ASTM D1654
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments
Provides procedures and rating scales for evaluating corrosion, undercutting, and coating failure after exposure of painted or coated specimens.
What ASTM D1654 specifies
ASTM D1654 is an evaluation method used after salt spray, cyclic corrosion, humidity, or other corrosive exposure. On intentionally scribed panels, Method A measures or rates corrosion creepage from the scribe after loose coating is removed by the specified procedure. Method B evaluates unscribed areas for rusting or other visible failure using the applicable rating approach. The exposure itself is supplied by another standard such as ASTM B117; D1654 supplies specimen handling and post-exposure evaluation. Reports should identify scribe geometry, exposure, duration, cleaning method, creepage measurement convention, and separate ratings for each failure mode.
ASTM D1654 types and classes
Every designation the document defines, with the thickness it requires and the tests it imposes.
| Designation | Meaning | Requirement / test |
|---|---|---|
Method A | Evaluates average corrosion creepage or undercutting from a deliberate scribe; higher rating indicates less creepage | Creepage measurement and 0–10 rating |
Method B | Evaluates corrosion or failure away from the scribe using the applicable visual rating | Visual evaluation and rating |
Tests and the drawing call-out
Tests the document imposes
- Scribe creepage
- Unscribed-area corrosion
- Post-exposure coating removal and visual rating
How to cite it
Drawing call-out
EVALUATE AFTER <EXPOSURE> PER ASTM D1654, METHOD <A|B>, MINIMUM RATING <0–10>Angle brackets mark the choices the drawing must make; every finish page shows a completed example.
ASTM D1654 — frequently asked
What does an ASTM D1654 rating of 10 mean?
For scribe creepage, 10 represents essentially no measurable creepage from the scribe; lower ratings represent progressively greater undercutting.
Is ASTM D1654 a corrosion exposure test?
No. It evaluates specimens after an exposure such as ASTM B117 or a cyclic corrosion test.
Why are panels intentionally scribed?
The scribe exposes the substrate and tests how effectively the coating limits lateral corrosion and undercutting from damage.
ASTM D1654 is copyrighted by ASTM International. This page explains the document so a drawing can be read; it does not reproduce the standard. Purchase the current edition from the publisher. Official source ↗