Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 1

Rule 3.15 – Architectural Coatings

(Adopted 6/1991; Amended 5/96, 11/13/02, 8/04/2014)

A. GENERAL

A.1 PURPOSE: To limit the quantity of Volatile Organic 

Compounds (VOCs) in architectural coatings supplied, sold, 

offered for sale, applied, solicited for application, or 

manufactured for use within the District.

A.2 APPLICABILITY: Except as provided in subsection A.4, this 

rule is applicable to any person who:

a. Supplies, sells, or offers for sale any architectural 

coating for use within the District; or

b. Manufactures, blends, or repackages any architectural 

coating for use within the District; or

c. Applies or solicits the application of any 

architectural coating within the District.

d. The VOC limits in Table 1 of this rule shall be 

effective on January 1, 2015.

e. The November 13, 2002 version of Rule 3.15, 

Architectural Coatings VOC limits shall remain in 

effect until January 1, 2015. This Section does not 

apply to any coating that does not display the date or 

date code required by Section D.1.a of this rule.

A.3 SEVERABILIY: Each provision of this rule shall be deemed 

severable, and in the event that any provision of this rule 

is held to be invalid, the remainder of this rule shall 

continue in full force and effect.

A.4 EXEMPTIONS:

a. This rule does not apply to:

1. Any architectural coating that is supplied, sold, 

offered for sale, or manufactured for use outside of 

the District or for shipment to other manufacturers 

for reformulation or repackaging.

2. Any aerosol coating product.

b. With the exception of section E, this rule does not 

apply to any architectural coating that is sold in a 

container with a volume of one liter (1.057 quart) or 

less.
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B. DEFINITIONS

B.1 ADHESIVE: Any chemical substance that is applied for the 

purpose of bonding two surfaces together other than by 

mechanical means.

B.2 AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT: A pressurized coating product 

containing pigments or a resin that dispenses product 

ingredients by means of a propellant, and is packaged in a 

disposable can for hand-held application, or for use in 

specialized equipment for ground traffic/marking 

applications.

B.3 ALUMINUM ROOF COATING: A coating labeled and formulated 

exclusively for application to roofs and containing at 

least 84 grams of elemental aluminum pigment per liter of 

coating (at least 0.7 pounds per gallon). Pigment content 

shall be determined in accordance with SCAQMD Method 318-

95, incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.d.

B.4 APPURTENANCE: Any accessory to a stationary structure 

coated at the site of installation, whether installed or 

detached, including, but not limited to: bathroom and 

kitchen fixtures; cabinets; concrete forms; doors; 

elevators; fences; hand railings; heating equipment, air 

conditioning equipment, and other fixed mechanical 

equipment or stationary tools; lampposts; partitions; pipes 

and piping systems; rain gutters and downspouts; stairways, 

fixed ladders, catwalks, and fire escapes; and window 

screens.

B.5 ARCHITECTURAL COATING: A coating to be applied to 

stationary structures or their appurtenances at the site of 

installation, to portable buildings at the site of 

installation, to pavements, or to curbs. Coatings applied 

in shop applications or to non-stationary structures such 

as airplanes, ships, boats, railcars, and automobiles, and 

adhesives are not considered architectural coatings for the 

purposes of this rule.

B.6 BASEMENT SPECIALTY COATING: A clear or opaque coating that 

is labeled and formulated for application to concrete and 

masonry surfaces to provide a hydrostatic seal for 

basements and other below-grade surfaces. Basement 

Specialty Coatings must meet the following criteria:
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a. Coating must be capable of withstanding at least 10 psi 

of hydrostatic pressure, as determined in accordance 

with ASTM D7088-04, which is incorporated by reference 

in subsection F.5.l.; and

b. Coating must be resistant to mold and mildew growth and 

must achieve a microbial growth rating of 8 or more, as 

determined in accordance with ASTM D3273-00 and ASTM 

D3274-95, incorporated by reference in subsection 

F.5.s.

B.7 BITUMENS: Black or brown materials, including, but not 

limited to, asphalt, tar, pitch, and asphaltite that are 

soluble in carbon disulfide, consist mainly of

hydrocarbons, and are obtained from natural deposits or as 

residues from the distillation of crude petroleum or coal.

B.8 BITUMINOUS ROOF COATING: A coating which incorporates 

bitumens that is labeled and formulated exclusively for 

roofing.

B.9 BITUMINOUS ROOF PRIMER: A primer which incorporates 

bitumens that is labeled and formulated exclusively for 

roofing and intended for the purpose of preparing a 

weathered or aged surface or improving the adhesion of 

subsequent surfacing components.

B.10 BOND BREAKER: A coating labeled and formulated for 

application between layers of concrete to prevent a freshly 

poured top layer of concrete from bonding to the layer over 

which it is poured.

B.11 COATING: A material applied onto or impregnated into a 

substrate for protective, decorative, or functional 

purposes. Such materials include, but are not limited to, 

paints, varnishes, sealers, and stains.

B.12 COLORANT: A concentrated pigment dispersion in water, 

solvent, and/or binder that is added to an architectural 

coating after packaging in sale units to produce the 

desired color.

B.13 CONCRETE CURING COMPOUND: A coating labeled and formulated 

for application to freshly poured concrete to perform one 

or more of the following functions:

a. Retard the evaporation of water; or
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b. Harden or dustproof the surface of freshly poured 

concrete.

