October 14, 2010

Placer County APCD 218 - 1 Rules and Regulations

RULE 218 ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS

Adopted 6-19-79

(Amended 2-01-83, 5-20-85, 4-01-86, 2-09-95, 8-14-97, 12-13-01, 10-14-10)

CONTENTS

100 GENERAL

101 PURPOSE

102 APPLICABILITY

103 SEVERABILITY

104 EXEMPTIONS

200 DEFINITIONS

201 ADHESIVE

202 AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT

203 ALUMINUM ROOF COATING

204 ANTENNA COATING

205 ANTIFOULING COATING

206 APPURTENANCES

207 ARCHITECTURAL COATING

208 BASEMENT SPECIALTY COATING

209 BITUMENS

210 BITUMINOUS ROOF COATING

211 BITUMINOUS ROOF PRIMER

212 BOND BREAKER

213 CLEAR BRUSHING LACQUERS

214 CLEAR WOOD COATINGS

215 COATING

216 COLORANT

217 CONCRETE CURING COMPOUND

218 CONCRETE/MASONRY SEALER

219 DRIVEWAY SEALER

220 DRY FOG COATING

221 EXEMPT COMPOUND

222 FAUX FINISHING COATING

223 FIRE-RESISTIVE COATING

224 FIRE-RETARDANT COATING

225 FLAT COATING

226 FLOOR COATING

227 FLOW COATING

228 FORM-RELEASE COMPOUND

229 GRAPHIC ARTS COATING OR SIGN PAINT

230 HIGH-TEMPERATURE COATING

231 INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COATING

232 LACQUER

233 LOW-SOLIDS COATING

234 MAGNESITE CEMENT COATING

235 MANUFACTURER’S MAXIMUM THINNING RECOMMENDATION

236 MASTIC TEXTURE COATING

237 MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD

238 METALLIC PIGMENTED COATING

239 MULTI-COLOR COATING

240 NONFLAT COATING

241 NONFLAT - HIGH GLOSS COATING
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 2 Placer County APCD

242 PARTICLE BOARD

243 PEARLESCENT

244 PLYWOOD

245 POST-CONSUMER COATING

246 PRE-TREATMENT WASH PRIMER

247 PRIMER, SEALER, AND UNDERCOATER

248 QUICK DRY ENAMEL

249 QUICK DRY PRIMER, SEALER, AND UNDERCOATER

250 REACTIVE PENETRATING SEALER

251 RECYCLED COATING

252 RESIDENTIAL

253 ROOF COATING

254 RUST PREVENTIVE COATING

255 SANDING SEALER

256 SEALER

257 SECONDARY INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS

258 SEMITRANSPARENT COATING

259 SHELLAC

260 SHOP APPLICATION

261 SOLICIT

262 SPECIALTY PRIMER, SEALER, AND UNDERCOATER

263 STAIN

264 STONE CONSOLIDANT

265 SWIMMING POOL COATING

266 SWIMMING POOL REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE COATING

267 TEMPERATURE-INDICATOR SAFETY COATING

268 TINT BASE

269 TRAFFIC MARKING COATING

270 TUB AND TILE REFINISH COATING

271 UNDERCOATER

272 VARNISH

273 VENEER

274 VIRGIN MATERIALS

275 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC)

276 VOC ACTUAL CONTENT

277 VOC CONTENT

278 VOC REGULATORY CONTENT

279 WATERPROOFING CONCRETE/MASONRY SEALER

280 WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE

281 WATERPROOFING SEALER

282 WOOD COATING

283 WOOD PRESERVATIVE

284 WOOD SUBSTRATE

285 ZINC-RICH PRIMER

300 STANDARDS

301 VOC CONTENT LIMITS

302 MOST RESTRICTIVE VOC LIMITS

303 SELL-THROUGH OF COATINGS

304 PAINTING PRACTICES

305 THINNING

306 COATINGS NOT LISTED IN SECTION 301

307 EARLY COMPLIANCE OPTION

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

401 CONTAINER LABELING REQUIREMENTS
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Placer County APCD 218 - 3 Rules and Regulations

500 MONITORING AND RECORDS 

501 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

502 RECORDKEEPING

503 TEST METHODS AND COMPLIANCE PROVISIONS
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 4 Placer County APCD

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Placer County APCD 218 - 5 Rules and Regulations

100 GENERAL

101 PURPOSE: To limit the quantity of volatile organic compounds in architectural coatings 

supplied, sold, offered for sale, applied, solicited for application, or manufactured for use within 

the District.

102 APPLICABILITY: Except as provided in Section 104, this rule is applicable to any person who:

102.1 Supplies, sells, or offers for sale any architectural coating for use within the District.

102.2 Manufactures, blends, or repackages any architectural coating for use within the 

District.

102.3 Applies or solicits the application of any architectural coating within the District.

103 SEVERABILITY: If a court of competent jurisdiction, issues an order that any provision of this 

rule is invalid, it is the intent of the Board of Directors of the District that other provisions of this 

rule remain in full force and affect, to the extent allowed by law.

104 EXEMPTIONS: This rule does not apply to:

104.1 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.

104.2 Any aerosol coating product.

104.3 Any architectural coating that is sold in a container with a volume of one liter (1.057 

quart) or less, except for Reporting Requirements, in Section 501.

