Coatings

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Content Limits

 

Introduction:

This document summarizes the regulations in several states affecting the content limits of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for Architectural and Industrial Maintenance (AIM) Coatings. For a quick introduction on how to most easily interpret these pages, link to How to Use the VOC and MIR Rules.

Skip to regulations:

 

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)

SCAQMD has established the most comprehensive regulations. SCAQMD has published 3 sets of rules. These links take you to the most recent proposed amendments: Rule 1113 Architectural Coatings Rule 1106 Marine & Pleasure Craft Coatings Rule 1107 Coating of Metal Parts and Products (Other states and jurisdictions publish a single set of rules which cover all types of AIM coatings.) Rule 1113 compliance means that a product confirms to the strictest regulatory standard in the US. Rule 1113 has been amended multiple times. New, significantly tighter VOC limits came into effect on January 1, 2014. A working group has proposed further amendments to come into effect in 2016 and 2019. The Small Container Exemption will be removed for many coatings categories. Here are the proposed amendments to Rule 1113:Rule 1113 TABLE OF STANDARDS VOC LIMITS (Proposed Amendments August, 2015) AQMD Rule 1113 Draft August 19 2015

TABLE OF STANDARDS I
VOC LIMITS Grams of VOC per Liter of Coating, Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds
COATING CATEGORYCurrent Limit1Effective Date (g/L)Small Container Exemption
1/1/161/1/16
Bond Breakers350
Building Envelope Coating10050✓
Concrete-Curing Compounds100✓
Concrete-Curing Compounds For Roadways and Bridges2350✓3
Concrete Surface Retarder50✓
Default50✓
Driveway Sealer50✓
Dry-Fog Coatings50✓
Faux Finishing Coatings
Clear Topcoat100✓
Decorative Coatings350✓
Glazes350✓
Japan350✓
Trowel Applied Coatings50✓
Fire-Proofing Coatings150✓
Flats50✓4
Floor Coatings50✓
Form Release Compound100✓
Graphic Arts (Sign) Coatings200200✓
Industrial Maintenance (IM) Coatings100✓4
Color Indicating Safety Paint480✓4
High Temperature IM Coatings420✓4
Non-Sacrificial Anti-Graffiti Coatings100✓4
Zinc-Rich IM Primers100✓4
Magnesite Cement Coatings450✓3
Mastic Coatings100✓
Metallic Pigmented Coatings150✓
Multi-Color Coatings250✓3
Nonflat Coatings50✓4
Pre-Treatment Wash Primers420✓3
Primers, Sealers and Undercoaters100✓
Reactive Penetrating Sealers350✓3
Recycled Coatings250150✓
Roof Coatings50✓
Roof Coatings, Aluminum100✓
Roof Primer, Bituminous350✓3
Rust Preventative Coatings100✓4
Sacrificial Anti-Graffiti Coatings50✓3
Shellac
Clear730✓3
Pigmented550✓3
Specialty Primers100✓
Stains100✓
Stains, Interior250✓
Stone Consolidants450✓3
Swimming Pool Coatings
Repair340✓3
Other340✓3
Tile and Stone Sealers100✓
Traffic Coatings100✓
Tub and Tile Coatings420✓3
Waterproofing Sealers100✓
Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers100✓
Wood Coatings275
Varnish275
Sanding Sealers275
Lacquer275
Wood Conditioners100
Wood Preservatives
Below-Ground350✓3
Other350✓3

 

  1. The specific limits remain in effect unless revised limits are listed in subsequent columns in the Table of Standards.
  2. Does not include compounds used for curbs and gutters, sidewalks, islands, driveways and other miscellaneous concrete areas.
  3. Effective 01/01/2016, the small container exemption no longer applies per (f)(1).
  4. Effective 01/01/2019, the small container exemption is further restricted per (f)(1).

AQMD Rule 1113 Draft August 19 2015 (Cont.)

