A M E R I C A N A R C H I T E C T U R A L

AAMA 613-05
Voluntary Performance
Requirements and Test
Procedures for Organic
Coatings on Plastic
Profiles

M A N U F A C T U R E R S A S S O C I A T I O N
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Scope ...............................................................................1

2.0 Purpose ............................................................................1

3.0 Definitions ........................................................................1

4.0 General .............................................................................1

5.0 Test Specimens ..................................................................1

6.0 Tests ................................................................................1

7.0 Test Report and Results.......................................................4

8.0 Referenced Standards..........................................................4

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AAMA 613-05
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 1998
PRECEDING DOCUMENT: 613-02
REVISED: 12/05
PUBLISHED: 12/05

American Architectural Manufacturers Association

1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550, Schaumburg, IL 60173
PHONE (847) 303-5664 FAX (847) 303-5774
EMAIL webmaster@aamanet.org WEBSITE www.aamanet.org
 4.3 Total dry-film thickness on exposed surfaces, except
1.0 SCOPE inside corners and channels, shall be a minimum of 20
microns (0.8 mil) total film thickness.
1.1 This specification describes test procedures and
performance requirements for organic coatings applied to 4.3.1 Measurement areas over a single test specimen taken
AAMA Certified Plastic Profiles for windows, doors and according to ASTM D 4138 shall be evenly dispersed over
similar products. These profiles may be made from PVC, the significant exposed area. 80% of those measurements
ABS, reinforced thermoplastics and fiberglass reinforced shall meet or exceed the minimum film thickness. In no
thermosets or any other suitable synthetic substrate. case shall measurements be below 17 microns (0.68 mil) or
85% of film thickness specified.
NOTE 1: All tests may not be applicable. See AAMA
Certified Plastic Profile reference documents for details. 4.4 Cleaning and surface preparation shall be as
recommended by the coating and substrate suppliers to
1.2 This specification covers factory applied coatings. ensure compliance with the performance requirements.

1.3 The primary units of measure in this document are 4.5 Minor scratches and blemishes shall be repairable with
metric. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as coating manufacturer's recommended exterior-quality
the standard. The values given in parentheses are for finish which shall adhere to substrate when tested as
reference only. outlined in Section 6.4.1.1, Dry Adhesion. After
application, allow repair coating to dry as per supplier's
2.0 PURPOSE recommendation before conducting the film adhesion test.

NOTE 2: The size and number of touch-up repairs should

This specification is intended to assist the architect, owner
be kept to a minimum.
and contractor to specify and obtain factory applied organic
coatings which will provide a good level of performance in
terms of film integrity, exterior weatherability and general 5.0 TEST SPECIMENS
appearance over a period of many years.
5.1 A minimum of 30 samples shall be representative of the
3.0 DEFINITIONS plastic substrate used in production. Test specimens shall
be submitted at least 150 mm (6 in) long and preferably 50
mm (2 in) wide with flat coated surfaces on which to
3.1 The terms "film" and "coating" are used
conduct instrument measurements. The coating applicator
interchangeably in this specification and are defined as
shall indicate exposed surfaces or submit drawings. Tests
meaning the layer of organic material applied to the
shall be performed on exposed areas as indicated on
surface of the plastic profiles.
drawings or as marked on test specimens.
3.2 Exposed surfaces are those surfaces which are visible
when the coated product is installed. These may include 6.0 TESTS
both closed and open positions of operating sash,
ventilators, doors or panels. 6.1 COLOR UNIFORMITY
3.3 Spray Coating: The process of applying a resinous 6.1.1 Procedure
coating by atomizing it into a spray or mist, and curing it Check random samples visually under a uniform light
into a continuous film. source such as a MacBeth daylight lamp or the North
daylight sky. Samples must meet minimum dry-film
4.0 GENERAL thickness requirements and should be viewed head-on.

6.1.2 Performance
4.1 To qualify as meeting this specification, products tested
Color uniformity shall be consistent with the color range or
shall meet all requirements as specified herein.
numerical value as established between the approval source
and the applicator.
4.2 Coatings shall be visibly free from flow lines, streaks,
blisters or other surface imperfections in the dry-film state
NOTE 3: Manufacturer shall establish a "file" showing
on exposed surfaces when observed at a distance of 3 m (10
production color range for each color utilized. Limits for
ft) from the plastic surface and inspected at an angle of 90°
acceptable color variations are to be established between
to the surface.
approval source and applicator.

