EN ISO 6270 Paints and Varnishes - Determination of Resistance to Moisture

The standard “EN ISO 6270 Paints and varnishes - Determination of resistance to moisture”, which is based on a European standard and later published by the International Standards Organization (ISO), consists of the following subsections published under the same title:

• The standard “EN ISO 6270-1 Part 1: Condensation (single-sided exposure)” describes a method for determining the resistance of paint films, paint systems and related products to condensation conditions in accordance with the requirements of the coating or product specifications. This method is applicable to coatings on both porous substrates such as wood, plaster and drywall, and non-porous substrates such as metal.

This standard provides an indication of the performance likely to be obtained under severe exposure conditions where continuous condensation occurs on the surface. The procedure may reveal coating failures (including blistering, staining, softening, wrinkling and brittleness) and surface deterioration. The shape and preparation of test specimens, the duration of the test and the evaluation of the test results are outside the scope of this standard.

Temperature and humidity are important parameters that affect test results. Deviations from the specified requirements may lead to non-comparable results. However, alternative parameters may be agreed upon by the parties involved and these parameters should be reported.

In principle, when testing, a coated test specimen is continuously exposed to condensation and the effects of exposure are assessed according to criteria agreed upon in advance between the parties involved. These criteria are often subjective in nature.

• The standard "EN ISO 6270-2 Part 2: Condensation (exposure in a heated water tank and cabinet)" describes the general conditions and procedures to be followed when testing coated test specimens in fixed condensate atmospheres or in cyclic condensate atmospheres to ensure reproducibility of results from tests performed in different laboratories. The shape and preparation of test specimens, the duration of the test and the evaluation of test results are not covered in this standard.

Temperature and humidity are important parameters that affect the test results. Deviations from the specified requirements may lead to non-comparable results. However, alternative parameters may be agreed upon by the parties involved and these parameters should be reported.

In principle, when testing, a coated test specimen is exposed to condensation in a climatic chamber and the effects of exposure are assessed according to criteria agreed upon in advance between the parties involved. These criteria are often subjective in nature.

Condensation water test atmospheres encourage condensation of atmospheric moisture on the surfaces of test specimens having temperatures lower than the temperature of saturated air in the climate chamber, due to radiation to the chamber walls or cooling of the test specimen. The atmospheric temperature in the climate chamber during the condensation process described in this standard is 40 degrees plus/minus 3 degrees. The condensation water test atmosphere may be constant humidity or an alternating atmosphere. If, in addition to the effect of condensation water, the change in atmospheric temperature and the change in atmospheric humidity have a significant effect on the test specimens, an alternating atmosphere shall be selected.

• The standard “EN ISO 6270-3 Part 3: Condensation (exposure in a cabinet with heated, bubbling water tank)” describes the general conditions and procedures to be followed when testing coated test specimens in fixed condensate atmospheres, in order to ensure reproducibility of the results of tests performed in different laboratories. The form and preparation of the test specimens, the duration of the test and the evaluation of the test results are not covered in this standard.

In principle, when testing, compressed air is bubbled through heated water, and saturated water vapor is introduced into the test chamber. This process creates a supersaturated atmosphere in the test chamber. Under the supersaturated atmosphere, the temperature of the test samples and the room atmosphere are almost the same, and continuous condensation occurs. The rotation of the test samples ensures uniform condensation on the test samples.

Temperature and humidity are important parameters that affect test results. Deviations from the specified requirements may lead to non-comparable results. However, alternative parameters may be agreed upon by the parties involved and these parameters should be reported.

Unless otherwise stated or agreed, test specimens shall be of polished steel conforming to ISO 1514. Typical size of test specimens is 75 mm x 150 mm.

• The standard “EN ISO 6270-4 Condensation water test atmospheres” describes a test method for assessing how well coatings (such as paints, varnishes or protective layers) resist damage caused by humid conditions. In particular, this method involves exposing coated test specimens to condensation cycles (periods during which water condenses on the surface as dew, followed by drying phases. These alternating cycles simulate real-world conditions experienced by coatings outdoors. The aim of this standard is to detect possible coating failures, such as blistering, peeling, cracking or abrasion of the underlying material.

According to this standard, the typical test cycle is as follows:

• Condensation phase: 100 hours at approximately 40 degrees with approximately 8 percent relative humidity causes water to condense on the surface.
• Drying/cooling phase: 16 hours at room temperature and lower humidity.

This cycle is repeated for several days or weeks, depending on the testing requirements.

This standard is part of the wider ISO 6270 series which deals with different humidity exposure tests.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out in a wide range for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services in accordance with the "EN ISO 6270 Paints and varnishes - Determination of resistance to moisture" standard are also provided to businesses.