ASTM D3361/D3361M-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3361/D3361M-22 — Standard Practice for Unfiltered Open‑Flame Carbon‑Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings. This practice provides guidance for selecting test conditions and conducting accelerated exposure tests using unfiltered open‑flame carbon‑arc devices to evaluate the effects of light, heat, and weathering on paints and related coating systems.

Abstract

This practice describes procedures and considerations for performing unfiltered open‑flame carbon‑arc exposures of coatings and related products as an accelerated weathering test. It covers apparatus configuration, specimen preparation, typical exposure cycles, measurement and evaluation of coating performance (for example, gloss change, color change, blistering, flaking), and reporting. Values are provided in SI and inch‑pound units and the practice is coordinated with related ASTM methods for evaluation and film preparation.

General information

• Status: Published / active.
• Publication date: Approved June 1, 2022; published June 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 87.040 — Paints and varnishes.
• Edition / version: D3361/D3361M‑22 (2022 edition).
• Number of pages: 5 pages (concise practice).

Scope

This practice covers the selection of test conditions and general procedures for accelerated exposure testing of paints and related coatings in unfiltered open‑flame carbon‑arc devices. It is intended for use where unfiltered carbon‑arc irradiation is the chosen accelerated source and is complementary to other carbon‑arc practices (for example, filtered/open‑flame variants) and to test methods for measuring coating responses (gloss, blistering, color, adhesion). The practice clarifies unit systems (SI and inch‑pound) and notes that values in the two systems are not necessarily exact equivalents.

Key topics and requirements

• Selection and configuration of unfiltered open‑flame carbon‑arc devices and lamps.
• Recommended exposure cycles (light/heat and wetting or dew cycles) appropriate for accelerated outdoor simulation.
• Specimen preparation and film‑making practices to ensure representative and repeatable test panels.
• Measurement and evaluation endpoints: gloss, color change, blistering, flaking, and other degradation modes.
• Requirement to report units (SI and/or inch‑pound) and to avoid combining values from both systems as equivalent.
• References to related ASTM test methods for gloss, film thickness, blistering, flaking, and color measurement used to quantify results.

Typical use and users

Used by coatings manufacturers, independent test laboratories, quality control and R&D teams, and material specifiers to screen coatings for resistance to light and heat‑related degradation under accelerated, open‑flame carbon‑arc conditions. Also used to compare formulations, evaluate failure modes, and support product development and warranty assessment.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside other ASTM standards such as Practice D822/D822M (filtered open‑flame carbon‑arc exposures), Test Methods D523 (specular gloss), D714 (blistering evaluation), D772 (flaking/scaling), D823 (film production), and D1005 (dry‑film thickness). Users should consult these referenced methods for specific measurement procedures and acceptance criteria.

Keywords

carbon‑arc, unfiltered, open‑flame, accelerated exposure, weathering, coatings, paint, gloss, color change, blistering, flaking, accelerated aging.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3361/D3361M‑22 is a practice providing guidance for conducting accelerated exposure tests of paints and related coatings using unfiltered open‑flame carbon‑arc devices.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection of test conditions, apparatus considerations, specimen preparation, typical exposure cycles, relevant evaluation endpoints (gloss, color, blistering, flaking), and reporting conventions in SI and inch‑pound units.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Coatings manufacturers, testing and certification laboratories, R&D and QC departments, and specification writers who need to assess coating durability under accelerated carbon‑arc exposure.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D3361/D3361M‑22 edition was approved June 1, 2022 and published in 2022; that is the current ASTM edition identified in public catalog listings. Users requiring absolute confirmation of whether a later revision exists should consult ASTM International for the most up‑to‑date status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the group of ASTM accelerated weathering and carbon‑arc practices and should be used in conjunction with related ASTM test methods and practices (for example, D822/D822M and other D01 committee documents) to form a complete test and evaluation program.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: carbon‑arc, unfiltered, open‑flame, accelerated exposure, weathering, coatings, paint, gloss, color change, blistering, flaking.