EKAPCD 410.4-1 Revised 3/13/2014 

RULE 410.4 Metal, Plastic, and Pleasure Craft Parts and Products Coating Operations - 

Adopted 6/26/79, Amended 4/11/91, 7/12/93, 4/6/95, 3/7/96, 3/13/14 

I. Purpose

The purpose of this rule is to limit volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the 

coating of metal parts and products, large appliances parts and products, metal furniture, 

plastic parts and products, automotive/transportation and business machine plastic parts and 

products, and pleasure crafts, and from cleaning, storage, and disposal of organic solvent 

solvents and waste solvent materials associated with such coating operations. 

II. Applicability

Provisions of this Rule are enforceable upon amendment date and shall apply to surface 

coating of metal parts or products, large appliances parts or products, metal furniture, and 

plastic parts or products including automotive, transportation, and business machine, and 

pleasure crafts, and to the cleaning, storage, and disposal of all organic solvents and waste 

solvent materials associated with such coating operations. 

III. Definitions

A. Adhesive: A substance that is used to bond one surface to another. 

B. Aerosol Coating: A mixture of pigments, resins, and liquid and gaseous solvents and 

propellants packaged in a disposable container for hand-held application. 

C. Aerospace Vehicle: Any complete aircraft, helicopter, missile, or space vehicle. 

D. Air Dried Coating: Curing or drying a coating by heating the coated object above 

ambient temperature, but below a maximum of 90°C (194°F). 

E. Antifoulant Coating: A coating applied to the underwater portion of a pleasure craft to 

prevent or reduce the attachment of biological organisms, and registered with the EPA 

as a pesticide under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 United 

States Code Section 136, et seq). 

F. Antifouling Sealer/Tie Coat: A coating applied over Biocidal antifouling coating for 

the purpose of preventing release of biocides into the environment and/or to promote 

adhesion between an antifouling and a primer or other antifoulings. 

G. APCO: Air Pollution Control Officer of the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control 

District. 

H. Application Equipment: A device used to apply or prepare a coating material for 

application. 

I. ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials. 
EKAPCD 410.4-2 Revised 3/13/2014 

J. Baked Coating: Curing or drying a coating by heating the coated object above ambient 

temperature to a temperature at, or above 90°C (194°F). 

K. Basecoat/Clearcoat: A two-step topcoat system in which a highly pigmented, often 

metallic, basecoat is followed by a clearcoat, resulting in a finish with high gloss 

L. Brush Coating: Manual application of coatings using brushes and rollers. 

M. Business Machine: A device that uses electronic or mechanical methods to process 

information, perform calculations, print or copy information or convert sound into 

electrical impulses for transmission, and photocopy machines 

N. California Air Resources Board (CARB or ARB): Air Resources Board of the 

California Environmental Protection Agency. 

O. Camouflage Coating: A coating applied on military equipment intended to conceal 

such equipment from detection. 

P. Clearcoat: A coating that contains no pigments and is labeled and formulated for 

application over a color coating or clear coating.. 

Q. Coating: A material applied onto or impregnated into a substrate for protective, 

decorative, or functional purposes. 

R. Coating of Plastic Parts of Automobiles and Trucks: Coating of any plastic part that is 

or shall be assembled with other parts to form an automobile or truck. 

S. Coating of Plastic Parts of Business Machines: Coating of any plastic part that is or 

shall be assembled with other parts to form a business machine. 

T. Coils: Metal sheets or strips rolled into coils for further industrial or commercial use. 

U. Continuous Coating: An enclosed coating system where spray nozzles coat metal parts 

and products as they are conveyed through the enclosure. Water wash zones control the 

inlet and outlet of the enclosure and excess coating drains into a recirculation system. 

V. Dip Coating: The process in which a substrate is immersed in a solution (or dispersion) 

containing the coating and then withdrawn. 

W. Dissolver: An organic solvent that is added to an adhesive, coating, or ink in order to 

melt or to liquefy solid particles. 

X. Electric Dissipating Coating: A coating that rapidly dissipates a high-voltage electric 

charge. 

Y. Electrodeposition: A dip coating application method where the paint solids are given 

an electrical charge which is then attracted to a substrate. 

Z. Electrostatic Spray Application: Any method of spray application of coatings where an 

electrostatic attraction is created between the part to be coated and the paint particles. 
EKAPCD 410.4-3 Revised 3/13/2014 

AA. EMI/RFI Shielding: A coating used on electrical or electronic equipment to provide 

shielding against electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, or static 

discharge. 

BB. Emission Control System: Any combination of capture systems and control devices 

used to reduce VOC emissions from automotive coating operations. 

CC. EPA: The United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

DD. Exempt Compounds: As defined in District Rule 102, Definitions, “Exempt 

Compounds”. 

