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RULE 4601 ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS (Adopted April 11, 1991; Amended 

December 17, 1992; Amended September 17, 1997; Amended October 31, 

2001, Amended December 17, 2009) 

1.0 Purpose 

 The purpose of this rule is to limit VOC emissions from architectural coatings. This 

rule specifies architectural coatings storage, cleanup, and labeling requirements. 

2.0 Applicability 

 This rule is applicable to any person who supplies, sells, offers for sale, applies, or 

solicits the application of any architectural coating, or who manufactures, blends or 

repackages any architectural coating for use within the District. 

3.0 Definitions 

3.1 Adhesive: Any chemical substance that is applied for the purpose of bonding 

two surfaces together other than by mechanical means. 

3.2 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. 

3.3 Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO): as defined in Rule 1020 (Definitions). 

3.4 Air Resources Board (ARB): as defined in Rule 1020 (Definitions). 

3.5 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 Section 6.3.8. 

3.6 Antenna Coating: A coating labeled and formulated exclusively for application 

to equipment and associated structural appurtenances that are used to receive or 

transmit electromagnetic signals. Effective January 1, 2011, the Antenna 

coating category is eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will be 

subject to the VOC limit for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, 

except as provided in Section 5.2. 
 4601 - 2 	
	
 

3.7 Antifouling Coating: A coating labeled and formulated for application to 

submerged stationary structures and their appurtenances to prevent or reduce the 

attachment of marine or freshwater biological organisms. To qualify as an 

antifouling coating, the coating must be registered with both the U.S. EPA 

under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. Section 

136, et seq.) and with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. 

Effective January 1, 2011, the Antifouling coating category is eliminated and 

coatings meeting this definition will be subject to the VOC limit for the 

applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, except as provided in Section 

5.2. 

3.8 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. 

3.9 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. 

3.10 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: 

3.10.1 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 Section 6.3.18. 

3.10.2 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 

Section 6.3.24. 

3.11 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. 
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3.12 Bituminous Roof Coating: A coating which incorporates bitumens that is labeled 

and formulated exclusively for roofing. 

3.13 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 adhesion of subsequent surface 

components. 

3.14 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. 

3.15 Clear Brushing Lacquers: Clear wood finishes, excluding clear lacquer sanding 

sealers, formulated with nitrocellulose or synthetic resins to dry by solvent 

evaporation without chemical reaction and to provide a solid, protective film, 

which are intended exclusively for application by brush, and which are labeled 

as specified in Section 6.1. Effective January 1, 2011, the Clear Brushing 

Lacquers coating category is eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will 

be subject to the VOC limit for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 

2, except as provided in Section 5.2. 

3.16 Clear Wood Coatings: Clear and semi-transparent coatings, including lacquers 

and varnishes, applied to wood substrates to provide a transparent or translucent 

solid film. Effective January 1, 2011, the Clear Wood coating category is 

eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will be subject to the VOC limit 

for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, except as provided in 

Section 5.2. 

3.17 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. 

3.18 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. 

3.19 Concrete Curing Compound: A coating labeled and formulated for application to 

freshly poured concrete to retard the evaporation of water, or harden or 

dustproof the surface of freshly poured concrete. 

3.20 Concrete/Masonry Sealer: A clear or opaque coating that is labeled and 

formulated primarily for application to concrete and masonry surfaces to prevent 

penetration of water, provide resistance against abrasion, alkalis, acids, mildew, 

staining, or ultraviolet light, or harden or dustproof the surface of aged or cured 

concrete. 
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3.21 Driveway Sealer: A coating labeled and formulated for application to worn 

asphalt driveway surfaces to fill cracks, seal the surface to provide protection, 

or to restore or preserve the appearance. 

3.22 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. 

3.23 EPA: United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

3.24 Exempt Compound: A compound identified as exempt under the definition of 

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), as defined in Rule 1020 (Definitions) 

3.25 Faux Finishing Coating: A coating labeled and formulated to meet one or more 

of the following criteria: 

3.25.1 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 

3.25.2 A decorative coating used to create a metallic, iridescent, or pearlescent 

appearance and 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 

3.25.3 A decorative coating used to create a metallic appearance and 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 in 

accordance with SCAQMD Method 318-95, incorporated by reference in 

Section 6.3.8; or 

3.25.4 A decorative coating used to create a metallic appearance and 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 Section 6.3.8; or 

3.25.5 A clear topcoat to seal and protect a Faux Finishing coating that meets 

the requirements of Sections 3.25.1, 3.25.2, 3.25.3, or 3.25.4. These 

clear topcoats must be sold and used solely as part of a Faux Finishing 

coating system, and must be labeled in accordance with Section 6.1.4. 
 4601 - 5 	
	
 

3.26 Fire-Resistive Coating: 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 coating 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. The fire-resistant coatings shall be tested in accordance with 

ASTM E119-07, incorporated by reference in Section 6.3.6. Fire Resistive 

coatings and testing agencies must be approved by building code officials. 

3.27 Fire-Retardant Coating: A coating labeled and formulated to retard ignition and 

flame spread, that has been fire tested and rated by a testing agency approved by 

building code officials for use in bringing building and construction materials 

into compliance with federal, state and local building code requirements. The 

fire-retardant coating and the testing agency must be approved by building code 

officials. The fire-retardant coating shall be tested in accordance with ASTM 

E84-07 incorporated by reference in Section 6.3.5. Effective January 1, 2011, 

the Fire-Retardant Coating category is eliminated and coatings meeting this 

definition will be subject to the VOC limit for the applicable category in the 

Table of Standards 2, except as provided in Section 5.2. 

