Coating Category Definitions

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BOND BREAKERS are coatings formulated for or applied between layers of concrete to prevent the freshly poured top layer of concrete from bonding to the substrate over which it is poured.
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CLEAR WOOD FINISHES are clear and semi-transparent coatings, including lacquers and varnishes, applied to wood substrates, including floors, decks and porches, to provide a transparent or translucent solid film.
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CONCRETE-CURING COMPOUNDS are coatings formulated for or applied to freshly poured concrete to retard the evaporation of water. Concrete-curing compounds manufactured and used for roadways and bridges (does not include curbs and gutters, sidewalks, islands, driveways and other miscellaneous concrete areas) are those concrete-curing compounds that meet ASTM Designation C309, Class B, and meet a loss of water standard of less than 0.15-kg/m² in 24 hours as determined by the California Transportation Department, California Test 534.
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CONCRETE SURFACE RETARDERS are coatings containing one or more ingredients such as extender pigments, primary pigments, resins, and solvents that interact chemically with the cement to prevent hardening on the surface where the retarder is applied, allowing the mix of cement and sand at the surface to be washed away to create an exposed aggregate finish.
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DRIVEWAY SEALERS are coatings that are applied to worn asphalt driveway surfaces in order to:

1. Fill cracks;

2. Seal the surface to provide protection; or

3. Restore or preserve the surface appearance.
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DRY-FOG COATINGS are coatings which are formulated only for spray application so that when sprayed, overspray droplets dry before falling on floors and other surfaces.
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FAUX FINISHING COATINGS are coatings that meet one or more of the following subcategories:

1. GLAZES, which are coatings designed for wet-in-wet techniques used to create artistic effects, including but not limited to, dirt, old age, smoke damage, simulated marble and wood grain finishes, decorative patterns, color blending, and wet edge techniques.

2. DECORATIVE COATINGS, which are coatings used to create a gonioapparent appearance, such as metallic, iridescent, or pearlescent appearance, that contain at least 48 grams of pearlescent mica pigment or other iridescent pigment per liter of coating as applied (at least 0.4 pounds per gallon).

3. JAPANS, which are pure concentrated pigments, finely ground in a slow drying vehicle used by Motion Picture and Television Production Studios to create artistic effects, including but not limited to, dirt, old age, smoke damage, water damage, and simulated marble and wood grain.

4. TROWEL APPLIED COATINGS, which are coatings applied by trowel that are used to create aesthetic effects, including, but not limited to, polished plaster, clay, suede and dimensional, tactile textures.

5. CLEAR TOPCOATS, which are clear coatings used to enhance, seal and protect a Faux Finishing coating that meets the requirements of subsection (b)(18)(A)(B)(C), or (D). These clear topcoats must be sold and used solely as part of a Faux Finishing coating system, and must be labeled in accordance paragraph (d)(7).
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FIRE-PROOFING COATINGS are opaque coatings formulated to protect the structural integrity of steel and other construction materials and listed by Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. for the fire protection of steel.
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FLAT COATINGS are coatings that register a gloss of less than 15 on an 85-degree meter or less than 5 on a 60-degree meter.
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FLOOR COATINGS are opaque coatings that are formulated for or applied to flooring; including but not limited to garages, decks, and porches, and clear coatings formulated for or applied to concrete flooring, but do not include Industrial Maintenance Coatings.
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FORM RELEASE COMPOUNDS are coatings designed for or applied to a concrete form to prevent the freshly poured concrete from bonding to the form. The form may consist of metal, wood, or some material other than concrete.
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GRAPHIC ARTS COATINGS (Sign Paints) are coatings formulated for hand-application by artists using brush or roller techniques to indoor and outdoor signs (excluding structural components) and murals, including lettering enamels, poster colors, copy blockers, and bulletin enamels.
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HIGH-TEMPERATURE INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COATINGS are industrial maintenance coatings formulated for or applied to substrates exposed continuously or intermittently to temperatures above 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
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INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COATINGS are coatings, including primers, sealers, undercoaters, intermediate coatings and topcoats, formulated for or applied to substrates, including floors, that are exposed to one or more of the following extreme environmental conditions:

1. Immersion in water, wastewater, or chemical solutions (aqueous and non-aqueous solutions), or chronic exposure of interior surfaces to moisture condensation;

