ASTM D7835/D7835M Solvent Resistance of an Organic Coating using a Mechanical Rubbing Machine
ASTM D7835/D7835M explains a mechanical rub method for evaluating the solvent resistance of an organic coating that changes during the curing process. This process is carried out in a mechanical rubbing machine. It is typically used in laboratories or in fabric shops. SI units or inch-pound units are considered standard units.
TRUSTED BY
Precision-driven testing for dimensional accuracy and compliance
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D7835 / D7835M provides a standard test method for evaluating the solvent resistance of organic coatings using a mechanical rubbing machine. The test applies a defined number of double rubs with a solvent-saturated cloth to assess the resistance of a cured coating to softening, removal, or damage by solvent contact.
Solvent resistance is a critical performance attribute for industrial coatings, floor coatings, and surface treatments where chemical cleaning, solvent spills, or process fluid contact may occur. This method provides a reproducible, machine-driven alternative to the manual MEK double-rub test.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D7835 evaluates:
- Solvent resistance of cured organic coatings to defined solvents
- Number of double rubs to failure (coating removal/softening)
- Comparative solvent resistance of different coating formulations
- Effect of cure time and conditions on solvent resistance
Applications
- Industrial floor and maintenance coating qualification
- Automotive refinish clear coat and basecoat qualification
- Wood coating solvent resistance assessment
- Powder coating and UV-cure coating evaluation
- Multi-component coating pot-life and cure verification
Benefits
- Mechanically reproducible rub test eliminates operator variability
- Standardized solvent, pressure, and rub rate for comparability
- Reflects coating cure quality and crosslink density
- Rapid indicator of coating resistance to chemical cleaning
- Applicable to a wide range of coating chemistries and substrates
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Coatings are applied to the specified substrate at the recommended film build and cured under defined conditions (time, temperature).
1Machine Setup
The mechanical rubbing machine is configured with a specified solvent-saturated cloth (MEK, acetone, or other defined solvent) at the prescribed contact pressure.
2Rubbing Cycles
The machine executes the defined number of double rubs (typically 100–500) across the coated panel at a controlled speed and pressure.
3Assessment & Reporting
The coated surface is examined after rubbing for coating removal, softening, gloss change, or substrate exposure; failure point (if reached) is recorded and reported.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Principle | Mechanical solvent double rub (machine-driven) |
| Solvents | MEK, acetone, or specified solvent |
| Double Rubs | 100–500 (or to failure) |
| Contact Pressure | Defined in ASTM D7835 |
| Applicable Coatings | Industrial, architectural, automotive, floor coatings |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Mechanical rubbing machine (ASTM D7835 compliant)
- Solvent-resistant test cloths
- Solvents (MEK, acetone, etc.)
- Film thickness gauge
- Glossmeter (pre- and post-test)
- Visual inspection tools
Results and Deliverables
- Number of double rubs to failure (or pass at defined endpoint)
- Post-test visual assessment and gloss measurement
- Failure mode (softening, removal, substrate exposure)
- Comparison to the specification or reference coating
- Full solvent resistance test report per ASTM D7835
Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM D7835 / D7835M?
Infinita Lab offers comprehensive ASTM D7835 / D7835M testing services, a Comprehensive lab network, project management, confidentiality, and rapid turnaround. Trust Infinita Lab for your material testing needs, Faster test results, cost savings, and reduced administrative workload.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D5402 is a manual test subject to operator variability in pressure, speed, and consistency. ASTM D7835 uses a mechanical rubbing machine with defined, controlled parameters, significantly improving reproducibility and interlaboratory comparison.
Solvent resistance — particularly resistance to MEK — is used as a proxy for crosslink density and degree of cure in thermoset coatings. A well-cured coating resists solvent penetration and dissolution; an undercured coating softens or dissolves rapidly.
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is the most commonly used solvent for industrial and architectural coatings. However, the applicable solvent may be specified as the one relevant to the expected service environment (e.g., acetone, xylene, IPA).
Failure is typically defined as the point at which the coating film is removed to expose the substrate, or when visible softening, marring, or color transfer to the cloth occurs. Some specifications define failure as a specific level of gloss reduction rather than film removal.
Yes significantly. Higher cure temperatures accelerate crosslinking in thermoset coatings, improving solvent resistance. Testing at non-standard cure temperatures will produce results not representative of properly cured coatings. Cure temperature and time must be documented with all test results.
Request a Quote
Submit your material details and receive testing procedures, pricing, and turnaround time within 24 hours.
Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process
Confidentiality Guarantee
Free, No-obligation Consultation
100% Customer Satisfaction
