intended purpose does so at their own risk. All
advice given or statements made about the product (whether in this guideline or otherwise) is correct to the best of our knowledge but we have no control
over the quality or the condition of the substrate or the many factors affecting the use and application of the product. THEREFORE, UNLESS WE
SPECIFICALLY AGREE IN WRITING TO DO SO, WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY LIABILITY AT ALL FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR FOR
(SUBJECT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW) ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE PRODUCT. WE HEREBY
DISCLAIM ANY WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. All products supplied and technical
advice given are subject to our Conditions of Sale. You should request a copy of this document and review it carefully. The information contained in this
guideline is liable to modification from time to time in the light of experience and our policy of continuous development. It is the user's responsibility to check
with their local representative that this guideline is current prior to using the product.

Revision: 03 The AkzoNobel Building T +44 (0)191 469 6111

Issue date: 17/03/2020 Wexham Road www.akzonobel.com
Slough www.international-pc.com
SL2 5DS
Additional Information: Definitions and Abbreviations 02

Note: Many standards are quoted throughout this document. The most recent revision of any
standard should always be referred to unless otherwise stated.

Tolerances
The numerical information quoted in the product data sheets has been derived from laboratory test data
obtained under controlled conditions for the products described. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure
accuracy, this information will be subject to minor variations obtained in normal manufacturing tolerances, and
any fluctuations in ambient conditions during the application and curing periods.

Colour
Where a small number of colours is available product data sheets generally list these; where a wider range is
available this is stated. Colours specified on a worldwide product data sheet will usually be available in all
regions. Chromascan is quoted for some products; this is International’s remote tinting system that gives
control over specific colour requests and allows production of a very wide range of colours from factory
produced bases.

Gloss Levels
Typical gloss values have been determined in accordance with ISO 2813 using a 60º gloss head. The
categories used in the product data sheets are:

Finish (Sheen) Gloss (60º Head)

Matt 0-15
Eggshell 16-30
Semi Gloss 31-60
Gloss 61-85
High Gloss >85

In practice, the level of sheen and surface finish will be dependent upon a number of factors, including
application and the condition of the surface to be overcoated.

Dry Film Thickness (DFT)

The thickness of the final dried film applied to the substrate. The DFT is typically measured using a magnetic
gauge, which will give a value measured from the surface of the coating to the magnetic plane within the
surface profile. The magnetic plane is the theoretical point within the surface profile that the DFT gauge sees
as being the average position of the substrate.

Some variations exist in methods of DFT measurement; DFT gauges can be calibrated on smooth or blasted
steel panels and a correction factor for surface profile may or may not be considered. ISO 2808, ISO 19840
and SSPC-PA2 are accepted standards for measuring DFT.
Additional Information: Definitions and Abbreviations 03

Wet Film Thickness (WFT)

The initial thickness of the wet coating applied to the substrate.

Wet film thickness measurements of coatings applied on articles can be very helpful in controlling the
thickness of the final dry coating and measurement of WFT permits correction and adjustment of the film by
the applicator at the time of application.

Notched WFT gauges or WFT “combs” can be very useful in the shop and field for determining the
approximate thickness of wet films over commercial articles and complex structures. The procedures using
WFT gauges do not provide accurate or sensitive measurements of WFT; however, an operator experienced
in the use of a WFT gauge can monitor the coating application well enough to ensure the minimum required
film thickness will be obtained.

Volume Solids
The volume solids figure given on the product data sheet is the percentage of the wet film that remains as the
dry film and is obtained from a given wet film thickness under specified method and conditions. Unless
otherwise stated, these figures have been determined under laboratory conditions using the test method
described in the standard ISO 3233-1 – Determination of the percentage volume of non-volatile matter – Part
1: Method using a coated test panel to determine non-volatile matter and to determine dry film density by the
Archimedes principle. The volume solids of a coating is determined using the recommended dry film
thickness quoted on the product data sheet and a specified drying schedule at ambient temperature, i.e. 7
days at 23ºC ± 1ºC (73°F ± 2°F).