EE. Extreme High Gloss Coating: A coating that, achieves at least 95% reflectance on a 60 

degree meter when tested by ASTM Method D-523-89. 

FF. Extreme Performance Coating: Coating used on surface of metal parts or products, 

intended, during use, to be exposed to salt water, corrosives, caustics, acids, oxidizing 

agents, electromagnetic pulse, wind or ocean driven debris, repeated abrasion, 

mechanical wear, or temperatures consistently in excess of 250°F.: 

GG. Flow Coating: A coating application system with no air supplied to the nozzle and 

where paint flows over the part and the excess coating drains back into a collection 

system. 

HH. Fog Coating: A coating that is applied to a plastic part for the purpose of color 

matching without masking in a molded-in texture. A fog coat shall be applied to a 

thickness of more than 0.5 mils of coating solids. 

II. Finish Primer/Surfacer: A coating applied with a wet film thickness of less than 10 

mils or more prior to the application of a topcoat for purposes of providing corrosion 

resistance, adhesion of subsequent coatings, or moisture barrier, or promoting a 

uniform surface necessary for filling in surface imperfections. 

JJ. Grams of VOC per Liter of Coating, Less Water and Exempt Compounds: The weight 

of VOC content per combined volume of VOC and coating solids and can be calculated 

by the following equation: 

Grams of VOC per liter of coating, Ws - Ww - Wec 

less water and exempt compounds = Vm - Vw – Vec 

Where: 

Ws = weight of volatile compounds (grams) 

Ww = weight of water (grams) 

Wec = weight of exempt compounds (grams) 

Vm = volume of material (liters) 

Vw = volume of water (liters) 

Vec = volume of exempt compounds (liters) 
EKAPCD 410.4-4 Revised 3/13/2014 

KK. Grams of VOC per Liter of Material: The weight of VOC per volume of material and 

can be calculated by the following equation: 

Ws - Ww - Wec Grams of VOC per liter of material = Vm 

Where: 

Ws = weight of volatile compounds (grams) 

Ww = weight of water (grams) 

Wec = weight of exempt compounds (grams) 

Vm = volume of material (liters) 

LL. Heat Resistant Coating: A coating designed during normal use to withstand 

temperatures of at least 204°C (400°F). 

MM. High Build Primer/Surfacer: A coating applied with a wet film thickness of 10 mils or 

more, prior to the application of a topcoat, for purposes of providing corrosion 

resistance, adhesion or subsequent coatings, or a moisture barrier, or promoting a 

uniform surface necessary for filling in surface imperfections. 

NN. High Performance Architectural Coating: A coating used to protect architectural 

subsections meeting requirements of Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers 

Association publication number AAMA 605.2-1980. 

OO. High Temperature Coating: Any coating that is certified to withstand temperatures of 

at least 538°C (1000°F) for 24 hours. 

PP. High Volume, Low Pressure (HVLP): Spray equipment permanently labeled as such 

and which is designed and operated between 0.1 and 10 pounds per square inch, gauge, 

(psig) air atomizing pressure measured dynamically at the center of the air cap and at 

the air horns and with liquid supply pressure less than 50 psig. 

QQ. Light-Duty Truck: Any truck, van, sport utility vehicle, or motor vehicle having a 

manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating less than 6,001 pounds. 

RR. Magnet Wire: Wire used in establishing electromagnetic field in equipment such as 

transformers, motors, generators, and magnetic tape recorders. 

SS. Marine Vessel: Any tugboat, tanker, freighter, passenger ship, barge, or other boat, 

ship, or watercraft, including both salt water and fresh water vessels. 

TT. Mask Coating: A thin film coating applied through a template to coat a small portion 

of a substrate. 

UU. Metal Containers or Closures: The interior or exterior of formed metal cans, drums, 

pails, or crowns; or flat metal sheets intended to be formed into cans, drums, pails, lids, 

or crowns. 
EKAPCD 410.4-5 Revised 3/13/2014 

VV. Metal Furniture: Includes, but is not limited to, the following types of products: 

household, office, institutional, laboratory, hospital, public building, restaurants, barber 

and beauty shop, and dental furniture, as well as components of these products. It also 

includes office and store fixtures, partitions, shelving, lockers, lamps, and lighting 

fixtures, and wastebaskets 

WW. Metallic/Iridescent Coating: Any coating which contains more than 5.0 g/l (0.042 

lb/gal) of metal or iridescent particles, as applied, where such particles are visible in the 

dried film. 

XX. Metal Parts and Products: Any components or complete unit fabricated from metal, 

except those subject to coating requirements of other source-specific Rules. 

YY. Military Specification Coating: A coating which has a formulation approved by the 

United States Military Agency for use on military equipment. 