3.28 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 D523-89 (1999), incorporated by reference 

in Section 6.3.7. 

3.29 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. 

3.30 Flow Coating: A coating labeled and formulated exclusively for use by electric 

power companies or their subcontractors to maintain the protective coating 

systems present on utility transformer units. Effective January 1, 2011, the Flow 

coating category is eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will be 

subject to the VOC limit for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, 

except as provided in Section 5.2. 

3.31 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. 

3.32 Graphic Arts Coating or Sign Paint: A coating labeled and formulated for handapplication 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. 

 
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 3.33 High-Temperature Coating: A high performance coating labeled and formulated 

for application to substrates exposed continuously or intermittently to 

temperatures above 204oC (400oF). 

3.34 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 Sections 3.34.1 

through 3.34.5 and labeled as specified in Section 6.1: 

3.34.1 Immersion in water, wastewater, or chemical solutions (aqueous and 

non-aqueous solutions), or chronic exposure of interior surfaces to 

moisture condensation; or 

3.34.2 Acute or chronic exposure to corrosive, caustic or acidic agents, or to 

chemicals, chemical fumes, or chemical mixtures or solutions; or 

3.34.3 Frequent exposure to temperatures above 121oC (250oF); or 

3.34.4 Frequent heavy abrasion, including mechanical wear and frequent 

scrubbing with industrial solvents, cleansers, or scouring agents; or 

3.34.5 Exterior exposure of metal structures and structural components. 

3.35 Lacquer: A clear or opaque wood coating, including clear lacquer sanding 

sealers, formulated with cellulosic or synthetic resins to dry by evaporation 

without chemical reaction and to provide a solid, protective film. Effective 

January 1, 2011, the Lacquer category is eliminated and coatings meeting this 

definition will be subject to the VOC limit for the applicable category in the 

Table of Standards 2, except as provided in Section 5.2. 

3.36 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 pursuant to VOC Actual. 

3.37 Magnesite Cement Coating: A coating labeled and formulated for application to 

magnesite cement decking to protect the magnesite cement substrate from 

erosion by water. 

3.38 Manufacturer’s Maximum Thinning Recommendation: The maximum 

recommendation for thinning that is indicated on the label or lid of the coating 

container. 
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 3.39 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. 

3.40 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. 

3.41 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 Section 6.3.8. The 

metallic Pigmented Coating category does not include coatings applied to roofs, 

or Zinc-Rich Primers. 

3.42 Multi-Color Coating: A coating that is packaged in a single container and that is 

labeled and formulated to exhibits more than one color when applied in a single 

coat. 

3.43 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 D523-89 (1999), incorporated 

by reference in Section 6.3.7. 

3.44 Nonflat - High Gloss Coating: A nonflat coating that registers a gloss of 70 or 

greater on a 60-degree meter according to ASTM D523-89 (1999), incorporated 

by reference in Section 6.3.7. Nonflat – High Gloss Coatings must be labeled 

in accordance with Section 6.1.12. 

3.45 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. 

3.46 Pearlescent: Exhibiting various colors depending on the angles of illumination 

and viewing, as observed in mother-of-pearl. 

3.47 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. 
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3.48 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. 

3.49 Pre-Treatment Wash Primer: A primer that contains a minimum of 0.5 percent 

acid, by weight, when tested in accordance with ASTM D1613-06 incorporated 

by reference in Section 6.3.9, that is labeled and formulated for application 

directly to bare metal surfaces to provide corrosion resistance and to promote 

adhesion of subsequent topcoats. 

3.50 Primer, Sealer, and Undercoater: A coating labeled and formulated to provide a 

firm bond between the substrate and the subsequent coatings, prevent 

subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate, prevent harm to 

subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate, provide a smooth surface for 

the subsequent application of coatings, provide a clear finish coat to seal the 

substrate, or to block materials from penetrating into or leaching out of a 

substrate. 

3.51 Quick-Dry Enamel: A nonflat coating that is labeled as specified in Section 6.1 

and that is formulated to have the following characteristics: 

3.51.1 Is capable of being applied directly from the container under normal 

conditions with ambient temperatures between 16 and 27oC (60 and 

80oF); 

3.51.2 Sets to touch in 2 hours or less, is tack free in 4 hours or less, and dries 

hard in 8 hours or less by the mechanical test method; and 

3.51.3 Has a dried film gloss of 70 or above on a 60 degree meter. 

3.51.4 Effective January 1, 2011, the Quick-Dry Enamel coating category is 

eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will be subject to the 

VOC limit for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, except 

as provided in Section 5.2. 