B.14 CONCRETE/MASONRY SEALER: A clear or opaque coating that is 

labeled and formulated primarily for application to 

concrete and masonry surfaces to perform one or more of the 

following functions:

a. Prevent penetration of water; or

b. Provide resistance against abrasion, alkalis, acids, 

mildew, staining, or ultraviolet light; or

c. Harden or dustproof the surface of aged or cured 

concrete.

B.15 DRIVEWAY SEALER: A coating labeled and formulated for 

application to worn asphalt driveway surfaces to perform 

one or more of the following functions:

a. Fill cracks; or

b. Seal the surface to provide protection; or

c. Restore or preserve the appearance.

B.16 DRY FOG COATING: A coating labeled and formulated only for 

spray application such that overspray droplets dry before 

subsequent contact with incidental surfaces in the vicinity 

of the surface coating activity.

B.17 EXEMPT COMPOUND: For purposes of this rule, a compound that 

has been identified by the US EPA (40 CFR 51.100) as having 

negligible photochemical reactivity.

B.18 FAUX FINISH COATING: A coating labeled and formulated to 

meet one or more of the following criteria:

a. A glaze or textured coating used to create artistic 

effects, including, but not limited to: dirt, suede, 

old age, smoke damage, and simulated marble and wood 

grain; or

b. A decorative coating used to create a metallic, 

iridescent, or pearlescent appearance that contains at 

least 48 grams of pearlescent mica pigment or other 

iridescent pigment per liter of coating as applied (at 

least 0.4 pounds per gallon); or

c. A decorative coating used to create a metallic 

appearance that contains less than 48 grams of 

elemental metallic pigment per liter of coating as 

applied (less than 0.4 pounds per gallon), when tested 
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in accordance with SCAQMD Method 318-95, incorporated 

by reference in subsection F.5.d.; or

d. A decorative coating used to create a metallic 

appearance that contains greater than 48 grams of 

elemental metallic pigment per liter of coating as 

applied (greater than 0.4 pounds per gallon) and which 

requires a clear topcoat to prevent the degradation of 

the finish under normal use conditions. The metallic 

pigment content shall be determined in accordance with 

SCAQMD Method 318-95, incorporated by reference in 

subsection F.5.d.; or

e. A clear topcoat to seal and protect a Faux Finishing 

coating that meets the requirements of subsection 

B.18.a, B.18.b, B.18.c, or B.18.d. These clear topcoats 

must be sold and used solely as part of a Faux 

Finishing coating system, and must be labeled in 

accordance with subsection D.1.d.

B.19 FIRE-RESISTIVE COATING: A coating labeled and formulated to 

protect structural integrity by increasing the fire 

endurance of interior or exterior steel and other 

structural materials. The Fire Resistive category includes 

sprayed fire resistive materials and intumescent fire 

resistive coatings that are used to bring structural 

materials into compliance with federal, state, and local 

building code requirements. Fire Resistive coatings shall 

be tested in accordance with ASTM Designation E 119-07, 

incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.a. Fire 

Resistive coatings and testing agencies must be approved by 

building code officials.

B.20 FLAT COATING: A coating that is not defined under any other 

definition in this rule and that registers gloss less than 

15 on an 85-degree meter or less than 5 on a 60-degree 

meter according to ASTM Designation D 523-89 (1999), 

incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.b.

B.21 FLOOR COATING: An opaque coating that is labeled and 

formulated for application to flooring, including, but not 

limited to, decks, porches, steps, garage floors, and other 

horizontal surfaces which may be subject to foot traffic.

B.22 FORM-RELEASE COMPOUND: A coating labeled and formulated for 

application to a concrete form to prevent the freshly 

poured concrete from bonding to the form. The form may 

consist of wood, metal, or some material other than 

concrete.
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B.23 GRAPHIC ARTS COATING OR SIGN PAINT: A coating labeled and 

formulated for hand-application by artists using brush, 

airbrush, or roller techniques to indoor and outdoor signs 

(excluding structural components) and murals, including 

lettering enamels, poster colors, copy blockers, and 

bulletin enamels.

B.24 HIGH-TEMPERATURE COATING: A high performance coating 

labeled and formulated for application to substrates 

exposed continuously or intermittently to temperatures 

above 204°C (400°F).

B.25 INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COATING: A high performance 

architectural coating, including primers, sealers, 

undercoaters, intermediate coats, and topcoats formulated 

for application to substrates, including floors, exposed to 

one or more of the following extreme environmental 

conditions listed in subsections B.25.a through B.25.e, and 

labeled as specified in subsection D.1.e:

a. Immersion in water, wastewater, or chemical solutions 

(aqueous and non-aqueous solutions), or chronic 

exposure of interior surfaces to moisture condensation; 

or

b. Acute or chronic exposure to corrosive, caustic or 

acidic agents, or to chemicals, chemical fumes, or 

chemical mixtures or solutions; or

c. Frequent exposure to temperatures above 121°C (250°F); 

or

d. Frequent heavy abrasion, including mechanical wear and 

frequent scrubbing with industrial solvents, cleansers, 

or scouring agents; or

e. Exterior exposure of metal structures and structural 

components.

B.26 LOW SOLIDS COATING: A coating containing 0.12 kilogram or 

less of solids per liter (1 pound or less of solids per 

gallon) of coating material as recommended for application 

by the manufacturer. The VOC content for Low Solids 

Coatings shall be calculated in accordance with subsection 

B.59.

B.27 MAGNESITE CEMENT COATING: A coating labeled and formulated 

for application to magnesite cement decking to protect the 

magnesite cement substrate from erosion by water.
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B.28 MANUFACTURER’S MAXIMUM THINNING RECOMMENDATION: The maximum 

recommendation for thinning that is indicated on the label 

or lid of the coating container.