ZZ. Mold Seal Coating: The initial coating applied to a mold to provide a smooth surface 

which, when coated with a mold release coating, prevents products from sticking to the 

mold. 

AAA. Motor Vehicle: As defined in Rule 102, Definitions. 

BBB. Multi-Component Coating: A coating requiring the addition of a separate reactive 

resin, commonly known as a catalyst or hardener, before application to form an 

acceptable dry film. 

CCC. Non-Absorbent Container: A container made of non-porous material that does not 

allow the migration of solvents through it. 

DDD. Non-Leaking Container: A container without liquid leak. 

EEE. Non-Structural Adhesive: An adhesive that bonds non-load carrying aircraft 

component in non-critical applications. 

FFF. Normal Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

GGG. Optical Coating: A coating applied to optical lenses. 

HHH. Organic Solvent: The same as “Solvent.” 

III. Organic Solvent Cleaning: As defined in Rule 410.3, Organic Solvent Degreasing 

Operations. 

JJJ. Plastic Part: A piece made from a substance that has been formed from resin through 

the application of pressure or heat or both. 

KKK. Pleasure Craft: Marine vessels which are manufactured or operated primarily for 

recreational purposes, or leased, rented, or chartered to a person or business for 

recreational purposes. The owner or operator of such vessel shall be responsible for 

certifying that the intended use is for recreational purposes. 
EKAPCD 410.4-6 Revised 3/13/2014 

LLL. Pleasure Craft Coating: Any marine coating, except unsaturated polyester resin 

(fiberglass) coatings, applied by brush, spray, or roller, or other means to a pleasure 

craft. 

MMM. Powder Coating: Coating applied without solvent or other carrier as a dry, finely 

divided solid, adhering to a substrate as a paint film when melted and fused. 

NNN. Pretreatment Coating or Pretreatment Wash Primer: Any coating which contains no 

more than 25 percent solids by weight, and a minimum of 0.1 percent acid by weight, 

necessary to provide surface etching, and is applied directly to metal or fiberglass 

surfaces to provide corrosion resistance and adhesion of subsequent coatings. 

OOO. Repair: Recoating portions of previously coated metal parts or products to cover 

mechanical damage to the coating following normal painting operations. 

PPP. Roll Coating: Application of coatings from a paint trough to a flat surface by 

mechanical series of rollers. 

QQQ. Shock-Free Coating: A coating applied to electrical components to protect the user 

from electric shock. The coating has characteristics of having a low capacitance and 

high resistance, and being resistance to breaking down under a high voltage. 

RRR. Silicone Release: A coating containing silicone resin and having as its primary 

function the release of food products from metal surfaces such as baking pans. 

SSS. Single Pack (1K): A coating that comes as a ready to use product which, after 

application, will physically dry from the evaporation of solvents. 

TTT. Solar Absorbent Coating: A coating having as its primary purpose the absorption of 

solar radiation. 

UUU. Solid Film Lubricant: A very thin coating consisting of a binder system containing as 

its chief pigment material one (1) or more of the following: molybdenum disulfide, 

graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other solids that act as a dry lubricant 

between closely-fitting surfaces. 

VVV. Solvent: As defined in Rule 410.3, Organic Solvent Degreasing Operations. 

WWW.Specialty Coating: A coating necessary due to unusual job performance requirements, 

including, but not limited to, adhesion promoters, uniform finish blenders elastomeric 

materials, gloss flatteners, bright metal trim repair, and anti-glare/safety coatings. 

XXX. Stencil Coating: A coating that is applied over a stencil to a plastic part at a thickness 

of 1 mil or less of coating solids. Stencil coat is most frequently letters, numbers, or 

decorative designs. 

YYY. Stripping: The use of solvent to remove material such as cured adhesives, cured inks, 

cured or dried paint, cured or dried paint residue or temporary protective coating. 
EKAPCD 410.4-7 Revised 3/13/2014 

ZZZ. Surface Preparation: The removal of contaminants from a surface prior to the 

application of coatings, inks, or adhesives or before proceeding to the next step of a 

manufacturing process. 

AAAA. Transfer Efficiency: A ratio of the amount of coating solids adhering to the object 

being coated to the total amount of coating solids used in the application process, 

expressed as a percentage. 

BBBB. Thinner: A solvent that is used to dilute coatings to reduce viscosity, color strength, 

and solids, or to modify drying conditions. 

CCCC. Texture Coating: A coating that is applied to a plastic part which, in its finished form, 

consists of discrete raised spots of the coating. 

DDDD. Topcoat: Any final coating applied to a substrate. Several layers of topcoat maybe 

applied in some cases. 

EEEE. Touch Up Coating: A coating used to cover minor coating imperfections appearing 

after the main coating operation. 

