This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D2805 − 11 (Reapproved 2018)

Standard Test Method for

Hiding Power of Paints by Reflectometry1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2805; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

INTRODUCTION

Using equations derived from Kubelka-Munk turbid media theory (1-4)2 (see Annex A1), the
reflectance of a coating can be predicted for any film thickness from measurements made at only one.
On this basis several rapid and accurate test methods (5, 6) have been developed for determining
hiding power. In the past such test methods have been considered difficult due to complexities,
apparent and actual, in the treatment of data. The present test method has been simplified in this
respect, primarily by adapting it fully for computer calculations.
Although the use of broad-band reflectometry makes this test method theoretically valid only for
nonchromatic (white or gray) colors, good agreement has been obtained with chromatic paints as well.
This is undoubtedly because the experimental measurements are made fairly close to the hiding power
end point so that the Kubelka-Munk extrapolation and thus any associated error is relatively small.
This test method is therefore recommended without restriction as to color.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This test method covers the determination, without 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
reference to a material paint standard, of the hiding power of D344 Test Method for Relative Hiding Power of Paints by
air dry coatings with Y tristimulus values greater than 15 %. the Visual Evaluation of Brushouts
With appropriate modification, it can also be used to test D1475 Test Method for Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks,
baking finishes. and Related Products
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as D3924 Specification for Standard Environment for Condi-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this tioning and Testing Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related
standard. Materials (Withdrawn 2016)4
E284 Terminology of Appearance
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the E1247 Practice for Detecting Fluorescence in Object-Color
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Specimens by Spectrophotometry
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- E1331 Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. E1347 Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- E1349 Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Spectrophotometry Using Bidirectional (45°:0° or 0°:45°)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Geometry
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions used in this test method, see
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint
Terminology E284.
and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and is the direct responsibility of
3
Subcommittee D01.26 on Optical Properties. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2018. Published February 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D2805 – 11. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D2805-11R18. the ASTM website.
2 4
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
this standard. www.astm.org.

