ASTM D610-25 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D610-25 — Standard Practice for Evaluating Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces. This practice provides a standardized visual method (photographic references and written definitions) for quantifying the percentage and distribution of visible rust on painted steel using a 0–10 rust-grade scale; photographic examples (developed in cooperation with SSPC) are part of the standard and are used to estimate rusting and related coating defects.

Abstract

Provides a short, repeatable, visual-rating procedure to evaluate the degree of rusting on painted steel. The method defines a 0–10 rust-grade scale tied to percent rusted area, classifies rust distribution (spot, general, pinpoint, hybrid), and supplies photographic examples to improve repeatability. The practice explicitly excludes evaluation of rust propagation around an intentionally prepared scribe, score, or holiday.

General information

• Status: Active standard.
• Publication date: June 2025 (published June 1, 2025; ASTM record updated June 11, 2025).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 87.020 — Paint coating processes / corrosion and coatings.
• Edition / version: Designation D610-25 (2025 edition).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

This practice covers visual evaluation of the degree of rusting on painted steel surfaces using photographic references and written definitions that depict percentage rusting for each grade. It is intended for visible surface rust beneath or through a paint film and for classifying rust distribution patterns. The standard does not address rust propagation around an initially prepared scribe, score, or holiday and does not claim to address all safety concerns associated with its use.

Key topics and requirements

• Rust-grade scale: a 0–10 numeric scale tied to maximum percentage of visible rusted area (higher numbers = less rust; e.g., grade 10 ≈ ≤0.01% rust, grade 6 ≈ 1% rust, grade 0 = 100% rust).
• Rust distribution classes: spot rust, general rust, pinpoint rust, and hybrid rust — used alongside percent-area grading.
• Use of photographic examples as normative aids to improve visual repeatability and reduce subjectivity.
• Scope exclusions: the practice excludes evaluation of rust propagation around deliberate scribes/scores/holidays.
• Typical application: specification and acceptance criteria for painted/coated steel, inspection reports, corrosion testing programs and product comparisons.

Typical use and users

Commonly used by coating manufacturers, specifiers, quality and inspection personnel, independent testing laboratories, corrosion engineers, fabricators, and asset owners to document and compare visible rusting on painted steel components and to set acceptance criteria in procurement and testing programs. It is frequently cited in coating-system acceptance criteria and product test reports.

Related standards

Often referenced alongside other coating/corrosion standards such as ASTM D714 (Rating of Blistering), ASTM D1654 (Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments — scribe evaluation), and ISO/DIN standards for paint degradation (for example ISO 4628 series) depending on the program. Users commonly combine D610 visual rust grading with salt-spray and condensational exposure tests for acceptance criteria.

Keywords

rusting, corrosion, painted steel, visual rating, rust grade, coating inspection, SSPC photographic references, ASTM D610-25.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D610-25 is a visual standard practice that defines a photographic and written method for evaluating the degree of visible rusting on painted steel surfaces using a 0–10 rust-grade scale.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the visual assessment of percent-area rusting and classification of rust distribution (spot, general, pinpoint, hybrid) on painted steel, provides photographic examples as references, and gives definitions that govern the grade assignments; it does not cover rust propagation from intentional scribes, scores, or holidays.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Coating manufacturers, quality inspectors, testing laboratories, corrosion engineers, specifiers, and asset owners use D610 for acceptance criteria, inspection reporting, comparative testing, and specification language.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of the 2025 edition (D610-25) the standard is active; the ASTM record shows the 2025 edition published/updated in June 2025. Always confirm the current status against ASTM or authorized distributors before relying on a specific edition for contractual work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D610 is a single-practice designation but is often used in test programs together with related ASTM practices and test methods for coatings and corrosion (for example D714, D1654 and other exposure/test standards). It belongs to the broader subject area of paint/coating evaluation within ASTM Committee D01.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: corrosion, rusting, painted steel, rust grade, visual inspection, coating assessment, SSPC, ASTM D610-25.