IS : 289 - 1963

(Reaffirmed 2001)
Edition 2.2
(1989-09)

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
ALUMINIUM PASTE FOR PAINTS
( Revised )
(Incorporating Amendment Nos. 1 & 2)

UDC 667.622.2 : 669.71

© BIS 2002
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
MANAK BHAVAN , 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

Price Group 3
 IS : 289 - 1963

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
ALUMINIUM PASTE FOR PAINTS
( Revised )
Paints and Allied Products Sectional Committee, CDC 8
Chairman Representing
SHRI P. C. CHANDA Indian Paint Association, Calcutta
Members
DR J. S. AGGARWAL Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
SHRI M. A. SIVASAMBAN ( Alternate )
DR V. R. S. ARNI Union Carbide India Ltd, Calcutta
DR H. C. BIJAWAT ( Alternate )
DR RAMAKANTA BHATTACHARYYA Lac and Lac Products Sectional Committee,
CDC 9, ISI
SHRI S. K. BOSE Government Test House, Calcutta
SHRI R. C. DAS GUPTA ( Alternate )
SHRI A. K. CHAUDHURY Imperial Chemical Industries (India) Private Ltd,
SHRI F. W. VIOL (Alternate) Calcutta
DEPUTY DIRECTOR RESEARCH Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
(M & C)
DR A. S. BHADURI ( Alternate )
SHRI B. N. GANGULI Ministry of Defence (R & D)
SHRI I. D. SINGH ( Alternate )
SHRI JOSEPH GEORGE Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
SHRI G. W. KAPSE ( Alternate )
SHRI S. S. K. GHOSE D. Waldie & Co Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI SUNIL GUPTA ( Alternate )
DR R. GONCALVES Burmah-Shell Oil Storage and Distributing Co of
India Ltd, Bombay
SHRI N. E. GRIFFIN ( Alternate )
SHRI T. K. S. MANI Addisons Paints and Chemicals Ltd, Madras
SHRI M. B. SATYANARAYANA ( Alternate )
SHRI P. S. NAGASUNDARAM Directorate of Technical Development & Production
(Air), Ministry of Defence
SHRI R. VELAYUDHAN NAIR Travancore Titanium Products Ltd, Thrivandrum
SHRI M. G. GADGIL ( Alternate )
SHRI S. S. NAYUDU Solar Paint & Varnish Manufacturing Co, Calcutta
SHRI W. E. NORRIS Indian Paint Association, Calcutta
SHRI P. K. ADHIKARI ( Alternate )
( Continued on page 2 )

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN , 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002
IS : 289 - 1963
( Continued from page 1 )
Members Representing
SHRI P. G. V. RAMANAN Indian Aluminium Co Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI H. S. CHAWALA ( Alternate )
SHRI K. N. R. SHARMA Development Wing, Ministry of Commerce &
Industry
CAPT B. P. SINHA Naval Headquarters
SHRI B. S. RAO ( Alternate )
SHRI K. S. VARADACHAR Ministry of Defence (R & D)
SHRI I. D. SINGH ( Alternate )
DR SADGOPAL, Director, BIS ( Ex-officio Member )
Deputy Director (Chem)
Secretary
SHRI M. S. SAXENA
Extra Assistant Director (Chem), BIS

Finished Products Subcommittee, CDC 8 : 6

Convener
SHRI S. S. NAYUDU Indian Paint Association, Calcutta
Members
SHRI J. M. NADKARNI ( Alternate to
Shri S. S. Nayudu )
SHRI S. K. BOSE Government Test House, Calcutta
SHRI B. N. GANGULI Ministry of Defence (R & D)
SHRI K. S. VARADACHAR ( Alternate )
DR K. G. KUDVA Indian Paint Association, Calcutta
DR P. K. BHANDARI ( Alternate )
SHRI S. RAMANUJAM Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
CAPT B. P. SINHA Naval Headquarters
CAPT RAM NATH ( Alternate )

Panel for Studying Indian Standards on Paints, CDC 8 : P2

Convener
SHRI S. K. BOSE Government Test House, Calcutta
Members
SHRI P. K. ADHIKARI Indian Paint Association, Calcutta
SHRI S. M. CHAKRAVARTY Indian Paint Association, Calcutta
SHRI S. S. NAYUDU Indian Paint Association, Calcutta
SHRI S. RAMANUJAM Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
SHRI M. N. RAO Indian Paint Association, Calcutta
SHRI S. N. ROY Ministry of Defence (CGDP)

2
 IS : 289 - 1963

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
ALUMINIUM PASTE FOR PAINTS
( Revised )