AAMA 613-05 Page 1

6.2 SPECULAR GLOSS 6.5 DIRECT IMPACT

6.2.1 Procedure 6.5.1 Procedure

Measure in accordance with ASTM D 523, using a 60° Using a 16 mm (5/8 in) diameter round-nosed impact
Gloss Meter. tester 18 N-m (160 in-lb) range, such as a Gardner impact
tester, apply a load directly to the coated surface of
6.2.2 Performance sufficient force to deform the test sample a minimum of 3
Gloss values shall be within suppliers recommended mm + 0.3 mm (0.10 in + 0.01 in). Apply tape to the
values. coating ("Permacel 99" or an equivalent of sufficient size to
cover the test area) by pressing down firmly against the
NOTE 4: Standard Gloss Range Reference Values are: area to be tested to eliminate voids and air pockets. Sharply
pull the tape off at a right angle to the plane of the surface
GLOSS COLORS SPECULAR GLOSS VALUE being tested. The test specimen temperature shall be 18oC
High 80 - Over to 27oC (65oF to 80oF).
Medium 20 -79
Low 19 or less *NOTE 5: For reinforced thermoplastics and fiberglass
reinforced thermosets, apply a direct load to cause
6.3 DRY FILM HARDNESS 0.635mm (0.025 in) permanent deformation into the
substrate.
6.3.1 Procedure
Strip wood from Berol Eagle Turquoise Pencil, or 6.5.2 Performance
equivalent grade HB minimum hardness, leaving full There shall be no removal of film from substrate.
diameter of lead exposed to length of 6 mm (1/4 in)
minimum to 9 mm (3/8 in) maximum. Flatten end of lead NOTE 6: Minute cracking at the perimeter of the concave
90° to pencil axis using fine-grit sand or emery paper. Hold area of the test panel is permissible, but no coating pick-off
pencil at a 45° angle to the film surface and push forward should be apparent. Performance does not include
about 6 mm (1/4 in) using as much downward pressure as substrate fracture.
can be applied without breaking lead. Reference ASTM D
3363. 6.6 CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

6.3.2 Performance 6.6.1 Muriatic Acid Resistance

There shall be no rupture of film to substrate. 15 Minute Spot Test

6.4 FILM ADHESION 6.6.1.1 Procedure

Apply 10 drops of 10% (by volume) solution of muriatic
6.4.1 Procedure acid (37% commercial grade hydrochloric acid) and tap
water on the specimen and cover with a watch glass,
6.4.1.1 Dry Adhesion convex side up. Acid solution and test shall be conducted at
Make 11 parallel cuts, 1 mm (1/16 in) apart through film. 18oC to 27oC (65oF to 80oF). After 15 minute exposure,
Make 11 similar cuts at a 90° angle to and crossing first 11 wash off with running tap water. Conduct minimum of four
cuts. Apply tape (Permacel 99 or equivalent 20 mm (3/4 in) tests.
wide) over area of cuts by pressing down firmly against
coating to eliminate voids and air pockets. Then, sharply 6.6.1.2 Performance
pull tape off at a right angle to plane of surface being There shall be no blistering and no visual change in
tested. Test pieces shall be at ambient temperature appearance when examined by the unaided eye.
approximately 18oC to 27oC (65oF to 80oF). (Reference
ASTM D 3359). 6.6.2 Mortar Resistance
24 Hour Pat Test
6.4.1.2 Wet Adhesion
Make cuts as outlined in Section 6.4.1.1. Immerse sample 6.6.2.1 Procedure
Prepare mortar by mixing 75 g (2.6 oz) of building lime
in distilled or deionized water at 38oC (100°F) for 24 hours.
(ASTM C 207) and 225 g (8 oz) of dry sand, both passing
Remove and wipe sample dry. Repeat test specified in
through a 10-mesh wire screen and sufficient water,
Section 6.4.1.1 within five minutes.
approximately 100 g (3.5 oz), to make a soft paste.
Immediately apply wet pats of mortar about 1300 mm2 (2
6.4.2 Performance
in2) in area and 12 mm (1/2 in) in thickness to coated
No removal of film under tape within or outside of cross-
plastic specimens which have been aged after coating as
hatched area or blistering anywhere on test specimen.
per supplier’s recommendation. Immediately expose test
Report the loss of adhesion as a percentage of squares
affected, i.e., 10 squares lifted as 10% failure.

