ASTM standards for testing wax

[BlueZero]

Anyone work with ASTM standards?

I was thinking the other night of a controlled way to test products. ASTM came to mind and I found this today. Thought maybe someone had that in their library of standards and didn't know it.

Where my dad works they have a lab for testing coatings on metal. It subjects it to UV light, salt sprays, etc. I would love to be able to test some waxes in there but there is no chance of that. But I could get ideas and try to conduct my own testing.

Or maybe I'm just crazy!

[Mike Phillips]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

All the testing in the world may be fun but at the end of the day it really comes down to...

See sig line...

Also... measuring tools can't evaluate in the same way the human senses can...

[BlueZero]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

See sig line...

I did post my question to the forum.

I agree with you Mike. I don't think I would be able to test what looks good but more the durability. It would also be fun to put the layering debate to rest with some good hard scientific proof. Then again your never going to sway some people.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

Go for it!

[retrofinisher]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

I've tested to ASTM for salt spray, corrosion, UV, scratch, antiglare, tapes and peel.

Lab UV is expensive and varies with your moisture level and temperatures- same with saltspray.

A simple practical long term test I do is setup a series of test pieces on an outdoor rack with angle up to the sunlight at say 30 degrees.

You could do some taped off sections like on a deck lid or hood painted with automotive paints.

Buy your self a gloss meter $$ or photograph at an angle at the same time of day.

Keep a reference panel either covered or stored inside..always use a reference sample- to know where it has changed or not.

With wax I suppose you could do a simple water beading comparison? We never tested waxes since our parts were molded color or metals platings.

ASTM standards can be purchased on-line, SAE (Society of Automotive Engineering) is also very common for automotive finishes and fabrications.

Unless you are a materials engineering major or just have to know- I suggest what Mike said- If it works- use it, part of the cost of the product is the quality testing by companies like Meguiars.

[BlueZero]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

Thanks for the information retrofinisher!

[RacerX88]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

It's an interesting thought. At one place where I worked they had an entire environmental lab where they tested in high heat/humidity and extreme cold. I can't imagine the expense of establishing an impartial organization to develop and perform standardized testing for waxes. Maybe Consumer Reports would take the challenge?
NXT 2.0 versus anything at retail...I dare 'em!

[BlueZero]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

I guess I'm not thinking full blown lab testing. Just more using the same basics methods.

So far I've done some research to what is in rain water and the ph. Then I thought why not just collect some for the tests. I figure acid rain has more of an effect on wax then tap water. Instead of a UV light I'll probably just use outdoor sunlight. A salt water test since we have road salt here.

I just wanted something to base what I was doing off of so I wasn't totally making it up. Maybe half way between the drive way test and a lab test. lol

[retrofinisher]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

Blue Zero, just to get you started-( i see you with the morton salt box)

Here's a link to take a look at realitive to cars-

http://corrosion-doctors.org/TestingBasics/B117-Bogus-1.htm

Hint if you do a salt test in simplest form- the saline solution should be a max of 5% sodium Chloride. Put in a pump sprayer. Needs to be highly diluted.

Expect a crud build up- so when looking at the damage- you are loking at saline crud and perhaps surface phosphates.

The surface will need to be carefully cleaned (soften with a non salt cleaner and rinse).

Other things to mess up paints- acid rains, bird !, saps..sun- road tars ph levels..

[BlueZero]

Re: ASTM standards for testing wax

Other things to mess up paints- acid rains, bird !, saps..sun- road tars ph levels..

Hmmm, should I squeeze it out of the birds or put up a bird feeder and put the panel under it.

Thanks for the advice! I'm beginning to think this is a bit over my head. I know people always seem to find flaw in wax testing methods so I wanted to try to solve that. I'll still do a test but I guess not as advanced.