0. F O R E W O R D
0.1 This Indian Standard (Revised) was adopted by the Indian
Standards Institution on 16 May 1963, after the draft finalized by the
Paints and Allied Products Sectional Committee had been approved by
the Chemical Division Council.
0.2 This standard was first issued in 1952 and was based largely on the
interim co-ordinated draft, compiled with the assistance of
representatives of manufacturers and of various departments and
authorities of the Government of India, by the Co-ordinating
Subcommittee of the No. 5 Standing Committee on Specifications for
Paints and Allied Stores of the General Headquarters, India (now Army
Headquarters). The present revision incorporates important changes in
the method of test for determination of leafing value. Besides, a number
of other minor changes indicated through the experience of those
making use of the standard have been introduced. Opportunity, while
revising, has also been taken to substitute metric values for fps ones
wherever existing in the original standard.
0.3 For residue on sieve, Indian Standard Sieves [conforming to
IS : 460-1962 Specification for Test Sieves ( Revised )] are prescribed.
Where IS Sieves are not available, other equivalent standard sieves as
judged by aperture size may be used.
0.4 Wherever a reference to any Indian Standard appears in this
specification, it shall be taken as a reference to the latest version of the
standard.
0.5 This standard is one of a series of Indian Standard specifications on
aluminium paint and components. Other specifications published so far
in the series are:
IS : 642-1963 VARNISH MEDIUM FOR ALUMINIUM PAINT ( Revised )
IS : 2339-1963 ALUMINIUM PAINT FOR GENERAL PURPOSES, IN DUAL
CONTAINER

3
IS : 289 - 1963
0.6 This edition 2.2 incorporates Amendment No. 2 (September 1989).
Side bar indicates modification of the text as the result of
incorporation of the amendment.
0.7 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated,
expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in
accordance with IS : 2-1960 Rules for Rounding Off Numerical Values
( Revised ). The number of significant places retained in the rounded off
value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
0.8 This standard is intended chiefly to cover the technical provisions
relating to aluminium paste for paints, and it does not include all the
necessary provisions of a contract.
1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard prescribes the requirements and the methods of test
for the material commercially known as aluminium paste for paints. The
material is generally used for making ready mixed paints.
2. TERMINOLOGY
2.1 For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given in
IS : 303-1958 Glossary of Terms Relating to Paints and under 2 of
IS : 85-1950 Methods of Test for Oil Pastes for Paints shall apply.
3. SAMPLING
3.1 The supplier shall submit a tender sample packed in three different
containers, each containing not less than 500 g of the material.
3.2 Representative samples of the material shall be drawn as prescribed
under 3 of IS : 85-1950 Methods of Test for Oil Pastes for Paints.
4. REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Form and Condition — The material shall be supplied in the form
of a smooth homogeneous paste and there shall be no separation of the
solvent from the paste.
4.2 The material shall be based on aluminium powder being in the form
of flakes, which can be ascertained by microscopic examination and a
suitable solvent. The paste shall have an aluminium powder content of
not less than 64 percent.
4.3 Leafing Value — The leafing value of the material shall be not less
than 65.0 percent when determined by the method given in Appendix A.
4.4 The Material shall also comply with the requirements given in
Table I.

4
 IS : 289 - 1963

TABLE I REQUIREMENTS FOR ALUMINIUM PASTE FOR PAINTS

( Clause 4.4 )
SL CHARACTERISTIC REQUIREMENT METHOD OF TEST
NO.












Ref to Cl Appendix
No. in
*IS : 85-1950
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
i) Residue on sieve, percent by 9 —
weight, Max
a) 150-micron IS Sieve 15 Nil
(using 30 g sample)
b) 75-micron IS Sieve 8 0.5
(using 20 g sample)
c) 53-micron IS Sieve 5 3.0
(using 10 g sample)
ii) Grease content, percent by 3.0 — B
weight, Max
iii) Settling properties Shall not settle to an — C
apparent volume
of less than 12 ml
iv) Volatile matter, percent by 36.0 — D
weight, Max
v) Keeping properties Not less than one 13 —
year from date of
manufacture
*IS : 85-1950 Methods of Test for Oil Pastes for Paints.

4.5 Total Impurities — The material shall not contain impurities

including copper and lead by more than the following limits on the basis
of grease-free material:
Percent
a) Total impurities including 1.00
copper and lead
b) Copper 0.10
c) Lead 0.050
4.5.1 The copper content and impurities other than lead may be
determined by relevant methods specified in *IS : 504-1954 Methods of
Chemical Analysis of Aluminium and Its Alloys. The lead content shall
be determined by the method described under 12 of IS : 85-1950
Methods of Test for Oil Pastes for Paints.
*Since revised.