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 D2805 − 11 (2018)
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 4.4 As an optional procedure the contrast ratio C at a
3.2.1 contrast ratio, n—the ratio of the reflectance of a film specified spreading rate HC is calculated from R∞ and S.
on a black substrate to that of an identical film on a white
substrate. 5. Significance and Use
3.2.1.1 CW, n—the contrast ratio with a white substrate of 5.1 This is a precise instrumental method giving results
reflectance W. having an absolute physical significance without reference to a
comparison paint. It should be used when maximum precision
Thus:C W 5 R 0 /R W
and minimum subjectivity are required, as in testing specifica-
3.2.1.2 C, n—the contrast ratio with a white substrate for tion coatings or evaluating the hiding efficiency of pigments.
which W = 0.80.
5.2 Hiding power Test Method D344 is visual instead of
Thus:C 5 R 0 /R 0.80 instrumental, and gives results that are relative to a material
3.2.2 reflectance, n—the daylight luminous diffuse reflec- standard instead of absolute. It is less precise than Test Method
tance factor (specular reflection excluded). Also referred to in D2805 but more closely aligned with practical painting proce-
this test method as the Y-tristimulus value. This value may be dures.
expressed as a percent or a decimal fraction, the latter being
preferred and usually required for mathematical calculations. 6. Apparatus and Materials
3.2.2.1 reflectivity, R∞, n—the reflectance of film thick 6.1 Substrates:
enough to have the same reflectance over both a black and a 6.1.1 Black Glass Panels, minimum size 200 by 200 mm,
white substrate. and approximately 6-mm thick.
6.1.2 Black and White Paper Charts—The surface shall be
3.2.2.2 R0, n—the reflectance of a film on a black surface
smooth and level, and impervious to paint liquids. The black
with a reflectance of 1 % or less, which is effectively zero for
area shall have a maximum reflectance of 1 % and the white
the purpose of this test.
area a minimum reflectance of 78 %. The white area shall be
3.2.2.3 W, n—the reflectance of a white substrate. non-fluorescent, as observed visually under ultra-violet
3.2.2.4 RW, n—the reflectance of a film applied on a white illumination, or determined in accordance with Practice E1247.
substrate of reflectance W. 6.2 Balance, accurate to 0.1 mg.
3.2.2.5 R0.80, n—the reflectance of a film applied on a 6.3 Glass Slides—Round or square plates of thickness
substrate having a reflectance of 80 %, which is the standard similar to that used for microscope specimen slides, with a
white-substrate reflectance in paint technology. minimum area of 40 cm2.
3.2.3 scattering coeffıcient, S, n—the ability of a material to 6.4 Reflectance-Measuring Instrument5—One that allows
internally scatter and thereby reflect light; expressed in this test only diffusely reflected, radiant flux to be incident upon the
method in the same units as spreading rate. measuring element. It shall employ a photometric system,
3.2.4 spreading rate, H, n—film area per unit volume of including source, filters, and receptor, that provides a response
coating, in this test method expressed in square metres per litre closely similar to the product of the spectral luminous effi-
(m2/L). ciency function of the CIE standard observer and source C. It
shall provide readings to at least the third decimal place and
3.2.4.1 spreading rate, HX, n—an experimentally deter- permit estimation to the fourth.
mined value of H.
6.5 Template,6with a film area approximately 100 cm2
3.2.4.2 spreading rate, HC, n—value of H at a specified determined to the nearest tenth. Record the exact value on Line
contrast ratio C. C of the worksheet shown in Fig. 1.
3.2.4.3 hiding power, H0.98, n—the spreading rate at the 6.6 Doctor Blade Film Applicators, width 150 mm, clear-
contrast ratio C = 0.98. ances 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 µm.
NOTE 1—It should be emphasized that a contrast ratio of 0.98 does not 6.7 Computer and Software, for solving the relevant
represent visually complete hiding, nor does it indicate that the same Kubelka-Munk equations.
contrast ratio holds at every wavelength.
7. Procedure
4. Summary of Test Method
7.1 General Instructions:
4.1 The reflectivity R∞ of the coating is determined from
reflectance measurements on black and white hiding power
charts. 5
Conforming with Test Methods E1331, E1347, or E1349. Other methods for
4.2 The scattering coefficient S of the coating is determined measuring the CIE-Y tristimulus value (specular reflection excluded) are permis-
sible.
from R∞, and the reflectance R0 and spreading rate HX of a film 6
The sole source of supply of the template known to the committee at this time
applied on black glass. is Paul Gardner Co., 316 N. E. First St., Pompano Beach, FL 33061. If you are aware
of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
4.3 The hiding power, H0.98 of the coating is calculated Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
from the reflectivity R∞ and the scattering coefficient S. responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

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 D2805 − 11 (2018)

FIG. 1 Work Sheet Form

7.1.1 Film Application—Make drawdowns manually with a 7.3 Nonvolatile Content, N—Sandwich 0.3 mL of paint
smooth uniform motion, at the rate of about 6 cm/s. Hold paper (dispensed with a 1-mL syringe) between two previously
charts flat by a vacuum plate or other suitable device while weighed slides, squeezing them together so that the paint
making drawdowns. spreads to a diameter of about 45 mm. Reweigh to obtain the
7.1.2 Reflectance Measurements—Measure the reflectance weight of paint sample. Separate the slides, allow the films to
of each test area at a minimum of three locations, reading or dry, and weigh a third time to determine the dry weight. Then
estimating to four decimal places and calculating mean values calculate the nonvolatile content of the paint as a decimal
to the same. Place charts over a white surface and black glass fraction to four places. Run in duplicate and report the mean
over a black surface while measurements are being made. value to three decimal places on Line B of the worksheet (Fig.
7.1.3 Record Keeping—Record all data on a copy of the 1).
worksheet form specified in Fig. 1. Typical data entries are 7.4 Applicator Selection—Make trial drawdowns on black
shown in Fig. 2. and white charts at clearances of 100, 150, and 200 µm. Allow
7.1.4 Weight Measurements—Make all weighings to 0.1 mg them to dry overnight and measure their contrast ratios. Based
on the analytical balance. on the results select the best applicator for a contrast ratio of
7.2 Paint density, D—Determine the density in g/mL to four 0.97 6 0.01, which may be one of the trial applicators or one
decimal places in accordance with Test Method D1475 and of intermediate clearance. If it seems necessary, make an
record on Line A of the worksheet (Fig. 1). additional trial drawdown to confirm the correct applicator.