TABLE OF STANDARDS I (cont.)
VOC LIMITS Grams of VOC per Liter of Material
COATING LIMIT
Low-Solids Coating120

*New limit effective January 1, 2014 Note: If a manufacturer claims Rule 1113 compliance, it should be registered under SCAQMD Rule 314 and pay the appropriate fee. There are amendments to Rule 314 proposed to come into effect at the same time as amendments to Rule 1113. Rule 1106 Marine & Pleasure Craft Coatings Under amendments proposed in September, 2015, Rule 1106 will incorporate 1106.1. The tables below include proposed amendments to Rule 1106 proposed in September, 2015.

TABLE OF STANDARDS I
MARINE COATING CATEGORYVOC LIMITS Less water and exempt compounds Grams per Liter (g/L)
BAKED CURRENT LIMITAIR DRIED CURRENT LIMIT
Antenna Coating340
Antifoulant Coatings:
Aluminum Substrates560
Other Substrates400
Elastomeric Adhesives (with 15%, by Weight, Natural or Synthetic Rubber)730
Inorganic Zinc Coating340
Low Activation Interior Coating420
Mist Coating340
Navigational Aids Coating340
Nonskid Coating340
Organic Zinc Coating340
Pre-Treatment Wash Primer420420
Repair and Maintenance Thermoplastic Coating340
Sealant for Wire-Sprayed Aluminum610
Special Marking Coating420
Specialty Coatings:
Heat Resistant Coating360420
Metallic Heat Resistant Coating530
High Temperature Coating500
Tack Coating610
Topcoats:
Extreme High-Gloss Coating420490
High-Gloss Coating275340
Underwater Weapons Systems Coating275340
Any Other Coating Type275340

 

TABLE OF STANDARDS II
VOC LIMITS Less water and exempt compounds Grams per Liter (g/L)
PLEASURE CRAFT COATING CATEGORYCURRENT LIMIT
Antifoulant Coatings:
Aluminum Substrate560
Other Substrate330
Clear Wood Coatings:
Sealers550
Varnishes490
Primer Coatings:
Pretreatment Wash Primer780
Finish Primer/Surfacer420
High Build Primer/Surfacer340
Teak Primer775
Marine Deck Sealant Primer420
Topcoats:
Extreme High Gloss Coating490
High Gloss Coating420
Any Other Coating Type420

 

TABLE OF STANDARDS III
VOC LIMIT – MARINE & PLEASURE CRAFT COATINGS Grams per liter of material VOC
COATING CATEGORYCURRENT LIMIT
Low-Solids Coating120

Rule 1107 regulates the VOC content limits for Parts Coatings. It was last amended in 2006. The table on pgs 8-9 capture the current limits, effective July 1, 2007: Rule 1107 VOC LIMITS for Coatings of Metal Parts and Products effective July 1, 2007 Grams of VOC per Liter of Coating Less Water and Less Exempt Compounds

CoatingAir-DriedBaked
General – One Component275275
General – Multi-component340275
Military Specification240275
Etching Filler420420
Solar-absorbent420360
Heat-resistant420360
Extreme High-Gloss340360
Metallic420420
Extreme Performance420360
Prefabricated Architectural One Component275275
Prefabricated Architectural Multi Component340275
Touch up420360
Repair420360
Silicone Release420420
High-performance Architectural420420
Camouflage420420
Vacuum-Metalizing420420
Mold-Seal420420
High-temperature420420
Electric-insulating Varnish420420
Pan Backing420420
Pretreatment Coatings420420

Back to Top

 

