EKAPCD 410.4 A-1 Draft 3/13/2014

RULE 410.4A Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Refinishing Operations - Adopted 

5/6/91, Amended 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 

coatings and solvents used in production, repair, refinish, or maintenance operations 

where motor vehicles, mobile equipment, or associated parts and components are coated.

II. Applicability

The provisions of this Rule are enforceable upon amendment date and shall apply to any 

person who supplies, sells, offers for sale, manufactures, distributes, uses, applies, or 

solicits the use or application of any automotive coating or associated solvent within the 

District.

III. Severability

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.

IIIV. Definitions

A. Adhesion Promoter: A coating, which is labeled and formulated to be applied to 

uncoated plastic surfaces to facilitate bonding of subsequent coatings, and on which, a 

subsequent coating is applied.

B. Aerosol Coating Product: A pressurized coating product containing pigments or 

resins 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.

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

District.

A. Antiglare Coating: coating not reflecting light.

D. Assembly Line: An arrangement of industrial equipment and workers in which the 

product passes from one specialized operation to another until complete, by either 

automatic or manual means.

E. Associated Parts and Components: Structures, devices, pieces, modules, sections, 

assemblies, subassemblies, or elements of motor vehicles or mobile equipment that 

are designed to be a part of motor vehicles or mobile equipment but which are not 

attached to motor vehicles or mobile equipment at the time of coating the structure, 

device, piece, module, section, assembly, subassembly, or element. “Associated parts 

and components” does not include circuit boards.

F. Automotive Coating: Any coating or coating component used or recommended for 

use in motor vehicle or mobile equipment refinishing, service, maintenance, repair, 
EKAPCD 410.4 A-2 Draft 3/13/2014

restoration, or modification, except metal plating activities. Any reference to 

automotive refinishing or automotive coating made by a person on the container or in 

product literature constitutes a recommendation for use in motor vehicle or mobile 

equipment refinishing.

G. Automotive Coating Component: Any portion of a coating, including, but not limited 

to, a reducer or thinner, toner, hardener, and additive, which is recommended by any 

person to distributors or end-users for use in an automotive coating, or which is 

supplied for or used in an automotive coating. The raw materials used to produce the 

components are not considered automotive coating components.

H. Automotive Refinishing Facility: Any shop, business, location, or parcel of land 

where motor vehicles or mobile equipment or their associated parts and components 

are coated, including autobody collision repair shops. “Automotive Refinishing 

Facility” does not include the original equipment manufacturing plant where the 

motor vehicle or mobile equipment is completely assembled.

B. Basecoat/Clearcoat System: topcoat system composed of pigmented basecoat 

followed by transparent clearcoat. A basecoat/clearcoat system's Volatile Organic 

Compound (VOC) content shall be calculated using the following formula:

VOC bc/cc = VOC bc + 2 VOC 

cc

3

Where:

VOC bc/cc = sum of VOC content as applied in basecoat (bc) and clearcoat (cc) 

system.

VOC bc = VOC content as applied of any given basecoat.

2 VOC cc = two times VOC content as applied of any given clearcoat.

C. Camouflage Coating: applied on military vehicle or mobile equipment intended to 

conceal such equipment from detection.

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

California Environmental Protection Agency.

D. Catalyst: substance enhancing a reaction between chemical compounds.

J. Cleaning Operations: The removal of loosely held uncured adhesives, inks, coatings, 

or contaminants, including, but not limited to, dirt, soil, or grease, from motor 

vehicles, mobile equipment, associated parts and components, substrates, parts, 

products, tools, machinery, equipment, or general work areas.

K. Clear Coating: Any coating that contains no pigments and is labeled and formulated 

for application over a color coating or clear coating.
EKAPCD 410.4 A-3 Draft 3/13/2014

L. Coating: A material which is applied to a surface and forms a film in order to 

beautify, preserve, repair, or protect such a surface.

M. Color Coating: Any pigmented coating, excluding adhesion promoters, primers, and 

multi-color coatings, that requires a subsequent clear coating and which is applied 

over a primer, adhesion promoter, or color coating. Color coatings include 

metallic/iridescent color coatings.

E. Color Match: ability of a repair coating to blend into an existing coating so color 

differences are not visible.