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 D2805 − 11 (2018)

FIG. 2 Typical Work Sheet

7.5 Drawdowns on Glass and Charts—Using the applicator all one and then the other. Enter the values of R0, RW, and W for
selected from 7.4, make four drawdowns each on black glass charts into Section D of the worksheet, and the values of R0 for
and on black and white charts in accordance with 7.1.1. Leave glass into Section E.
enough of the white area of each chart uncoated to permit
measurement of the reflectance W. 7.8 Weight of Dry Film, M—After all of the reflectances are
measured, position the template on the glass panels, each in its
7.6 Drying of the Films—Immediately after application turn, and scrape off the surplus paint with a razor blade, to
place each drawdown horizontally in a well-ventilated dust- leave film areas defined by the template. If the template area is
free location, with all drawdowns in close proximity to one
not already specified, measure one of the resultant films
another to assure identical drying conditions, and allow to dry
carefully to determine its area in square centimeters to the
a minimum of 40 h before testing. Drying conditions for film
nearest tenth. Record this value on Line C of the worksheet
applications and nonvolatile determinations shall be the same,
and in accordance with Specification D3924. (Fig. 1) as the characteristic area of the template. Then scrape
off each paint film carefully into a weighing dish, weigh to 0.1
7.7 Reflectance Measurements—On the second or third day mg, and record the weights M in Section E of the worksheet,
after application measure the reflectances on all of the draw- entering each weight adjacent to the value of R0 for the same
downs within as brief a time span as possible, alternating the glass panel.
measurements between charts and glass rather than doing first

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 D2805 − 11 (2018)
8. Calculation 8.5 Contrast Ratio C at a Specified Spreading Rate H—If
8.1 In general, make the calculations and record to four desired, calculate the contrast ratio at a specified spreading rate
significant figures and final report values to three. Enter using the mean values of R∞ and S from worktable Sections D
calculated results in the worksheet (Fig. 1). Typical entries are and E, of the worksheet (Fig. 1), thus:
shown in Fig. 2. C 5 f ~ S, H, R ` ! (4)
8.2 Contrast Ratio CW and Reflectivity R∞—From the data
entered in Section D of the worksheet calculate CW and R∞ for 9. Report
each of the four charts, thus: 9.1 Enter the following information on the indicated line in
C W 5 R 0 /R W (1) Fig. 1, Section G:
9.1.1 Hiding Power, H0.98—Enter the mean value of H0.98
R ` 5 f ~ R 0, R W, W ! from Section E, rounded to the second decimal place, onto Line
G(1). If desired, multiply this value by 40.746 to obtain the
Enter the values, as they are calculated, in the appropriate
value in square feet per gallon to the nearest whole number and
columns of Section D, then calculate and likewise enter their
enter it on the same line.
means.
9.1.2 Reflectivity, R∞—Enter the mean value of R∞ from
8.3 Spreading Rate HX—From the data recorded in the Section D, rounded to three significant figures, onto Line G(2).
worksheet on Lines A, B, and C and in Section E, calculate the
9.1.3 Scattering Coeffıcient, S—Enter the mean value of S
spreading rate Hx for each of the four glass panels, thus:
from Section E, rounded to three significant figures, onto Line
A 3N 3D G (3).
HX 5
10M 9.1.4 Applicator Clearance—On Line G(4) enter the clear-
where: ance of the applicator, expressed in µm and if desired also in
HX = spreading rate, m2/L, mils.
A = template area, cm2, 9.1.5 Contrast Ratio, CW—Enter the mean value of CW from
N = nonvolatile content of the paint, Section D, rounded to the third decimal place, onto Line G(5).
D = density of the paint, g/mL, and 9.1.6 On Line G(6) enter the identification and brief descrip-
M = dry film weight, g. tion of the coating.
and enter the values in the appropriate column of Section E. 9.1.7 On Line G(7) enter the identification and description
8.4 Scattering Coeffıcient S and Hiding Power H0.98— of the reflectometer employed.
Continuing on Section E of the worksheet (see Fig. 1), and 9.2 Alternative Hiding Power Report: Contrast Ratio at a
using the mean value of R∞ from Section D, calculate for each Specified Spreading Rate—Enter the specified spreading rate H
of the glass panels, first S and then H0.98 in square millimetres and the value of C calculated from 8.5, into Section H of the
per litre as follows: worksheet. This report may be in addition to or instead of
S 5 f ~ R 0, R `, H X! (2) conventional hiding power H0.98.
H 0.98 5 f ~ S, C, R ` ! given C 5 0.98 (3)
10. Precision
Enter the values as they are calculated in the appropriate
columns of Section E, then calculate and likewise enter their 10.1 Precision—The precision values given for this test
means. method are based on two series of interlaboratory tests. For
gray and chromatic paints (7), five operators in five laborato-
TABLE 1 Precision of Hiding Power, H0.98 ries tested four gloss enamels covering a broad range of colors.
Maximum Acceptable For white paints (5), five operators in five laboratories tested
Coefficient of Differences three white finishes covering the range of gloss to flat. The
Variation for Two Results
between-laboratory coefficients of variation were found to be
Repeatability Reproducibility
those shown in Table 1.
Gray, and chromatic gloss 3.5 <10.4 10.4
finishes, %
White finishes: 11. Keywords
Gloss, % 1.2 <4.7 4.7
Semigloss and flat, % 5.0 <16.3 16.3 11.1 contrast ratio; hiding power (of paints/coatings); scat-
tering coefficient; spreading rate

