ASTM standards for oil paint

[Ayla4869]

I investigated the ASTM standard today and thought someone out there might
be interested in the results.

ASTM D4302, "Standard Specification for Artists' Oil and Acrylic Emulsion
Paints"
ASTM D4303, "Standard Test Methods for Lightfastness of Pigments Used in
Artists' Paints"
ASTM D4236, "Standard Practice for Labeling Art Materials for Chronic
Health Hazards"

"ASTM D4302 This standard specification describes labeling, composition,
physical properties, and performance requirements for artists' oil and
acrylic emulsion paints, and covers pigments, vehicles, and additives for
both types of paint. [... The labeling must include: ] 5. A statement
certifying that the contents conform to the labeling requirements of the
Federal Hazardous Substances Act(for acute hazards) and ASTM D4236(for
chronic hazards).
...
All of these standards are voluntary, and manufacturers do not have to
comply with them.
...
A material that conforms with D4302 automatically conforms with D4236
(and D4303), but a material that conforms to D4236 does not automatically
conform to D4302.
Copies of the individual ASTM standards can be obtained by writing to
the American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street,
Philidelphia, PA 19103."

Quoted from: _A Manual of painting materials and techniques_ by Mark
David Gottsegen.

Just for grins, here is a list oil paint brands that you're likely to find
at your corner Arts and Crafts store:

Grumbacher, conforms to D4236 and D4302
Liquitex, conforms to D4236 and D4302
Bob Ross, conforms to D4236
Winsor & Newton, conforms to D4236

And a few words on reference books... I did a Library of Congress subject
search on Artists' Materials and came up with 6 books that were written in
English since 1984, covered painting, and had more than 250 pages. I
scanned through all six. IMHO, the Gottsegen and Mayer books are tied for
first place. Mayer is longer and has more coverage of non-oil painting
than Gottsegen. Gottsegen has better tables.