ASTM D2697-22

Overview

ASTM D2697-22: Standard Test Method for Volume Nonvolatile Matter in Clear or Pigmented Coatings is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This test method is essential in the paint and coatings industry for determining the volume of nonvolatile matter-often referred to as solids by volume-in a wide range of clear or pigmented coatings. The method quantifies the volume of dry coating achievable from a defined volume of liquid coating, providing critical information for evaluating product coverage and assessing different coating formulations.

The standard is widely adopted by manufacturers, formulators, and users of architectural, automotive, and industrial coatings to ensure product performance and compliance with industry requirements.

Key Topics

• Nonvolatile Content Measurement: Defines procedures for accurately measuring the volume percent of nonvolatile matter (solids) in coatings after drying using gravimetric and volumetric techniques.
• Applicable Coating Types: Encompasses a variety of coating products including water-reducible latex paints, solvent-reducible primers, enamels, lacquers, and baking enamels. Not applicable for radiation-curable materials or some highly pigmented coatings.
• Testing Methodology: Utilizes a stainless steel disk or aluminum tube to apply, dry, and weigh the coating to determine changes in mass and volume. Immersion in liquids of known density (such as water or mineral spirits) is used to calculate volume displacement.
• Coverage Determination: Results enable users to calculate theoretical coverage of a coating per unit volume at a specified thickness, improving product selection and project planning.
• Precision and Interpretation: Includes guidance on repeatability and reproducibility to assure test reliability across laboratories. Notes limitations due to formulation variables such as resin-solvent interactions or pigment volume concentration.

Applications

• Comparing Coating Products: The test results allow specifiers and end users to compare the effective coverage of different coatings, especially when selecting products for large projects where material efficiency impacts cost and performance.
• Formulation Development: Coating manufacturers use this standard to optimize their products for solids content, directly influencing coverage, finish characteristics, and application properties.
• Quality Control: Routine use of ASTM D2697-22 supports quality assurance programs by enabling consistent assessment of batch-to-batch product uniformity regarding nonvolatile volume.
• Regulatory and Specification Compliance: Ensures coatings meet industry standards and contractual requirements for solids content and coverage, which are often specified in project documents, technical data sheets, and environmental regulations.
• Research and Development: Supports the evaluation of new binder systems, pigment technologies, and innovative coating solutions by providing a reproducible metric for coating efficiency.

Related Standards

For comprehensive coatings evaluation and quality control, ASTM D2697-22 is often used in conjunction with these related ASTM standards:

• ASTM D1475: Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
• ASTM D2369: Test Method for Volatile Content of Coatings
• ASTM D3925: Practice for Sampling Liquid Paints and Related Pigmented Coatings
• ASTM D5403: Test Methods for Volatile Content of Radiation Curable Materials

Conclusion

ASTM D2697-22 is a critical standard for determining volume nonvolatile matter in clear or pigmented coatings. Accurate measurement of solids by volume is fundamental to predicting coating performance and ensuring compliance with specifications. Regular implementation of this standard enables manufacturers, quality control labs, and end users to select, formulate, and apply coatings with confidence-helping maximize material efficiency and project outcomes.