FFFF. Two-Pack System (2K): A Coating which is supplied in two parts and must be mixed 

in the correct proportions before use in order to cure. 

GGGG. Vacuum Metalizing/Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): A process whereby metal is 

vaporized and deposited on a substrate in a vacuum chamber 

HHHH. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): As defined in Rule 102, Definitions. 

IV. Exemptions

A. Provisions of this rule do not apply to coatings, coating removers (strippers), surface 

preparation material, and cleanup material specifically subject to the requirements of 

the following District rules: 

1. 410.1A, Architectural Coating Controls; 

2. 410.4A, Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Refinishing Operations; 

3. 410.7, Graphic Arts; 

4. 410.8, Aerospace Assembly and Coating Operations; 

5. 410.9 Wood Products Surface Coating Operations; 

6. 432, Polyester Resin. 

B. Any source in full compliance with provisions of this rule shall be exempt from 

otherwise applicable portions of Rule 410, Organic Solvents. 

C. Requirements of this Rule shall not apply to application of coatings to automobiles, 

light duty trucks, aircraft, aerospace vehicles, marine vessels, cans, coils, or magnetic 

wire. 
EKAPCD 410.4-8 Revised 3/13/2014 

D. Coatings applied using non-refillable aerosol spray containers. 

E. Powder Coating operations. 

F. VOC limits of Sections V.A (except large appliance parts and products and metal 

furniture), V.B, V.C, and V.D shall not apply to any stationary source using less than a 

total volume of 55 gallons of materials per calendar year. All other provision of this 

Rule, including coating application methods and recordkeeping shall apply. 

G. VOC limits of Section V.A. Table 1, solvent cleaning requirements of Section V.G., 

and application methods listed in V.F. shall not apply to the following metal parts and 

products coating operations, recommended work practices still apply: 

1. Stencil coatings; 

2. Safety-indicating coatings; 

3. Solid-film lubricants; 

4. Electric-insulating and thermal-conducting coatings; 

5. Magnetic data storage disk coatings; and 

6. Plastic extruded onto metal parts to form a coating. 

H. The following metal parts and products coating operations are exempt from application 

methods listed in Section V.F. but are still subject to VOC requirements listed in Table 

1 and recommended work practices: 

1. Touch-up coatings; 

2. Repair coatings; and 

3. Textured finishes. 

I. VOC limits of Section V.C. Table 2 and solvent cleaning requirements of Section V.G. 

shall not apply to the following plastic parts and products coating operations (except for 

automotive/transportation and business machine plastic parts as specified in Section 

IV.I.), provided operator complies with coating application methods listed in Section 

V.F. and storage and disposal requirements in Section V.H. 

1. Touch-up and repair coatings; 

2. Stencil coatings applied on clear or transparent substrates; 

3. Clear or translucent coatings; 

4. Coatings applied at a paint manufacturing facility while conducting performance 

tests on coatings; 

5. Any individual coating category used in volumes less than 50 gallons per calendar 

year, if substitute compliance coatings are not available, and the total usage of all 

such coatings does not exceed 200 gallons per calendar year, per stationary source; 

6. Reflective coatings used on highway cones; 
EKAPCD 410.4-9 Revised 3/13/2014 

7. Mask coatings that are less than 0.5 millimeter thick (dried) and the area coated is 

less than 25 square inches; 

8. Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) shielding 

coatings; 

9. Heparin-bezalkonium chloride (HBAC)-containing coatings applied to medical 

devices, provided that the total usage of all such coatings does not exceed 100 

gallons per calendar year, per stationary source; 

J. VOC limits of Section V.C. Table 2 and solvent cleaning requirements of Section V.G. 

shall not apply to the following automotive/transportation and business machine plastic 

parts and products coating operations, provided operator complies with coating 

application methods listed in Section V.F. and storage and disposal requirements in 

Section V.H. 

1. Texture Coatings; 

2. Texture Topcoats; 

3. Gloss Reducers; 

4. Vacuum Metalizing Coatings; 

5. Adhesion Primers; 

6. Electrostatic Preparation Coatings; 

7. Resist Coatings; 

8. Stencil Coatings. 

K. Coating application methods listed in Section V.F. shall not apply to airbrush 

operations for plastic parts and products (except for automotive/transportation and 

business machine plastic parts as specified in Section IV.I) using five (5) gallons or less 

of coating per calendar year, provided operator complies with applicable VOC content 

limits in Table 2, storage and disposal requirements in Section V.H., and applicable 

recordkeeping requirement of Section VI.B. 

L. Coating application methods listed in Section V.F. shall not apply to extreme gloss 

surface coating of pleasure crafts, provided the operator complies with the extreme 

gloss coating VOC content limit in Table 3 and storage and disposal requirements in 

Section V.H. 

