Paint Waste Disposal Standard helps artists, educators.
Press Release Summary:
ASTM International standard ASTM D7355, Guide for Artists' Paint Waste Disposal in Smaller Commercial or Educational Settings, was developed in response to needs for better environmental practices for art studios. Through ASTM D7355, commercial artists and art teachers in small school systems would have way to deal with waste from artist paints in environmentally friendly manner. All interested parties are invited to participate in further standard's development.
Original Press Release:
ASTM International Paint Committee Approves Paint Waste Disposal Standard
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.-The need for better environmental practices for art studios has led to the development of a new ASTM International standard, ASTM D7355, Guide for Artists' Paint Waste Disposal in Smaller Commercial or Educational Settings.
The new standard was developed by Subcommittee D01.57 on Artists' Materials, part of ASTM International Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications.
"The small educational setting might be allowed by law to flush their paints and brush cleaning materials down the sink, but many wanted a more responsible way to act," says Bruce Griffin, chief risk officer, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and chairman of the task group that developed the new ASTM standard. "Manufacturers also encouraged us to continue, as they often receive requests for a 'best disposal practice' but had no good answers."
Griffin says that ASTM D7355 gives commercial artists and art teachers in small school systems a way to deal with waste from artist paints in an environmentally friendly way. "This is especially important for those users who are too small to be regulated by laws or regulations but want to do the right thing," says Griffin.
Michael Skalka, conservation administrator, National Gallery of Art, and chairman of D01.57, says that all interested parties are invited to participate in the work of D01.57, particularly those with experience in scientific methodology, statistical analysis of data, chemistry, the working properties of paint materials, environmental testing of materials for lightfastness and other physical properties related to paint.
"Members who enjoy art and like the technical aspects of paint materials are our strongest participants and advocates," says Skalka. "We face some complicated challenges in creating standards that promote quality in art materials. Understanding technical aspects, especially for our artist/consumer members, is the most challenging part of the work of the subcommittee."
The subcommittee is currently working on standards for a variety of art materials, including acrylic primers, pastels, inkjet inks, pre-primed canvas and solid supports for paintings.
To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585; service@astm.org). ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.
ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions.
View this release on the ASTM Web site at www.astmnewsroom.org.
ASTM Committee D01 Next Meeting: Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2011, January Committee Week, Baltimore, Md.
Technical Contact: Michael Skalka, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-842-6439; m-skalka@nga.gov
ASTM Staff Contact: Jeffrey Adkins, Phone: 610-832-9738; jadkins@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org