FN. Electrodeposition: applying Applying an electrically-charged dip coating onto 

object to be coated. 

GO. 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. spraying an electrically-charged coating onto an object.

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

used to reduce VOC emissions from automotive coating operations.

Q. EPA: The United States Environmental Protection Agency.

HR. Exempt Compounds: As defined in District Rulecompounds identified as exempt 

under the definition of volatile organic compounds 102, Subsection L.Definitions, 

“Exempt Compounds”. 

I. Extreme Performance Coating: coating used on surface of Group II Vehicle, Mobile 

Equipment, or their parts or components, intended, during use, to be exposed to any 

of the following during use:

1. Industrial grade detergents, cleaners, or abrasive scouring agents,

2. Unprotected shipboard conditions, or

3. Corrosive environmental conditions.

J. Grams of VOC per Liter of Coating Applied, Excluding Water and Exempt 

Compounds: weight of VOC per combined volume of VOC and coating solids shall 

be calculated using the following equation:

Grams of VOC per Liter of

Coating Applied, Excluding

Water and Exempt Compounds = Ws - Ww - Wec

Vc - Vw – Vec

Where:

Ws = weight of VOC in grams

Ww = weight of water in grams

Wec = weight of exempt compounds in grams

Vc = volume of coating in liters
EKAPCD 410.4 A-4 Draft 3/13/2014

Vw = volume of water in liters

Vec = volume of exempt compounds in liters

K. Grams of VOC per liter of Material: weight of VOC per volume of material using the

following equation:

Grams of VOC per Liter of Material = Ws - Ww - Wec

Vm

Where:

Ws = weight of VOC in grams

Ww = weight of water in grams

Wec = weight of exempt compounds in grams

Vm = volume of material in liters

LS. Graphic Arts Operation: application Application of logos, letters, numbers or 

graphics to a painted surface with or without use of a template. 

M. Group I Vehicle: passenger car, large/heavy duty truck cab and chassis, light and

medium duty truck or van, or motorcycle.

N. Group II Vehicle: bus.

OT. High-Volume, Low-Pressure (HVLP) Spray: Spray equipment permanently 

labeled as such and which is designed and operatedapplying coating using a gun 

operating 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. 

P. Large/Heavy Duty Truck: truck having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating 

of over 10,000 pounds.

Q. Light and Medium Duty Truck or Van: truck or van having a manufacturer's gross

vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.

RU. Metallic/Iridescent Topcoat: coating Coating as applied containing more than 5 

g/1 (0.042 lb/gal) of visible metal or iridescent particles, where such particles are 

visible in the dried film..

V.S. Mobile Equipment: equipment Equipment drawn or capable of being driven on a 

roadway, including, but not limited to a: truck body, truck trailer, utility body, camper 

shell, mobile crane, bulldozer, construction and farm heavy equipment, concrete 

mixers, street cleaner, golf cart, all terrain vehicles, implements of husbandry,

military tank or other tracked military vehicle and hauling equipment used inside and 

around airports, depots, and industrial and commercial plants.

W. Motor Vehicle: As defined in Rule 102, Definitions.
EKAPCD 410.4 A-5 Draft 3/13/2014

T. Multistage Topcoat: topcoat system consisting of basecoat/clearcoat system (twostage) or basecoat/midcoat/clearcoat system (three-stage).

X. Multi-Color Coating: Any coating that exhibits more than one color in the dried film 

after a single application, is packaged in a single container, and hides surface defects 

on areas of heavy use, and which is applied over a primer or adhesion promoter.

UY. Precoat: coating Coating applied to bare metal primarily to deactivate metal 

surface for corrosion resistance and adhesion. For compliance with this Rule, any 

precoat shall be followed by a water-based primer coat.

VZ. Pretreatment Wash PrimerCoating: coating Coating containing a minimum of 

0.5% acid by weight and not more than 16 percent solids by weight, necessary to 

provide surface etching and is labeled and formulated for application, and applied 

directly to bare metal surfaces to provide corrosion resistance and adhesion. 

