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IS 351:2007 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for varnish, brushing, finishing, clear, for wood, interior - specification. This standard prescribes the requirements and methods of sampling and testing for clear, brushing, finishing varnish intended for use on interior wood surfaces. It provides specifications for drying times, finish quality, and safety characteristics like flash point to ensure the aesthetic and protective performance of wood finishes.
Specifies requirements and methods of test for clear finishing varnish suitable for interior wood surfaces.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Architectural — Painting, Coatings and Surface Finishing
! Ensure the wood surface is properly prepared, sanded, and completely dry before applying the varnish to prevent poor adhesion or blistering.
! This specification covers varnishes specifically formulated for interiors; applying them to exterior surfaces will result in rapid degradation from UV exposure and weathering.
TT-V-71HU.S. General Services Administration (GSA), USA
HighCurrent
Varnish, Interior
Specifies a clear, air-drying, oleoresinous varnish for general purpose interior use.
BS 7851:1996British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for interior decorating oleoresinous varnishes
Specifies requirements for traditional oleoresinous varnishes intended for interior decoration.
CAN/CGSB-1.109-M88Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), Canada
HighWithdrawn
Varnish: Alkyd, for Interior Use
Covers alkyd (a type of oleoresinous) varnish for interior wood and other surfaces.
EN 12720:2013European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
MediumCurrent
Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold liquids
Provides a test method and rating system for a key performance aspect of interior wood finishes.
Key Differences
≠IS 351:2007 is prescriptive, specifying an oleoresinous varnish. Many international standards are now performance-based, allowing for modern chemistries like polyurethanes and water-based acrylics.
≠The Indian standard does not specify limits for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), a critical environmental and health parameter in most current European and North American standards for architectural coatings.
≠IS 351 specifies flexibility using a 6 mm mandrel test, whereas equivalent historic standards like TT-V-71H were more stringent, requiring a pass on a 1/8 inch (approx. 3.2 mm) mandrel.
≠While IS 351 restricts lead content, modern international standards (e.g., EN 71-3 for toy safety, which is often referenced for interior coatings) have far more extensive and strict limits on a wider range of migratory heavy metals.
Key Similarities
≈All standards focus on the same intended application: providing a clear, protective, and aesthetic finish for interior wood surfaces.
≈Core performance characteristics like drying time, film appearance (glossy and clear), and resistance to water are fundamental evaluation criteria across IS 351 and its international counterparts.
≈The specification of a 'brushing' varnish is common, implying requirements for viscosity and flow characteristics that allow for smooth application by hand without sagging or running.
≈All standards require the final dried film to be uniform, hard, and free of defects, ensuring a durable and visually appealing surface.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Drying Time (Hard Dry)
Maximum 18 hours
Within 18 hours
TT-V-71H
Flexibility and Adhesion
No cracking on a 6 mm mandrel
No cracking on a 1/8 inch (~3.2 mm) mandrel
TT-V-71H
Resistance to Water
48 hours immersion; no blistering, whitening or wrinkling. Slight dulling is permissible.
18 hours immersion; no whitening, dulling, or blistering immediately after removal.
TT-V-71H
Flash Point (Abel)
Not below 30°C
Not less than 32.2°C (Tag closed cup)
TT-V-71H
Non-Volatile Matter
Minimum 40% by mass
Minimum 45% by mass
TT-V-71H
Finish
Smooth, uniform and shall show a high gloss finish
The film shall be clear, smooth, uniform, and free from runs, sags, and streaks.
TT-V-71H
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Surface drying timeMax 4 hours
Hard drying timeMax 18 hours
Flash pointMin 30°C
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Varnish, Brushing, Finishing, Clear, Interior