Coverage
Theoretical coverage is calculated from a product’s volume solids and a specific DFT:

Metric: Volume solids (%) x10 US: Volume solids (%) x 16.04
DFT (µm) DFT (mils)

It is possible to calculate practical coverage using theoretical values and loss factors but these calculations
are complex and subject to great variability in external factors such as environment, substrate, access
limitations, application methods and the complexity of the structure being coated. It is advised that such
calculations are left to professional estimators with experience and knowledge of the application of protective
coatings under various site conditions. For further information on coverage and loss factors, please refer to
International Protective Coatings’ document “Theoretical and Practical Coverage”.

Drying Time
The drying times quoted in the product data sheets have been determined in the laboratory using a typical dry
film thickness, the ambient temperature quoted in the relevant product data sheet, and the appropriate test
method, i.e.

Touch Dry (ISO 9117-3)

The surface dry state of a coating when ballotini (small glass spheres) can be lightly brushed away without
damage to the surface of the coating. In this state the bulk of the coating is still mobile.
Additional Information: Definitions and Abbreviations 04

Hard Dry (ISO 9117-1)

The condition of the film in which it is dry throughout its thickness.

This through drying state is determined by the use of a “mechanical thumb” device which, when applied using
a specified gauge, under specified pressure, torsion and time, does not mark or damage the film.

The drying times achieved in practice may show some slight fluctuation, particularly in climatic conditions
where the substrate temperature differs significantly from the ambient air temperature. Other environmental
factors such as air flow and relative humidity may also affect drying times.

Overcoating Interval

The product data sheets give both minimum and maximum overcoating intervals and the figures quoted at
the various temperatures are intended as guidelines, consistent with good painting practices. Certain terms
require elaboration as follows:

Minimum

The minimum overcoating time quoted is an indication of the time required for the coating to attain the
necessary state of dryness and hardness to allow the application of a further coat of paint. It assumes:

 The coating has been applied at the normal recommended thickness

 Environmental conditions both during and after application were as recommended for that particular
coating, especially in respect of temperature, relative humidity and ventilation
 The paint used for overcoating is suitable for that purpose
 An understanding of the method of application. For example, if a coating can be applied by both brush
and spray it is expected that overcoating may be carried out more rapidly if sprayed; it is the lower figure
that is quoted.

If the above conditions are not met, the quoted minimum overcoating times are liable to variation and will
invariably have to be increased.

Maximum

The maximum overcoating time indicates the allowable time period within which overcoating should take place
in order to ensure acceptable intercoat adhesion is achieved.

Extended

Where an extended overcoating time is stated, the product can be overcoated after an unlimited time period
but the anticipated level of intercoat adhesion can only be achieved if:

 The existing coating has been applied in accordance with good painting practices and at the specified film
thickness
 The existing coating has the intended surface characteristics required for long term overcoatability. For
example, an over-applied epoxy MIO may not have its usual textured surface and will no longer be
overcoatable after ageing unless it is abraded
 The existing coating is intact, tightly adherent, clean, dry and free from all contaminants. For example, the
rough textured surface of an MIO may require extensive cleaning, especially in an industrial and/or
coastal environment.
Additional Information: Definitions and Abbreviations 05

Glossy surfaces can negatively affect the adhesion of subsequent coats and should be lightly abraded, sweep
blasted, or treated with other suitable processes to remove the sheen. Surface treatments should not cut
through or detract from the performance of the underlying coating.

Note: Adhesion is also dependent upon the chemistry of the topcoat. By their nature, primers or undercoats
with a higher pigment to binder ratio will have inherently better adhesion than finish coats with relatively low
pigment contents.

The measurement of ultimate adhesive strength can often be a difficult process and interpretation of results
can be subjective. Excellent adhesion does not necessarily mean good performance, nor does relatively poor
adhesion necessarily mean poor performance.

Although the adhesion of coatings applied to aged / cured coatings may be deemed satisfactory for the
specified end use, actual numerical values obtained for adhesion may be less than for coatings applied at
minimum overcoating intervals. For information on individual products or coating schemes, consult
International Protective Coatings.