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

CARB helpfully published a summary table showing the VOC content limits for Architectural Coatings for the EPA (covering the entire US), CARB (covering California) and each of the 35 air quality management districts in California, including SCAQMD. CARB has also published a table indicating which VOC content rule applies to each coatings product in each AQMD. There are dozens of rules, however, you do not need to navigate all of them. Note that the rules for SCAQMD are always the strictest, followed by CARB, and then the EPA. Therefore, if a product is compliant in SCAQMD, it is compliant everywhere. If a product is sold in California but not in SCAQMD, then the manufacturer will need to carefully review all of the rules in the various AQMDs covering that product, and ensure that the product is compliant with the strictest among them. Most manufacturers do not want to make different formulations of the same product to be compliant on a district by district basis. Either the product will be compliant everywhere in California, or it won`t be sold in the state at all. Note also that other states tend to adopt the California rules within a couple of years of implementation in California. Therefore, a manufacturer cannot avoid the stricter California rules by avoiding the state. They will likely need to come into compliance with the California rules eventually, so best to get on with it. CARB also publishes a Rule Making calendar. There are no plans to amend the CARB coatings rules on the calendar. CARB strictly enforces its VOC content limit rules. See CARB Enforcement.

Back to Top

 

Massachusetts

The VOC regulations are published in one long document, 310 CMR 7.00 Air Pollution Control Regulations. There are multiple references and tables throughout the document which define VOC content limits for various coatings applications. They can roughly be divided as non-AIM or AIM.

Non-Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings Applications.

The tables below include a reference to the page number in the long document.

Source: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/service/regulations/310cmr07.pdf pg 273

Coatings – non AIMVOC Content Limit Lb/gal
Metal Furniture Surface Coating5.1
Metal Can Surface Coating
Sheet base coat (exterior and interior and exterior overvarnish)4.5
Two-piece can exterior (basecoat and overvarnish)4.5
Two and Three-piece can (interior body spray)9.8
Two-piece can exterior end (spray or roll coat)9.8
Three-piece can side seam spray21.8
End sealing compound7.4
Automobile Surface Coating pg 279
Primer Application1.4
Primer-surfacer Application4.5
Topcoat Application15
Final Repair Application13.8

Source: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/service/regulations/310cmr07.pdf pg 333

Coatings – non AIMVOC Content Limit Gm/liter
Automotive Refinishing
Pretreatment Wash Primer780
Primer/Primer Surfacer575
Primer Sealer550
Single-stage Topcoat600
Two-stage Topcoat600
Three or Four-Stage Topcoat620
Specialty Coating840

Source: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/service/regulations/310cmr07.pdf

Coatings – non AIMVOC Content Limit Gm/liter
Automotive Refinishing
Pretreatment Wash Primer780
Primer/Primer Surfacer575
Primer Sealer550
Single-stage Topcoat600
Two-stage Topcoat600
Three or Four-Stage Topcoat620
Specialty Coating840

Polystyrene Resin Manufacture pg 301 0.12 lb/ 1000 sq ft Source: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/service/regulations/310cmr07.pdf pg 310

Coatings – non AIMVOC Content Limit
Large Appliance Surface Coating4.5 lb/gal
Magnet Wire Insulation Surface Coating2.2 lb/gal
Metal Coil Coating pg 2884.0 lb/gal
Surface Coating of Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products pg 290
Clear Coatings10.3 lb/gal
Coating line that is air-dried or forced warm-air dried at temperatures up to 90°C6.7 lb/gal
Extreme Performance Coating6.7 lb/gal
All other coatings and coating lines5.1 lb/gal
Graphic Arts Section 7.18(12) pg 29125% by weight
Paper Surface Coating.4.8 lb/gal
Fabric Surface Coating.4.8 lb/gal
Vinyl Surface Coating7.8 lb/gal
Leather Surface Coating.27.4 lb/gal

Source: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/service/regulations/310cmr07.pdf pg 317

Coatings – non AIMNo controlsWith controls
Lb/galLb/gal
Business Machines/Miscellaneous Plastic Parts
Color coating3.41.7
Color/texture coating3.41.7
Primer Coating1.41.4
EMI/RFI8.81.9
Automotive Interior Parts Coating
Colorcoat5.73.6
Primer6.71.4
Automotive Exterior Flexible Parts Coating
Colorcoat9.32.8
Clearcoat6.72.4
Primer6.73.6

Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings

Table 1 on pg 378 captures the VOC Content Limits for Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings, effective January 1, 2009. The categorizations are different than SCAQMD`s rules. Where there is a common category, the Massachusetts limits are higher, often significantly so. The Massachusetts content limits exactly match the limits adopted in the Model Rules for the OTC states (see below) which in turn directly refers to the California limits of January 1, 2003. The differences among the state VOC limits may be eliminated if states migrate towards the stricter California limits, as typically occurs a few years after California adopts them. VOC Content Limits for Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings Effective January 1, 2009 Source: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/service/regulations/310cmr07.pdf section 7.25 pg 378

Coatings – non AIMVOC Content Limit

Lb/gal
Wood Products Surface Coating
Semitransparent stain89.4
Wash coat35.6
Opaque stain13
Sealer23.4
Pigmented coat15.6
Clear topcoat23.4
Flat Wood Paneling Surface Coatinglb VOC/ 1000 sq ft
Printed hardwood panels and thin particleboard panels6.0
Natural finish hardwood plywood panels12.0
Class II finish on hardboard panels10.0
Offset Lithographic PrintingReduction
Heatset Offset Lithographic RequirementsBy 90%
Sheet-fed Offset Lithographic RequirementsTo < 5% – 8% VOC by vol
Web-fed Offset Lithographic RequirementsTo <16% – 3% VOC by vol
Non-heatset Web-fed Offset Lithographic Printing RequirementsTo <2.5% VOC by vol

Back to Top

&nsbp;

Texas

Texas has promulgated a comprehensive set of VOC content limit regulations. Coatings rules are included:

TITLE 30 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, PART 1 TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, CHAPTER 115 CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS, SUBCHAPTER E: SOLVENT-USING PROCESSES, DIVISION 2: SURFACE COATING PROCESSES

RULE §115.421 Emission Specifications Source: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=T&app=9&p_dir=F&p_rloc=99121&p_tloc=14920&p_ploc=1&pg=2&p_tac=&ti=30&pt=1&ch=115&rl=421 VOC Emission Limits (grams per liter of coatings minus water and exempt solvent)

Coating CategoryVOC Content Limit(grams/liter)
Flat Coatings100
Non-flat Coatings150
Non-flat High Gloss Coatings250
SPECIALTY COATINGS
Antenna Coatings530
Antifouling Coatings400
Bituminous Roof Coatings300
Bituminous Roof Primers350
Bond Breakers350
Calcimine Recoater475
Clear Wood Coatings
Clear Brushing Lacquers680
Lacquers (including lacquer sanding sealers)550
Sanding Sealers (other than lacquer sanding sealers)350
Varnishes350
Conversion Varnishes725
Concrete Curing Compounds350
Concrete Surface Retarders780
Dry Fog Coatings400
Faux Finishing Coatings350
Fire Resistive Coatings350
Fire Retardant Coatings
Clear650
Opaque350
Floor Coatings250
Flow Coatings420
Form-release Compounds250
Graphic Arts Coatings (Sign Paints)500
High Temperature Coatings420
Impacted Immersion Coatings780
Industrial Maintenance Coatings340
Low-solids Coatings120
Magnesite Cement Coatings450
Mastic Texture Coatings300
Metallic Pigmented Coatings500
Multi-color Coatings250
Nuclear Coatings450
Pre Treatment Wash Primers420
Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters200
Quick Dry Enamels250
Quick Dry Primers, Sealers and Undercoaters200
Recycled Coatings250
Roof Coatings250
Rust Preventative Coatings400
Shellacs
Clear730
Opaque550
Specialty Primers, Sealers, and Undercoaters350
Stains250
Swimming Pool Coatings340
Swimming Pool Repair and Maintenance Coatings340
Temperature-indicator Safety Coatings550
Thermoplastic Rubber Coatings and Mastics550
Traffic Marking Coatings150
Waterproofing Sealers250
Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers400
Wood Preservatives350

It is difficult to compare these VOC limits with those of any other state, although in general, they appear to be less restrictive than the limits adopted in California. Manufacturers should review the compliance of their products with the Texas limits if selling in that state, and not rely solely on meeting the California requirements.