3.52 Quick-Dry Primer, Sealer, and Undercoater: A primer, sealer, or undercoater 

that is dry to the touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated in 2 hours when tested 

in accordance with ASTM D1640-95 incorporated by reference in Section 

6.3.10. Effective January 1, 2011, the Quick-Dry Primer, Sealer, and 

Undercoater coating category is eliminated and coatings meeting this definition 

will be subject to the VOC limit for the applicable category in the Table of 

Standards 2, except as provided in Section 5.2. 
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3.53 Reactive Penetrating Sealer: A clear or pigmented coating that is formulated for 

application to above-grade 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 with a hydrophobic coating, 

but do not form a surface film. Reactive Penetrating Sealers must meet all of 

the following criteria: 

3.53.1 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 Section 6.3.25: ASTM C67-07, or ASTM C97-02, or 

ASTM C140-06; and 

3.53.2 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 Section 6.3.26; and 

3.53.3 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 Section 6.3.27. 

3.53.4 Reactive Penetrating Sealers must be labeled in accordance with Section 

6.1.10. 

3.54 Recycled Coating: An architectural coating formulated such that it contains a 

minimum of 50 percent by volume post-consumer coating, with a maximum of 

50 percent by volume secondary industrial materials or virgin materials. 

3.55 Residential: Areas where people reside or lodge, including, but not limited to, 

single and multiple family dwellings, condominiums, mobile homes, apartment 

complexes, motels, and hotels. 

3.56 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. 
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3.57 Rust Preventative Coating: A coating formulated to prevent the corrosion of 

metal surfaces for direct-to-metal coating or a coating intended for application 

over rusty, previously coated surfaces. The Rust Preventative category does not 

include coatings that are required to be applied as a topcoat over a primer; or 

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 Section 6.1.7. 

3.58 Sanding Sealer: A clear or semi-transparent wood coating labeled and 

formulated for application to bare wood to seal the wood and to provide a coat 

that can be abraded to create a smooth surface for subsequent applications of 

coatings. A sanding sealer that also meets the definition of a lacquer is not 

included in this category, but is included in the lacquer category. Effective 

January 1, 2011, the Sanding Sealer coating category is eliminated and coatings 

meeting this definition will be subject to the VOC limit for the applicable 

category in the Table of Standards 2, except as provided in Section 5.2. 

3.59 Secondary Industrial Materials: Products or by-products of the paint 

manufacturing process that are of known composition and have economic value 

but can no longer be used for their intended purpose. 

3.60 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. 

3.61 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. 

3.62 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). 

 3.63 Solicit: To require for use or to specify, by written or oral contract. 

 3.64 Specialty Primer, Sealer, and Undercoater: 

3.64.1 Effective through December 31, 2011: A coating labeled as specified in 

Section 6.1 and that is formulated for application to a substrate to seal 

fire, smoke or water damage; to condition excessively chalky surfaces, 

or to block stains. An excessively chalky surface is one that is defined 

as having a chalk rating of four or less as determined by ASTM D4214-

98, incorporated by reference in Section 6.3.11. Specialty Primers, 
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Sealers, and Undercoaters must be labeled in accordance with Section 

6.1.8. 

 

3.64.2 Effective on and after January 1, 2012: A coating that is formulated for 

application to a substrate to block water-soluble stains resulting from: 

fire damage, smoke damage, or water damage. Specialty Primers, 

Sealers, and Undercoaters must be labeled in accordance with Section 

6.1.8. 

3.65 Stain: A semitransparent or opaque coating labeled and formulated to change 

the color of a surface but not conceal the grain pattern or texture. 

3.66 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 Section 6.3.28. Stone 

Consolidants are for professional use only and must be labeled as such, in 

accordance with the labeling requirements in Section 6.1.11. 

3.67 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. 

3.68 Swimming Pool Repair and Maintenance Coating: A rubber based coating 

labeled and formulated to be used over existing rubber based coatings for the 

repair and maintenance of swimming pools. Effective January 1, 2011, the 

Swimming Pool Repair and Maintenance coating category is eliminated and 

coatings meeting this definition will be subject to the VOC limit for the 

applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, except as provided in Section 

5.2. 

3.69 Temperature-Indicator Safety Coating: A coating labeled and formulated as a 

color-changing indicator coating for the purpose of monitoring the temperature 

and safety of the substrate, underlying piping, or underlying equipment, and for 

application to substrates exposed continuously or intermittently to temperatures 

above 204oC (400oF). Effective January 1, 2011, the Temperature-Indicator 

Safety coating category is eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will be 

subject to the VOC limit for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, 

except as provided in Section 5.2. 

3.70 Tint Base: An architectural coating to which colorant is added after packaging 

in sale units to produce a desired color. 
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3.71 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. 

3.72 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: 

3.72.1 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 

Section 6.3.20; and 

3.72.2 The coating must have a weight loss of 20 milligrams or less after 1,000 

cycles. This must be determined with CS-17 wheels on bonderite 1000, 

in accordance with ASTM D4060-07, incorporated by reference in 

Section 6.3.21; and 

3.72.3 The coating must withstand 1,000 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 Section 6.3.22; and 

3.72.4 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 Section 6.3.19. 

3.73 Varnish: A clear or semi-transparent wood coating, excluding lacquers and 

shellacs, formulated to dry by chemical reaction on exposure to air. Varnishes 

may contain small amounts of pigment to color a surface, or to control the final 

sheen or gloss of the finish. Effective January 1, 2011, the Varnish coating 

category is eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will be subject to the 

VOC limit for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, except as 

provided in Section 5.2. 

3.74 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. 

 3.75 Virgin Materials: Materials that contain no post-consumer coatings or 

secondary industrial materials. 

