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ASTM D3456
Exterior Exposure Tests to assess Susceptibility of Paint Films to Microbiological Attack
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Quick understanding of the test
ASTM D3456 - Exterior Exposure Tests to assess Susceptibility of Paint Films to Microbiological Attack
ASTM D3456 evaluates how exterior paint films respond to natural microbial attack, primarily due to algae and fungi, during outdoor exposure.
Applicable to architectural and industrial exterior coatings like acrylics, emulsions, solvent-borne paints, protective coatings and decorative finishes intended for outdoor use.
- ASTM D3456 is an exterior exposure test and measures real-world susceptibility to whatever algae/fungi colonize the painted surfaces.
- Real-world data - Shows how your coating behaves under real environmental microbial pressure.
- Product claims - Provides defensible evidence for โmildew/mildew-resistantโ or โoutdoor-durableโ claims.
- Comparative testing - treated vs control panels or multiple formulations can be run in parallel for direct comparison.
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Abstract
ASTM D3456 describes a practical method for evaluating the susceptibility of exterior paints and coatings to fungi, algae, and other microorganisms during natural outdoor exposure. The objective of this test is to measure the rate at which paint film exhibits discoloration, microbial growth, or surface deterioration due to algae and fungi.
The results will confirm whether a formulation can substantiate claims associated with mildew resistance, durability, and protection for outdoor service in the long term.
Principle of ASTM D3456 Methodology
This test method involves the preparation of coatings for testing, applying them to selected substrates, and placing coated panels on exterior exposure fences. The panels are exposed under natural outdoor conditions to environmental and microbial elements so that the degree of microbiological attack on the coating surface can be monitored over time.
ASTM D3456 Testing Services Offered by MIS
At MIS, we perform your paint’s real-world microbial susceptibility in full accordance with ASTM D3456. Our team runs ASTM D3456 exposure studies in full accordance with the standard, giving you clear data on discoloration, colonization, and surface deterioration over time.
A final report that lays out performance clearly and helps you understand what the coating is likely to face in the field.
Related Coating Microbiology Tests We Also Offer
ASTM D2574 – Resistance of Emulsion Paints to Microbial attack
This method assesses the ability of water-based paints to inhibit bacterial growth under controlled laboratory conditions. It is particularly suited for obtaining early, reliable indications of the performance of in-can preservatives or antimicrobial film-protection systems.
ASTM D5590 – Fungal Defacement of Paint Films
This test exposes coated panels to selected fungal spores under controlled environmental conditions and monitors visible growth over a defined period. It provides an accelerated indication of a coatingโs susceptibility to fungal colonization, making it a valuable complementary method to long-term outdoor exposure studies.
Partner With MIS for ASTM D3456 Testing Services
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we provide comprehensive support across ASTM D 3456, ASTM D 2574, and ASTM D 5590 to help you verify the microbiological stability and durability of your paints, coatings, and water-based formulations. Our laboratory delivers precise, reproducible, and fully standards-aligned results, whether you need to assess in-can preservative performance (ASTM D2574), evaluate fungal resistance of dried coatings (ASTM D5590), or assess the resistance of paint films to microbial attack (ASTM D3456).
Partner with MIS to validate your formulations, strengthen regulatory and quality compliance, and safeguard product performance throughout shelf life and real-world use.
Contact us today to discuss your ASTM D3456, D2574, and D5590 testing requirements and receive expert guidance tailored to your products.
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