V. Requirements

Sections V.A., V.C., and V.D. apply to any stationary source with total actual VOC 

emissions from all metal parts and products, plastic parts and products, 

automotive/transportation and business machine plastic parts and products, or pleasure craft 

coating operations, including related cleaning activities, before consideration of controls, 

equal to or greater than 2.7 tons per calendar. 

If total actual VOC emissions are less than 2.7 tons per calendar year, before consideration 

of controls, source shall comply with applicable recordkeeping requirements of Section 

VI.B. and demonstrate VOC emissions regulated by this Rule are less than 2.7 tons. 
EKAPCD 410.4-10 Revised 3/13/2014 

A. Metal Parts and Products VOC Content Limits: Except as provided in Subsections V.E. 

or V.K., no person shall apply a coating to any metal part or product with a VOC 

regulatory content, as calculated pursuant to Section III.JJ., in excess of the limits 

expressed in Table 1. 

TABLE 1 

VOC CONTENT LIMITS FOR METAL PARTS AND PRODUCTS COATINGS 

Content expressed in Grams per Liter (Pounds per Gallon) 

Less Water and Exempt Compounds 

Limits for Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products, Large Appliance Parts and 

Products, and Metal Furniture Coatings 

Coating Category Baked Air-Dried 

All coatings except listed below 275 g/l (2.3 lb/gal) 340 g/l (2.8 lb/gal) 

Camouflage 360 (3.0) 420 (3.5) 

Electrical Insulating Varnish 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Etching Filler 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Extreme High Gloss 360 (3.0) 420 (3.5) 

Extreme Performance 360 (3.0) 420 (3.5) 

General, One Component 275 (2.3) 275 (2.3) 

General, Multi-Component 275 (2.3) 340 (2.8) 

Heat Resistant 360 (3.0) 420 (3.5) 

High Performance Architectural 750 (6.2) 750 (6.2) 

High Temperature 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Metallic/Iridescent Coating 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Military Specification 275 (2.3) 340 (2.8) 

Mold-Seal 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Pan Backing 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Pretreatment Coating 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Touch-up and Repair Coating 360 (3.0) 420 (3.5) 

Silicone Release 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Solar Absorbent 360 (3.0) 420 (3.5) 

Solid Film Lubricant 880 (7.3) 880 (7.3) 

Vacuum-Metalizing 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Drum Coating, New, Exterior 340 (2.8) 340 (2.8) 

Drum Coating, New, Interior 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Drum Coating, Reconditioned, 

Exterior 420 (3.5) 420 (3.5) 

Drum Coating, Reconditioned, Interior 510 (4.2) 510 (4.2) 
EKAPCD 410.4-11 Revised 3/13/2014 

B. VOC Content Limit for Dip coating of steel joists (SIC 3441), air-dried: 

1. 340 g/l (2.8 lbs/gal) for coatings with a viscosity, as applied, of more than 45.6 

centistokes at 78°F or an average dry-film thickness of greater than 2.0 mils; 

2. 400 g/l (3.32 lbs/gal) for coatings with a viscosity, as applied, of less than or equal 

to 45.6 centistokes at 78°F and an average dry film thickness of less than or equal to 

2.0 mils. 

C. Plastic Parts and Products VOC Content Limits: Except as provided Subsections V.E. 

or V.K., no person shall apply a coating to any plastic part or product with a VOC 

regulatory content, as calculated pursuant to Section III.JJ., in excess of the limits 

expressed in Table 2. 

TABLE 2 

VOC CONTENT LIMITS FOR PLASTIC PARTS AND PRODUCTS COATINGS 

VOC Content expressed in Grams per Liter (Pounds per Gallon) 

Less Water and Exempt Compounds 

Limits for Plastic Parts and Products Coatings 

(excluding automotive/transportation and business machine plastic parts and products)

Coating Category VOC Limit 

General, One Component 280 g/l (2.3 lb/gal) 

General, Multi-Component 420 (3.5) 

Electric Dissipating and Shock-Free Coatings 800 (6.7) 

Extreme Performance 420 (3.5) Two-Pack System(2K) 

Metallic/Iridescent Coating 420 (3.5) 

Military Specification 340 (2.8) Single Pack(1K) 

420 (3.5) Two-Pack System(2K) 

Mold-Seal 760 (6.3) 

Multi-Colored Coatings 680 (5.7) 

Optical Coatings 800 (6.7) 

Vacuum-Metalizing 800 (6.7) 

Limits for Automotive/Transportation Plastic Parts and Products Coatings1

Coating Category VOC Limit 

I. High Baked Coatings - Interior and Exterior: 

Flexible Primer 540 g/l (4.5 lb/gal) 

Non-flexible Primer 420 (3.5) 

Basecoat 520 (4.3) 

Clearcoat 480 (4.0) 