3.76 Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): as defined in Rule 1020 (Definitions). 
 4601 - 13 	
	
 

3.77 VOC Actual: the weight of VOC per volume of coating. VOC Actual applies 

to coatings in the Low Solids Coatings category 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

3.78 VOC Content: The weight of VOC per volume of coating VOC Content is 

VOC Regulatory, as defined in Section 3.79, 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 Section 3.77. If the coating is a multicomponent 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.

3.79 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 

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
 4601 - 14 	
	
 

3.80 Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealer: A clear or pigmented film-forming 

coating that is labeled and formulated for sealing concrete and masonry to 

provide resistance against water, alkalis, acids, ultraviolet light, and staining. 

Effective January 1, 2011, the Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealer 

category is eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will be subject to the 

VOC limit for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, except as 

provided in Section 5.2. 

 

 3.81 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. 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.). Waterproofing Membranes must meet the 

following criteria: 

3.81.1 Coating must be applied in a single coat of at least 25 mils (at least 0.025 

inch) dry film thickness; and 

3.81.2 Coatings must meet or exceed the requirements contained in ASTM 

C836-06, incorporated by reference in Section 6.3.23. 

3.82 Waterproofing Sealer: A coating labeled and formulated for application to a 

porous substrate for the primary purpose of preventing the penetration of water. 

Effective January 1, 2011, the Waterproofing Sealer coating category is 

eliminated and coatings meeting this definition will be subject to the VOC limit 

for the applicable category in the Table of Standards 2, except as provided in 

Section 5.2. 

3.83 Wood Coatings: 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 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 Section 6.1.13. 
 4601 - 15 	
	
 

3.84 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 States Code 

(U.S.C.) Section 136, et seq.) and with the California Department of Pesticide 

Regulation. 

3.85 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. 

3.86 Zinc-Rich Primer: A coating that contains at least 65 percent metallic zinc 

powder or zinc dust by weight of total solids, and is formulated for application 

to metal substrates to provide a firm bond between the substrate and subsequent 

applications of coatings. Zinc-Rich Primers are intended for professional use 

only and are labeled as such, in accordance with the labeling requirements in 

Section 6.1.14.

4.0 Exemptions 

 4.1 The provisions of this rule shall not apply to: 

 4.1.1 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. 

 

 4.1.2 Any aerosol coating product. 

 

 4.2 With the exception of Section 6.2, the provisions of this rule shall not apply to 

any architectural coating that is sold in a container with a volume of one liter 

(1.057 quarts) or less. 

 

5.0 Requirements 

5.1 VOC Content Limits: Except as provided in Sections 5.2 and 5.3, no person 

shall: manufacture, blend, or repackage for use within the District; or supply, 

sell, or offer for sale within the District; or solicit for application or apply 

within the District any architectural coating with a VOC content in excess of the 

corresponding limit specified in the Table of Standards 1 or the Table of 

Standards 2, after the specified effective date in the Table of Standards 1 or the 

Table of Standards 2. Limits are expressed as VOC Regulatory, thinned to the 

manufacturer’s maximum thinning recommendation, excluding any colorant 

added to tint bases. 

 
 4601 - 16 	
	
 

5.2 Most Restrictive VOC Limit: If a coating meets the definition in Section 3.0 for 

one or more specialty coating categories listed in the Table of Standards 1 or the 

Table of Standards 2, 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 the Table of Standards 1 

or the Table of Standards 2. 

 

 5.2.1 Effective until December 31, 2010, with the exception of the specialty 

coating categories specified in Section 5.2.3.1 through 5.2.3.15, if a 

coating is recommended for use in more than one of the specialty coating 

categories listed in the Table of Standards 1, the most restrictive (or 

lowest) VOC content limit shall apply. 

 5.2.2 Effective on and after January 1, 2011, with the exception of the 

specialty coating categories specified in Sections 5.2.3.2, 5.2.3.3, 

5.2.3.5 through 5.2.3.9, and 5.2.3.14 through 5.2.3.18, if a coating is 

recommended for use in more than one of the specialty coating 

categories listed in the Table of Standards 2, the most restrictive (or 

lowest) VOC content limit shall apply. 

 5.2.3 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. 

 5.2.3.1 Lacquer coatings (including lacquer sanding sealers) 

 5.2.3.2 Metallic pigmented coatings 

 5.2.3.3 Shellacs 

 5.2.3.4 Fire-retardant coatings 

 5.2.3.5 Pretreatment wash primers 

 5.2.3.6 Industrial maintenance coatings 

 5.2.3.7 Low-solids coatings 

 5.2.3.8 Wood preservatives 

 5.2.3.9 High temperature coatings 

 5.2.3.10 Temperature-indicator safety coatings 

 5.2.3.11 Antenna coatings 

 5.2.3.12 Antifouling coatings 

 5.2.3.13 Flow coatings 

 5.2.3.14 Bituminous roof primers 

 5.2.3.15 Specialty primers, sealers and undercoaters 

 5.2.3.16 Aluminum roof coatings 

 5.2.3.17 Zinc-rich primers 

 5.2.3.18 Wood Coatings 
 4601 - 17 	
	
 

5.3 Sell-Through of Coatings: 

 A coating manufactured prior to the effective date specified for that coating in 

the Table of Standards 1 or the Table of Standards 2, 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 the Table of Standards 1 or the Table of Standards 2 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 Section 5.3 does not apply to any coating that does not 

display the date or date code required by Section 6.1.1. 

