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IS 14217:2004 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for bituminous black paint for use on steel work exposed to weather - specification. This standard lays down the requirements, sampling procedures, and testing methods for single-pack, air-drying bituminous black paint. This type of paint is primarily used for the protection of steel structures that are exposed to outdoor weather conditions, providing a barrier against corrosion.
Specifies requirements and methods of test for bituminous black paint suitable for application on steelwork exposed to weather.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Materials Science — Painting, Coatings and Surface Finishing
Specification for bitumen-based coatings for cold application, excluding use in contact with potable water
Specifies cold-applied, solvent-based bitumen coatings for general steel protection, mirroring the IS code's scope.
ASTM D1187 / D1187M - 97(2015)ASTM International (USA)
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Asphalt-Base Emulsions for Use as Protective Coatings for Metal
Covers asphalt-based coatings for metal protection, but specifically focuses on water-based emulsions, not solvent-based paints.
ISO 12944-5:2019International Organization for Standardization (International)
LowCurrent
Paints and varnishes — Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems — Part 5: Protective paint systems
A performance-based standard for complete paint systems, not a prescriptive specification for a single paint type.
Key Differences
≠IS 14217 is a prescriptive, composition-oriented standard, while modern standards like ISO 12944 are performance-based, focusing on durability in specific corrosive environments rather than paint ingredients.
≠The Indian Standard specifies a solvent-borne paint. Many modern alternatives, like those covered in ASTM D1187, are water-borne emulsions to comply with stricter environmental regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
≠Corrosion testing in IS 14217 (100 hours salt spray) is significantly less demanding than for systems in ISO 12944, which may require over 1440 hours for high-durability systems.
≠IS 14217 specifies consistency using a simple flow cup method, whereas many ASTM standards for coatings specify viscosity using more precise instruments like a Stormer viscometer (Krebs Units) or Brookfield viscometer.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 14217 and its direct historical equivalent, BS 6949, specify a single-pack, air-drying, cold-applied coating for the general atmospheric protection of steel.
≈Mandatory testing for flexibility and adhesion using a bend test over a specified mandrel is a common requirement in IS 14217 and related international standards to ensure the coating will not crack or delaminate.
≈The scope of IS 14217 and similar atmospheric-grade bitumen paint standards explicitly excludes suitability for continuous water immersion, which requires specialized, higher-performance coatings.
≈The standards share a common requirement for the dried film to have a smooth, black, and uniform finish, free from common paint defects like runs, sags, or blisters.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Drying Time (Surface Dry)
Max 6 hours
Max 6 hours (for Type 2)
BS 6949:1991
Drying Time (Hard Dry)
Max 24 hours
Max 24 hours (for Type 2)
BS 6949:1991
Flexibility and Adhesion (Mandrel Dia.)
Passes on 6 mm mandrel
Passes on 13 mm mandrel (less stringent)
BS 6949:1991
Flash Point (Min.)
30 °C (Abel method)
Typically must comply with local transport/safety regulations (e.g., >23°C or >32°C depending on classification)
General International Practice
Protection against Corrosion (Salt Spray)
No corrosion after 100 hours
No blistering/corrosion after 48 hours (for emulsions)
ASTM D1187
Resistance to Bleeding
No bleeding or discoloration of white topcoat
Not explicitly specified; performance assessed through inter-coat adhesion or system testing.
ISO 12944-5
Ash Content (% of non-volatile matter)
Max 40%
Not typically specified in modern performance standards; filler content is controlled by performance tests.
ISO 12944-5
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Drying time (Surface dry), max4 hours
Drying time (Hard dry), max18 hours
Flash point, min35 °C
Mass in kg/10 litre, min9.0 kg
Volatile matter, max55 % by mass
Flexibility and Adhesion TestPass (No cracking or detachment)
Protection Against Corrosion (10 days at high humidity)Pass (No signs of corrosion)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Bituminous Black Paint for Use on Steel Work Exposed to Weather
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Composition
Clause 4 - Requirements
Clause 4.3 - Finish
Clause 4.4 - Drying Time
Clause 4.6 - Flexibility and Adhesion
Clause 4.8 - Protection Against Corrosion Under Conditions of High Humidity