Non-Basecoat/Clearcoat 520 (4.3) 
EKAPCD 410.4-12 Revised 3/13/2014 

TABLE 2 Continued 

Limits for Automotive/Transportation Plastic Parts and Products Coatings1

Coating Category VOC Limit 

II. Low Bake/Air Dried Coatings - Exterior Parts: 

Primers 580 (4.8) 

Basecoat 600 (5.0) 

Clearcoat 540 (4.5) 

Non-Basecoat/Clearcoat 600 (5.0) 

III. Low Bake/Air Dried Coatings - Interior 

Parts: 600 (5.0) 

IV. Touch-up and Repair Coatings: 620 (5.2) 

Limits for Business Machine Plastic Parts and Products Coatings 

Coating Category VOC Limit

Primers 350 (2.9) 

Topcoat 350 (2.9) 

Texture Coat 350 (2.9) 

Fog Coat 260 (2.2) 

Touchup and Repair 350 (2.9) 1

For red, yellow, and black automotive coatings, except touch up and repair coatings, the recommended 

limit is determined by multiplying the appropriate limit in this table by 1.15. 

Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank 
EKAPCD 410.4-13 Revised 3/13/2014 

D. Pleasure Craft Coating Operations: Except as provided in Subsections V.E. or V.K., no 

person shall apply a coating to any pleasure craft with a VOC regulatory content, as 

calculated pursuant to Section III.JJ., in excess of the limits expressed in Table 3. 

TABLE 3 

VOC CONTENT LIMITS FOR PLEASURE CRAFT COATINGS 

VOC Content expressed in Grams per Liter (Pounds per Gallon) 

Less Water and Exempt Compounds 

Limits for Pleasure Craft Coatings 

Coating Category VOC Limit 

All coatings except listed below 420 g/l (3.5 lb/gal) 

Extreme High Gloss Topcoat 490 (4.1) 

High Gloss Topcoat 420 (3.5) 

Pretreatment Wash Primers 780 (6.5) 

Finish Primer/Surfacer 420 (3.5) 

High Build Primer Surfacer 340 (2.8) 

Aluminum Substrate Antifoulant Coating 560 (4.7) 

Antifouling Sealer/Tie Coats 420 (3.5) 

Other Substrate Antifoulant Coating 330 (2.8) 

E. Alternate Emissions Control: In lieu of complying with VOC content limits specified 

in Tables 1, 2, and 3, an emission control system with a capture efficiency of at least 

90% and a control efficiency of at least 90% may be used if it has been approved in 

writing by the APCO. Any approved emission control system must be maintained and 

used in proper working condition at all times. Use of a VOC emission control system 

shall not result in emissions in excess of those that would have been emitted had the 

operator complied with the provisions of Section V.A, B, C or D. 

F. Coating Application Methods: No person shall apply any coating to any metal part or 

product, large appliance part or product, metal furniture, plastic part or product, 

automotive/transportation and business machine plastic part or product, or pleasure 

craft subject to provisions of this Rule unless one of the following application methods 

is used: 

1. Brush, dip, flow, or roll coating conducted in accordance with equipment 

manufacturer's recommendations, 

2. Electrostatic or electrodeposition application conducted in accordance with 

manufacturer's recommendations, 

3. HVLP spray equipment operated in accordance with equipment manufacturer's 

recommendations, 
EKAPCD 410.4-14 Revised 3/13/2014 

4. Spray gun: If a spray gun is used, the end user must demonstrate that the gun meets 

the HVLP definition in Section IV.V in design and use. A satisfactory 

demonstration must be based on the manufacturer's published technical material on 

the design of the gun and by a demonstration of the operation of the gun using an 

air pressure tip gauge from the manufacturer of the gun. 

5. Any alternative coating application method which has been demonstrated to achieve 

at least 65% transfer efficiency or equivalent efficiency of an HVLP and approved, 

in writing, by APCO. 

G. Surface Preparation and Equipment Cleanup Requirements: No person shall conduct 

surface preparation or equipment cleanup for activities subject to provisions of this 

Rule unless the following VOC limits are met and methods used: 

1. VOC content of surface preparation solvent shall not exceed 25 g/l (0.2 lb/gal), as 

calculated pursuant to Section III.KK., unless such cleaning operation is performed 

within the control of an APCO approved VOC emission control system that meets 

the requirements of Section V.E. 

2. Cleaning of Coatings Application Equipment: Solvents used for cleaning of 

coatings application equipment shall comply with both limits specified below: 

a. Solvent shall have a VOC content of 950 grams or less per liter (7.9 lb/gal) of 

material; and 

b. Solvent shall have a VOC composite partial pressure of 35 mm Hg or less at 

20/C (68/F). 

