Whitford Corporation, Box 80, Elverson, PA 19520, USA

Telephone (610) 286-3500 Fax (610) 286-3510 Email: sales@whitfordww.com

WHITFORD TEST METHOD 115A

EVALUATION OF COMPLETENESS OF CURE BY SOLVENT
RUB TEST
1.

Scope:
This procedure is to be used to determine the degree of cure of a cured film by the
paint film's resistance to a specified solvent.

2.

Equipment and Materials:

2.1

Cheesecloth mesh size 28x24, but other mutually agreed upon cloth may be
used.

2.2

Test panel at least 5 inches [12.5 cm] long by 3 inches [7.5 cm] wide or other
object to be tested.

2.3

Solvent - to be mutually agreed on between seller and purchaser. Typically

the following solvents may be used:
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4

2.4

3.

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)

Xylene
Methoxy Propyl Acetate (PMA)
Toluene specifically for rubber coatings

Suitable solvent resistant gloves.

Procedure:
3.1

Wrap two thicknesses of cloth around the index finger and immerse in
specified solvent. Immediately begin rubbing the test panel in a back and
forth motion in a straight line with a stroke at least three inches [8 cm] long
using moderate to heavy pressure. Approximate weight of pressure should
be between 2000 and 2500 grams. Rub at a rate of approximately 100
double rubs per minute. The rubs are counted (one forward and one
backward to be counted as one double rub) and continued until failure of the
film or until the required number of double rubs is reached.

NON-WARRANTY - The information presented in this publication is based upon the research and experience of Whitford. No
representation or warranty is made, however, concerning the accuracy or completeness of the information presented in this publication.
Whitford makes no warranty or representation of any kind, express or implied, including without limitation any warranty of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, and no warranty or representation shall be implied by law or otherwise. Any
products sold by Whitford are not warranted as suitable for any particular purpose to the buyer. The suitability of any products for any
purpose particular to the buyer is for the buyer to determine. Whitford assumes no responsibility for the selection of products suitable to
the particular purposes of any particular buyer. Whitford shall in no event be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential
damages.

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4.

5.

6.

115A

Evaluation:
4.1

The coating must withstand the required number of rubs. Record the
number of rubs to pass the specification or to failure.

4.2

Failure shall consist of removal of the film to expose the substrate at any
spot along the centre of the stroke.

4.3

Duplicate the test to confirm results.

Comments/Precautions:
5.1

Voids, scratches, dirt and dust on the test panel, solid particles on the cloth
or in the solvent or an irregular surface under the paint film can seriously
affect the test results.

5.2

Film thickness should be carefully controlled to ensure reproducibility.

5.3

The cloth must be kept constantly wet while rubbing. If the cloth dries,
quickly immerse in solvent and continue rubbing.

5.4

This test may be used to evaluate cure on an object, which does not have a
smooth, flat surface. In this case, select the flattest and smoothest area for
the test, and rub this area as consistently as possible.

5.5

To protect skin from solvents, wear a rubber glove when performing this test.

References
NCCA Technical Bulletin No. II-18

Detailed Procedure: 3115A

Date Issued:
30 Dec. 2003

Issue:
USA Issued by:
Europe Issued by:
USA Checked by:
Europe Checked by:

8
M. W. Miller
J. Gascoyne
H. C. Wilson

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Appendix
115A

115A

Examples of Pass and Fail Results

Full Pass

Minimum Pass

Failure