Overview
EN ISO 15110:2017 - "Paints and varnishes - Artificial weathering including acidic deposition" specifies an accelerated laboratory method (the acid dew and fog (ADF) test) to simulate the damaging effects of acidic atmospheric precipitation together with UV radiation, wetting, temperature and humidity changes. Adopted by CEN, this standard is intended to provide relative performance rankings of painted materials for outdoor use in environments exposed to acidic deposition. It does not reproduce exact outdoor damage patterns but gives reproducible, more homogeneous results suitable for objective evaluation.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Focused on paints and varnishes; provides an accelerated test to rank coatings for resistance to acidic precipitation.
- ADF test principle: Combined exposure to UV (xenon‑arc or fluorescent UV), acidic spray/dew or fog, neutral condensation, temperature and humidity cycling.
- Apparatus: Describes essential equipment such as test chambers, laboratory radiation sources, wetting systems, acid spray device, specimen holders, black standard / black panel thermometer, humidity sensors and radiometers.
- Test solutions: Guidance for preparing artificial acidic deposition solutions used in the acid spraying stage.
- Specimens and reference samples: Requirements for specimen size, substrate corrosion considerations and use of reference specimens.
- Procedure and cycles: Instructions addressing wetting/relative humidity control, acid spraying regimes, weathering cycles, and options for uncontrolled humidity (Type U ADF test).
- Assessment and reporting: Objective evaluation methods, precision (repeatability), and mandatory test report content to ensure comparability.
- Changes from previous edition: Scope restricted to paints and varnishes; black panel thermometer added for fluorescent UV lamps; uncontrolled humidity exposure (Type U) included.
Applications
- Accelerated ranking of coating systems for outdoor structures in regions affected by acidic precipitation.
- Quality control and comparative testing in R&D and production of paints, varnishes and protective coatings.
- Specification and selection of coatings for infrastructure, architectural finishes, and industrial equipment exposed to acid rain.
- Laboratory-based evaluation where reproducibility and objective assessment are required.
Who uses this standard
- Paint and varnish manufacturers (R&D, QA)
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies
- Specifiers, architects and asset owners assessing coating durability
- Regulatory agencies and standards committees involved in durability and environmental performance
Related standards
- ISO 16474‑1 / 16474‑2 / 16474‑3 (methods for exposure to laboratory light sources)
- ISO 4892‑2 and ISO 4892‑3 (weathering devices for xenon-arc and fluorescent UV)
- VDI Guideline VDI 3958‑12 (background methodology referenced in the introduction)
Keywords: EN ISO 15110:2017, acid dew and fog test, ADF test, artificial weathering, paints and varnishes, acidic deposition, UV radiation, accelerated testing.