 

 5.4 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. 

 5.5 Thinning: No person who applies or solicits the application of any architectural 

coating shall apply a coating that is thinned to exceed the applicable VOC limit 

specified in the Table of Standards 1 or the Table of Standards 2. 

 

5.6 Rust Preventative Coatings: Effective through December 31, 2010, no person 

shall apply or solicit the application of any rust preventative coating for 

industrial use, unless such a rust preventative coating complies with the 

industrial maintenance coating VOC limit specified in the Table of Standards 1. 

 5.7 Coatings Not Listed in the Table of Standards 1 or the Table of Standards 2: 

For any coating that does not meet any of the definitions for the specialty 

coatings categories listed in the Table of Standards 1 or the Table of Standards 

2, the VOC content limit shall be determined by classifying the coating as a 

Flat, Nonflat, or Nonflat – High Gloss coating, based on its gloss, and the 

corresponding Flat, Nonflat, or Nonflat – High Gloss VOC limit in the Table of 

Standards 1 or the Table of Standards 2 shall apply. 

 5.8 Prior to January 1, 2011, any coating that meets a definition in Section 3.0 for a 

coating category listed in the Table of Standards 2 and complies with the 

applicable VOC limit in the Table of Standards 2 and with Sections 5.2 and 6.1 

(including those provision of Section 6.1 otherwise effective on January 1, 

2011) shall be considered in compliance with this rule. 
 4601 - 18 	
	
 

TABLE OF STANDARDS 1 (Effective through 12/31/10) 

Limits are expressed in grams of VOC per litera of coating thinned to the manufacturer’s 

maximum recommendation, excluding the volume of any water, exempt compounds, or 

colorant added to tint bases. Manufacturer’s maximum recommendation means the maximum 

recommendation for thinning that is indicated on the label or lid of the coating container. 

COATING CATEGORY 

Effective Date: 

1/1/2003 

Flat Coatings 100 

Nonflat Coatings 150 

Nonflat - High Gloss Coatings 250 

Specialty Coatings 

Antenna Coatings 530 

Antifouling Coatings 400 

Bituminous Roof Coatings 300 

Bituminous Roof Primers 350 

Bond Breakers 350 

Clear Wood Coatings: 

Clear Brushing Lacquers 680 

Lacquers (including lacquer sanding sealers) 550 

Sanding Sealers (other than lacquer sanding 

sealers) 350 

Varnishes 350 

Concrete Curing Compounds 350 

Dry Fog Coatings 400 

Faux Finishing Coatings 350 

Fire Resistive Coatings 350 

Fire-Retardant Coatings: 

 Clear 650 

 Opaque 350 

Floor Coatings 250 

Flow Coatings 420 

Form-Release Compounds 250 

Graphic Arts Coatings (Sign Paints) 500 

High Temperature Coatings 420 

Industrial Maintenance Coatings 250 

Low Solids Coatings 120b

Magnesite Cement Coatings 450 

Mastic Texture Coatings 300 

Metallic Pigmented Coatings 500 

Multi-Color Coatings 250 
 4601 - 19 	
	
 

TABLE OF STANDARDS 1, continued (Effective through 12/31/10)

COATING CATEGORY 

Effective Date: 

1/1/2003 

Pre-Treatment Wash Primers 420 

Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 200 

Quick-Dry Enamels 250 

Quick-Dry Primers, Sealers and Undercoaters 200 

Recycled Coatings 250 

Roof Coatings 250 

Rust Preventative Coatings 400 

Shellacs: 

 Clear 730 

 Opaque 550 

Specialty Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 350 

Stains 250 

Swimming Pool Coatings 340 

Swimming Pool Repair and Maintenance Coatings 340 

Temperature-Indicator Safety Coatings 550 

Traffic Marking Coatings 150 

Waterproofing Sealers 250 

Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers 400 

Wood Preservatives 350 

a Conversion factor: one pound VOC per gallon (U.S.) = 119.95 grams VOC per liter. 

b Units are grams of VOC per liter of coating, including water and exempt compounds in accordance 

with Section 3.77.
 4601 - 20 	
	
 

TABLE OF STANDARDS 2 (Effective on and after 1/1/11) 

Limits are expressed as VOC Regulatory, thinned to the manufacturer’s maximum thinning 

recommendation, excluding any colorant added to tint bases. 

 	 

 
  

	 

   

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 4601 - 21 	
	
 

TABLE OF STANDARDS 2 (continued) (Effective on and after 1/1/11) 

Limits are expressed as VOC Regulatory, thinned to the manufacturer’s maximum thinning 

recommendation, excluding any colorant added to tint bases. 

 	 

 
  

	 

   

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a Units are grams of VOC per liter of coating, including water and exempt compounds in accordance 

with Section 3.77. 

b The dates listed do not preclude voluntary compliance with the applicable limit prior to those dates. 

6.0 Administrative Requirements 

 6.1 Labeling Requirements: Each manufacturer of any architectural coating subject 

to this rule shall display the information listed in Sections 6.1.1 through 6.1.14 

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

 6.1.1 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. 

 
 4601 - 22 	
	
 

6.1.2 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. 