104.4 Shop Coating Operations: Coating operations conducted in a business shop 

environment which are subject to either, Rule 236, WOOD PRODUCTS COATING 

OPERATIONS, or Rule 238, FACTORY COATING OF FLAT WOOD PANELING, are 

exempt from all provisions of this rule.

200 DEFINITIONS

201 ADHESIVE: Any chemical substance that is applied for the purpose of bonding two surfaces 

together other than by mechanical means.

202 AEROSOL COATING PRODUCT: A pressurized coating product containing pigments or 

resins that dispense 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.

203 ALUMINUM ROOF COATING: A coating labeled and formulated exclusively for application to 

roofs and containing at least 84 grams of elemental aluminum pigment per liter of coating (at

least 0.7 pounds per gallon). Pigment content shall be determined in accordance with 

SCAQMD Method 318-95, incorporated by reference in subsection 503.5.4.

204 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.

205 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. Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, 
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 6 Placer County APCD

Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. Section 136, et seq.) and with the California 

Department of Pesticide Regulation.

206 APPURTENANCES: 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 down-spouts, stairways, fixed ladders, 

catwalks, and fire escapes, and window screens.

207 ARCHITECTURAL COATING: A coating to be applied to stationary structures and 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 purpose of this rule.

208 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:

208.1 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 

Subsection 503.5.11.

208.2 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 Subsection 503.5.17.

209 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.

210 BITUMINOUS ROOF COATING: A coating which incorporates bitumens that is labeled, and 

formulated exclusively for roofing, for the primary purpose of preventing water penetration.

211 BITUMINOUS ROOF PRIMER: A primer which incorporates bitumens that is labeled and 

formulated exclusively for roofing, and is intended for the purpose of preparing a weathered or 

aged surface or improving the adhesion of subsequent surfacing components.

212 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.

213 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 401.6.

214 CLEAR WOOD COATINGS: Clear and semi-transparent coatings, including lacquers and 

varnishes, applied to wood substrates to provide a transparent or translucent solid film.

215 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.

216 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.
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Placer County APCD 218 - 7 Rules and Regulations

217 CONCRETE CURING COMPOUND: A coating labeled and formulated for application to 

freshly poured concrete to perform one or more of the following functions:

217.1 Retard the evaporation of water;

217.2 Harden or dustproof the surface of freshly poured concrete.

218 CONCRETE/MASONRY SEALER: A clear or opaque coating that is labeled and formulated 

primarily for application to concrete and masonry surfaces to perform one or more of the 

following functions:

218.1 Prevent penetration of water;

218.2 Provide resistance against abrasion, alkalis, acids, mildew, staining, or ultraviolet light;

218.3 Harden or dustproof the surface of aged or cured concrete.

219 DRIVEWAY SEALER: A coating labeled and formulated for application to worn asphalt 

driveway surfaces to perform one or more of the following functions:

219.1 Fill cracks;

219.2 Seal the surface to provide protection;

219.3 Restore or preserve the appearance.

220 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.

221 EXEMPT COMPOUND: For the purposes of this rule, “exempt compound” has the same 

meaning as in Rule 102, DEFINITIONS.

222 FAUX FINISHING COATING: A coating labeled and formulated to meet one or more of the 

following criteria:

222.1 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

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

that contains at least 48 grams of pearlescent mica pigment or other iridescent 

pigment per liter of coating, as applied (at least 0.4 pounds per gallon); or

222.3 A decorative coating used to create a metallic appearance that contains less than 48 

grams of elemental metallic pigment per liter of coating as applied (less than 0.4 

pounds per gallon), when tested in accordance with SCAQMD Method 318-95, 

incorporated by reference in subsection 503.5.4; or

222.4 A decorative coating used to create a metallic appearance that contains greater than 

48 grams of elemental metallic pigment per liter of coating as applied (greater than 0.4 

pounds per gallon) and which requires a clear topcoat to prevent the degradation of the 

finish under normal use conditions. The metallic pigment content shall be determined 

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

503.5.4; or

222.5 A clear topcoat to seal and protect a faux finishing coating that meets the requirements 

of subsections 222.1, 222.2, 222.3, or 222.4. These clear topcoats must be sold and 
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 8 Placer County APCD

used solely as part of a faux finishing coating system, and must be labeled in 

accordance with subsection 401.4.

223 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 fireresistive category includes sprayed fire resistive materials and in tumescent fire resistive 

coatings that are used to bring structural materials into compliance with federal, state and local 

building code requirements: fire-resistive coatings shall be tested in accordance with ASTM 

E119-09c, incorporated by reference in Subsection 503.5.2. Fire-resistive coatings and testing 

agencies must be approved by building code officials.

224 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 503.5.1 (Flame Spread 

Index). Effective July 1, 2011, the fire-retardant coating category is eliminated and coatings with 

fire retardant properties will be subject to the VOC limit of their primary category (e.g., Flat, 

Nonflat, etc.).

225 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 503.5. 3.

226 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.

227 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.

228 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 other material other than concrete.

229 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.

230 HIGH-TEMPERATURE COATING: A high performance coating labeled and formulated for

application to substrates exposed continuously or intermittently to temperatures above 204o

C 

(400o

F).

