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IS 2338 (Part 2) : 2000Code of practice for finishing wood and wood-based materials, Part 2: Schedules

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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 2) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for finishing wood and wood-based materials, part 2: schedules. This standard outlines the recommended schedules for applying opaque and transparent finishes (paints, varnishes, polishes) to wood and wood-based materials. It specifies the sequence, number, and types of coats required for various exterior and interior applications to ensure durability and aesthetic quality.

Code of practice for finishing wood and wood-based materials, Part 2: Schedules

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 104IS 133IS 2074
Also on InfraLens for IS 2338
4Key values4Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Wood must be properly seasoned to the correct moisture content (IS 287) prior to finishing to avoid blistering or flaking.
! End grains of timber absorb more moisture and paint, requiring thorough sealing and priming.
! Exterior transparent finishes degrade faster than opaque paints and require more frequent maintenance.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3Selection of FinishesCl. 4Schedules for Painting (Opaque Finishes)Cl. 5Schedules for Transparent Finishes (Varnishing and Polishing)Cl. 6Finishing of Wood-based Materials
Pulled from IS 2338:2000. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
woodtimberpaintvarnishpolishwood-based materials

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 content before finishing10 to 15% (as per IS 287)
standard primer coats new wood1 coat
standard undercoats opaque finish1 or 2 coats
standard finishing coats1 or 2 coats depending on exposure

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Schedule for Exterior Painting
Table 2 - Schedule for Interior Painting
Table 3 - Schedule for Exterior and Interior Varnishing
Table 4 - Schedule for Polishing
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Selection of Finishes
Clause 4 - Schedules for Painting (Opaque Finishes)
Clause 5 - Schedules for Transparent Finishes (Varnishing and Polishing)
Clause 6 - Finishing of Wood-based Materials

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 287:2022Code of Practice for Design of Timber Structu...
→
IS 104:2017Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Zinc Chrome, Pri...
→
IS 133:2013Emulsion Paint for Interior Use - Specificati...
→
IS 2074:1992Ready Mixed Paint, Brushing, Bituminous, Blac...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the primary difference between interior and exterior wood finishing schedules?+
Exterior schedules require weather-resistant primers and UV-resistant topcoats, whereas interior schedules prioritize aesthetic finish and leveling.
How many primer coats are recommended for new woodwork?+
Generally, one coat of an appropriate wood primer is applied, ensuring end grains are well-sealed.
Can interior varnish be used on exterior doors?+
No, exterior joinery requires exterior-grade spar varnishes or synthetic enamels that can withstand weathering.

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