WAA. Primer: Any coating, which is labeled and formulated for application to a 

substrate to provide 1) a bond between the substrate and subsequent coats, 2) 

corrosion resistance, 3) a smooth substrate surface, or 4) resistance to penetration of 

subsequent coats, and on which a subsequent coating is applied. Primers may be 

pigmented.coating applied prior to application of a topcoat for the purpose of 

corrosion resistance and adhesion of the topcoat.

X. Primer Sealer: coating applied prior to application of a topcoat for the purpose of

corrosion resistance, adhesion of the topcoat, color uniformity, and to promote the

ability of an undercoat to resist penetration by the topcoat.

Y. Primer Surfacer: coating applied prior to application of a topcoat for the purpose of

corrosion resistance, adhesion of the topcoat, and promoting a uniform surface by 

filling in surface imperfections.

Z. Reducer/Thinner: solvent used to thin coating.

AABB. Refinish: coating Coating of vehicles, their parts and components, or mobile 

equipment, including partial body collision repairs, for the purpose of protection or 

beautification and subsequent to the original coating applied at an Original 

Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) plant coating assembly line.

CC. Single-Stage Coating: Any pigmented coating, excluding primers and multi-color 

coatings, labeled and formulated for application without a subsequent clear coat. 

Single-stage coatings include single-stage metallic/iridescent coatings.

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

EE. Spray Booth: Any power ventilated structure of varying dimensions and construction 

provided to enclose or accommodate a spraying operation and which meets the 

Uniform Fire Code. A spray booth shall confine and limit, by dry or wet filtration, the 

escape to the atmosphere of overspray particulate matter, exhaust through filters or 

other air pollution control device approved by the APCO and provide adequate 

ventilation, air velocity, and safety features, as required by the Uniform Fire Code.
EKAPCD 410.4 A-6 Draft 3/13/2014

BBFF. Specialty Coating: coating Coating necessary due to for unusual job performance 

requirements, including, but not limited to, adhesion promoters, uniform finish 

blenders elastomeric materials, gloss flatteners, bright metal trim repair, and antiglare/safety coatings, and cut in or jambing clear coatings.

. 

CCGG. Spot/Panel Repair: nonNon-assembly line process of repairing and restoring a 

portion of a motor vehicle, or associated parts or components of less than 1 square 

foot (929 square centimeters)to predamaged condition.

HH. Surface Preparation: The use of VOC containing solvents applied with cloth, sponge, 

or other medium for the purpose of removing dust, grease, and other contaminants 

from a surface just prior to application of a coating.

II. Temporary Protective Coating: Any coating which is labeled and formulated for the 

purpose of temporarily protecting areas from overspray or mechanical damage.

DD. Three-Stage Coating System: topcoat system composed of pigmented basecoat, 

semitransparent midcoat, and transparent clearcoat. A three-stage coating system's 

VOC content shall be calculated using the following formula:

VOC 3-stage = VOC bc + VOC mc + 2 VOC cc

4

Where:

VOC 3-stage = average VOC content as applied in a three-stage coating system.

VOC bc = VOC content as applied of any given basecoat.

VOC mc = VOC content as applied of any given midcoat.

2 VOC cc = two times VOC content as applied of any given clearcoat.

EEJJ. Topcoat: coating Coating applied over a primer or an original equipment 

manufacturer finish for the purpose of protection or appearance. 

FFKK. Touch-Up Coating: coating A coating used to cover minor coating imperfections 

appearing after the main coating operation.applied by brush, airbrush, detail HVLP 

spray equipment, or hand held, non-refillable aerosol cans to repair minor surface 

damage and imperfections, after main coating process, and not exceeding nine square 

feet per vehicle.

LL. Transfer Efficiency: The amount of coating solids adhering to the object being 

coated divided by the total amount of coating solids sprayed, expressed as a 

percentage.

MM. Truck Bed Liner Coating: Any coating, excluding clear, color, multi-color, and

single stage coatings, labeled and formulated for application to a truck bed to protect 

it from surface abrasion.
EKAPCD 410.4 A-7 Draft 3/13/2014

NN. Underbody Coating: Any coating labeled and formulated for application to wheel 

wells, the inside of door panels or fenders, the underside of a trunk or hood, or the 

underside of the motor vehicle.