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 D2805 − 11 (2018)
ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. ANNEX KUBELKA-MUNK EQUATIONS USED IN THIS TEST METHOD

R ` 5 f ~ R 0, R W, W ! (A1.1)
U5 FS a1
12C
1.60 C D G2
2
1
C
1/2
1
12C
1.60 C
(A1.10)

a5
1
2 S R W1
R 0 1W 2 R
WR0
W
D (A1.2)
P 5 f ~ U, R ` !5 S D
1
2b
ln
U1b
U2b
(A1.11)

H 5 S⁄P (A1.12)
R ` 5 f ~ a ! 5 a 2 ~ a 2 2 1 ! 1/2 (A1.3)
S 5 f ~ R 0, R `, H X! (A1.4) C 5 f ~ S, H, R ` ! (A1.13)

b 5 f~R !52
1
S 1
2R D (A1.5)
P 5 S/H (A1.14)
`
R` `
a 5 f ~ R `! 5
1 1
S1R D (A1.15)
S D
`
HX 1 2 R 0R ` 2 R`
S5 ln (A1.6)
2b 1 2 R 0 /R `
H C 5 f ~ S, C, R ` ! (A1.7)
b 5 f ~ R `! 5
1 1
2 R`S2R D
` (A1.16)

a 5 f ~ R `! 5 S
1 1
2 R`
1R ` D (A1.8) C5
a1bcothbP 2 0.80
~ a1bcothbP! @ 1 2 0.80~ a 2 bcothbP! #
(A1.17)

b 5 f ~ R `! 5 S
1 1
2 R`
2R D
` (A1.9)

REFERENCES

(1) Kubelka, P., and Munk, F., “Ein Beitrage zur Optik der Spreading Rate of Paints,” ASTM Bulletin No. 181, 1952,p. 75.
Farbenstriche,” Zeitzchrift für Technische Physik, Vol 12, 1931, p. (5) Jacobsen, A. E., Mitton, P. B., and Switzer, M. H., “Determination of
593. the Hiding Power of Nonchromatic Paints,” Materials Research and
(2) Steele, F. A., “The Optical Characteristics of Paper,” Paper Trade Standards, Vol 2, No. 12, 1962, pp. 1004–1005.
Journal, Vol 100, No. 12, 1935, p. 37. (6) Mitton, P. B., “Easy Quantitative Hiding Power Measurements,”
(3) Kubelka, Paul, “New Contributions to the Optics of Light Scattering Journal of Paint Technology, Vol 42, No. 542, 1970, pp. 159–183.
Materials,” Journal of the Optical Society of America, Vol 38, 1948, (7) Mitton, P. B., Madi, A. J., and Rode, J.,“Development of a Test
p. 448. Method for Hiding Power,” Journal of Paint Technology, Vol 39, No.
(4) Switzer, M. H., “Equations for Calculating Contrast Hiding Index and 512, 1967, pp. 536–543.

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