B.29 MASTIC TEXTURE COATING: A coating labeled and formulated to 

cover holes and minor cracks and to conceal surface 

irregularities, and is applied in a single coat of at least 

10 mils (at least 0.010 inch) dry film thickness.

B.30 MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD (MDF): A composite wood product, 

panel, molding, or other building material composed of 

cellulosic fibers (usually wood) made by dry forming and 

pressing of a resinated fiber mat.

B.31 METALLIC PIGMENTED COATING: A coating that is labeled and 

formulated to provide a metallic appearance. Metallic 

Pigmented coatings must contain at least 48 grams of 

elemental metallic pigment (excluding zinc) per liter of 

coating as applied (at least 0.4 pounds per gallon), when 

tested in accordance with SCAQMD Method 318-95, 

incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.d. The Metallic 

Pigmented Coating category does not include coatings 

applied to roofs or Zinc-Rich Primers.

B.32 MULTI-COLOR COATING: A coating that is packaged in a single 

container and that is labeled and formulated to exhibit 

more than one color when applied in a single coat.

B.33 NONFLAT COATING: A coating that is not defined under any 

other definition in this rule and that registers a gloss of 

15 or greater on an 85-degree meter and 5 or greater on a 

60-degree meter according to ASTM Designation D 523-89 

(1999), incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.c.

B.34 NONFLAT – HIGH GLOSS COATING: A nonflat coating that 

registers a gloss of 70 or greater on a 60-degree meter 

according to ASTM Designation D 523-89 (1999), incorporated 

by reference in subsection F.5.c. Nonflat – High Gloss 

coatings must be labeled in accordance with subsection 

D.1.i.

B.35 PARTICLEBOARD: A composite wood product panel, molding, or 

other building material composed of cellulosic material 

(usually wood) in the form of discrete particles, as 

distinguished from fibers, flakes, or strands, which are 

pressed together with resin.
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B.36 PEARLESCENT: Exhibiting various colors depending on the 

angles of illumination and viewing, as observed in motherof-pearl.

B.37 PLYWOOD: A panel product consisting of layers of wood 

veneers or composite core pressed together with resin. 

Plywood includes panel products made by either hot or cold 

pressing (with resin) veneers to a platform.

B.38 POST-CONSUMER COATING: Finished coatings generated by a 

business or consumer that have served their intended end 

uses, and are recovered from or otherwise diverted from the 

waste stream for the purpose of recycling.

B.39 PRE-TREATMENT WASH PRIMER: A primer that contains a minimum 

of 0.5 percent acid, by weight, when tested in accordance 

with ASTM Designation D 1613-06, incorporated by reference 

in subsection F.5.e, which is labeled and formulated for 

application directly to bare metal surfaces to provide 

corrosion resistance and to promote adhesion of subsequent 

topcoats.

B.40 PRIMER, SEALER, AND UNDERCOATER: A coating labeled and 

formulated for one or more of the following purposes:

a. To provide a firm bond between the substrate and the 

subsequent coatings; or

b. To prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by 

the substrate; or

c. To prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in 

the substrate; or

d. To provide a smooth surface for the subsequent 

application of coatings; or

e. To provide a clear finish coat to seal the substrate; 

or

f. To block materials from penetrating into or leaching 

out of a substrate.

B.41 REACTIVE PENETRATING SEALER: A clear or pigmented coating 

that is labeled and formulated for application to abovegrade concrete and masonry substrates to provide protection 

from water and waterborne contaminants, including, but not 

limited to, alkalis, acids, and salts. Reactive Penetrating 

Sealers must penetrate into concrete and masonry substrates 

and chemically react to form covalent bonds with naturally 

occurring minerals in the substrate. Reactive Penetrating 

Sealers line the pores of concrete and masonry substrates 
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with a hydrophobic coating, but do not form a surface film. 

Reactive Penetrating Sealers must meet all of the following 

criteria:

a. The Reactive Penetrating Sealer must improve water 

repellency at least 80 percent after application on a 

concrete or masonry substrate. This performance must be 

verified on standardized test specimens, in accordance 

with one or more of the following standards, 

incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.t: ASTM 

C67-07, or ASTM C97-02, or ASTM C140-06; and

b. The Reactive Penetrating Sealer must not reduce the 

water vapor transmission rate by more than 2 percent 

after application on a concrete or masonry substrate. 

This performance must be verified on standardized test 

specimens, in accordance with ASTM E96/E96M-05, 

incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.u; and

c. Products labeled and formulated for vehicular traffic 

surface chloride screening applications must meet the 

performance criteria listed in the National Cooperative 

Highway Research Report 244 (1981), incorporated by 

reference in subsection F.5.v. 

Reactive Penetrating Sealers must be labeled in accordance 

with subsection D.1.g.

B.42 RECYCLED COATING: An architectural coating formulated such 

that it contains a minimum of 50% by volume post-consumer 

coating, with a maximum of 50% by volume secondary 

industrial materials or virgin materials.

B.43 ROOF COATING: A non-bituminous coating labeled and 

formulated for application to roofs for the primary purpose 

of preventing water penetration, reflecting ultraviolet 

light, or reflecting solar radiation.

B.44 RUST PREVENTATIVE COATING: A coating formulated to prevent 

the corrosion of metal surfaces for one or more of the 

following applications:

a. Direct-to-metal coating; or

b. Coating intended for application over rusty, previously 

coated surfaces.