3. Cleaning-Devices and Methods: No person shall perform solvent cleaning 

operations unless one of the following cleaning devices or methods is used: 

a. Wipe Cleaning; 

b. Spray bottles or containers with a maximum capacity of 16 fluid ounces from 

which solvents are applied without a propellant induced force;

c. Cleaning equipment having a closed solvent container during cleaning 

operations, except when depositing and removing objects to be cleaned, and 

closed during nonoperation except during maintenance and repair of the 

cleaning equipment itself; 

d. Remote reservoir cold cleaner operated in conformance with District Rule 

410.3, Organic Solvent Degreasing Operations; 

e. System totally enclosing guns, cups, nozzles, bowls, and other parts during 

washing, rinsing, and draining procedures; 
EKAPCD 410.4-15 Revised 3/13/2014 

f. Non-atomized solvent flow method collecting cleaning solvent in a container or 

a collection system closed except for solvent collection openings and, if 

necessary, openings to avoid excessive pressure build-up inside the container; or 

g. Solvent flushing method discharging solvent into a closed container, except for 

solvent collection openings and, if necessary, openings to avoid excessive 

pressure build-up inside the container. Discharged solvent from such equipment 

shall be collected in containers without atomizing into open air. Solvent may be 

flushed through the system by air or hydraulic pressure, or by pumping. 

H. Storage and Disposal Requirements: Regardless of VOC content, all VOC-containing 

materials used in solvent cleaning operations shall be stored in non-absorbent, vaportight containers that are kept closed at all times except when filling or emptying. 

I. Prohibition of Sale: No person shall offer for sale or sell within the District any coating 

if such product is prohibited by any provisions of this Rule. This prohibition shall 

apply to sale of any coating to be applied at any physical location within the District. 

J. Prohibition of Specification: No person shall solicit or require for use or specify 

application of a coating if such use or application results in a violation of provisions of 

this Rule. This prohibition shall apply to all written or oral contracts under terms of 

which any coating subject to provisions of this Rule is to be applied to any metal part or 

product at any physical location within the District. 

K. Sell-Through/Existing Stock of Coatings: A coating manufactured prior to amendment 

date of this rule, that complied with the VOC Content limit(s) in effect at that time, may 

be sold, supplied, or offered for sale for 12 months after rule adoption date. Such a 

coating may be applied at any time, both before and after adoption date, provided 

manufacture Date-Code and VOC Content is clearly printed on coating container. 

VI. Administrative Requirements

A. Labeling Requirements

1. VOC Content: Each container or accompanying data sheet of any coating subject to 

this Rule shall display maximum VOC content of the coating as applied, and after 

any thinning as recommended by the manufacturer. VOC content shall be 

displayed as grams of VOC per liter of coating less water and exempt compounds. 

VOC content displayed shall be determined using Subsection VII.A. test methods or 

calculated using product formulation data if EPA approves this as equivalent to 

Subsection VII.A. 

2. Thinning Recommendations: Each container (or accompanying data sheet) of any 

coating subject to this Rule and manufactured after May 6, 1992 shall display a 

statement of manufacturer's recommendation regarding thinning of the coating. 

This requirement shall not apply to thinning of coatings with water. 
EKAPCD 410.4-16 Revised 3/13/2014 

3. Solvent Compliance Statement Requirements: Manufacturers of any solvent 

subject to this rule shall indicate on the solvent container, or on a separate product 

data sheet or material safety data sheet, name of the solvent, manufacturer's name, 

VOC content, and density of the solvent, as supplied. The VOC content shall be 

expressed in units of g/l or lb/gal. 

B. Record Keeping Requirements

Any operator that uses coatings or solvents subject to this Rule shall maintain and have 

the following available on site at all times: 

1. A current list of all VOC containing products in use that includes any data 

necessary to evaluate compliance, including but not limited to the following 

information, as applicable: 

a. Material name and manufacturer's identification, 

b. Application method, 

c. Material type and specific use instructions, 

d. Specific mixing instructions, 

e. VOC actual and VOC regulatory for coatings as applied, or VOC content for 

solvent. 

2. Daily coating and solvent use records, including the following information for each: 

a. Volume of each coating/solvent mix ratio, 

b. VOC content in grams/liter (or pounds/gallon) as applied/used, 

c. Volume of each coating/solvent in liters (or gallons) applied/used. 

d. Type and amount of solvent used for cleanup and surface preparation. 

If purchase records are used to determine the amount of solvents used, then records 

and manifests of the amounts of solvents disposed of or sent to a recycler must also 

be maintained and made available to the APCO upon request. 

3. Current manufacturer specification sheets, material safety data sheets, technical data 

sheets, or air quality data sheets, which list the VOC actual for coatings and VOC 

regulatory for coatings of each ready-to-spray coating (based on the manufacturer’s 

stated mix ratio), and VOC content of each solvent. 