AAMA 613-05 Page 2

sections for 24 hours to 100% relative humidity at 38°C 6.9 COLD CRACK CYCLE
(100oF). Conduct a minimum of four tests.
6.6.2.2 Performance 6.9.1 Procedure
Mortar shall dislodge easily from painted surface, and any
residue shall be removable with a damp cloth. Any lime 6.9.1.1 Support panels or specimens so that they will be
residue should be easily removed with the 10% muriatic held in a position 0 to 30° from the vertical and in such a
acid solution described in Section 6.6.1.1. There shall be no manner as to prevent contact between the panels during the
loss of film adhesion and visual change in appearance when test.
examined by the unaided eye.
6.9.1.2 Place the panels in a humidity cabinet at 38°C
6.7 DETERGENT RESISTANCE (100°F) and 100% relative humidity for a period of 24 +
1/2 hours. Then transfer them to the cold box at -23 +
6.7.1 Procedure 1.5°C (-10 + 3°F) allowing a maximum of 30 seconds for
Prepare a 1% (by weight) solution of detergent and distilled the transfer. Leave the panels in the cold box for a period of
water. Immerse at least two test specimens to a depth of 20 + 1/2 hours.
50% in the specified detergent solution at 25.5°C (72.5°F)
for two hours. Withdraw samples, wash with distilled water 6.9.1.3 Remove the panels and allow them to remain at
and allow samples to recover for 30 minutes and examine room temperature for a period of 4 + 1/2 hours, during
for return of the original properties. (Reference ASTM D which they shall be time rated. This constitutes one cycle.
1308-02) Detergent composition as follows: Run the test for 15 cycles. During any interruption of the
normal cycling, as on weekends, always leave the panels in
Technical Grade Reagent % by Weight the cold box.
Terasodium Pyrophosphate 45
Sodium Sulfate, Anhydrous 23 6.9.2 Performance
Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, Sodium There shall be no cracking, or loss of adhesion, change of
salt, tech. 88% 22 color or other detrimental effects.
Sodium Metasilicate, Hydrated 8
Sodium Carbonate, Anhydrous 2 6.10 OVEN AGING
Total 100.0
6.10.1 Procedure
6.7.2 Performance Insert two sets of test panels in an air circulating oven at
There shall be no loss of adhesion of the film to the plasic 60oC (140oF) for seven days. Remove panels and place in
profiles. No blistering and no significant visual change in 100% humidity for 96 hours. Allow panels to cool to room
appearance when examined by the unaided eye. temperature. Test Set 1 for film hardness as per Section
6.3.1, and test Set 2 for film adhesion as per Section
6.8 HUMIDITY RESISTANCE 6.4.1.1.

6.8.1 Procedure 6.10.2 Performance

Expose sample in a controlled heat-and-humidity cabinet Film hardness shall be an HB minimum. There shall be no
for 1,500 hours at 38oC (100oF) and 100% RH with cabinet loss of adhesion.
operated in accordance with ASTM D 2247 or ASTM D
4585. 6.11 WEATHER EXPOSURE

6.8.2 Performance 6.11.1 Performance

There shall be no formation of blisters to extent greater Organic coated plastic substrates shall meet the
than "Few" blisters Size No. 8 as shown in Figure No. 4 of requirements of AAMA 303, AAMA 304, AAMA 305,
ASTM D 714. AAMA 310 and ASTM D 4726, have a minimum brittle
impact failure and color retention as specified in the table
and show now checking, cracking or loss of adhesion after
taping and only slight chalking.