2. Acute or chronic exposure to corrosive, caustic or acidic agents, or similar chemicals, chemical fumes, chemical mixtures, or solutions;

3. Repeated exposure to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Fahrenheit;

4. Repeated heavy abrasion, including mechanical wear and repeated scrubbing with industrial solvents, cleaners, or scouring agents; or

5. Exterior exposure of metal structures.
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LACQUERS are clear or pigmented wood finishes, including clear lacquer sanding sealers, formulated with nitrocellulose or synthetic resins to dry by evaporation without chemical reaction.
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LOW SOLIDS are coatings containing one pound or less of solids per gallon of material.
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MAGNESITE CEMENT COATINGS are coatings formulated for or applied to magnesite cement decking to protect the magnesite cement substrate from erosion by water.
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MASTIC COATINGS are coatings formulated to cover holes and minor cracks and to conceal surface irregularities, and applied in a thickness of at least 10 mils (dry, single coat).
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METALLIC PIGMENTED COATINGS are coatings, excluding roof coatings, containing at least 0.4 pounds per gallon (48 grams/liter) of coating, as applied, of elemental metallic pigment (excluding zinc). *Effective July 1, 2012, metallic pigmented coatings are decorative coatings, excluding industrial maintenance and roof coatings, containing at least 0.4 pounds per gallon (48 grams/liter) of coating, as applied, of elemental metallic pigment (excluding zinc).
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MULTI-COLOR COATINGS are coatings which exhibit more than one color when applied and which are packaged in a single container and applied in a single coat.
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NONFLAT COATINGS are coatings that are not defined under any other definition in this rule and that register a gloss of 5 or greater on a 60 degree meter and a gloss of 15 or greater on an 85 degree meter according to ASTM Test Method D 523.
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NON-SACRIFICIAL ANTI-GRAFFITI COATINGS are clear or opaque Industrial Maintenance Coatings formulated and recommended to deter adhesion of graffiti and to resist repeated scrubbing and exposure to harsh solvents, cleansers, or scouring agents used to remove graffiti.
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PRE-TREATMENT WASH PRIMERS are coatings which contain a minimum of 1/2 percent acid, by weight, applied directly to bare metal surfaces to provide necessary surface etching.
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PRIMERS are coatings applied to a surface to provide a firm bond between the substrate and subsequent coats.
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QUICK-DRY ENAMELS are non-flat, high gloss coatings which comply with the following:

1. Shall be capable of being applied directly from the container by brush or roller under normal conditions, normal conditions being ambient temperatures between 60°F and 80°F; and

2. When tested in accordance with ASTM D 1640 they shall: set-to touch in two hours or less, dry-hard in eight hours or less, and be tack-free in four hours or less by the mechanical test method.
   *Effective July 1, 2011, coatings classified as quick-dry enamels are subsumed by the non-flat coating category.
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QUICK-DRY PRIMERS, SEALERS, AND UNDERCOATERS are primers, sealers, and undercoaters which are intended to be applied to a surface to provide a firm bond between the substrate and subsequent coats and which are dry-to-touch in one-half hour and can be recoated in two hours.
*Effective July 1, 2011, coatings classified as quick-dry primers, sealers, and undercoaters are subsumed by the primer, sealer, undercoater category.
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REACTIVE PENETRATING SEALERS are clear or pigmented coatings labeled and formulated for application to above-ground concrete and masonry substrates to provide protection from water and waterborne contaminants, including, but not limited to, alkalis, acids, and salts. Reactive Penetrating Sealers must meet the following criteria:

1. Used only for reinforced concrete bridge structures for transportation projects within 5 miles of the coast or above 4,000 feet elevation or for restoration and/or preservation projects on registered historical buildings that are under the purview of a restoration architect.
   

2. Penetrate into concrete and masonry substrates and chemically react to form covalent bonds with naturally occurring minerals in the substrate.
   

3. Line the pores of concrete and masonry substrates with a hydrophobic coating, but do not form a surface film.
   

4. Improve water repellency at least 80 percent after application on a concrete or masonry substrate. This performance must be verified on standardized test specimens, in accordance with one or more of the following standards: ASTM C67, or ASTM C97, or ASTM C140.
   