OO. Uniform Finish Coating: Any coating labeled and formulated for application to the 

area around a spot repair for the purpose of blending a repaired area’s color or clear 

coat to match the appearance of an adjacent area’s existing coating.

GGPP. Utility Body: special Special purpose service compartment or unit to be bolted, 

welded, or affixed onto an existing cab and chassis. Such compartment may serve as 

storage for equipment or parts. 

HHQQ. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): any Any compound containing at least one 

atom of carbon, excluding Exempt Compounds as listed in Rule 102 Definitions.

except for exempt compounds (see Subsection II.H.).

RR. VOC Content:

1. VOC regulatory for Coatings: VOC in grams per liter of coating, excluding water 

and exempt compounds, and shall be calculated by the following equation:

VOC regulatory content = Wv - Ww - Wec

 Vm - Vw – Vec

2. VOC actual for Coatings: VOC in grams per liter of material shall be calculated 

using the following equation:

VOC actual content = Wv - Ww - Wec

 Vm

3. VOC content for Solvents: VOC in grams per liter of material shall be calculated 

by the following equation:

VOC content = Wv - Ww - Wec

 Vm

Where:

VOC content = amount of volatile organic compounds in grams/liter

Wv = weight of volatiles in grams

Ww = weight of water in grams

Wec = weight of exempt compounds in grams

Vm = volume of material (coating or solvent, as applicable) in liters

Vw = volume of water in liters
EKAPCD 410.4 A-8 Draft 3/13/2014

Vec = volume of exempt compounds in liters

IIIV. Exemptions

A. Requirements of this Rule shall not apply to the following operations: 

1. Graphic Arts Operations as defined in Subsection II.L Section IV.S.

2. Any automotive coating or associated solvent that is offered for sale, sold, or 

supplied in 0.5 fluid ounce or smaller containers intended to be used by the 

general public to repair tiny surface imperfections.

23. Coating operations employing hand-held non-refillable aerosol cans, 18 

oz. or less, provided the area to be covered does not exceed nine square feet per 

vehicle to repair minor surface damage and imperfections.

4. Any automotive coating or associated solvent that is offered for sale, sold, or 

manufactured for use outside of the District or for shipment to other 

manufacturers for reformulation or repackaging.

5. Any coating applied to motor vehicles or mobile equipment, or their associated 

parts and components, during manufacture on an assembly line.

B. Requirements of Section IV.DVI.D (Spray Booth) shall not apply to:

1. Touch-up coating operations as defined in Section II.FFIV.KK, not exceeding 

nine square feet per vehicle. 

2. Coating of motor vehicle engine compartments, engine components, and 

suspension components, provided such components are replaced in the vehicle. 

3. Application of primers, primer surfacers and precoats not exceeding nine square 

feet per vehicle, provided VOC content does not exceed 250 g/l and coatings 

contain no lead or chromium compounds. 

4. Application of coatings to a vehicle, due to shape or size, not reasonably 

contained in a spray booth. To qualify for this exemption a person shall comply 

with the following requirements: 

a. Submit a written request on a case by case basis to the APCO Control Officer 

describing vehicle(s) to be coated, size of spray booth, physical size of 

vehicle(s) (length, width, and height), number of vehicle(s) to be coated, time 

required to paint vehicle(s), estimated volume of coating(s) to be used, date 

when vehicle(s) or mobile equipment is to be coated, and VOC content of 

each coating used; 

b. Such request shall be submitted ten calendar days prior to surface coating a 

motor vehicle or mobile equipment outside a spray booth. The APCO Control 
EKAPCD 410.4 A-9 Draft 3/13/2014

Officer shall provide a written determination to the requester within five 

calendar days of proposed surface coating of the motor vehicle or mobile 

equipment; and 

c. The APCO Control Officer may grant written approval for a specified time 

period, not to exceed one year. 

C. Coating operations and/or facilities exempt from this Rule shall comply with all other 

applicable District prohibitory Rules. 

D. Provisions of Subsections Sections IVI.C. through VI.G. and Section VII. shall not 

apply to coating of one vehicle per twelve month period, by the registered owner of 

the vehicle being painted, provided the surface coating does not contain lead or 

chromium compounds. 