231 INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COATING: A high performance architectural coating, including 

primers, sealers, undercoaters, intermediate coats, and topcoats, formulated for application to 

substrates, including floors, exposed to one or more of the following extreme environmental 

conditions listed in subsections 231.1 through 231.5, and labeled as specified in subsection 

401.5:

231.1 Immersion in water, wastewater, or chemical solutions (aqueous and non-aqueous 

solutions), or chronic exposure of interior surfaces to moisture condensation;

231.2 Acute or chronic exposure to corrosive, caustic, or acidic agents, or to chemicals, 

chemical fumes, or chemical mixtures or solutions;
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Placer County APCD 218 - 9 Rules and Regulations

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

231.4 Frequent heavy abrasion, including mechanical wear and repeated (frequent) 

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

231.5 Exterior exposure of metal structures and structural components.

232 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.

233 LOW-SOLIDS COATING: A coating containing 0.12 kilogram or less of solids per liter (1 

pound or less of solids per gallon) of coating material as recommended for application by the 

manufacturer. The VOC content for Low Solids Coatings shall be calculated in accordance with 

Subsection 276.

234 MAGNESITE CEMENT COATING: A coating labeled and formulated for application to 

magnesite cement decking to protect the magnesite cement substrate from erosion by water.

235 MANUFACTURER’S MAXIMUM THINNING RECOMMENDATION: The maximum 

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

236 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 

(0.010 inch) dry film thickness.

237 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.

238 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 South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 318-95, 

incorporated by reference in subsection 503.5.4. The metallic pigmented coating category does 

not include coatings applied to roofs or zinc-rich primers.

239 MULTI-COLOR COATING: A coating that is packaged in a single container and that is labeled 

and formulated to exhibit more than one color when applied in a single coat.

240 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 503.5.3.

241 NONFLAT-HIGH GLOSS COATING: A nonflat coating that registers a gloss of 70 or above on 

a 60 degree meter according to ASTM D523-89 (1999), incorporated by reference in 

Subsection 503.5.3. Nonflat-High Gloss coatings must be labeled in accordance with Section 

401.12.

242 PARTICLE BOARD: 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.

243 PEARLESCENT: Exhibiting various colors depending on the angles of illumination and 

viewing, as observed in mother-of-pearl.
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 10 Placer County APCD

244 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.

245 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.

246 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 

503.5.5, which is labeled and formulated for application directly to bare metal surfaces to 

provide corrosion resistance and to promote adhesion of subsequent topcoats.

247 PRIMER, SEALER, AND UNDERCOATER: A coating labeled and formulated for one or more 

of the following purposes:

247.1 To provide a firm bond between the substrate and the subsequent coatings.

247.2 To prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate.

247.3 To prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate.

247.4 To provide a smooth surface for the subsequent application coatings.

247.5 To provide a clear finish coat to seal the substrate.

247.6 To block materials from penetrating into or leaching out of a substrate.

248 QUICK-DRY ENAMEL: A nonflat coating that is labeled as specified in Section 401.9 and that 

is formulated to have the following characteristics:

248.1 Is capable of being applied directly from the container under normal conditions with 

ambient temperatures between 16o and 27o

C (60o and 80oF);

248.2 When tested in accordance with ASTM D1640-95, incorporated by reference in 

Section 503.5.6, 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

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

249 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 502.5.6.

250 REACTIVE PENETRATING SEALER: A clear or pigmented coating that is labeled and 

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:

250.1 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 subsection 503.5.18: ASTM C67-07, or ASTM 

C97-02, or ASTM C140-06.
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Placer County APCD 218 - 11 Rules and Regulations

250.2 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 subsection 503.5.19.

250.3 Products labeled and formulated for vehicular traffic surface chloride screening 

applications must meet the performance criteria listed in National Cooperative Highway 

Research Report 244 (1981), incorporated by reference in subsection 503.5.20.

Reactive penetrating sealers must be labeled in accordance with subsection 401.10.

251 RECYCLED COATING: An architectural coating formulated such that it contains not less than 

50% by volume, post-consumer coating, with a maximum of 50% by volume secondary 

industrial materials or virgin materials.

252 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.

253 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 other 

reflecting solar radiation.

254 RUST PREVENTIVE COATING: A coating formulated to prevent the corrosion of metal 

surfaces for one or more of the following applications:

254.1 Direct to metal coating;

254.2 Coating intended for application over rusty, previously coated metal surfaces.

This rust preventative coating 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 

non-metallic surfaces.

Rust preventative coatings, which are for metal substrates only, must be labeled as such in 

accordance with the labeling requirements in subsection 401.7.

255 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.

256 SEALER: A coating labeled and formulated for application to a substrate for one or more of 

the following purposes: to prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate, 

or to prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate.

257 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.

258 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.

259 SHELLAC: A clear or opaque coating formulated solely with the resinous secretions of the lac 

beetle (Laccifer lacca), and formulated to dry by evaporation without a chemical reaction.
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 12 Placer County APCD

260 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).

261 SOLICIT: To require for use or to specify, by written or oral contract.

262 SPECIALTY PRIMER, SEALER, AND UNDERCOATER: A coating that is formulated for 

application to a substrate to block water soluble stains resulting from: fire damage, smoke 

damage, or water damage. Coatings in these three categories must be labeled in accordance 

with subsection 401.8.

