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IS 2338 (Part 1) : 2000Code of practice for finishing of wood and wood-based materials, Part 1: Operations and workmanship

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BS 6150 · AWI 300 (Section 10) · AS/NZS 2311
CurrentSpecializedCode of PracticeArchitectural · Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
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OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 2338:2000 (Part 1) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for finishing of wood and wood-based materials, part 1: operations and workmanship. This code provides comprehensive guidelines for the finishing of wood and wood-based materials in buildings, detailing operations and workmanship for surface preparation, staining, filling, polishing, varnishing, and painting.

Code of practice for finishing of wood and wood-based materials, Part 1: Operations and workmanship

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Building Construction Practices incl. Painting, Varnishing
Type
Code of Practice
International equivalents
BS 6150:2019 · BSI (British Standards Institution), UKAWI 300 (Section 10) · AWI (Architectural Woodwork Institute), USAAS/NZS 2311:2017 · Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 287IS 348IS 110IS 133
Also on InfraLens for IS 2338
4Key values3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Always sand parallel to the wood grain to prevent visible cross-grain scratches.
! End grains are highly absorbent and require extra sealing to prevent uneven moisture absorption and finish dullness.
! Ensure wood moisture content is well controlled before applying finishes to prevent blistering, peeling, or fungal growth.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4Preparation of the SurfaceCl. 5StainingCl. 6Filling and StoppingCl. 8French PolishingCl. 10Painting
Pulled from IS 2338:2000. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
woodtimberplywoodpaintvarnishpolish

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS 6150:2019BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Painting of buildings — Code of practice
Covers preparation and application of coatings to various substrates, including extensive guidance on wood and wood-based materials.
AWI 300 (Section 10)AWI (Architectural Woodwork Institute), USA
HighCurrent
AWI 300 - Materials (Section 10: Finishing)
Details performance-based standards for factory-finishing of architectural woodwork, covering materials, processes, and quality assurance.
AS/NZS 2311:2017Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
HighCurrent
Guide to the painting of buildings
Provides guidance on selecting and applying paint systems for buildings, with specific sections dedicated to timber substrates.
Key Differences
≠IS 2338 focuses on traditional finishes like French polish and oil-based paints, while modern standards prioritize contemporary systems like polyurethane, acrylics, water-borne, and UV-cured finishes.
≠International standards (e.g., AWI) are largely performance-based, specifying required outcomes like film thickness and adhesion test results, whereas IS 2338 is prescriptive, dictating the number of coats and application methods.
≠Modern standards incorporate stringent and specific Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations, particularly regarding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are only addressed in very general terms in IS 2338.
≠Quality assurance in IS 2338 relies on qualitative visual inspection, while international equivalents mandate quantitative testing for properties like adhesion (ASTM D3359), abrasion resistance, and sheen (measured with a gloss meter).
Key Similarities
≈All standards universally emphasize that meticulous surface preparation (sanding, cleaning, defect treatment) is the most critical factor for achieving a durable and aesthetic finish.
≈The fundamental sequence of operations—preparation, priming/sealing, intermediate coats, and top coats—is a consistent methodology across all standards.
≈All codes acknowledge and provide procedural guidance for mitigating common wood-related issues such as grain raising, tannin or resin bleeding from knots, and surface contamination.
≈The primary accepted methods of application, including brushing, spraying, and rolling (for paint), are recognized as standard practice in both IS 2338 and its international counterparts.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Adhesion TestingQualitative visual inspection for peeling or flaking.Passes cross-hatch adhesion test per ASTM D3359 with a minimum rating of 4B.AWI 300
Sheen Level SpecificationDescriptive terms like 'matt', 'egg-shell', or 'full gloss'.Quantitative ranges measured with a gloss meter (e.g., Matte: 0-10 GU; Satin: 20-35 GU at 60 degrees).AWI 300
Dry Film Thickness (DFT)Not specified; defined by number of coats (e.g., 'three or more coats of varnish').Specific minimum DFT is required (e.g., 1.0 mil / 25 microns for transparent systems).AWI 300
Sanding ProcedureFinal sanding with 'No. 0 or 00' sandpaper (approx. P220-P280).Typically specifies a maximum grit to ensure stain/finish penetration (e.g., not to exceed P180 for many systems).AWI 300
Knot TreatmentApplication of 'two coats of knotting varnish'.Application of a dedicated shellac-based or stain-blocking primer over knots and resinous areas.BS 6150:2019
Moisture Content of WoodImplied to be in a 'dry condition'.Specifies a maximum moisture content range before finishing (e.g., 6-12% depending on region and use).AS/NZS 2311:2017
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
recommended moisture content10% to 12% (up to 15% max depending on zone)
ambient temperature minimum for painting10°C
knotting coats2 coats of shellac knotting
drying time between paint coats24 hours (typical)

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Preparation of the Surface
Clause 5 - Staining
Clause 6 - Filling and Stopping
Clause 8 - French Polishing
Clause 10 - Painting

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 287:2022Code of Practice for Design of Timber Structu...
→
IS 348:2007Varnish, Brushing, Finishing, Clear, For Gene...
→
IS 110:2017Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Red Oxide, Primi...
→
IS 133:2013Emulsion Paint for Interior Use - Specificati...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What must be done to resinous knots before painting?+
Knots must be treated with a knotting solution (usually shellac-based) to seal the resin and prevent it from bleeding through the finish.
What is the recommended moisture content for interior woodwork before finishing?+
It should generally be between 10% and 12%, as guided by IS 287.
Why is filling required for certain woods?+
Open-grained woods (like teak or rosewood) require a filler to level the pores before applying clear finishes, ensuring a smooth surface.

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