E. Section VI.F, Surface Preparation and Equipment Cleanup Requirements, shall not 

apply to the use of surface preparation solvents to clean plastic parts just prior to 

coating or VOC-containing materials for the removal of wax and grease provided that 

nonaerosol, hand-held spray bottles are used with a maximum solvent VOC content 

of 780 g/l and the total volume of the solvent does not exceed 20 gallons per year per 

facility. Records of solvent usage shall be kept in accordance with Section VII.C.4 of 

this Rule.

IVI. Requirements

A. VOC Content Limits: No person shall apply a coating to any motor vehicle, mobile 

equipment, or its associated parts and components, with a VOC regulatory content, as 

calculated pursuant to Section IV.RR.1, in excess of the limits expressed in Table of 

Standards, except as provided in Sections VI.C and VI.J.

Except as provided by Subsection IV.C., effective on the dates specified, no person shall 

refinish, or spot/panel repair any Group I vehicle, or where color match is required, 

any Group II vehicle, Mobile Equipment, or parts and components of such vehicles or 

equipment, using a coating with VOC content in excess of the following limits as 

applied:

TABLE OF STANDARDS

VOC CONTENT LIMITS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE COATINGS

Content expressed in Grams per Liter (Pounds per Gallon)

Less Water and Exempt Compounds

Coating Category VOC Limit

Adhesion Promoter 540 (4.5)

Cavity Wax 650 (5.4)

Clear Coating 250 (2.1)

Color Coating 420 (3.5)

Deadener 650 (5.4)

Gasket/Gasket Sealing Material 200 (1.7)
EKAPCD 410.4 A-10 Draft 3/13/2014

Lubricating Wax/Compound 700 (5.8)

Multi-Color Coating 680 (5.7)

Pretreatment Coating 660 (5.5)

Primer 250 (2.1)

Sealer 650 (5.4)

Single-Stage Coating 340 (2.8)

Specialty Coating 540 (4.5)

Temporary Protective Coating 60 (0.5)

Truck Bed Liner Coating 200 (1.7)

Trunk Interior Coating 650 (5.4)

Underbody Coating 650 (5.4)

Uniform Finish Coating 540 (4.5)

Any other coating type 250 (2.1)

VOC Content Limits

(Grams of VOC Per Liter of Coating Less Water and

Less Exempt Compounds)

Coating Current Effective 1/1/96

 

Pretreatment 780 g/l 780 g/l

Wash Primer (6.5 lb/gal) (6.5 lb/gal)

 

Primer/Primer 340 250

Surface Precoat (2.8) (2.1)

 

Primer Sealer 420 420

(3.5) (3.5)

 

Multistage Topcoat 600 540

(5.0) (4.5)

 

Singlestage Topcoat 600 420

(5.0) (3.5)

 

Metallic/Iridescent 600 540

Topcoat (5.0) (4.5)

B. VOC Content Limits: Except as provided by Subsection IV.C., effective on the dates 

specified, where color match is not required, no person shall refinish or spot/panel 

repair any Group II vehicle, or Mobile Equipment, or parts and components of such 

vehicle or equipment using a coating with a VOC content in excess of the following 

limits as applied:
EKAPCD 410.4 A-11 Draft 3/13/2014

VOC Content Limits

(Grams of VOC Per Liter of Coating Less Water and

Less Exempt Compounds)

Coating Current Effective 1/1/96

 

Pretreatment 780 g/l 780 g/l

Wash Primer (6.5 lb/gal) (6.5 lb/gal)

 

Primer/Primer Surfaces 340 250

Primer Sealer/Precoat (2.8) (2.1)

 

Topcoat 420 420

(3.5) (3.5)

 

Metallic/Iridescent 420 420

Topcoat (3.5) (3.5)

 

Extreme Performance* 750 420

(6.2) (3.5)

 

Camouflage 420 420

Topcoat (3.5) (3.5)

* Any person seeking to use an extreme performance coating in any application 

subject to this Rule shall comply with requirements of Subsection V.A.