263 STAIN: A semitransparent or opaque coating labeled and formulated to change the color of a 

surface but not conceal the grain pattern or texture.

264 STONE CONSOLIDANT: A coating that is labeled and formulated for application to stone 

substrates to repair historical structures that have been damaged by weathering or other decay 

mechanisms. Stone Consolidants must penetrate into stone substrates to create bonds 

between particles and consolidate deteriorated material. Stone Consolidants must be specified 

and used in accordance with ASTM E2167-01, incorporated by reference in subsection 

503.5.21.

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

with the labeling requirements in subsection 401.11.

265 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.

266 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.

267 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 204o

C (400oF).

268 TINT BASE: An architectural coating to which colorant is added after packaging in sale units to 

produce a desired color.

269 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.

270 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:

270.1 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 subsection 503.5.13.

270.2 The coating must have a weight loss of 20 milligrams or less after 1000 cycles. This 

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

D4060-07, incorporated by reference in subsection 503.5.14.
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270.3 The coating must withstand 1000 hours or more of exposure with few or no #8 blisters. 

This must be determined on unscribed bonderite, in accordance with ASTM D4585-99 

and ASTM D714-02e1, incorporated by reference in subsection 503.5.15.

270.4 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 subsection 503.5.12.

271 UNDERCOATER: A coating labeled and formulated to provide a smooth surface for 

subsequent coats.

272 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.

273 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.

274 VIRGIN MATERIALS: Materials that contain no post-consumer coatings or secondary 

industrial materials.

275 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC): For the purposes of this rule, “Volatile Organic 

Compound” has the same meaning as in Rule 102, DEFINITIONS.

276 VOC ACTUAL CONTENT: The weight of VOC per volume of coating 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 the 

“Coating VOC”)

Ws = Weight of volatile compounds in grams

Ww = Weight of water in grams

Wec = Weight of exempt compounds (as defined in Rule 102, 

DEFINITIONS) in grams

Vm = Volume of material in liters

277 VOC CONTENT: The weight of VOC per volume of coating. VOC content is determined as

VOC regulatory content, as defined in subsection 278, for all coatings except those in the Low 

Solids category. For coatings in the Low Solids category, the VOC content is VOC actual, as 

defined in subsection 276. If the coating is a multi-component product, the VOC content is VOC 

regulatory as mixed or catalyzed. If the coating contains silanes, siloxanes, or other ingredients 

that generate ethanol or other VOCs during the curing process, the VOC content must include 

the VOCs emitted during curing.

278 VOC REGULATORY CONTENT: The weight of VOC per volume of coating, less the volume of 

water and exempt compounds, calculated with the following equation:

VOC Regulatory = (Ws – Ww – Wec) / (Vm – Vw – Vec)

Where:

VOC Regulatory = The grams of VOC per liter of coating, less water and exempt 

compounds (also known as the “Material VOC”)

Ws = Weight of volatile compounds in grams

Ww = Weight of water in grams
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 14 Placer County APCD

Wec = Weight of exempt compounds (as defined in Rule 102, 

DEFINITIONS) in grams

Vm = Volume of material in liters

Vw = Volume of water in liters

Vec = Volume of exempt compounds (as defined in Rule 102, 

DEFINITIONS) in liters

279 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.

280 WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE: A clear or opaque coating that is labeled and formulated 

for application to concrete and masonry surfaced 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 :(1) below-grade surfaces, 

(2) between concrete slabs, (3) inside tunnels, (4) inside concrete planters, and (5) under 

flooring materials. Waterproofing membranes must meet the following criteria:

280.1 Coatings must be applied in a single coat of at least 25 mils (0.025 inches) dry film 

thickness; and

280.2 Coatings must meet or exceed the requirements contained in ASTM C836-06, 

incorporated by reference in subsection 503.5.16.

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).

281 WATERPROOFING SEALER: A coating labeled and formulated for application to a porous 

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

282 WOOD COATING: Coatings labeled and formulated for application to wood substrates only. 

The wood coatings category includes the following clear and semitransparent coatings: 

lacquers; varnishes; sanding sealers; penetrating oils; clear stains; wood conditioners used as 

undercoats; and wood sealers used as topcoats. The wood coatings category also includes the 

following opaque wood coatings: opaque lacquers, opaque sanding sealers, and opaque 

lacquer undercoaters.

The wood coatings category does not include the following: clear sealers that are labeled and 

formulated for use on concrete/masonry surfaces or coatings intended for substrates other than 

wood. Wood coatings must be labeled “For Wood Substrates Only”, in accordance with 

subsection 401.13.

283 WOOD PRESERVATIVE: A coating labeled and formulated to protect exposed wood from 

decay or insect attack, that is registered with both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. Section 136, et seq.)

and with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

284 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.

285 ZINC-RICH PRIMER: A coating that meets all of the following specifications:

285.1 Coating that contains at least 65 percent metallic zinc powder or zinc dust by weight, of

total solids; and

285.2 Coating that is formulated for application to metal substrates to provide a firm bond 

between the substrate and subsequent applications of coatings; and
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Placer County APCD 218 - 15 Rules and Regulations

285.3 Coating that is intended for professional use only and is labeled as such in accordance 

with the labeling requirements in subsection 401.14.