Back to Top

 

Ozone Transport Commission (OTC)

The OTC states: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia, in 2004, adopted VOC MODEL RULE 2002- Architectural, Industrial and Maintenance Coatings (AIM). It specifically refers to the California VOC content limits for coatings as of January 1, 2003. Those limits exactly match the current Massachusetts limits included in the table above.

§228-1.4 Requirements for controlling VOC emissions using compliant materials. Table A Mobile Equipment Repair and Refinishing or Color-Matched Coating Lines

Coating ApplicationVOC Emission Limits (Grams / Liter)
Large Appliance Coating340
Metal Furniture Coating360
Coil Coating310
Paper Coating350
Fabric Coating350
Vinyl Coating450
Can Coating §115.421 (a)(7)
sheet basecoat (exterior and interior) and over-varnish340
two-piece can exterior (base-coat and over-varnish)340
two- and three-piece can interior body spray, two-piece can exterior end (spray or roll coat)510
three-piece can side-seam spray660
end sealing compound440
Vehicle Coating – Automobile and Light Truck §115.421(a)(8)(A)Coating DeliveredSolids Deposited
prime application (body and front-end sheet metal)0.15N/A
primer surfacer application0.341.81
topcoat application0.341.81
final repair application0.58*
Vehicle Refinishing
Primers or primer resurfacers600
Precoat660
Pretreatment780
Single-stage topcoats600
Basecoat or clearcoat600
Three-stage systems620
Specialty coatings840
Sealers720
Wipe-down solutions170
Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products
Clear coat or interior protective coating for pails and drums520
Low-bake coating or utilizes air or forced air driers420
Extreme performance coating incl chemical milling maskants420
All other MMPP, including high-bake coatings360
Wood coatings – process limit, not content limit
Aerospace Coatings
Primer350
Topcoats, incl self-priming420
Chemical Milling Maskants
Type I622
Type II160
Specialty Coatings §115.421(a)(11)(B)
Ablative Coating600
Adhesion Promoter890
Adhesive Bonding Primers:
Cured at 250°F or below850
Cured above 250°F1030
Adhesives:
Commercial Interior Adhesive760
Cyanoacrylate Adhesive1020
Fuel Tank Adhesive620
Nonstructural Adhesive360
Rocket Motor Bonding Adhesive890
Rubber-based Adhesive850
Structural Autoclavable Adhesive60
Structural Nonautoclavable Adhesive850
Antichafe Coating660
Bearing Coating620
Caulking and Smoothing Compounds850
Chemical Agent-Resistant Coating550
Clear Coating720
Commercial Exterior Aerodynamic
Structure Primer650
Compatible Substrate Primer780
Corrosion Prevention Compound710
Cryogenic Flexible Primer645
Dry Lubricative Material880
Cryoprotective Coating600
Electric or Radiation-Effect Coating800
Electrostatic Discharge and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Coating800
Elevated-Temperature Skydrol-Resistant Commercial Primer740
Epoxy Polyamide Topcoat660
Fire-Resistant (interior) Coating800
Flexible Primer640
Flight-Test Coatings:
Missile or Single Use Aircraft420
All Other840
Fuel-Tank Coating720
High-Temperature Coating850
Insulation Covering740
Intermediate Release Coating750
Lacquer830
Maskants:
Bonding Maskant1230
Critical Use and Line Sealer Maskant1020
Seal Coat Maskant1230
Metallized Epoxy Coating740
Mold Release780
Optical Anti-Reflective Coating750
Part Marking Coating850
Pretreatment Coating780
Rain Erosion-Resistant Coating850
Rocket Motor Nozzle Coating660
Scale Inhibitor880
Screen Print Ink840
Sealants:
Extrudable/Rollable/Brushable Sealant280
Sprayable Sealant600
Silicone Insulation Material850
Solid Film Lubricant880
Specialized Function Coating890
Temporary Protective Coating320
Thermal Control Coating800
Wet Fastener Installation Coating675
Wing Coating850
Mirror Backing
Curtain Coating500
Roll Coating430
Wood Parts
Clear Topcoats710
Wash Coats780
Final Repair Coats720
Semi-transparent wiping and glazing stains790
Semi-transparent spray stains and toners830
Opaque ground coats and enamels660
Clear Sealers740
Shellac:
Clear650
Opaque600
Varnish600
All other840
Wood Furniture Manufacturing – see para §115.421(a) (14)
Marine Coatings
Surface Coatings of ShipsGrams/liter