B. Most Restrictive VOC Limit: If anywhere on the container of any automotive 

coating, or any label or sticker affixed to the container, or in any sales, advertising, or 

technical literature supplied by a person, any representation is made that indicates that 

the coating meets the definition of or is recommended for use for more than one of 

the coating categories listed in Table of Standards, then the lowest VOC content limit 

shall apply.

C. Alternate Emission Control: In lieu of complying with VOC content limits specified 

in subsections IV.A. and IV.B.Table of Standards, air pollutionan emission control 

equipment 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 Air Pollution 

Control Officer (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.

with a capture efficiency of at least 85% and a control efficiency of at least 90% may be 

used.

D. Spraybooth Booth: All surface coatings subject to this Rule shall be applied within a 

permitted, properly maintained, and operational paint spray booth located at a site 

with proper city or county zoning. 
EKAPCD 410.4 A-12 Draft 3/13/2014

E. Coating Application Methods Equipment Requirements: No person shall coat apply

any coating to any Group I or Group II Vehicle,motor vehicle, or Mobile mobile 

Equipmentequipment, or associated parts and components of such vehicles and 

equipment, unless one of the following application methods is used: 

1. Brush, dip, flow, or roll coating conducted in accordance with manufacturer's 

recommendations, 

2. Electrostatic or electrodeposition application conducted in accordance with 

manufacturer's recommendations, 

3. High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray equipment operated in accordance 

with manufacturer's recommendations, or

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

meets the HVLP definition in Section IV.T 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.

45. Other Any alternative coating application method which has been 

demonstrated to achieve at least 65% transfer efficiency or the equivalent 

efficiency of an HVLP and approved, in writing, by APCO. , for example, flow or 

continuous coating.

Section VI.E does not apply to underbody coatings, graphic arts operations, truck bed 

liner coatings, or any coating use of less than one (1) fluid ounce (29.6 milliliters).

F. 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 are used: 

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

calculated pursuant to Section IV.RR.3, unless Section V.E applies.

1. Surface Cleaning: No material shall be used containing VOC in excess of 200 

grams per liter (1.7 lb/gal) of material to remove dirt, oils, or other contaminants 

prior to application of surface coatings or adhesives.

2. Stripping: No material shall be used containing VOC in excess of 200 grams per 

liter of material to strip any coating.

32. 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). 
EKAPCD 410.4 A-13 Draft 3/13/2014

4. Cleaning of Polyester Resin Application Equipment: Solvents used for cleaning 

polyester resin application equipment shall comply with one of the limits 

specified below:

a. Solvent shall have a VOC content of 200 grams or less per liter (1.7 lb/gal); or

b. Solvent shall have a VOC content of 1100 grams or less per liter (9.2 lb/gal) 

and a VOC composite partial pressure of 1.0 mm Hg or less at 20/C (68/F).

52. Cleaning Devices and Methods Requirements: 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 spray guns, cups, nozzles, bowls, and other parts 

during washing, rinsing, and draining procedures; 

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 cleaning solvent into a container closed 

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 into containers without atomizing into open 

air. Solvent may be flushed through the system by air or hydraulic pressure, or 

by pumping. 

G. Storage and Disposal: Regardless of VOC content, all automotive coating 

components, automotive coatings, and solvents VOC-containing materials used in 

solvent cleaning operations, such as solvents, and cloth and paper moistened with 

solvents, shall be stored in non-absorbent, non-leakingvapor-tight containers kept 

closed at all times except when filling or emptying. 
EKAPCD 410.4 A-14 Draft 3/13/2014

H. Prohibition of Sale or Manufacture: No person shall manufacture, blend, repackage 

for sale, supply, sell, offer for sale or sell distribute within the District any coating 

with a VOC content in excess of the limits specified in Section VI.A.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a person may manufacture, blend, 

repackage for sale, supply, sell, offer for sale, or distribute a coating with a VOC 

content in excess of the limits specified in section VI.A under the following 

circumstances and provided all of the requirements of section VII.C.6 are also met:

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.