300 STANDARDS

301 VOC CONTENT LIMITS: Except as provided in Sections 302, or 303, no person shall: (i) 

manufacture, blend, or repackage for use within the District; (ii) supply, sell, or offer for use

within the District; or (iii) solicit for application or apply within the District, any architectural 

coating with a VOC content in excess of the corresponding limit specified in the following Table

of Standards 1 and Table of Standards 2. Limits are expressed as VOC regulatory content as 

defined in subsection 278, in grams of VOC per liter of coating thinned to the manufacturer’s 

maximum recommendation, excluding any colorant added to the tint bases; except for Low 

Solid Coatings where limits are expressed as VOC actual content as defined in subsection 276.

Table of Standards 1 (Effective Until July 1, 2011)

COATING CATEGORY EFFECTIVE

1997

EFFECTIVE

6/15/2002

EFFECTIVE

1/1/2003

EFFECTIVE

1/1/2004

Flat Coating 250 100

Nonflat Coating 250 250 150

Nonflat – High Gloss Coating 250

SPECIALTY COATINGS:

 Antenna Coating 530

 Antifouling Coating 400

 Bituminous Roof Coating 300

 Bituminous Roof Primers 350

 Bond Breakers 350

CLEAR WOOD COATINGS:

Clear Brushing Lacquer 680

Lacquers (including lacquer sanding 

sealers) 680 550

Sanding Sealers (other than lacquer 

sanding sealers) 350

Varnishes 350

Concrete Curing Compounds 350

Dry Fog Coating 400

Faux Finishing Coating 350

Fire-Resistive Coating 350

FIRE RETARDANT COATING:

 Clear Coating 650

 Opaque Coating 350

Floor Coating 250

Flow Coating 420

Form – Release Compounds 250

Graphic Arts Coating or Sign Paints 500

High Temperature Coating 420

Industrial Maintenance Coating 420 250

Low Solids Coating * 120

Magnesite Cement Coating 450

Mastic Texture Coating 300

Metallic Pigmented Coating 500

Multi-Color Coating 420 250

Pre-Treatment Wash Primers 675 420

Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 350 200

Quick-Dry Enamels 400 250

Quick-Dry Primers, Sealers, and 350 200
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 16 Placer County APCD

COATING CATEGORY EFFECTIVE

1997

EFFECTIVE

6/15/2002

EFFECTIVE

1/1/2003

EFFECTIVE

1/1/2004

Undercoaters

Recycled Coating 250

Roof Coating 300 250

Rust Preventative Coating 400

SHELLACS:

 Clear 730

 Opaque 550

Specialty Primers, Sealers, and 

Undercoaters 350

Stains 350 250

Swimming Pool Coatings 340

Swimming Pool Repair and 

Maintenance 340

Temperature-Indicator Safety 550

Traffic Marking Coating 250 150

Waterproofing Sealers 400 250

Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry 

Sealers 400

Wood Preservatives 350

Table of Standards 2 (Effective July 1, 2011)

VOC COATING CATEGORY EFFECTIVE 

7/1/11

EFFECTIVE

1/1/12

Flat Coatings 50

Non-Flat Coatings 100

Non-Flat-High Gloss Coatings 150

SPECIALTY COATINGS

Aluminum Roof Coatings 400

Basement Specialty Coatings 400

Bituminous Roof Coatings 50

Bituminous Roof Primers 350

Bond Breakers 350

Concrete Curing Compounds 350

Concrete/Masonry Sealers 100

Driveway Sealers 50

Dry Fog Coatings 150

Faux Finishing Coatings 350

Fire Resistive Coatings 350

Floor Coatings 100

Form-Release Compounds 250

Graphic Arts Coatings or Sign Paints 500

High Temperature Coatings 420

Industrial Maintenance Coatings 250

Low Solids Coatings * 120

Magnesite Cement Coatings 450

Mastic Texture Coatings 100

Metallic Pigmented Coatings 500

Multi-Color Coatings 250

Pre-Treatment Wash Primers 420

Primers, Sealers And Undercoaters 100

Reactive Penetrating Sealers 350

Recycled Coatings 250

Roof Coatings 50
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Placer County APCD 218 - 17 Rules and Regulations

VOC COATING CATEGORY EFFECTIVE 

7/1/11

EFFECTIVE

1/1/12

Rust Preventative Coatings 400 250

Shellacs, Clear 730

Shellacs, Opaque 550

Specialty Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters 350 100

Stains 250

Stone Consolidants 450

Swimming Pool Coatings 340

Traffic Marking Coatings 100

Tub and Tile Refinish Coatings 420

Waterproof Membranes 250

Wood Coatings 275

Wood Preservatives 350

Zinc-Rich Primers 340

* Limit is expressed as VOC Actual

Effective July 1, 2011, the following coating categories in the Table of Standards 1 are 

eliminated, and these coatings will be subject to the VOC limit for the applicable category in the 

Table of Standards 2, except as provided in Sections 302 and 303:

Antenna

Antifouling

Clear brushing lacquers

Clear wood coatings

Fire retardant coatings

Flow coatings

Lacquer

Quick-dry enamel

Quick-dry primer, sealer, and undercoater

Sanding sealer

Swimming pool repair and maintenance coatings

Temperature-indicator safety coatings

Varnish

Waterproofing concrete/masonry sealer

Waterproofing sealer

302 MOST RESTRICTIVE VOC LIMITS: If anywhere on the container of any architectural coating 

or 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, or any representation that 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 the tables in Section 301, then the most restrictive VOC 

content limit shall apply. This provision does not apply to the coating categories specified in 

Section 302.1 through 302.12.