5. Not reduce the water vapor transmission rate by more than 2 percent after application on a concrete or masonry substrate. This performance must be verified on standardized test specimens, in accordance with ASTM E96/E96M.
   

6. Meet the performance criteria listed in the National Cooperative Highway Research Report 244 (1981), surface chloride screening applications, for products labeled and formulated for vehicular traffic.
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RECYCLED COATINGS are coatings formulated such that 50 percent or more of the total weight consists of secondary and post-consumer coatings and 10 percent or more of the total weight consists of post-consumer coatings, and manufactured by a certified recycled paint manufacturer.
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ROOF COATINGS are coatings formulated for application to exterior roofs for the primary purpose of preventing penetration of the substrate by water, or reflecting heat and ultraviolet radiation.
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ROOF COATINGS, ALUMINUM are roof coatings containing at least 0.7 pounds per gallon (84 grams per liter) of coating as applied, of elemental aluminum pigment.
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ROOF PRIMERS, BITUMINOUS are primers formulated for or applied to roofing that incorporate bituminous coating materials.
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RUST PREVENTATIVE COATINGS are coatings formulated for use in preventing the corrosion of metal surfaces in residential and commercial situations.
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SACRIFICIAL ANTI-GRAFFITI COATINGS are non-binding, clear coatings which are formulated and recommended for applicants that allow for the removal of graffiti primarily by power washing.
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SANDING SEALERS are clear wood coatings formulated for or applied to bare wood for sanding and to seal the wood for subsequent application of coatings. Until July 1, 2013 to be considered a sanding sealer a coating must be clearly labeled as such.
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SEALERS are coatings applied to either block materials from penetrating into or leaching out of a substrate, to prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate, or to prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate.
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SHELLACS are clear or pigmented coatings formulated solely with the resinous secretions of the lac insect (laccifer lacca). Shellacs are formulated to dry by evaporation without a chemical reaction providing a quick-drying, solid, protective film for priming and sealing stains and odors; and for wood finishing excluding floors effective January 1, 2007.
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SPECIALTY PRIMERS are coatings formulated for or applied to a substrate to seal fire, smoke or water damage; or to condition excessively chalky surfaces. An excessively chalky surface is one that is defined as having chalk rating of four or less as determined by ASTM D-4214 – Photographic Reference Standard No. 1 or the Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology “Pictorial Standards for Coatings Defects”.
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STAINS are opaque or semi-transparent coatings which are formulated to change the color but not conceal the grain pattern or texture.
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STAINS, INTERIOR are stains labeled and formulated exclusively for use on interior surfaces.
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STONE CONSOLIDANTS are coatings that are labeled and formulated for application to stone substrates to repair historical structures that have been damaged by weathering or other decay mechanisms. Stone Consolidants must meet the following criteria:

1. Used only for restoration and/or preservation projects on registered historical buildings that are under the purview of a restoration architect.
   

2. Penetrate into stone substrates to create bonds between particles and consolidate deteriorated material.
   

3. Specified and used in accordance with ASTM E2167.
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SWIMMING POOL COATINGS are coatings specifically formulated for or applied to the interior of swimming pools and to resist swimming pool chemicals.
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SWIMMING POOL REPAIR COATINGS are chlorinated, rubber-based coatings used for the repair and maintenance of swimming pools over existing chlorinated, rubber-based coatings.
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TRAFFIC COATINGS are coatings formulated for or applied to public streets, highways, and other surfaces including, but not limited to, curbs, berms, driveways, and parking lots.
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UNDERCOATERS are coatings formulated for or applied to substrates to provide a smooth surface for subsequent coats.
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VARNISHES are clear wood finishes formulated with various resins to dry by chemical reaction.
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WATERPROOFING SEALERS are coatings which are formulated for the primary purpose of preventing penetration of porous substrates by water.
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WATERPROOFING CONCRETE/MASONRY SEALERS are clear or pigmented sealers that are formulated for sealing concrete and masonry to provide resistance against water, alkalis, acids, ultraviolet light, and staining.
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WOOD PRESERVATIVES are coatings formulated to protect wood from decay or insect attack by the addition of a wood preservative chemical registered by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
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ZINC-RICH INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE PRIMERS are primers formulated to contain a minimum of 65 percent metallic zinc powder (zinc dust) by weight of total solids for application to metal substrates.
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