1. The coating is used exclusively within an emission control system as allowed in 

Section VI.C, or

2. Coating is exempt under one or more of the provisions of Section V.A.

I. Prohibition of Specification: No person shall solicit or require for the use of, or 

specify the application of aor use of any coating or solvent on a Group I Vehicle or 

Group II Vehicle motor vehicle and or Mobile mobile Equipment equipment, or its 

associated parts and components, if such use or application results in a violation of 

provisions of this Rule. This prohibition shall apply to all written or oral contracts, 

including but not limited to, job orders, under the terms of which any coating or 

solvent subject to provisions of this Rule is to be applied. This prohibition shall not 

apply to coatings or solvents that meet the criteria specified in Section VI.H. to any 

vehicle, mobile equipment or part or component at any physical location within the 

District.

J. 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.

J. Specialty Coatings: No person shall use any specialty coating with a VOC content in 

excess of 840 g/l (7.0 lbs/gal), excluding water and exempt compounds. Where use of 

specialty coatings, except antiglare/safety coatings, exceeds one gallon per day, use of 

such coatings shall not exceed 5.0 percent of all coatings applied on a daily basis.

VII. Administrative Requirements

A. Compliance Statement Requirement

1. For each individual automotive coating or automotive coating component, the 

manufacturer and repackager shall include the following information on product 

data sheets, or an equivalent medium:

a. The VOC actual for coatings and VOC regulatory for coatings, expressed in 

grams per liter;
EKAPCD 410.4 A-15 Draft 3/13/2014

b. The weight percentage of volatiles, water, and exempt compounds;

c. The volume percentage of water and exempt compounds; and,

d. The density of the material (in grams per liter).

2. For each individual ready to spray mixture (based on the manufacturer’s and 

repackager’s stated mix ratio), the manufacturer and repackager shall include the 

following information on product data sheets, or an equivalent medium:

a. The VOC actual for coatings and VOC regulatory for coatings, expressed in 

grams per liter;

b. The weight percentage of volatiles, water, and exempt compounds;

c. The volume percentage of water and exempt compounds; and,

d. The density of the material (in grams per liter).

3. The manufacturer and repackager of solvents subject to this rule shall include the 

VOC content as supplied, calculated pursuant to section IV.RR.3, expressed in 

grams per liter, on product data sheets, or an equivalent medium.

AB. Labeling Requirements

1. VOC Content: The manufacturer and repackager of automotive coatings or

automotive coating components shall include on all containers the applicable use 

category(ies), and the VOC actual for coatings and VOC regulatory for coatings, 

as supplied, expressed in grams per liter. Each container (or accompanying data 

sheet) of any coating subject to this Rule and manufactured after May 6, 1992 

shall display maximum VOC content of the coating as applied, including coating 

components and after any thinning as recommended by the manufacturer. VOC 

content shall be displayed as grams of VOC per liter less water and exempt 

compounds. VOC content displayed shall be determined using Subsection VI.A. 

test methods or calculated using product formulation data if U.S. EPA approves 

this as equivalent to Subsection VI.A.

2. Thinning Recommendations: The manufacturer and repackager of solvents 

subject to this rule shall include on all containers the VOC content for solvents, as 

supplied, expressed in grams per liter. 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.

BC. Record Keeping Requirements

Any person who uses coatings or solvents, subject to this rule, shall maintain and 

have the following available on site at all times:subject to Section IV. or Subsection 

V.B. shall maintain and have available during an inspection:
EKAPCD 410.4 A-16 Draft 3/13/2014

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

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 (coating as listed in Table of Standards) and specific use 

instructions, for example, "Group I single stage topcoat or precoat shall be 

applied to bare metal and followed with compliant primer",

d. Specific mixing instructions, 

e. Maximum VOC actual and VOC regulatory for content of coatings, as 

applied, or VOC content for solventincluding thinning solvents, hardeners, 

etc., excluding water and exempt compounds, and 

f. Coating composition and density.

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 type (as listed in Table of Standards), 

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 VI.C., including, but not limited to, temperatures, 

pressure drops, and air flow rates.
EKAPCD 410.4 A-17 Draft 3/13/2014

6. Record Keeping Requirements for Prohibition of Sale: Any person claiming an 

exception specified in Section VI.H shall keep a detailed log of each automotive 

coating component and automotive coating manufactured, blended, repackaged 

for sale, supplied, sold, offered for sale, or distributed showing:

a. The quantity manufactured, blended, repackaged for sale, supplied, sold, 

offered for sale, or distributed, including size and number of containers;

b. The VOC regulatory for coatings;

c. The VOC actual for coatings;

d. To whom they were supplied, sold, offered for sale, or distributed, or for 

whom they were manufactured, blended, or repackaged for sale including the 

name, address, phone number; and,

e. The specific exception being utilized under Section VI.C.