302.1 Aluminum roof coatings;

302.2 Bituminous roof primers;

302.3 High temperature coatings;

302.4 Industrial maintenance coatings;

302.5 Low-solids coatings;

302.6 Metallic pigmented coatings;
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 18 Placer County APCD

302.7 Pretreatment wash primers;

302.8 Shellacs;

302.9 Specialty primers, sealers, and undercoaters;

302.10 Wood coatings;

302.11 Wood preservatives;

302.12 Zinc-rich primers.

If a coating meets a definition in Section 200 for one or more specialty coating categories that 

are listed in the tables in Section 301 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 tables.

303 SELL-THROUGH OF COATINGS: Coatings manufactured prior to the effective date 

specified, for that coating, in the Table of Standards 2 in Section 301, 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, any such 

coating may be applied at any time, both before and after the specified effective date. This 

subsection does not apply to any coating that does not display the date or date-code required 

by subsection 401.1.

304 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.

305 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 Table of Standards 2 in Section 301.

306 COATINGS NOT LISTED IN SECTION 301: For any coating that does not meet any of the 

definitions for the specialty coatings categories listed in Table of Standards 1 or Table of

Standards 2 in Section 301, the VOC content limit shall be determined by classifying the 

coating as a Flat coating, or a Nonflat, or Nonflat-High Gloss coating, based on its gloss, as 

defined in Section 200, and the corresponding Flat, Nonflat or Nonflat-High Gloss VOC limits in 

the Table of Standards 1 or Table of Standards 2 in Section 301 shall apply.

307 EARLY COMPLIANCE OPTION: Prior to July 1, 2011, any coating that meets a definition for a 

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

limit in the Table of Standards 2 shall be considered in compliance.

400 ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS

401 CONTAINER LABELING REQUIREMENTS: Each manufacturer of any architectural coating 

subject to this rule shall display the information listed in Sections 401.1 through 401.12 on the 

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

401.1 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 California Air Resources Board.
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Placer County APCD 218 - 19 Rules and Regulations

401.2 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.

401.3 VOC Content: VOC content shall be determined as defined in subsections 276 and 

278. Each container of any coating subject to this rule shall display one of the following 

values in grams of VOC per liter of coatings:

401.3.1 Maximum VOC content as determined from all potential product formulations.

401.3.2 VOC content as determined from actual formulation data.

401.3.3 VOC content as determined using the test methods in Section 503.

If the manufacturer does not recommend thinning, the container must display the VOC 

content, as supplied. If the manufacturer recommends thinning, the container must 

display the VOC content, including the maximum amount of thinning solvent 

recommended by the manufacturer. If the coating is a multi-component product, the 

container must display the VOC content as mixed or catalyzed. If the coating contains 

silanes, siloxanes, or other ingredients that generate ethanol or other VOC’s during the 

curing process, the VOC content must include the VOC’s emitted during curing.

401.4 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.”

401.5 Industrial Maintenance Coatings: The labels of all industrial maintenance coatings 

shall prominently display the statement, “For Industrial Use Only” or “Professional Use 

Only” or “Not for Residential Use” or “Not Intended for Residential Use.”

401.6 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.” This category is deleted effective July 1, 2011.

401.7 Rust Preventive Coatings: The labels of all rust preventive coatings shall prominently 

display the statement “For Metal Substrates Only.”

401.8 Specialty Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters: Until July 1, 2011, the labels of all 

specialty primers, sealers, and undercoaters shall prominently display one or more of 

the descriptions listed in Sections 401.8.1 through 401.8.5.

Effective on July 1, 2011, the labels of all specialty primers, sealers, and undercoaters 

shall prominently display one or more of the descriptions listed in Sections 401.8.1 

through 401.8.3.

After July 1, 2011, Sections 401.8.4 and 401.8.5 will no longer be effective.

401.8.1 Fire-damaged substrates.

401.8.2 Smoke-damaged substrates.

401.8.3 Water-damaged substrates.

401.8.4 Excessively chalky substrates.
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 20 Placer County APCD

401.8.5 Blocking stains.

401.9 Quick-Dry Enamels: The labels of all quick dry enamels shall prominently display the 

words “Quick Dry” and the dry hard time. This category is deleted effective July 1, 

2011.

401.10 Reactive Penetrating Sealers: Effective July 1, 2011, the labels of all reactive 

penetrating sealers shall prominently display the statement “Reactive Penetrating 

Sealer”.

401.11 Stone Consolidants: Effective July 1, 2011, the labels of all stone consolidants shall

prominently display the statement, “Stone Consolidant - For Professional Use Only”.

401.12 Nonflat-High Gloss Coatings: The labels of all nonflat-high coatings shall prominently 

display the words, “High Gloss”.

401.13 Wood Coatings: Effective July 1, 2011, the labels of all wood coatings shall 

prominently display the statement, “For Wood Substrates Only”.