Flash Point
Measured as the minimum temperature to which a product confined in a Setaflash closed cup must be heated
for the vapours emitted to ignite momentarily in the presence of a flame. (ISO 3679).

Product Weight
The weight of coating per unit of volume; for example, if a coating has a product weight of 1.5 kg/l this simply
means that one litre of the coating will weigh 1.5 kg (10lb/gal means that one US gallon will weigh 10lb). It
follows that products containing large pigment loads or dense metallic pigments will have a greater product
weight.

Product weight can be calculated from the mixed formulation or measured experimentally. The most widely
used experimental method is ISO 2811-4.

Volatile Organic Content (VOC)

Volatile Organic Content (VOC) is the weight of organic solvent per litre or kilogram of paint.

Legislative requirements differ from country to country and from region to region and are constantly being
reviewed. It is recommended that users check with local agencies for details of current VOC
regulations to ensure compliance with any local legislative requirements when proposing the use of
any coating.

Values typically quoted for VOC on the product data sheets are as follows:

 USA - EPA Federal Reference Method 24 (laboratory determination, given in g/l (or lb/gal))
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published procedures for demonstration of compliance with
VOC limits under Federal Reference Method 24 “The Determination of Volatile Matter Content, Density,
Volume Solids and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings”. This method was originally published in the
Federal register in October 1980, and coded 40 CFR, Part 60, Appendix A, and amended in 1992 to
incorporate instructions for dealing with multi-component systems, and a procedure for the quantitative
determination of VOC-exempt solvent.
Additional Information: Definitions and Abbreviations 06

 Solvent Emissions Directive (SED Council Directive 2010/75/EU) (calculation, given in g/kg)
This is European legislation aimed at limiting the level of VOCs released to the atmosphere. The figures
quoted on product data sheets are calculated from products’ mixed formulations rather than practically
determined.

 UK-PG6/23 (laboratory determination, given in g/l)

This method may be given for established products but has now been superseded by the SED.

 China National Standard GB23985

This is Chinese legislation aimed at limiting the level of VOCs released to the atmosphere. The figures
quoted on product datasheets are practically determined from products’ mixed formulations.

 Korean Clean Air Conservation Act

This is South Korean legislation aimed at limiting the level of VOCs released to the atmosphere. The
figures quoted on product datasheets are practically determined from products’ mixed formulations.

Mix Ratio
The proportions in which multi-pack products are mixed. These can be given by volume or by weight. For
example, a two-pack product with a mix ratio of 2:1 by volume would imply 2 litres of Part A should be mixed
with 1 litre of Part B.

Working Pot Life

The maximum time during which a product supplied as separate components should be used after being
mixed together at the specified temperature (ISO 9514).

The values quoted have been obtained from a combination of laboratory tests and application trials and refer
to the time periods under which satisfactory coating performance will be achieved.

Application of any product after the working pot life has been exceeded will lead to inferior product
performance and potential loss of application equipment. For these reasons it must not be attempted, even if
the material in question appears liquid in the can.

Shipping Weight
The shipping weights quoted refer to the total weight of the product supplied (fill weight) plus the weight of the
can for a pack size typical for the product. These weights are quoted for individual components, and do not
take into account any additional packaging weight attributable to cartons, etc.

Shelf Life
The shelf life quoted on the data sheets is generally a conservative value, and it is probable that the coating
can be applied without any deterioration in performance after this period has elapsed. However, storage
conditions can affect shelf life and this must be taken into consideration. For example, prolonged storage at
extreme temperatures [outside the range 4 – 40°C (39 – 104°F)] can result in deterioration of application and
performance properties. Water borne products must always be protected from freezing and should be stored
at 4 – 30°C (39 – 86°F).
Additional Information: Definitions and Abbreviations 07

It is recommended that the condition of the material is checked before any large scale application is
undertaken using materials beyond the quoted shelf life. It is also advisable after long periods of storage to
ensure that the containers are still intact and in good condition.