4. Purchase records identifying the coating category as listed in Section V, which 

includes name and volume of coatings and solvents. 

5. Alternate Emissions Control Records: Any person using an emission control 

system shall maintain daily records of key system operating parameters which will 

demonstrate continuous operation and compliance of the emission control system 

during periods of VOC emission producing activities. “Key system operating 

parameters” are those parameters necessary to ensure or document compliance with 

Section V.E., including, but not limited to, temperatures, pressure drops, and air 

flow rates. 
EKAPCD 410.4-17 Revised 3/13/2014 

6. Record Retention: Records required by this Rule shall be retained for a minimum 

of three years and made available to the APCO upon request. 

VII. Test Methods

The following test methods are incorporated by reference herein, and shall be used to test 

emission sources subject to the provisions of this rule. A source is in violation of this rule 

if any measurement by any of the listed applicable test methods exceeds any standard of 

this rule. 

A. Acid Content: Acid content of Pre-Treatment Wash Primers shall be conducted and 

reported in accordance with ASTM D1613-03 “Standard Test Method for Acidity in 

Volatile Solvents and Chemical Intermediates Used in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and 

Related Products” (October 2003). 

B. Analysis of Samples: Samples of VOC as specified in this Rule shall be analyzed by 

EPA Method 24 as set forth in Appendix A of Title 40 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (40 CFR) Part 60, “Determination of Volatile Matter Content, Water 

Content, Density, Volume Solids, and Weight Solids of Surface Coatings”. Analysis of 

halogenated exempt compounds shall be conducted using CARB Method 422, 

“Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Emissions from Stationary Sources” 

(September 12, 1990). 

C. Alternative Test Methods: The use of other test methods which are determined to be 

equivalent or better and approved, in writing, by the APCO, ARB, and EPA may be 

used in place of the test methods specified in this rule. 

D. Control and Capture Efficiency: Capture and control efficiency of emission control 

systems shall be determined as specified in EPA’s “Guidelines for Determining Capture 

Efficiency,” (January 9, 1995) and 40 CFR 51, Appendix M, Methods 204-204F as 

applicable. Total organic emissions of emission control systems shall be determined 

using EPA Method 25, 25A or 25B. 

E. Determination of Emissions: Emissions of VOC shall be measured by EPA Method 25, 

25A, or 25B, as applicable and analysis of halogenated exempt compounds shall be 

conducted using CARB Method 432, “Determination of Dichloromethane and 1,1,1- 

Trichloroethane in Paints and Coatings” (September 12, 1998). 

F. Exempt Organic Compound Content of Coatings: The exempt organic compound 

content of coatings or solvents shall be determined using ASTM Method D 6133- 02, 

Standard Test Method for Acetone, p-Chlorobenzotrifluoride, Methyl Acetate, or tButyl Acetate Content of Solventborne and Waterborne Paints, Coatings, Resins, and 

Raw Materials by Direct Injection into a Chromatograph. Exempt organic compound 

content, other than as determined above, shall be determined by using CARB Method 

422; CARB Method 432; or South Coast AQMD Method 303-91, “Determination of 

Exempt Compounds” (August 1996). 
EKAPCD 410.4-18 Revised 3/13/2014 

G. HVLP Equivalency: Spray Equipment HVLP equivalency shall be determined by 

using South Coast Air Quality Management District’s “Guidelines for Demonstrating 

Equivalency with District Approved Transfer Efficient Spray Guns” (September 26, 

2002). 

H. Metallic Content: The metallic content of a coating shall be determined by South Coast 

Air Quality Management District Test Method 318-95, "Determination of Weight 

Percent Elemental Metal in Coatings by X-Ray" (July 1996). 

I. Transfer Efficiency: Spray equipment transfer efficiency shall be determined by using 

South Coast AQMD Method "Spray Equipment Transfer Efficiency Test Procedure for 

Equipment User" May 24, 1989. 

J. VOC Composite Partial Pressures: VOC composite partial pressures shall be 

determined using either manufacturer's information regarding formulation or using 

ASTM methods E169-04 Standard Practices for General Techniques of UltravioletVisible Quantitative Analysis or E260-96, Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas 

Chromatography for determination of mole fractions and then summing products of 

each VOC component's vapor pressure and its mole fraction. For materials containing 

no non-VOC components, VOC composite partial pressure can be measured directly by 

ASTM Method D2879-10, Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure-Temperature 

Relationship and Initial Decomposition Temperature of Liquids by Isoteniscope. 

K. VOC Emissions from Spray Gun Cleaning Systems: VOC emissions from spray gun 

cleaning systems shall be made using South Coast AQMD "General Test Method for 

Determining Solvent Losses from Spray Gun Cleaning Systems" (October 3, 1989). 

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