The Rust Preventative category does not include the 

following:
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 10

c. Coatings that are required to be applied as a topcoat 

over a primer; or

d. Coatings that are intended for use on wood or any other 

nonmetallic surface.

Rust Preventative coatings are for metal substrates only 

and must be labeled as such, in accordance with the 

labeling requirements in subsection D.1.f.

B.45 SECONDARY INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS: Products or by-products of 

the paint manufacturing process that is of known 

composition and have economic value but can no longer be 

used for their intended purpose.

B.46 SEMITRANSPARENT COATING: A coating that contains binders 

and colored pigments and is formulated to change the color 

of the surface, but not conceal the grain pattern or 

texture.

B.47 SHELLAC: A clear or opaque coating formulated solely with 

the resinous secretions of the lac beetle (Laciffer lacca), 

and formulated to dry by evaporation without a chemical 

reaction.

B.48 SHOP APPLICATION: Application of a coating to a product or 

a component of a product in or on the premises of a factory 

or a shop as part of a manufacturing, production, or 

repairing process (e.g., original equipment manufacturing 

coatings).

B.49 SOLICIT: To require for use or to specify, by written or 

oral contract.

B.50 STAIN: A semitransparent or opaque coating labeled and 

formulated to change the color of a surface but not conceal 

the grain pattern or texture.

B.51 STONE CONSOLIDANT: A coating that is labeled and formulated 

for application to stone substrates to repair historical 

structures that have been damaged by weathering or other 

decay mechanisms. Stone Consolidants must penetrate into 

stone substrates to create bonds between particles and 

consolidate deteriorated material. Stone Consolidants must 

be specified and used in accordance with ASTM E2167-01, 

incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.w.
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Stone Consolidants are for professional use only and must 

be labeled as such, in accordance with the labeling 

requirements in subsection D.1.h.

B.52 SWIMMING POOL COATING: A coating labeled and formulated to 

coat the interior of swimming pools and to resist swimming 

pool chemicals. Swimming pool coatings include coatings 

used for swimming pool repair and maintenance.

B.53 TINT BASE: An architectural coating to which colorant is 

added after packaging in sale units to produce a desired 

color.

B.54 TRAFFIC MARKING COATING: A coating labeled and formulated 

for marking and striping streets, highways, or other 

traffic surfaces, including, but not limited to, curbs, 

berms, driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and airport 

runways.

B.55 TUB AND TILE REFINISH COATING: A clear or opaque coating 

that is labeled and formulated exclusively for refinishing 

the surface of a bathtub, shower, sink, or countertop. Tub 

and Tile Refinish coatings must meet all of the following 

criteria:

a. The coating must have a scratch hardness of 3H or 

harder and a gouge hardness of 4H or harder. This must 

be determined on bonderite 1000, in accordance with 

ASTM D3363-05, incorporated by reference in subsection 

F.5.o.; and

b. The coating must have a weight loss of 20 milligrams or 

less after 1000 cycles. This must be determined with 

CS-17 wheels on bonderite 1000, in accordance with ASTM 

D4060-07, incorporated by reference in subsection 

F.5.p; and

c. The coating must withstand 1000 hours or more of 

exposure with few or no #8 blisters. This must be 

determined on unscribed bonderite, in accordance with 

ASTM D4585-99, and ASTM D714-02e1, incorporated by 

reference in subsection F.5.q; and

d. The coating must have an adhesion rating of 4B or 

better after 24 hours of recovery. This must be 

determined on unscribed bonderite, in accordance with 

ASTM D4585-99 and ASTM D3359-02, incorporated by 

reference in subsection F.5.n.
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B.56 VENEER: Thin sheets of wood peeled or sliced from logs for 

use in the manufacture of wood products such as plywood, 

laminated veneer lumber, or other products.

B.57 VIRGIN MATERIALS: Materials that contain no post-consumer 

coatings or secondary industrial materials.

B.58 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC): As defined in District 

Rule 1.1.

B.59 VOC ACTUAL: VOC Actual is the weight of VOC per volume of 

coating and it is calculated with the following equation:

VOC Actual = (Ws – Ww – Wec)

(Vm)

Where:

VOC Actual = the grams of VOC per liter of coating 

(also known as 

“Material VOC”)

Ws = weight of volatiles, in grams

Ww = weight of water, in grams

Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in grams

Vm = volume of coating, in liters

B.60 VOC CONTENT: The weight of VOC per volume of coating. VOC 

Content is VOC Regulatory, as defined in subsection B.61, 

for all coatings except those in the Low Solids category. 

For coatings in the Low Solids category, the VOC Content is 

VOC Actual, as defined in subsection B.59. If the coating 

is a multi-component product, the VOC content is VOC 

Regulatory as mixed or catalyzed. If the coating contains 

silanes, siloxanes, or other ingredients that generate 

ethanol or other VOCs during the curing process, the VOC 

content must include the VOCs emitted during curing.

B.61 VOC REGULATORY: VOC Regulatory is the weight of VOC per 

volume of coating, less the volume of water and exempt 

compounds. It is calculated with the following equation:

VOC Regulatory = (Ws – Ww – Wec)

(Vm – Vw – Vec)

Where:

VOC Regulatory = grams of VOC per liter of coating, less 

water and exempt compounds (also known as 

“Coating VOC”)

Ws = weight of volatiles, in grams

Ww = weight of water, in grams
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Wec = weight of exempt compounds, in grams

Vm = volume of coating, in liters

Vw = volume of water, in liters

Vec = volume of exempt compounds, in liters

B.62 WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE: A clear or opaque coating that is 

labeled and formulated for application to concrete and 

masonry surfaces to provide a seamless waterproofing 

membrane that prevents any penetration of liquid water into 

the substrate. Waterproofing Membranes are intended for the 

following waterproofing applications: below-grade surfaces, 

between concrete slabs, inside tunnels, inside concrete 

planters, and under flooring materials. Waterproofing 

Membranes must meet the following criteria:

a. Coating must be applied in a single coat of at least 25 

mils at least 0.025 inch) dry film thickness; and

b. Coatings must meet or exceed the requirements contained 

in ASTM C836-06, incorporated by reference in 

subsection F.5.r.