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

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

2. Daily job and coating and solvent use records, including the following 

information:

a. Each type of vehicle, equipment, part or component coated. Vehicle types are 

the following:

1) Group I Vehicle,

2) Group I Vehicle with lacquer,

3) Group II Vehicle and Mobile Equipment with color match, or

4) Group II Vehicle and Mobile Equipment with no color match;

b. Specific coatings used on each job, e.g. pretreatment wash primer, precoat, 

topcoat;

c. Volume in liters (or gallons) of each component and mix ratio;

d. VOC content in grams/liter (or pounds/gallon) as applied/used;

e. Specific solvents used;

f. Volume of each solvent used in liters (or gallons); and

g. Primers and primer surfacers mixed for use on multiple vehicles may be 

recorded as single line item including all information required in Subsections 

V.2.c. through V.2.f., above.

3. Capture and control equipment operating records, if applicable, including:
EKAPCD 410.4 A-18 Draft 3/13/2014

a. Periods of operation corresponding to use records kept for Subsection V.B.2. 

showing control equipment was used as necessary,

b. Key system operating parameters showing operation as required to comply 

with this Rule and as intended by manufacturer,

c. Date performed, and description of all control system maintenance.

4. Purchase records showing date, type, and amount of VOC containing material. All 

records shall be maintained for three years and made available for inspection by 

the Control Officer upon request.

VIII. 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.

EA. Measurement of Acid Content: - Measure of Acid acid content of Pre-Treatment 

Wash Primers shall be conducted and reported in accordance withdetermined by 

using ASTM D1613-85 03 “Standard Test Method for Acidity in Volatile Solvents 

and Chemical Intermediates used Used in Paint, Varnish, Lacquer, and Related 

Products” (October 2003). 

AB. Analysis of Samples: - Samples of VOC as specified in this Rule shall be 

analyzed by U.S. 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”.and 

analysis Analysis of halogenated exempt compounds shall be conducted using 

CARB Method 432 422, “Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in 

Emissions from Stationary Sources” (September 12, 1990).or ASTM D4457-85 and 

be consistent with provisions set forth in the Federal Register (FR. Vol. 56, No. 52, 

March 18, 1991).

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.

BE. Determination of Emissions: - Emissions of VOC shall be measured by U.S. 

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).
EKAPCD 410.4 A-19 Draft 3/13/2014

C. Determination of Capture Efficiency - Where add-on control equipment is utilized, 

capture efficiency shall be determined in accordance with 40 CFR 52.741.

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” (February 1993).

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).

DH. Quantification of Metallic Content/Iridescent Topcoat: - Quantification of 

coating as The a metallic/iridescent topcoat content of a coating shall be determined 

by South Coast Air Quality Management District "Test Method 311318-9195", "

Determination of Weight Percent Elemental Metal in Coatings by X-ray” (July

1996).Analysis of percent Metals in Metallic Coatings by Spectrographic Method".

FI. Demonstration of Transfer Efficiency: - Spray equipment transferTransfer efficiency 

shall be demonstrated determined by using South Coast Air Quality Management 

District Method "Spray Equipment Transfer Efficiency Test Procedure for Equipment 

User", (May 24, 1989). 

GJ. Determination of VOC Composite Partial Pressures: - VOC composite partial 

pressures shall be determined using either manufacturer's information regarding 

formulation or using ASTM Methods E168-92, E169-9304, Standard Practices for 

General Techniques of Ultraviolet-Visible Quantitative Analysis or E260-91 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 D2879-8610

Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure-Temperature Relationship and Initial 

Decomposition Temperature of Liquids by Isoteniscope.

HK. Determination of VOC Emissions From from Spray Gun Cleaning Systems: -

VOC emissions shall be determined using South coast Coast Air Quality 

Management districtAQMD "General Test Method for Determining Solvent Losses 

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

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