5
IS : 289 - 1963
4.6 Optional Requirement — The water content of the material when
determined by the Karl Fischer Method ( see *IS : 2362-1963
Determination of Water by the Karl Fischer Method ) shall not be more
than 0.15 percent.
5. TESTS
5.1 Tests shall be conducted as prescribed in IS : 85-1950 Methods of
Test for Oil Pastes for Paints, *IS : 504-1954 Methods of Chemical
Analysis of Aluminium and Its Alloys and *IS : 2362-1963
Determination of Water by the Karl Fischer Method. References to the
relevant clauses of these standards are given in col 4 of Table I and
under 4.5.1 and 4.6.
5.2 Quality of Reagents — Unless otherwise specified, pure chemicals
and distilled water [ see IS : 1070-1960 Specification for Water, Distilled
Quality ( Revised ) ] shall be employed in tests.
NOTE — ‘Pure chemicals’ shall mean chemicals that do not contain impurities
which affect the results of analysis.
6. PACKING AND MARKING
6.1 Packing — Unless otherwise agreed to between the purchaser and
the supplier, the paste shall be packed in metal containers conforming
to †IS : 1407-1959 Specification for Round Paint Tins and
†IS : 1549-1960 Specification for Steel Drums and Kegs (Galvanized and
Ungalvanized).
6.2 Marking — The containers shall be marked with the name of the
material; manufacturer’s name and trade-mark, if any; weight of the
material; and the month and year of manufacture.
6.2.1 The containers may also be marked with the Standard Mark.
NOTE — The use of the Standard Mark is governed by the provisions of the Bureau
of Indian Standards Act, 1986 and the Rules and Regulations made there-under.
The Standard Mark on products covered by an Indian Standard conveys the
assurance that they have been produced to comply with the requirements of that
standard under a well defined system of inspection, testing and quality control
which is devised and supervised by BIS and operated by the producer. Standard
marked products are also continuously checked by BIS for conformity to that
standard as a further safeguard. Details of conditions under which a licence for the
use of the Standard Mark may be granted to manufacturers or producers may be
obtained from the Bureau of Indian Standards.
6.3 Other details of packing and marking shall be in accordance with the
instructions given by the purchaser.

*Since revised.
†Since withdrawn [ see IS : 2552-1970 Specification for steel drums (galvanized
and ungalvanized) ( first revision ) ].

6
 IS : 289 - 1963
APPENDIX A
( Clause 4.3 )
DETERMINATION OF LEAFING VALUE
A-1. DEFINITION
A-1.1 Leafed Area — is the completely covered surface free from cracks
or breaks, when tested as prescribed under A-5.
A-2. APPARATUS
A-2.1 Spatula — of polished steel which shall be free from taper, with
the length of blade not less than 140 mm, width of 13 to 14 mm and the
thickness not more than 1.6 mm.
A-2.2 Test-Tube — 150 mm in length, with an internal diameter of
19 mm.
A-2.3 Glass Cylinder — 200 mm in length, with an internal diameter
of 40 mm.
A-2.4 Cork — with top diameter 41 mm and bottom diameter 38 mm.
A-3. REAGENTS
A-3.1 Coumarone-Indene — commercially pure resin, with melting
point 127º to 137ºC; specific gravity 1.07 to 1.09, and acid value not more
than 0.5.
or
Petrez SP — 90 Resin
A-3.2 Petroleum Hydrocarbon Solvent —145/205 low aromatic
(conforming to *IS : 1745-1961 Specification for Petroleum Hydrocarbon
Solvents).
A-4. PREPARATION OF LEAF-TESTING VEHICLE
A-4.1 Procedure — Grind the resin finely. Prepare a solution by
dissolving 30 g of the resin in 100 ml of petroleum hydrocarbon solvent
with gentle heating. Adjust the specific gravity to between 0.867 to 0.874
at 27°C. Allow it to stand for 36 hours, decant and retain the clear
portion in a stoppered glass bottle for use.
A-5. PROCEDURE
A-5.1 The test shall be carried out at a temperature between 21º
and 38°C.
A-5.2 Transfer 25 ml of the vehicle to a clean container. Accurately
weigh 3.5 g of the aluminium paste in a small dish. Add about 4 ml out