The Waterproofing Membrane category does not include 

topcoats that are included in the Concrete/Masonry Sealer 

category (e.g., parking deck topcoats, pedestrian deck 

topcoats, etc.).

B.63 WOOD COATING: Coatings labeled and formulated for 

application to wood substrates only. The Wood Coatings 

category includes the following clear and semitransparent 

coatings: lacquers; varnishes; sanding sealers; penetrating 

oils; clear stains; wood conditioners used as undercoats; 

and wood sealers used as topcoats. The Wood Coatings 

category also includes the following opaque wood coatings: 

opaque lacquers; opaque sanding sealers; and opaque lacquer 

undercoaters. The Wood Coatings category does not include 

the following: clear sealers that are labeled and 

formulated for use on concrete/masonry surfaces; or 

coatings intended for substrates other than wood.

Wood Coatings must be labeled “For Wood Substrates Only”, 

in accordance with subsection D.1.j.

B.64 WOOD PRESERVATIVE: A coating labeled and formulated to 

protect exposed wood from decay or insect attack, that is 

registered with both the U.S. EPA under the Federal 

Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 United 
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States Code (U.S.C.) Section 136, et seq.) and with the 

California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

B.65 WOOD SUBSTRATE: A substrate made of wood, particleboard, 

plywood, medium density fiberboard, rattan, wicker, bamboo, 

or composite products with exposed wood grain. Wood 

Products do not include items comprised of simulated wood.

B.66 ZINC-RICH PRIMER: A coating that meets all of the following 

specifications:

a. Coating contains at least 65 percent metallic zinc 

powder or zinc dust by weight of total solids; and

b. Coating is formulated for application to metal 

substrates to provide a firm bond between the substrate 

and subsequent applications of coatings; and

c. Coating is intended for professional use only and is 

labeled as such, in accordance with the labeling 

requirements in subsection D.1.k.

C. STANDARDS

C.1 VOC CONTENT LIMITS: Except as provided in subsections C.2 

or C.3, no person shall:

a. manufacture, blend, or repackage for use within the 

district; or

b. supply, sell, or offer for sale for use within the 

district; or

c. solicit for application or apply within the district, 

any architectural coating with VOC content in excess of 

the corresponding limit specified in Table 1, after the 

specified effective date in Table 1. Limits are 

expressed as VOC Regulatory, thinned to the 

manufacturer’s maximum thinning recommendation, 

excluding any colorant added to tint bases.

C.2 MOST RESTRICTIVE VOC LIMIT: If a coating meets the 

definition in Section B for one or more specialty coating 

categories that are listed in Table 1, then that coating is 

not required to meet the VOC limits for Flat, Nonflat, or 

Nonflat – High Gloss coatings, but is required to meet the 

VOC limit for the applicable specialty coating listed in 

Table 1.

With the exception of the specialty coating categories 

specified in subsections C.2.a through C.2.k, if a coating 
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 15

is recommended for use in more than one of the specialty 

coating categories listed in Table 1, the most restrictive 

(or lowest) VOC content limit shall apply. This requirement 

applies to: usage recommendations that appear anywhere on 

the coating container, anywhere on any label or sticker 

affixed to the container, or in any sales, advertising, or 

technical literature supplied by a manufacturer or anyone 

acting on their behalf.

a. Metallic pigmented coatings.

b. Shellacs.

c. Pretreatment wash primers.

d. Industrial maintenance coatings.

e. Low-solids coatings.

f. Wood preservatives.

g. High temperature coatings.

h. Bituminous roof primers.

i. Aluminum roof coatings.

j. Zinc-rich primers.

k. Wood Coatings.

C.3 SELL-THROUGH OF COATINGS: A coating manufactured prior to 

the effective date specified for that coating in Table 1, 

and that complied with the standards in effect at the time 

the coating was manufactured, may be sold, supplied, or 

offered for sale for up to three years after the specified 

effective date. In addition, a coating manufactured before 

the effective date specified for that coating in Table 1

may be applied at any time, both before and after the 

specified effective date, so long as the coating complied 

with the standards in effect at the time the coating was 

manufactured. This subsection C.3 does not apply to any 

coating that does not display the date or date-code 

required by subsection D.1.a.

C.4 PAINTING PRACTICES: All architectural coating containers 

used to apply the contents therein to a surface directly 

from the container by pouring, siphoning, brushing, 

rolling, padding, ragging or other means, shall be closed 

when not in use. These architectural coating containers 

include, but are not limited to, drums, buckets, cans, 

pails, trays or other application containers. Containers of 

any VOC-containing materials used for thinning and cleanup 

shall also be closed when not in use.

C.5 THINNING: No person who applies or solicits the application 

of any architectural coating shall apply a coating that is 
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 16

thinned to exceed the applicable VOC limit specified in 

Table 1.