 6.1.3 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: 

6.1.3.1 Maximum VOC Content, as determined from all potential 

product formulations; or 

6.1.3.2 VOC Content, as determined from actual formulation data; or 

6.1.3.3 VOC Content, as determined using the test methods in Section 

6.3.2. 

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 multicomponent 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. 

 6.1.4 Faux Finishing Coatings: Effective January 1, 2011, the labels of all 

clear topcoat Faux Finishing coatings shall prominently display the 

statement “This product can only be sold or used as part of a Faux 

Finishing coating system”. 

 6.1.5 Industrial Maintenance Coatings: Each manufacturer of any industrial 

maintenance coating subject to this rule shall display on the label or lid 

of the container in which the coating is sold or distributed one or more of 

the following descriptions listed in Section 6.1.5.1 through 6.1.5.3. 

 6.1.5.1 “For industrial use only” 

 6.1.5.2 “For professional use only” 

 6.1.5.3 “Not for residential use” or “Not intended for residential use” 
 4601 - 23 	
	
 

 6.1.6 Clear Brushing Lacquers: The labels of all clear brushing lacquers shall 

prominently display the statements “For brush application only,” and 

“This product must not be thinned or sprayed.” (Category deleted 

effective January 1, 2011.) 

 6.1.7 Rust Preventative Coatings: The labels of all rust preventative coatings 

shall prominently display the statement “For Metal Substrates Only”. 

 6.1.8 Specialty Primers, Sealers and Undercoaters: Effective until December 

31, 2010, the labels of all specialty primers, sealers and undercoaters 

shall prominently display one or more of the descriptions listed in 

Section 6.1.8.1 through 6.1.8.5. Effective on and after January 1, 2011, 

the labels of all specialty primers, sealers, and undercoaters shall 

prominently display one or more of the descriptions listed in Sections 

6.1.8.1 through 6.1.8.3. On and after January 1, 2011, Sections 6.1.8.4 

and 6.1.8.5 will be no longer effective. 

 6.1.8.1 For fire-damaged substrates. 

 6.1.8.2 For smoke-damaged substrates. 

 6.1.8.3 For water-damaged substrates. 

 6.1.8.4 For excessively chalky substrates. 

 6.1.8.5 For blocking stains. 

6.1.9 Quick Dry Enamels: The labels of all quick dry enamels shall 

prominently display the words “Quick Dry” and the dry hard time. 

(Category deleted effective January 1, 2011.) 

6.1.10 Reactive Penetrating Sealers: Effective January 1, 2011, the labels of all 

Reactive Penetrating Sealers shall prominently display the statement 

“Reactive Penetrating Sealer.” 

6.1.11 Stone Consolidants: Effective January 1, 2011, the labels of all Stone 

Consolidants shall prominently display the statement “Stone Consolidant 

- For Professional Use Only.”

 6.1.12 Nonflat– High Gloss Coatings: The labels of all Nonflat – high gloss 

coatings shall prominently display the words “High Gloss.” 

6.1.13 Wood Coatings: Effective January 1, 2011, the labels of all Wood 

Coatings shall prominently display the statement “For Wood Substrates 

Only.” 

 
 4601 - 24 	
	
 

6.1.14 Zinc Rich Primers: Effective January 1, 2011, the labels of all Zinc Rich 

Primers shall prominently display one or more of the following 

descriptions listed in Section 6.1.14.1 through 6.1.14.3. 

 6.1.14.1 “For industrial use only” 

 6.1.14.2 “For professional use only” 

 6.1.14.3 “Not for residential use” or “Not intended for residential use” 

6.2 Reporting Requirements 

The reporting requirements specified in Sections 6.2.1 through 6.2.6 shall apply 

until December 31, 2010. 

 6.2.1 Clear Brushing Lacquers: Each manufacturer of clear brushing lacquers 

shall, on or before April 1 of each calendar year beginning in the year 

2004, submit an annual report to the Executive Officer of the ARB. The 

report shall specify the number of gallons of clear brushing lacquers sold 

in the State during the preceding calendar year, and shall describe the 

method used by the manufacturer to calculate State sales. 

 6.2.2 Rust Preventative Coatings: Each manufacturer of rust preventative 

coatings shall, on or before April 1 of each calendar year beginning in 

the year 2004, submit an annual report to the Executive Officer of the 

ARB. The report shall specify the number of gallons of rust preventative 

coatings sold in the State during the preceding calendar year, and shall 

describe the method used by the manufacturer to calculate State sales. 

 6.2.3 Specialty Primers, Sealers and Undercoaters: Each manufacturer of 

specialty primers, sealers and undercoaters shall, on or before April 1 of 

each calendar year beginning in the year 2004, submit an annual report 

to the Executive Officer of the ARB. The report shall specify the 

number of gallons of specialty primers, sealers and undercoaters sold in 

the State during the preceding calendar year, and shall describe the 

method used by the manufacturer to calculate State sales. 

 6.2.4 Toxic Exempt Compounds: For each architectural coating that contains 

perchloroethylene or methylene chloride, the manufacturer shall, on or 

before April 1 of each calendar year beginning in the year 2004, submit 

an annual report to the Executive Officer of the ARB the following 

information for products sold in the State during the preceding year: 

6.2.4.1 the product brand name and a copy of the product label with 

legible usage instructions; 
 4601 - 25 	
	
 

6.2.4.2 the product category listed in the Table of Standards 1 or the 

Table of Standards 2 to which the coating belongs; 

6.2.4.3 the total sales in California during the calendar year to the 

nearest gallon; 

6.2.4.4 the volume percent, to the nearest 0.10 percent, of

perchloroethylene and methylene chloride in the coating. 

