BS 3900-B6 discusses test methods for paints. The aim of the BS 3900-B series is to provide the best industrial practice to determine the metal content in paint by the spectrometric method.
BS 3900-6 describes two methods for the determination of the lead content of the test solutions, prepared according to ISO 6713 or other suitable International Standards. The methods are applicable to paints having “soluble” lead contents in the range of about 0,05 to 5 % (m/m). The flame atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) method should be used as the referee method in cases of dispute. Other methods can be used by agreement between the interested parties. If a spectrophotometric method is agreed, the dithizone spectrophotometric method should be used.
BS 3900-B6 on liquid paints and dried paint films is useful for:
Lead (II) carbonate which is commonly referred to as white lead when added to paint turned the paint either white or cream in colour while the addition of lead tetroxide compounds turned the paint into a bright red paint.
BS 3900-B6 describes a chemical method for determining the soluble lead in liquid paints and dried paint films. BS 3900-B6 covers the principle of the test method, reagents and materials, procedure, expression of result, and test report. This can help to determine the quantity of soluble lead present that aids in determining the colour of the liquid paints and dried paint films.