401.14 Zinc-Rich Primers: Effective July 1, 2011, the labels of all zinc-rich primers shall 

prominently display the statement, “For Industrial Use Only” or “Professional Use Only” 

or “Not for Residential Use” or “Not Intended for Residential Use.”

500 MONITORING AND RECORDS

501 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

501.1 Sales Data: A responsible official from each manufacturer shall upon request of the 

Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board or the Air Pollution Control 

Officer provide data concerning the distribution and sales of architectural coatings. The 

responsible official shall within 180 days provide information, including, but not limited 

to:

501.1.1 Name and mailing address of the manufacturer.

501.1.2 Name, address, and telephone number of a contact person.

501.1.3 Name of the coating product as it appears on the label and the applicable

coating category.

501.1.4 Whether or not the product is marketed for interior or exterior use or both;

501.1.5 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).

501.1.6 The VOC actual content and the VOC regulatory content in grams per liter. 

If thinning is recommended, list the VOC actual 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.

501.1.7 Names and CAS numbers of the VOC constituents in the product.

501.1.8 Names and CAS numbers of any compounds in the product specifically 

exempted from the VOC definition, as defined in Rule 102, DEFINITIONS.
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Placer County APCD 218 - 21 Rules and Regulations

501.1.9 Whether the product is marketed as solvent borne, waterborne or 100% 

solids.

501.1.10 Description of resin or binder in the product.

501.1.11 Whether the coating is a single-component or a multi-component product.

501.1.12 The density of the product in pounds per gallon.

501.1.13 The percent by weight of: solids, all volatile materials, water and any 

compounds in the product specifically exempted from the VOC definition, as 

defined in Rule 102, DEFINITIONS.

501.1.14 The percent by volume of: solids, water and any compounds in the product 

specifically exempted from the VOC definition, as listed defined in Rule 102, 

DEFINITIONS.

502 RECORDKEEPING: All sales data listed in subsection 501.1 shall be maintained by the 

responsible official for a minimum of three years. Sales data submitted by the responsible 

official to the Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board may be claimed 

confidential and such information shall be handled in accordance with the procedure specified 

in Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Sections 91000 through 91022.

503 TEST METHODS AND COMPLIANCE PROVISIONS:

503.1 Calculation of VOC Content: For the purpose of determining compliance with the VOC 

content limits in Section 301, the VOC content of a coating shall be determined as 

defined in subsections 276 and 278. 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’s during the curing process, the 

VOC Content must include the VOC’s emitted during curing.

503.2 Test Method for VOC Content of Coatings: To determine the physical properties of a 

coating in order to perform the calculation in subsections 276 or 278 the reference 

method for VOC content is U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 24, 

incorporated by reference in Subsection 503.5.8, except as provided in subsections 

503.3 and 503.4. An alternative method to determine the VOC content of coatings is 

South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 304-91 (Revised 1996), 

incorporated by reference in subsection 503.5.9.

The exempt compounds content shall be determined by South Coast Air Quality 

Management District Method 303-91 (Revised 1993), Bay Area Air Quality 

Management District Method 43 (Revised 1996), or Bay Area Air Quality Management 

District Method 41 (Revised 1995), as applicable, incorporated by reference in 

Subsections 503.5.22, 503.5.23 and 503.5.24, respectively.

To determine the VOC content of a coating, the manufacturer may use U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency Method 24, or an alternative method as provided in 

Section 503.3, formulation data, or any other reasonable means for predicting that the 

coating has been formulated as intended (e.g. quality assurance checks, or 

recordkeeping). However, if there are any inconsistencies between the results of a 

Method 24 test and any other means for determining VOC content, the Method 24 test 

results will govern, except when an alternative method is approved as specified in 
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Rules and Regulations 218 - 22 Placer County APCD

Section 503.3. The Air Pollution Control Officer may require the manufacturer to 

conduct a Method 24 analysis.

503.3 Alternative Test Method: Other test methods demonstrated to provide results that are 

acceptable for purposes of determining compliance with subsection 503.1, after review 

and approved in writing by the staffs of the District, the California Air Resources Board, 

and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, may also be used.

503.4 Methacrylate Traffic Marking Coatings: Analysis of methacrylate multicomponent 

coatings used as traffic marking coatings shall be conducted according to a 

modification of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 24 (40 CFR 59, subpart 

D, Appendix A), incorporated by reference in Subsection 503.5.10. This method has 

not been approved for methacrylate multicomponent coatings used for purposes other 

than as traffic marking coatings or for other classes of multicomponent coatings.

503.5 Test Methods: The following test methods are incorporated by reference herein, and 

shall be used to test coatings subject to provisions of this rule:

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

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

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

223, Fire-Resistive Coating).

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

shall be determined by ASTM E119-09c, “Standard Test Methods for Fire 

Tests of Building Construction and Materials”, (see Section 223, FireResistive Coating).

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

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

225, Flat Coating, Section 240, Nonflat Coating, and Section 241, NonflatHigh Gloss Coating).

503.5.4 Metal Content of Coatings: The metallic content of a coating shall be 

determined by South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 318-

95, “Determination of Weight Percent Elemental Metal in Coatings by XRay Diffraction”, South Coast Air Quality Management District “Laboratory 

Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples” (see Section 203, 

Aluminum Roof, Section 222, Faux Finishing, and Section 238, Metallic 

Pigmented Coating).