C.6 COATINGS NOT LISTED IN TABLE 1: For any coating that does 

not meet any of the definitions for the specialty coatings 

categories listed in Table 1, the VOC content limit shall 

be determined by classifying the coating as a Flat, 

Nonflat, or Nonflat – High Gloss coating, based on its 

gloss, as defined in subsections B.20, B.33, and B.34, and 

the corresponding Flat, Nonflat, or Nonflat – High Gloss 

VOC limit in Table 1 shall apply.

C.7 EARLY COMPLIANCE PROVISION: Prior to January 1, 2015, any 

coating that meets a definition in Section B for a coating 

category listed in the Table 1 and complies with the 

applicable VOC limit in the Table 1 and with Sections C2 

and D shall be considered in compliance with this rule.

D. CONTAINER LABELING REQUIREMENTS

D.1 Each manufacturer of any architectural coating subject to 

this rule shall display the information listed in

subsections D.1.a through D.1.k on the coating container 

(or label) in which the coating is sold or distributed.

a. Date Code: The date the coating was manufactured, or a 

date code representing the date, shall be indicated on 

the label, lid, or bottom of the container. If the 

manufacturer uses a date code for any coating, the 

manufacturer shall file an explanation of each code 

with the Executive Officer of the ARB.

b. Thinning Recommendations: A statement of the 

manufacturer’s recommendation regarding thinning of the 

coating shall be indicated on the label or lid of the 

container. This requirement does not apply to the 

thinning of architectural coatings with water. If 

thinning of the coating prior to use is not necessary, 

the recommendation must specify that the coating is to 

be applied without thinning.

c. VOC Content: Each container of any coating subject to 

this rule shall display one of the following values in 

grams of VOC per liter of coating:

1. Maximum VOC Content as determined from all potential 

product formulations; or 

2. VOC Content as determined from actual formulation 

data; or
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 17

3. VOC Content as determined using the test methods in 

subsection F.2.

If the manufacturer does not recommend thinning, the 

container must display the VOC Content, as supplied. If 

the manufacturer recommends thinning, the container must 

display the VOC Content, including the maximum amount of 

thinning solvent recommended by the manufacturer. If the 

coating is a multi-component product, the container must 

display the VOC content as mixed or catalyzed. If the 

coating contains silanes, siloxanes, or other 

ingredients that generate ethanol or other VOCs during 

the curing process, the VOC content must include the 

VOCs emitted during curing. VOC Content shall be 

determined as defined in subsections B.59, B.60, and 

B.61.

d. Faux Finishing Coatings: the labels of all Faux 

Finishing coatings shall prominently display the 

statement “This product can only be sold or used as 

part of a Faux Finishing coating system”.

e. Industrial Maintenance Coatings: the labels of all 

Industrial Maintenance coatings shall prominently 

display the statement “Not for residential use,” or 

“Not Intended for residential use,” or “For industrial 

use only,” or “For professional use only”.

f. Rust Preventative Coatings: The labels of all rust 

preventative coatings shall prominently display the 

statement “For Metal Substrates Only.”

g. Reactive Penetrating Sealers: the labels of all 

Reactive Penetrating Sealers shall prominently display 

the statement “Reactive Penetrating Sealer”.

h. Stone Consolidants: the labels of all Stone 

Consolidants shall prominently display the statement 

“Stone Consolidant - For Professional Use Only”.

i. Nonflat - High Gloss Coatings: The labels of all 

Nonflat – High Gloss coatings shall prominently display 

the words “High Gloss.”

j. Wood Coatings: the labels of all Wood Coatings shall 

prominently display the statement “For Wood Substrates 

Only”.

k. Zinc Rich Primers: the labels of all Zinc Rich Primers 

shall prominently display the statement “Not for 

residential use,” or “Not Intended for residential 

use,” or “For industrial use only,” or “For 

Professional Use Only”.
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 18

E. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

E.1 SALES DATA: A responsible official from each manufacturer 

shall upon request of the APCO, or his or her delegate, 

provide data concerning the distribution and sales of 

architectural coatings. The responsible official shall 

within 180 days provide information, including, but not 

limited to:

a. the name and mailing address of the manufacturer;

b. the name, address and telephone number of a contact 

person;

c. the name of the coating product as it appears on the 

label and the applicable coating category;

d. whether the product is marketed for interior or 

exterior use or both;

e. the number of gallons sold in California in containers 

greater than one liter (1.057 quart) and equal to or 

less than one liter (1.057 quart);

f. the VOC Actual content and VOC Regulatory content in 

grams per liter. If thinning is recommended, list the 

VOC Actual content and VOC Regulatory content after 

maximum recommended thinning. If containers less than 

one liter have a different VOC content than containers 

greater than one liter, list separately. If the coating 

is a multi-component product, provide the VOC content 

as mixed or catalyzed;

g. the names and CAS numbers of the VOC constituents in 

the product;

h. the names and CAS numbers of any compounds in the 

product specifically exempted from the VOC definition;

i. whether the product is marketed as solventborne, 

waterborne, or 100% solids;

j. description of resin or binder in the product;

k. whether the coating is a single-component or multicomponent product;

l. the density of the product in pounds per gallon;

m. the percent by weight of: solids, all volatile 

materials, water, and any compounds in the product 

specifically exempted from the VOC definition; and

n. the percent by volume of: solids, water, and any 

compounds in the product specifically exempted from the 

VOC definition.

E.2 All sales data listed in subsections E.1.a to E.1.n shall 

be maintained by the responsible official for a minimum of 

three years. Sales data submitted by the responsible 
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 19

official to the APCO may be claimed as confidential, and 

such information shall be handled in accordance with the 

procedures specified in Title 17, California Code of 

Regulations Sections 91000-91022.