*Since revised.
7
IS : 289 - 1963
of the 25 ml quantity of the vehicle and mix to a stiff paste with a
spatula or a small stiff brush. Add approximately 5 ml more of the
vehicle and stir to a smooth mixture, then add the remainder of the
vehicle and continue stirring to obtain complete dispersion. Immediately
transfer enough of the mixture to the test-tube to give a depth of
about 110 mm with the spatula immersed. Remove any bubble on the
surface of the liquid by dipping and withdrawing the end of the spatula.
Dip the spatula to the bottom of the mixture and rotate it gently through
an arc of about 90º for 10 seconds, reversing the direction of rotation
once a second. Avoid the formation of bubbles and excessive splashing.
Withdraw the spatula at a uniform rate in a total time of 6 ± 1 seconds,
without touching the sides of the test-tube, and suspend it vertically in
the closed glass cylinder containing 5 ml of the leafing liquid. If the
spatula is withdrawn at this rate, not more than three drops of the
mixture will drain from it. At the end of 6 minutes, after which time the
leafing comes to rest, measure the length of the leafed area on both sides
of the spatula. Clean the spatula by rinsing it in benzene
( see IS : 1840-1961 Specification for Benzene, Reagent Grade ) and wipe
dry with a clean cloth. Stir the mixture in the test-tube and repeat the
determination.
A-5.3 The cylinder, when not containing a suspended spatula, shall be
closed by means of a cover glass or stopper so that the atmosphere
within it remains saturated with the vapour from the leafing liquid
when the spatula is inserted. A convenient method of suspending the
spatula in the closed glass cylinder is to pass the steel handle of the
spatula through the centre of the cork used to close the cylinder.
A-6. CALCULATION
A-6.1 Calculate the leafing value from the average of at least five
determinations according to the following formula:
100 A
Leafing value = ----------------
L
where
A = the average length of the completely leafed area, and
L = the total immersed length of the spatula.

APPENDIX B
[ Table I, Item (ii) ]
DETERMINATION OF GREASE CONTENT
B-1. PROCEDURE
B-1.1 Take sufficient quantity of the material to contain
approximately 10 g of aluminium powder, weigh it accurately and
8
 IS : 289 - 1963
extract in a Soxhlet extractor with acetone (conforming to *IS : 170-1950
Specification for Acetone) for about three hours, during which period the
solvent shall siphon at least eight times per hour. Remove the volatile
solvents from the extract in the extraction flask in the usual manner,
and weigh.
B-1.2 Remove the acetone from the sample in the thimble. Return the
thimble to the Soxhlet extractor and extract with alcohol for about three
hours, during which period the solvent shall siphon at least eight times
per hour. Remove the volatile solvents from the extract, and weigh.
B-2. CALCULATION
B-2.1 The sum of the two extracts gives the grease content of the sample
taken for the test. Express it as percentage of the weight of the material
taken for the test.

APPENDIX C
[ Table I, Item (iii) ]
DETERMINATION OF SETTLING PROPERTIES
C-1. PROCEDURE
C-1.1 Accurately weigh sufficient quantity of the material to contain
about 10 g of aluminium powder, and add to about 35 ml of benzene
(conforming to IS : 1840-1961 Specification for Benzene, Reagent Grade)
contained in a 50-ml stoppered measuring cylinder, the 50-ml
graduation mark of which is approximately 13 cm from the zero mark.
Shake the mixture thoroughly, make the level of the liquid up to 50 ml
with benzene and again shake. Allow the contents of the cylinder to
stand undisturbed for 18 hours at a temperature between 21º and 38°C.
At the end of this period, note the upper line of separation of the
aluminium powder, which indicates the apparent volume of settlement.

APPENDIX D
[ Table I, Item (iv) ]
DETERMINATION OF VOLATILE MATTER
D-1. DEFINITION
D-1.1 Volatile Matter — is the percentage loss in weight on heating
the material to constant weight in an oven at 100º ± 2ºC, when
determined as described below ( see D-2.1 ).
*Since revised.
9
IS : 289 - 1963
D-2. PROCEDURE
D-2.1 Weigh accurately about 2 g of the material in a tared flat-bottom
dish about 8 cm in diameter and keep in an oven maintained
at 100º ± 2°C for two hours. At the end of this period, transfer the dish to
a desiccator containing a suitable desiccating agent, and cool. Remove
the dish and weigh. Repeat the heating at half-hour intervals till
constant weight is obtained.
D-2.2 Express the loss in weight as percentage of the weight of the
material taken for the test.

10
Bureau of Indian Standards
BIS is a statutory institution established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 to
promote harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality
certification of goods and attending to connected matters in the country.
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course of implementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade
designations. Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director (Publications), BIS.
Review of Indian Standards
Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are
also reviewed periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review
indicates that no changes are needed; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken
up for revision. Users of Indian Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest
amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of ‘BIS Catalogue’ and ‘Standards : Monthly
Additions’.
This Indian Standard has been developed by Technical Committee : CDC 8

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue
Amd. No. 1 Incorporated earlier
Amd. No. 2 September 1989

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