AAMA 613-05 Page 3

PAINT COLOR WEATHERING PERIOD MINIMUM IMPACT COLOR RETENTION
5340 J/m
Initial
(1.2 in-lb/mil) Color hold guidelines
White
as per ASTM D4726
6 months, 1 Year & 2 Years 2670 J/m (0.60 in-lb/mil)
5340 J/m
Initial
(1.2 in-lb/mil)
AAMA 303 Color hold guidelines
6 months & 1 Year 2670 J/m (0.60 in-lb/mil)
Color Definitions as per ASTM D4726
2 years 5340 J/m (1.2 in-lb/mil)
Initial, after 6 months, 1 year, and 2
All other colors* ∆E≤5
years of only S. Florida Exposure

*NOTE 7: For all other colors weather in South Florida, Arizona and Northern Industrial climate. Measure color and
impact, initially, at 6 months, at 1 year and at 2 years. Performance criteria is, color change only, ∆E not more than 5
after 6 months, 1 year and 2 years of exposure in South Florida. All other data is to be collected and evaluated at some
later date for incorporation into the specification if appropriate.

NOTE 8: For reinforced thermoplastics and fiberglass 7.1.5 A statement indicating that organic coating and/or
reinforced thermosets, impact requirements do not apply. coating system tested passed all tests or failed one or more.

6.12 HEAT BUILD-UP 7.1.6 In case of failure, which test(s) and description of
All exterior profile extrusions shall be tested according to failure(s).
ASTM D 4803. Record the temperature in both the vertical
and horizontal positions in both oC and oF. 7.1.7 Statement that all tests were conducted in accordance
with this standard.
NOTE 9: When exposed to solar radiation, all materials
absorb heat. For certain plastics, the paint is formulated to 7.1.8 Name and address of laboratory which conducted
keep the heat build-up safely below the heat distortion tests and issued report.
temperature. Therefore, before repainting large areas or
entire windows, consult your window supplier to ensure
proper paint selection.
8.0 REFERENCED STANDARDS

NOTE 10: No pass/fail criteria is established on heat 8.1 References to the standards listed below shall be to the
build-up until research work is completed. edition indicated. Any undated reference to a code or
standard appearing in the requirements of this standard
shall be interpreted as to referring to the latest edition of
7.0 TEST REPORT AND RESULTS that code or standard.

7.1 Test report shall include the following information: 8.2 American Architectural Manufacturers Association
(AAMA)
7.1.1 Date when tests were performed and date of issue of
report. AAMA 303-04, Voluntary Specification for Rigid Poly
(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Exterior Profile Extrusions
7.1.2 Identification of organic coating and/or coating
system tested, including production date, lot number, cure AAMA 304-04, Voluntary Specification for Acrylonitrile-
conditions and pretreatment data, manufacturer thereof and Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Exterior Profiles Capped with
name of company submitting coated samples used in test. ASA or ASA/PVC Blends

7.1.3 Copy of drawings submitted showing exposed AAMA 305-04, Voluntary Specification for Fiberglass
surfaces. Reinforced Thermoset Profiles

7.1.4 Test results. AAMA 310-04, Voluntary Specifications for Reinforced

Thermoplastic Fenestration Exterior Profile Extrusions

AAMA 613-05 Page 4

8.3 American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM D 3359-02, Standard Test Methods for Measuring
(ASTM) Adhesion by Tape Test

ASTM C 207-04, Standard Specification for Hydrated ASTM D 3363-05, Standard Test Method for Film
Lime for Masonry Purposes Hardness by Pencil Test

ASTM D 523-89 (1999), Standard Test Method for ASTM D 4138-94 (2001)e1, Standard Test Method for
Specular Gloss Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Protective Coating
Systems by Destructive Means
ASTM D 714-02, Standard Test Method for Evaluating
Degree of Blistering of Paints ASTM D 4585-98, Standard Practice for Testing the Water
Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation
ASTM D 1308-02, Standard Test Method for Effect of
Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Organic ASTM D 4726, Standard Specification for Rigid Poly
Finishes (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Exterior-Profile Extrusions Used
for Assembled Windows and Doors
ASTM D 2247-02,, Standard Practice for Testing Water
Resistance of Coatings in a 100% Relative Humidity ASTM D 4803, Standard Test Method for Predicting
Heat Buildup in PVC Building Products
ASTM D 2248-01a, Standard Practice for Detergent
Resistance of Organic Finishes

AAMA 613-05 Page 5

American Architectural Manufacturers Association
1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550
Schaumburg, IL 60173
PHONE (847)303-5664 FAX (847)303-5774
EMAIL webmaster@aamanet.org
WEBSITE www.aamanet.org