6.2.5 Recycled Coatings: Manufacturers of recycled coatings must submit a 

letter to the Executive Officer of the ARB certifying their status as a 

Recycled Paint Manufacturer. The manufacturer shall, on or before 

April 1 of each calendar year beginning with the year 2004, submit an 

annual report to the Executive Officer of the ARB. The report shall 

include, for all recycled coatings, the total number of gallons distributed 

in the State during the preceding year, and shall describe the method 

used by the manufacturer to calculate State distribution. 

 6.2.6 Bituminous Coatings: Each manufacturer of bituminous roof coatings or 

bituminous roof primers shall, on or before April 1 of each calendar year 

beginning with the year 2004, submit an annual report to the Executive 

Officer of ARB. The report shall specify the number of gallons of 

bituminous roof coatings or bituminous roof primers sold in the State 

during the preceding calendar year, and shall describe the method used 

by the manufacturer to calculate state sales. 

6.2.7 Effective on and after January 1, 2011, Sales Data: All sales data listed 

in Sections 6.2.7.1 through 6.2.7.14 shall be maintained on-site by the 

responsible official for a minimum of three years. A responsible official 

from each manufacturer shall upon request of the Executive Officer of 

the ARB, or his or her delegate, provide data concerning the distribution 

and sales of architectural coatings. Sales data submitted by the 

responsible official to the Executive Officer of the ARB 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. The responsible official shall within 180 days 

provide information, including, but not limited to the data listed in 

Sections 6.2.7.1 through 6.2.7.14: 

6.2.7.1 the name and mailing address of the manufacturer; 

6.2.7.2 the name, address and telephone number of a contact person; 
 4601 - 26 	
	
 

6.2.7.3 the name of the coating product as it appears on the label and 

the applicable coating category; 

6.2.7.4 whether the product is marketed for interior or exterior use or 

both; 

6.2.7.5 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); 

6.2.7.6 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; 

6.2.7.7 the names and CAS numbers of the VOC constituents in the 

product; 

6.2.7.8 the names and CAS numbers of any compounds in the product 

specifically exempted from the VOC definition; 

6.2.7.9 whether the product is marketed as solvent-borne, waterborne, 

or 100% solids; 

6.2.7.10 description of resin or binder in the product; 

6.2.7.11 whether the coating is a single-component or multi-component 

product; 

6.2.7.12 the density of the product in pounds per gallon; 

6.2.7.13 the percent by weight of: solids, all volatile materials, water, 

and any compounds in the product specifically exempted from 

the VOC definition; and 

6.2.7.14 the percent by volume of: solids, water, and any compounds in 

the product specifically exempted from the VOC definition. 

 
 4601 - 27 	
	
 

6.3 Test Methods 

The test methods listed below shall be used to demonstrate compliance with this rule. 

Alternate equivalent test methods may be used provided the test methods have been 

approved by the APCO and EPA. 

6.3.1 Calculation of VOC Content: For the purpose of determining compliance 

with the VOC content limits in the Table of Standards 1 or the Table of 

Standards 2, the VOC content of a coating shall be determined as defined 

in Section 3.77, 3.78, or 3.79 as appropriate. 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 multi-component 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 

VOC during the curing process, the VOC content must include the 

VOCs emitted during curing. 

 6.3.2 VOC Content of Coatings: To determine the physical properties of a 

coating in order to perform the calculations in Section 3.77 and 3.79, the 

reference method for VOC content is EPA Method 24, except as 

provided in Sections 6.3.3 and 6.3.16. An alternative method to 

determine the VOC content of coatings is SCAQMD Method 304-91 

(Revised February 1996). 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. To determine the VOC content of a coating, the 

manufacturer may use EPA Method 24, or an alternative method as 

provided in Section 6.3.3, formulation data, or any other reasonable 

means for predicting that the coating has been formulated as intended 

(e.g., quality assurance checks, recordkeeping). However, if there are 

any inconsistencies between the results of EPA Method 24 test and any 

other means for determining VOC content, the EPA Method 24 test 

results will govern, except when an alternative method is approved as 

specified in Section 6.3.3. The District Air Pollution Control Officer 

(APCO) may require the manufacturer to conduct an EPA Method 24 

analysis. 

 6.3.3 Alternative Test Methods: Other test methods demonstrated to provide 

results that are acceptable for purposes of determining compliance with 

Section 6.3.2, after review and approved in writing by the staffs of the 

District, ARB and EPA, may also be used. 
 4601 - 28 	
	
 

 6.3.4 Methacrylate Traffic Marking Coatings: Analysis of methacrylate 

multicomponent coatings used as traffic marking coatings shall be 

conducted according to a modification of EPA Method 24 (40 CFR 59, 

subpart D, Appendix A). 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. 

 6.3.5 Flame Spread Index: The flame spread index of a fire-retardant coating 

shall be determined by ASTM E84-07, “Standard Test Method for 

Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials” (see Section 3.0, 

Fire-Retardant Coating). 

