1  Scope

This standard gives a method of evaluating the condition of decorative and protective metallic and inorganic coated panels or articles which have been exposed to corrosive environments for test or for other purposes.
It is applicable to test panels or articles exposed to natural atmospheres, in mobile or static conditions, or subjected to accelerated tests.
Notes: 1  Examples of such tests are given in the Bibliography.
This standard recognizes that the protection rating can be assessed objectively in accordance with Chapter 6. However, the assessment of appearance depends on many subjective factors (see Section 6.2).
2  The edges of test panels or articles may be protected, e.g. by tape or wax (paraffin), if this is an agreed part of the test, it shall be recorded in the test report. This is essential if the specimens are cut from larger pieces and have exposed uncoated edges.

2  Terms and Definitions

For the purpose of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
Protection rating
Rp
Rating number (see Table 1) assigned to the ability of the coating to protect the base metal from corrosion.
2.2
Protection defect
Defect used to assess the protection rating, including crater corrosion, pin-hole corrosion, corrosion stain due to corrosion from the substrate, blisters and other defects that involve base metal corrosion.
Note: Blisters on electroplated aluminium and zinc alloy die castings usually signify base metal corrosion, but the inspector’s judgement may be required to decide whether a blister does or does not arise at the substrate–coating interface.
2.3