Coatings		Grams/literSolidsGrams/liter

Solids
T < 4.5 deg CT > 4.5deg C
General use §115.421(a) (15)(A)340571728
Specialty:
Air flask340571728
Antenna5301,439—-
Antifoulant400765971
Heat resistant4208411,069
High-gloss4208411,069
High-temperature5001,2371,597
Inorganic zinc high-build340571728
Military exterior340571728
Mist6102,235—-
Navigational aids5501,597—-
Nonskid340571728
Nuclear4208411,069
Organic zinc360630802
Pretreatment wash primer78011,095—-
Repair and maintenance of
thermoplastics5501,597—-
Rubber camouflage340571728
Sealant for thermal spray aluminum6102,235—-
Special marking4901,178—-
Speciality interior340571728
Tack coat6102,235—-
Undersea weapons systems340571728
Weld-through preconstruction primer6502,885—-

Table B1 Metal Furniture Coating

Coating CategoryVOC Content limits (lbs/gal)
Automotive Pretreatment primer6.5
Automotive Primer-surfacer4.8
Automobile Primer-sealer4.6
Automotive Topcoats:
Single stage-topcoat5.0
2 Stage basecoat/clear coat5.0
3 or 4 stage basecoat/clear coat5.2
Automotive Multi-colored5.7
Automotive Specialty7.0

Table B2 Large Appliance Coatings

Coating CategoriesVOC Content Limits
BakedBaked
kg/lkg/lkg/lkg/l
General, One Component0.2752.30.2752.3
General, Multi-Component0.2752.30.3402.8
Extreme High Gloss0.3603.00.3402.8
Extreme Performance0.3603.00.4203.5
Heat Resistant0.3603.00.4203.5
Metallic0.4203.50.4203.5
Pretreatment Coatings0.4203.50.4203.5
Solar Absorbent0.3603.00.4203.5

Table B3 Flat Wood Paneling

Coating CategoriesVOC Content Limits
BakedBaked
kg/lkg/lkg/lkg/l
General, One Component0.2752.30.2752.3
General, Multi-Component0.2752.30.3402.8
Extreme High Gloss0.3603.00.3402.8
Extreme Performance0.3603.00.4203.5
Heat Resistant0.3603.00.4203.5
Metallic0.4203.50.4203.5
Pretreatment Coatings0.4203.50.4203.5
Solar Absorbent0.3603.00.4203.5

Table B4 Miscellaneous Metal Parts Coatings

Coating CategoriesVOC Content Limits
pounds VOC/ per gallongrams VOC per liter
Printed interior panels made of hardwood, plywood, or thin particleboard2.1250
Natural finish hardwood plywood2.1250
Class II finishes on hardboard panels2.1250
Tileboard2.1250
Exterior siding2.1250

