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IS 348:2007 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for varnish, brushing, finishing, clear, for general purposes - specification. This standard prescribes the requirements and testing methods for clear brushing varnish used for general interior finishing purposes. It establishes limits for drying time, flash point, and finish quality to ensure aesthetic appeal and basic surface protection for woodwork.
Specifies requirements and methods of test for clear finishing varnish suitable for general purposes.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Painting, Coatings and Surface Finishing
! Proper surface preparation (sanding and applying sanding sealers) is critical before applying clear varnish to achieve the desired IS code finish.
! The standard primarily relies on IS 197 for specific test methodologies regarding varnishes and lacquers.
! This varnish is generally intended for interior use; exterior wood surfaces exposed to UV and severe weathering typically require specialized exterior-grade coatings.
MPI #20Master Painters Institute (MPI), USA/Canada
HighCurrent
Varnish, Interior, Alkyd, Clear Gloss
Specifies a performance-based standard for a modern interior alkyd clear gloss varnish.
TT-V-71GU.S. Federal Specification, USA
HighWithdrawn
Varnish, Interior
A prescriptive standard for oleoresinous interior varnish, closely matching the intended use of IS 348.
TT-V-121HU.S. Federal Specification, USA
MediumWithdrawn
Varnish, Spar, Water-Resisting
Covers a higher-performance exterior spar varnish, but shares many test principles with IS 348.
ASTM D1640 / D1640M - 14ASTM International, USA
LowCurrent
Standard Test Methods for Drying, Curing, or Film Formation of Organic Coatings at Room Temperature
This is a test method, not a product specification, but it's a key reference for defining drying properties in modern standards that have replaced older product specs.
Key Differences
≠IS 348 is largely prescriptive (e.g., max volatile matter), whereas modern standards like MPI #20 are performance-based, focusing on applied film properties and durability with less emphasis on composition.
≠Modern international standards (e.g., MPI #20) heavily regulate Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content (e.g., max 380 g/L). IS 348 focuses on a minimum Flash Point (30°C) for safety but lacks specific VOC emission limits.
≠The water resistance test in IS 348 is basic (2 hours immersion). Application-specific standards like TT-V-121H (Spar Varnish) require much more rigorous testing, such as 18-hour cold water immersion, reflecting higher performance expectations.
≠IS 348 defines gloss qualitatively as 'high gloss', while international standards like MPI #20 provide a quantitative requirement, such as a minimum of 85 units when measured with a 60-degree glossmeter.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 348 and its counterparts (e.g., TT-V-71G) define a general-purpose, air-drying, clear varnish intended for interior use on general surfaces.
≈Core performance characteristics such as Drying Time (Surface and Hard dry), Flexibility/Adhesion, and stability in the container (Keeping Properties) are fundamental requirements in both IS 348 and similar international standards.
≈The intended application method, 'Brushing,' is a common scope parameter, ensuring the varnish has the correct rheology and consistency for manual application without sagging or running excessively.
≈All standards share the objective of producing a transparent, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing protective film, with requirements for clarity and absence of defects.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Hard Dry Time
Not more than 24 hours
Maximum 8 hours
MPI #20
Gloss (60°)
High gloss (qualitative)
Minimum 85 units (quantitative)
MPI #20
Flexibility (Mandrel Bend)
Passes 6 mm mandrel
Passes 1/8 inch (≈3 mm) mandrel
TT-V-71G
Water Resistance Test
2 hours immersion in distilled water
18 hours immersion in cold water (for spar varnish)
TT-V-121H
Flash Point
Not below 30°C (Abel)
Not less than 37.8°C / 100°F (Tag Closed Cup)
MPI #20
Volatiles
Max 50% volatile matter by mass
Max 380 g/L VOC content
MPI #20
Colour
Not darker than specified Potassium dichromate solution
Essentially colorless, matching standard
TT-V-71G
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
flash pointNot below 30°C
drying time surface dryMax 4 hours
drying time hard dryMax 18 hours
flexibility and adhesionNo damage or detachment after bending test
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Clear Varnish, Brushing, Finishing
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Requirements (Drying time, Finish, Flash point)