F. COMPLIANCE PROVISIONS AND TEST METHODS

F.1 CALCULATION OF VOC CONTENT: For the purpose of determining 

compliance with the VOC content limits in Table 1, the VOC 

content of a coating shall be determined as defined in 

subsection B.59, B.60, or B.61. The VOC content of a tint 

base shall be determined without colorant that is added 

after the tint base is manufactured. If the manufacturer 

does not recommend thinning, the VOC Content must be 

calculated for the product as supplied. If the manufacturer 

recommends thinning, the VOC Content must be calculated 

including the maximum amount of thinning solvent 

recommended by the manufacturer. If the coating is a multicomponent product, the VOC content must be calculated as 

mixed or catalyzed. If the coating contains silanes, 

siloxanes, or other ingredients that generate ethanol or 

other VOCs during the curing process, the VOC content must 

include the VOCs emitted during curing.

F.2 VOC CONTENT OF COATING: To determine the physical 

properties of a coating in order to perform the 

calculations in subsection B.59 or B.61, the reference 

method for VOC content is U.S. EPA Method 24, incorporated 

by reference in subsection F.5.i, except as provided in 

subsections F.3 and F.4. An alternative method to determine 

the VOC content of coatings is SCAQMD Method 304-91 

(Revised 1996), incorporated by reference in subsection 

F.5.j. The exempt compounds content shall be determined by 

SCAQMD Method 303-91 (Revised 1993), BAAQMD Method 43 

(Revised 1996), or BAAQMD Method 41 (Revised 1995), as 

applicable, incorporated by reference in subsections F.5.g, 

F.5.e, and F.5.f, respectively. To determine the VOC 

content of a coating, the manufacturer may use U.S. EPA 

Method 24, or an alternative method as provided in 

subsection F.3, formulation data, or any other reasonable 

means for predicting that the coating has been formulated 

as intended (e.g., quality assurance checks, record 

keeping). However, if there are any inconsistencies between 

the results of a Method 24 test and any other means for 

determining VOC content, the Method 24 test results will 

govern, except when an alternative method is approved as 
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 20

specified in subsection F.3. The APCO may require the 

manufacturer to conduct a Method 24 analysis.

F.3 ALTERNATIVE TEST METHODS: Other test methods demonstrated 

to provide results that are acceptable for purposes of 

determining compliance with subsection F.2, after review 

and approved in writing by the District, the ARB, and the 

U.S. EPA, may also be used.

F.4 METHACRYLATE TRAFFIC MARKING COATINGS: Analysis of 

methacrylate multicomponent coatings used as traffic 

marking coatings shall be conducted according to a 

modification of U.S. EPA Method 24 (40 CFR 59, subpart D, 

Appendix A), incorporated by reference in subsection F.5.k.

This method has not been approved for methacrylate 

multicomponent coatings used for other purposes than as 

traffic marking coatings or for other classes of 

multicomponent coatings.

F.5 TEST METHODS: The following test methods are incorporated 

by reference herein, and shall be used to test coatings 

subject to the provisions of this rule:

a. Fire Resistance Rating: The fire resistance rating of a 

fire-resistive coating shall be determined by ASTM E 

119-07, “Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of 

Building and Construction Materials” (see section B, 

Fire-Resistive Coating).

b. Gloss Determination: The gloss of a coating shall be 

determined by ASTM D 523-89 (1999), “Standard Test 

Method for Specular Gloss” (see section B, Flat 

Coating, Nonflat Coating, and Nonflat - High Gloss 

Coating).

c. Metal Content of Coatings: The metallic content of a 

coating shall be determined by SCAQMD Method 318-95, 

“Determination of Weight Percent Elemental Metal in 

Coatings by X-Ray Diffraction,” SCAQMD Laboratory 

Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples (see 

section B, Aluminum Roof, Faux Finishing, and Metallic 

Pigmented Coating).

d. Acid Content of Coatings: The acid content of a coating 

shall be determined by ASTM D 1613-06, “Standard Test 

Method for Acidity in Volatile Solvents and Chemical 

Intermediates Used in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and 

Related Products” (see section B, Pretreatment Wash 

Primer).
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 21

e. Exempt Compounds--Siloxanes: Exempt compounds that are 

cyclic, branched, or linear completely methylated 

siloxanes, shall be analyzed as exempt compounds for 

compliance with section F by BAAQMD Method 43, 

“Determination of Volatile Methylsiloxanes in SolventBased Coatings, Inks, and Related Materials,” BAAQMD 

Manual of Procedures, Volume III, adopted 11/6/96 (see 

section B, Volatile Organic Compound, and subsection 

F.2).

f. Exempt Compounds--Parachlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF): 

The exempt compound parachlorobenzotrifluoride, shall 

be analyzed as an exempt compound for compliance with 

section F by BAAQMD Method 41, “Determination of 

Volatile Organic Compounds in Solvent Based Coatings 

and Related Materials Containing 

Parachlorobenzotrifluoride,” BAAQMD Manual of 

Procedures, Volume III, adopted 12/20/95 (see section 

D, Volatile Organic Compound, and subsection F.2).

g. Exempt Compounds: The content of compounds exempt under 

U.S. EPA Method 24 shall be analyzed by SCAQMD Method 

303- 91 (Revised 1993), “Determination of Exempt 

Compounds,” SCAQMD Laboratory Methods of Analysis for 

Enforcement Samples (see section B, Volatile Organic 

Compound, and subsection F.2).