 6.3.6 Fire Resistance Rating: The fire resistance rating of a fire-resistive 

coating shall be determined by ASTM E119-07, “Standard Test Methods 

for Fire Tests of Building Construction Materials” (see Section 3.0, 

Fire-Resistive Coating). 

 6.3.7 Gloss Determination: The gloss of a coating shall be determined by 

ASTM D523-89 (1999), “Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss” (see 

Section 3.0, Flat Coating, Nonflat Coating, and Nonflat-High Gloss 

Coating). 

 6.3.8 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 

3.0, Metallic Pigmented Coating, Aluminum Roof Coating and Faux 

Finish. 

 6.3.9 Acid Content of Coatings: The acid content of a coating shall be 

determined by ASTM D1613-06, “Standard Test Method for Acidity in 

Volatile Solvents and Chemical Intermediates Used in Paint, Varnish, 

Lacquer and related products” (see Section 3.0, Pre-Treatment Wash 

Primer). 

 6.3.10 Drying Times: The set-to-touch, dry-hard, dry-to-touch and dry-torecoat times of a coating shall be determined by ASTM D1640-95, 

“Standard Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of 

Organic Coatings at Room Temperature” (see Section 3.0, Quick-Dry 

Enamel and Quick-Dry Primer, Sealer and Undercoater) The tack-free 

time of a quick-dry enamel coating shall be determined by the 

Mechanical Test Method of ASTM D1640-95. (Category deleted 

effective January 1, 2011.) 
 4601 - 29 	
	
 

 6.3.11 Surface Chalkiness: The chalkiness of a surface shall be determined 

using ASTM D4214-98, “Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the 

Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint Films”(see Section 3, Specialty 

Primer, Sealer and Undercoater). (Category deleted effective January 1, 

2011.) 

 6.3.12 Exempt Compounds—Siloxanes: Exempt compounds that are cyclic, 

branched, or linear completely methylated siloxanes, shall be analyzed as 

exempt compounds for compliance with Section 6 by BAAQMD Method 

43, “Determination of Volatile Methylsiloxanes in Solvent-Based 

Coatings, Inks, and Related Materials,” BAAQMD Manual of 

Procedures, Volume III, adopted 11/6/96 (see Section 3.0, Volatile 

Organic Compound, and Section 6.3.2). 

 6.3.13 Exempt Compounds—Parachlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF): The exempt 

compound parachlorobenzotrifluoride, shall be analyzed as an exempt 

compound for compliance with Section 6 by BAAQMD Method 41, 

“Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Solvent Based 

Coatings and Related Materials Containing Parachlorobenzotriflouride,” 

BAAQMD Manual of Procedures, Volume III, adopted 12/20/95 (see 

Section 3.0, Volatile Organic Compound, and Section 6.3.2). 

 6.3.14 Exempt Compounds: The content of compounds 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 3.0, Volatile 

Organic Compound, and Section 6.3.2). 

 6.3.15 VOC Content of Coatings: The VOC content of a coating shall be 

determined by 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 Section 6.3.2). 

 6.3.16 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. 

 
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6.3.17 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” 

(September 11, 1998). 

6.3.18 Hydrostatic Pressure for Basement Specialty Coatings: The hydrostatic 

pressure resistance for basement specialty coatings shall be analyzed 

using ASTM D7088-04, “Standard Practice for Resistance to Hydrostatic 

Pressure for Coatings Used in Below Grade Applications Applied to 

Masonry”. 

6.3.19 Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Adhesion: The adhesion of tub and tile 

coating shall be determined by ASTM D4585-99, “Standard Practice for 

Testing Water Resistance of Coatings Using Controlled Condensation” 

and ASTM D3359-02, “Standard Test Methods for Measuring Adhesion 

by Tape Test”. 

6.3.20 Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Hardness: The hardness of tub and tile 

refinish coating shall be determined by ASTM D3363-05, “Standard Test 

Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test”. 

6.3.21 Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Abrasion Resistance: Abrasion resistance 

of tub and tile refinish coating shall be analyzed by ASTM D4060-07, 

“Standard Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by 

the Taber Abraser”. 

6.3.22 Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Water Resistance: Water resistance of tub 

and tile refinish coatings shall be determined by ASTM D4585-99, 

“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”. 

6.3.23 Waterproofing Membrane: Waterproofing membrane shall be tested by 

ASTM C836-06, “Standard Specification for High Solids Content, Cold 

Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane for Use with 

Separate Wearing Course”. 
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6.3.24 Mold and Mildew Growth for Basement Specialty Coatings: Mold and 

mildew growth resistance for basement specialty coatings shall be 

determined by 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”. 

6.3.25 Reactive Penetrating Sealer Water Repellency: Reactive penetrating 

sealer water repellency shall be analyzed by 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”. 

6.3.26 Reactive Penetrating Sealer Water Vapor Transmission: Reactive 

penetrating sealer water vapor transmission shall be analyzed ASTM 

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

Materials”. 

6.3.27 Reactive Penetrating Sealer - Chloride Screening Applications: Reactive 

penetrating sealers shall be analyzed by National Cooperative Highway 

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

Bridge Structures”. 

6.3.28 Stone Consolidants: Stone consolidants shall be tested using ASTM 

E2167-01, “Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Stone 

Consolidants”. 

7.0 Compliance Schedule 

Persons subject to this rule shall be in compliance with this rule by the dates specified 

within the rule. 
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