ASTM D1475-13 (2025) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1475-13(2025) — Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products. This concise method specifies procedures for determining the density (weight per unit volume, commonly reported as weight per gallon) of paints, inks, varnishes, lacquers and related liquid coating materials and liquid components (excluding pigments) using cup/pycnometer or weight-per-gallon cup techniques and related calibration practices.

Abstract

This standard provides a short, practical procedure for measuring density of fluid coating products and related liquids. It describes sample conditioning, the use of a calibrated density cup or pycnometer (weight‑per‑gallon cup), temperature control and reporting conventions (inch‑pound units are customary in the standard). The method is intended for routine quality control, formulation checks and for determinating average density for regulatory or inventory calculations.

General information

• Status: Active; ASTM D1475-13 originally approved November 1, 2013 and listed/reaffirmed in 2025 as D1475-13(2025).
• Publication date: Original approval 1 November 2013; reapproval/reaffirmation listed in 2025 (notation D1475-13(2025)).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 87.040 — Paints and varnishes (physical and chemical test methods).
• Edition / version: D1475-13 (reaffirmed notation shown as D1475-13(2025)).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (short method sheet).

Scope

This test method covers determination of density for paints, inks, varnishes, lacquers and liquid components (other than pigments) when in fluid form. It is applicable where density (often expressed as weight per gallon) is used for quality control, shipment calculations, or regulatory reporting. For materials requiring higher precision (for example many clear resins and oils) the standard notes alternative methods (e.g., Test Method D1963 or other specific density/digital density meter methods) may be preferred. Temperature control and correct calibration of the cup/pycnometer are emphasized.

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement principle: density expressed as weight per unit volume (weight per gallon) using a calibrated density cup (pycnometer/weight‑per‑gallon cup) or equivalent.
• Sample conditioning: bring sample to specified test temperature, remove entrained air/bubbles, and mix according to manufacturer/test directions.
• Calibration and reference: calibration/check with water density table and recommended calibration practice for the cup or pycnometer; verify mass measurements and volume accuracy.
• Reporting: density commonly reported in inch‑pound units (weight per gallon) with temperature specified; SI values may be listed for information but inch‑pound values are customary in the method.
• Applicability and limitations: designed for paints, inks and related liquids; for very volatile, very low viscosity, or high‑precision needs, alternate ASTM density methods (digital density meters) are referenced.

Typical use and users

Quality control and production laboratories at coatings, ink and specialty chemical manufacturers; R&D and formulation groups verifying batch consistency; suppliers providing density data for material safety data sheets and technical data sheets; regulatory and emissions reporting where density is required for conversion and emission calculations. The method is commonly used by labs that perform routine, fast density checks with minimal equipment.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside D1475 include Test Method D1963 (specific gravity of drying oils/varnishes — higher precision applications), Test Method D4052 (density by digital density meter) and Test Method D2369 (volatile content of coatings) where density is needed for conversions. D1475 is maintained under ASTM Committee D01 (Paints and Related Coatings).

Keywords

density, specific gravity, weight per gallon, density cup, pycnometer, paints, inks, varnishes, coatings, calibration, temperature control, ASTM D1475.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1475-13(2025) is the Standard Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products, providing a short procedure to measure density (weight per gallon) of fluid coating products.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement procedures using a calibrated density cup or pycnometer/weight‑per‑gallon cup, required sample conditioning and temperature specification, calibration checks and reporting conventions for paints, inks and related liquids.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: QC and production labs in paint, ink and coatings manufacturing, formulation/R&D teams, material suppliers producing technical data, and organizations needing density for regulatory or inventory calculations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2013 edition (D1475-13) is recorded in standards catalogs with a 2025 reaffirmation notation (D1475-13(2025)), indicating the 2013 text was reaffirmed in 2025 and remains the active listed method. Users should consult ASTM International for the official document and any amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within ASTM Committee D01 paint/coatings test methods and is related to other density and paint property methods (for example D1963, D4052, D2369) that together cover a broader set of physical and compositional tests for coatings.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: density, weight per gallon, pycnometer, density cup, paints, inks, varnishes, coatings, specific gravity, calibration.