Table B5 Miscellaneous Plastic Parts Coatings

Coating CategoriesVOC Content Limits
BakedBaked
kg/lkg/lkg/lkg/l
General One-Component0.342.80.282.3
General Multi-Component0.342.80.282.3
Camouflage0.423.50.423.5
Electric-Insulating Varnish0.423.50.423.5
Etching Filler0.423.50.423.5
Extreme High-Gloss0.423.50.363.0
Extreme Performance0.423.50.363.0
Heat-Resistant0.423.50.363.0
High Performance Architectural0.746.20.746.2
High Temperature0.423.50.423.5
Metallic0.423.50.423.5
Military Specification0.342.80.282.3
Mold Seal0.423.50.423.5
Pan Backing0.423.50.423.5
Prefabricated Architectural Components0.423.50.282.3
Pretreatment Coatings0.423.50.423.5
Repair and Touch-up0.423.50.363.0
Silicone Release0.423.50.423.5
Solar-Absorbent0.423.50.363.0
Vacuum-Metalizing0.423.50.423.5
Drum Coating, New, Exterior0.342.80.342.8
Drum Coating, New, Interior0.423.50.423.5
Drum Coating, Reconditioned, Exterior0.423.50.423.5
Drum Coating, Reconditioned, Interior0.504.20.504.2

Table B6 Automotive/Transportation and Business Machine Plastic Parts

Coating CategoryVOC Content Limit
Kg VOC/literlb VOC/gal
General one component0.282.3
General Multi-Component0.423.5
Electric Dissipating Coatings and Shock-Free Coatings0.806.7
Extreme Performance0.42 (2-pack coatings)3.5 (2-pack coatings)
Metallic0.423.5
Military Specification0.34 (1-Pack) 0.42 (2-Pack)2.8 (1-Pack) 3.5 (2-Pack)
Mold-Seal0.766.3
Multi-colored Coatings0.685.7
Optical Coatings0.806.7
Vacuum-Metalizing0.806.7

Table B7 Marine Pleasure Craft Surface Coating

Coating CategoryVOC Content Limits
Kg VOC/literLbs VOC/gal
Automotive/Transportation Coatings
High bake coatings- interior and exterior parts
Flexible primer0.544.5
Non-flexible primer0.423.5
Base coats0.524.3
Clear coats0.484.0
Non base coat/clearcoat0.524.3
Low bake /Air dried coatings-exterior Parts
Primers0.584.8
Basecoat0.605.0
Clearcoats0.544.5
Non base coat/clearcoat0.605.0
Lowbake/ air dried coatings-interior parts0.605.0
Touchup and repair coatings0.625.2
Business Machine Coatings
Primers0.352.9
Topcoats0.352.9
Texture coats0.352.9
Fog coats0.262.2
Touchup and repair0.352.9

Table B8 Motor Vehicle Materials

Coating CategoryVOC Content Limits
Kg VOC/liter Lbs VOC/gal
Extreme high gloss topcoat0.494.1
High gloss topcoat0.423.5
Pretreatment Wash Primers0.786.5
Finish primer/surfacer0.423.5
High build primer surface0.342.8
Aluminum substrate antifoulant coating0.564.7
Other substrate antifoulant coating0.332.8
All other marine pleasure craft surface coatings for metal or plastic0.423.5

Table B9-2 Miscellaneous Materials at Automobile and Light-Duty Truck Assembly Facilities

Coating CategoryVOC Content Limits
Kg VOC/literLbs VOC/gal
Cavity wax (motor vehicle)0.655.4
Sealer (motor vehicle)0.655.4
Deadener (motor vehicle)0.655.4
Gasket/gasket sealing material (motor vehicle)0.201.7
Underbody coating (motor vehicle)0.655.4
Trunk interior coating(motor vehicle)0.655.4
Bed liner (motor vehicle)0.201.7
Lubricating wax/compounds (motor vehicle)0.705.8

Table C-1 Wood Finishing VOC Content Limit (Low VOC Topcoats)

