ASTM D6695

Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings

ASTM D6695 is a standard guide for xenon-arc exposures of paint and related coatings. This practice recommends test parameters for sunlight exposure testing based on ASTM G151 and G155. Micom offers testing to ASTM D6695 as part of its offering for coating testing.

ASTM D6695 uses and factors to consider

ASTM D6695 - Paint lightfastness [Paint Testing] - Xenon-Arc-ExposureCoatings resist deterioration of their properties caused by exposure to light, heat, and water very differently as a function of their formulation and application. They will react also very differently to different experimental parameters used to carry their UV exposure.  ASTM D6695 offers 7 different xenon arc exposure cycles. They vary as a function if the coating application:

  • Cycle 1: General Coatings
  • Cycle 2: General Coatings
  • Cycle 3: Exterior Pigmented Stains
  • Cycle 4: Exterior wood Stains and clears
  • Cycle 5: Marine enamels
  • Cycle 6: Automotive exterior
  • Cycle 7: Automotive interior

Once the samples were exposed the coatings mechanical and aesthetical properties need to be measured to assess how they performed.  Depending of your specific application, different parameters will be measured.

Experimental parameters

We will need to know which exposure cycle you wish to perform on your samples.  Furthermore, we will need to know:

  • Number of 2 ½” X 5 ½” specimen you wish to test (other dimensions can be used but this needs to be discussed.
  • Exposure duration (Kjoules or hours)

Related test methods

For additional test methods related to ASTM D6695, we invite you to read more about Weather-Ometer®️* testing, Accelerated weathering, and ASTM testing.

If you have any other questions about the ASTM D6695 test or if you would like to speak to a testing professional at Micom Laboratories to discuss a custom test for your specific product, we invite you to contact us today. It will be our pleasure to talk to you and help you with the ASTM D6695 test.

True color measurement

We also invite you to download our PDF on the true color measurement: What is the difference between the “true” color of an item and its “perceived” color (by the human eye)?

Paint, Coating and Polymer testing services

We also invite you to download our brochure to learn more about our Paint, Coating and Polymer testing services.

*Weather-Ometer®️ is a registered trademark of Atlas Material Testing Technology LLC

Practical UV Testing Guide

Sunlight exposure can have harmful impacts on carbon-based
materials such as coatings, polymers, textiles, and many others.
Learn more about our in-laboratory UV testing process in this guide.

Get Free Guide

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Practical UV Testing Guide

Sunlight exposure can have harmful impacts on carbon-based materials such as coatings, polymers, textiles, and many others.
Learn more about our in-laboratory UV testing process in this guide.

Get Free Guide