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

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

Acidity in Volatile Solvents and Chemical Intermediates Used in Paint, 

Varnish, Lacquer, and Related Products”, (see Section 246, Pre-Treatment 

Wash Primers).

502.5.6 Drying Times: The set-to-touch, dry-hard, dry-to-touch, and dry-to-recoat 

times of a coating shall be determined by ASTM Designation D1640-95, 

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

Coatings at Room Temperature”, (see Section 248, Quick-Dry Enamel and 

Section 249, 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 Designation D1640-95.

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

using ASTM Designation D4214-98, “Standard Test Methods for 
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Placer County APCD 218 - 23 Rules and Regulations

Evaluating the Degree of Chalking of Exterior Paint Films”, (see Section 

262, Specialty Primer, Sealer, and Undercoater).

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

determined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 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 503.2).

503.5.9 Alternative VOC Content of Coatings: The VOC content of coatings may 

be analyzed either by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 24 or 

South Coast Air Quality Management District Method 304-91 (Revised 

1996), “Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in Various 

Materials,” South Coast Air Quality Management District “Laboratory 

Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples”, (see Section 503.3).

503.5.10 Methacrylate Traffic Marking Coatings: The VOC content of methacrylate 

multicomponent coatings used as traffic marking coatings shall be 

analyzed by the procedures in 40 CFR part 59, subpart D, appendix A, 

“Determination of Volatile Matter Content of Methacrylate Multicomponent 

Coatings Used as Traffic Marking Coatings”, (see Section 503.4).

503.5.11 Hydrostatic Pressure for Basement Specialty Coatings: ASTM D7088-04, 

“Standard Practice for Resistance to Hydrostatic Pressure for Coatings 

Used in Below Grade Applications Applied to Masonry” (see Section 208, 

Basement Specialty Coating).

503.5.12 Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Adhesion: 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” (see Section 270, Tub and Tile 

Refinish Coating).

503.5.13 Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Hardness: ASTM D3363-05, “Standard Test 

Method for Film Hardness by Pencil Test” (see Section 270, Tub and Tile 

Refinish Coating).

503.5.14 Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Abrasion Resistance: ASTM D4060-07, 

“Standard Test Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by 

the Taber Abraser” (see Section 270, Tub and Tile Refinish Coating).

503.5.15 Tub and Tile Refinish Coating Water Resistance: 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” (see Section 270, Tub and 

Tile Refinish Coating).

503.5.16 Waterproofing Membrane: ASTM C836-06 “Standard Specification for 

High Solids Content, Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing 

Membrane for Use with Separate Wearing Course” (see Section 280, 

Waterproofing Membrane).

503.5.17 Mold and Mildew Growth for Basement Specialty Coatings: ASTM D3273-

00, “Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the 

Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber”, and ASTM 

D3274-95, “Standard Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface 

Disfigurement of Paint Films by Microbial (Fungal or Algal) Growth or Soil 

and Dirt Accumulation” (see Section 208, Basement Specialty Coating).
October 14, 2010

Rules and Regulations 218 - 24 Placer County APCD

503.5.18 Reactive Penetrating Sealer Water Repellency: ASTM C67-07, “Standard 

Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile”, or 

ASTM C97-02, “Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific 

Gravity of Dimension Stone”, or ASTM C140-06. “Standard Test Methods 

for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units” (see 

Section 250, Reactive Penetrating Sealer).

503.5.19 Reactive Penetrating Sealer Water Vapor Transmission: ASTM 

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

Materials” (see Section 250, Reactive Penetrating Sealer).

503.5.20 Reactive Penetrating Sealer-Chloride Screening Applications: National 

Cooperative Highway Research Report 244 (1981), “Concrete Sealers for 

the Protection of Bridge Structures” (see Section 250, Reactive Penetrating 

Sealer).

503.5.21 Stone Consolidants: ASTM E2167-01, “Standard Guide for Selection and 

Use of Stone Consolidants” (see Section 264, Stone Consolidant).

503.5.22 Exempt Compounds-Siloxanes: Exempt compounds that are cyclic, 

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

exempt compounds for compliance by Bay Area Air Quality Management 

District Method 43, “Determination of Volatile Methylsiloxanes in SolventBased Coatings, Inks, and Related Materials”, Bay Area Air Quality 

Management District Manual of Procedures, Volume III, adopted 11/6/96, 

(see Section 503.2).

503.5.23 Exempt Compounds-Parachlorobenzotrifluoride (PCBTF): The exempt 

compound PCBTF, shall be analyzed as an exempt compound for 

compliance by Bay Area Air Quality Management District Method 41, 

“Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in Solvent-Based Coatings 

and Related Materials Containing Parachlorobenzotrifluoride”, Bay Area Air 

Quality Management District Manual of Procedures, Volume III, adopted 

12/20/95, (see Section 503.2).

503.5.24 Exempt Compounds: The content of compounds exempt under U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency Method 24 shall be analyzed by South 

Coast Air Quality Management District Method 303-91 (Revised 1993, 

“Determination of Exempt Compounds”, South Coast Air Quality 

Management District “Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement 

Samples”, (see Section 503.2).