ASTM D6189-97 (2022) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6189-97(2022) — Standard Practice for Evaluating the Efficiency of Chemical Removers for Organic Coatings. This practice describes a simple, reproducible procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical removers (paint/coat strippers) on organic coatings applied to typical substrates such as wood and metal.

Abstract

This two-page ASTM practice provides a standardized method to assess the performance of chemical removers for organic coatings. It defines the test’s significance and use, scope, required units, and general safety considerations. The procedure is intended for comparative laboratory or quality-control testing of remover formulations and for verifying suitability for specific coating/substrate combinations.

General information

• Status: Active (reapproved/updated).
• Publication date: Originally approved 1997; reapproved/updated in 2022 (designation D6189-97 with 2022 reapproval).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 25.220.99 (Coatings and related treatments).
• Edition / version: D6189-97(2022) — sometimes listed as revision code R22 for the 2022 reapproval.
• Number of pages: 2 pages (concise practice).

Scope

The practice evaluates the effectiveness of coatings removers used on clear or pigmented organic coatings applied to wood and metal substrates. It specifies general test arrangements and reporting requirements so that remover efficiency can be compared between products or batches. Units are expressed in SI (with other units for information where noted), and the practice does not replace appropriate safety or regulatory handling requirements for chemical agents.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose and significance: standardized assessment of chemical remover performance for organic coatings.
• Test substrates: typical panels of wood and metal representative of in-service materials.
• Measured outcomes: degree/percentage of coating removal, time-to-penetration or lift, ease of removal, and observation of substrate damage or staining.
• Test conditions: controlled application and dwell times, agreed evaluation end-points, and consistent sample preparation for reproducibility.
• Units and reporting: SI units as standard; clear reporting of procedure, conditions, and results for comparison.
• Safety and environmental note: practice does not substitute for hazard controls — users must follow applicable safety, health and environmental regulations when handling removers.

Typical use and users

Used by paint/coat remover manufacturers for product development and quality control, by coatings formulators and testing laboratories for performance verification, by specification writers and procurement professionals evaluating candidate removers, and by contractors or facility managers seeking data to select appropriate removal products for wood and metal surfaces.

Related standards

This practice is part of ASTM’s D01 coatings and related products portfolio and is commonly used alongside other coatings test standards when assessing coating systems and surface-preparation needs. Examples of related ASTM test methods often used in combination with removal testing include ASTM D3359 (adhesion/tape test) and ASTM D4060 (abrasion resistance by Taber Abraser), as well as other D01 committee methods for appearance, adhesion, and durability evaluation.

Keywords

chemical remover, paint stripper, coating remover, organic coatings, removal efficiency, wood, metal, paint removal, ASTM D6189, dwell time, substrate compatibility

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6189-97(2022) is a short ASTM practice that defines a laboratory procedure for evaluating the efficiency of chemical removers (paint/coat strippers) on organic coatings applied to common substrates such as wood and metal.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the purpose, scope, general test arrangement and reporting needed to compare remover performance (extent of removal, time, and any substrate effects). It specifies use of SI units and reminds users to observe appropriate safety and environmental controls when using chemical removers.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of chemical removers and coatings, independent testing and quality-control labs, specification writers, and contractors or facility managers selecting removal products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The practice was originally approved in 1997 and has been reapproved/updated with a 2022 designation (commonly cited as D6189-97(2022) or D6189-97 R22). It is listed as an active ASTM practice.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the ASTM D01 committee’s body of standards covering paints, coatings and related materials and is typically used alongside other D01 test methods and practices addressing adhesion, abrasion, appearance and coating durability.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: chemical remover, paint/coat stripper, organic coating removal, removal efficiency, wood substrate, metal substrate, ASTM D6189.