h. VOC Content of Coatings: The VOC content of a coating 

shall be determined by U.S. EPA Method 24 as it exists 

in appendix A of 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 

part 60, “Determination of Volatile Matter Content, 

Water Content, Density, Volume Solids, and Weight 

Solids of Surface Coatings” (see subsection F.2).

i. Alternative VOC Content of Coatings: The VOC content of 

coatings may be analyzed either by U.S. EPA Method 24 

or SCAQMD Method 304-91 (Revised 1996), “Determination 

of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Various 

Materials,” SCAQMD Laboratory Methods of Analysis for 

Enforcement Samples (see subsection F.2).

j. Methacrylate Traffic Marking Coatings: The VOC content 

of methacrylate multicomponent coatings used as traffic 

marking coatings shall be analyzed by the procedures in 

40 CFR part 59, subpart D, appendix A, “Determination 

of Volatile Matter Content of Methacrylate 

Multicomponent Coatings Used as Traffic Marking 

Coatings” (see subsection F.4).

k. Hydrostatic Pressure for Basement Specialty Coatings: 

ASTM D7088-04, “Standard Practice for Resistance to 

Hydrostatic Pressure for Coatings Used in Below Grade 
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 22

Applications Applied to Masonry” (see section B, 

Basement Specialty Coating).

l. Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Adhesion: ASTM D 4585-99, 

“Standard Practice for Testing Water Resistance of 

Coatings Using Controlled Condensation” and ASTM D3359-

02, “Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion by 

Tape Test” (see section B, Tub and Tile Refinish 

Coating).

m. Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Hardness: ASTM D 3363-05, 

“Standard Test Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test” 

(see section B, Tub and Tile Refinish Coating).

n. Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Abrasion Resistance: ASTM 

D 4060-07, “Standard Test Methods for Abrasion 

Resistance of Organic Coatings by the Taber Abraser” 

(see section B, Tub and Tile Refinish Coating).

o. Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Water Resistance: ASTM D 

4585-99, “Standard Practice for Testing Water 

Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation” 

and ASTM D714-02e1, “Standard Test Method for 

Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints” (see section 

B, Tub and Tile Refinish Coating).

p. Waterproofing Membrane: ASTM C836-06, “Standard 

Specification for High Solids Content, Cold LiquidApplied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane for Use with 

Separate Wearing Course” (see section B, Waterproofing 

Membrane).

q. Mold and Mildew Growth for Basement Specialty Coatings: 

ASTM D3273-00, “Standard Test Method for Resistance to 

Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in 

an Environmental Chamber” and ASTM D3274-95, “Standard 

Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface 

Disfigurement of Paint Films by Microbial (Fungal or 

Algal) Growth or Soil and Dirt Accumulation” (see 

section B, Basement Specialty Coating).

r. Reactive Penetrating Sealer Water Repellency: ASTM C67-

07, “Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing 

Brick and Structural Clay Tile”; or ASTM C97-02, 

“Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific 

Gravity of Dimension Stone”; or ASTM C140-06, “Standard 

Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry 

Units and Related Units” (see section B, Reactive 

Penetrating Sealer).

s. Reactive Penetrating Sealer Water Vapor Transmission: 

ASTM E96/E96M-05, “Standard Test Method for Water Vapor 

Transmission of Materials” (see section B, Reactive 

Penetrating Sealer).
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 23

t. Reactive Penetrating Sealer - Chloride Screening 

Applications: National Cooperative Highway Research 

Report 244 (1981), “Concrete Sealers for the Protection 

of Bridge Structures” (see section B, Reactive 

Penetrating Sealer).

u. Stone Consolidants: ASTM E2167-01, “Standard Guide for 

Selection and Use of Stone Consolidants” (see section 

B, Stone Consolidant).
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 24

Table 1

VOC CONTENT LIMITS FOR ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS

Limits are expressed as VOC Regulatory, thinned to the 

manufacturer’s maximum thinning recommendation, excluding any 

colorant added to tint bases.

 

Coating Category VOC Limit (g/l)

Effective 

1/1/2015

Flat Coatings 50

Nonflat Coatings 100

Nonflat - High Gloss Coatings 150

Specialty Coatings

Aluminum Roof Coatings 400

Basement Specialty Coatings 400

Bituminous Roof Coatings 50

Bituminous Roof Primers 350

Bond Breakers 350

Concrete Curing Compounds 350

Concrete/Masonry Sealers 100

Driveway Sealers 50

Dry Fog Coatings 150

Faux Finishing Coatings 350

Fire Resistive Coatings 350

Floor Coatings 100

Form-Release Compounds 250

Graphic Arts Coatings (Sign 

Paints)

500

High Temperature Coatings 420

Industrial Maintenance Coatings 250

Low Solids Coatingsa 120

Magnesite Cement Coatings 450

Mastic Texture Coatings 100

Metallic Pigmented Coatings 500

Multi-Color Coatings 250

Pre-Treatment Wash Primers 420

Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 100

Reactive Penetrating Sealers 350
 Feather River AQMD 3.15 - 25

Table 1

(Continued)

a. Limit is expressed as VOC Actual.

Coating Category VOC Limit (g/l)

Effective 

1/1/2015

Recycled Coatings 250

Roof Coatings 50

Rust Preventative Coatings 250

Shellacs:

 Clear

 Opaque

730

550

Stains 250

Stone Consolidants 450

Swimming Pool Coatings 340

Traffic Marking Coatings 100

Tub and Tile Refinish Coatings 420

Waterproofing Membranes 250

Wood Coatings 275

Wood Preservatives 350

Zinc-Rich Primers 340