Coating CategoryVOC Content Limits
g/l lbs/gal
Glass bonding primer (automobile and light-duty truck)9007.51
Adhesives (automobile and light-duty truck)2502.09
Cavity wax (automobile and light-duty truck)6505.42
Sealer (automobile and light-duty truck)6505.42
Deadener (automobile and light-duty truck)6505.42
Gasket/gasket sealing material (automobile and light-duty truck)2001.67
Underbody coating (automobile and light-duty truck)6505.42
Trunk interior coating (automobile and light-duty truck)6505.42
Bedliner (automobile and light-duty truck)2001.67
Weatherstrip adhesive (automobile and light-duty truck)7506.26
Lubricating wax/compounds (automobile and light-duty truck)7005.84

Table C-2 Wood Finishing VOC Content Limit (High solids Sealers & Topcoats)

Coating Categories VOC content limit kg VOC/kg solids (lb VOC/lb solids)
Topcoats0.80

Table D-1 Magnet Wire, Metal Can, Coil, Vinyl, and Fabric Coating Lines

Coating CategoriesVOC content limit kg VOC/kg solids (lb VOC/lb solids)
Sealer1.9
Topcoat1.8
Acid-cured alkyd amino vinyl sealers2.3
Acid-cured alkyd amino conversion varnish sealers2.0

Table D-2 Paper Film and Foil

Coating LinesDescription of Product or Coating CategoryVOC Content Limit Lb VOC/ gal coating)
Magnet wire insulation coating linesEnameling or varnish of aluminum or copper wire for use in electrical machinery to create an electromagnetic field.1.7
Metal can coating linesSheet basecoat-exterior and interior over-varnish2.8
Two-piece can exterior (basecoat and over-varnish)2.8
Two-and three-piece can interior body spray4.2
Two-piece can exterior end (spray or roll coat)4.2
Three-piece can side-seam spray5.5
End sealing compounds3.7
Coil coating linesFlat metal sheet from a coil or roll which is coated and later used for items, including but not limited to: cans, appliances, roof decks, siding, cars, and gutters.2.6
Vinyl coating linesPrinting, decorations or protecting coats over vinyl-coated fabric or vinyl sheets.3.8
Fabric coating linesFabric coatings, including but limited to: rubber that is used for rainwear, tents, and industrial gaskets.2.9

Table E Tablet, Glass, Leather, Aerospace, Urethane

Coating CategoriesVOC content limit kg VOC/kg solids (lb VOC/lb solids)
Pressure sensitive tape and label surface coating0.067
Paper, film, and foil0.08

 

o New Jersey

The New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 7, Chapter 27, Air Pollution ControlSubchapter 23 Prevention of Air Pollution from Architectural Coatings includes a table of VOC content limits which match the Massachusetts and OTC limits.

Back to Top

 

The Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (LADCO)

Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio, appear to have also adopted the VOC Content Limits as captured in the OTC Model Rule:

 

Summary:

The coatings rules are the most comprehensive set of regulations. They cover hundreds of categories and types of coatings products. There are 3 sets of VOC content rules for Coatings:

  1. SCAQMD: the strictest regulations. Limits on many products were significantly lowered effective January 1, 2014. Manufacturers who were not aware of trey changes may be currently offside.
  2. OTC Model Rules: The OTC Model Rules 2002 on Architectural Coatings are less strict than SCAQMD. They appear to have been adopted verbatim by most of the OTC and LADCO states, except Michigan.
  3. Texas: The Texas rules are detailed and comprehensive. They do not appear to match any other state regulations. Their VOC limits appear to be significantly higher.

If a manufacturer is selling into California, they should be compliant with the SCAQMD limits. Several other AQMD have adopted SCAQMD’s limits. If a manufacturer is selling into Texas, it should review the Texas rules. However, if selling into any other state, it will likely need to comply with the OTC rules at a minimum which are stricter than Texas. If a manufacturer is not selling into California, then it should adopt the OTC Model rules at a minimum, but be aware that many states typically adopt the stricter California limits a few years after adoption.

Back to Top