MS 164:2007

MALAYSIAN
STANDARD

ROAD MARKING PAINTS SPECIFICATION

(THIRD REVISION)

ICS: 87.040
Descriptors: road marking paints, requirements, tests

Copyright 2007

DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA

DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIAN STANDARDS

The Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS MALAYSIA) is the national

standardisation and accreditation body.

The main function of the Department is to foster and promote standards,

standardisation and accreditation as a means of advancing the national economy,
promoting industrial efficiency and development, benefiting the health and safety of
the public, protecting the consumers, facilitating domestic and international trade and
furthering international cooperation in relation to standards and standardisation.

Malaysian Standards are developed through consensus by committees which

comprise of balanced representation of producers, users, consumers and others with
relevant interests, as may be appropriate to the subject in hand. To the greatest
extent possible, Malaysian Standards are aligned to or are adoption of international
standards. Approval of a standard as a Malaysian Standard is governed by the
Standards of Malaysia Act 1996 (Act 549). Malaysian Standards are reviewed
periodically. The use of Malaysian Standards is voluntary except in so far as they are
made mandatory by regulatory authorities by means of regulations, local by-laws or
any other similar ways.

The Department of Standards appoints SIRIM Berhad as the agent to develop

Malaysian Standards. The Department also appoints SIRIM Berhad as the agent for
distribution and sale of Malaysian Standards.

For further information on Malaysian Standards, please contact:

Department of Standards Malaysia OR SIRIM Berhad

Level 1 & 2, Block C4, Parcel C (Company No. 367474 - V)
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62502 Putrajaya P.O. Box 7035, Section 2
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E-mail: central@standardsmalaysia.gov.my

STANDARDS MALAYSIA 2007 All rights reserved

 MS 164:2007

CONTENTS
Page

Committee representation........................................................................................ ii

Foreword .................................................................................................................. iii

1 Scope ....................................................................................................................... 1

2 Normative references............................................................................................... 1

3 Classification ............................................................................................................ 2

4 Requirements........................................................................................................... 2

5 Testing ..................................................................................................................... 3

6 Packaging and marking ........................................................................................... 6

7 Certification mark ..................................................................................................... 6

Table 1 Quantitative requirements...................................................................................... 5

Figures

A1 Weighed wheel for no-pick-up time test................................................................... 7

C1 Apparatus for falling sand abrasion test .................................................................. 10

C2 Design details of abrasion test apparatus................................................................ 10

Annexes

A Method of test for no-pick-up time of road marking paint ........................................ 7

B Resistance to bleeding............................................................................................. 8

C Resistance to abrasion by the falling sand method ................................................. 9

D Luminance factor ..................................................................................................... 11

E Skid resistance test.................................................................................................. 12

F Retroreflectivity test ................................................................................................. 13

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MS 164:2007

Committee representation

The Chemical and Materials Industry Standards Committee (ISC B) under whose authority this Malaysian Standard
was developed, comprises representatives from the following organisations:

Department of Mineral and Geoscience

Department of Standards Malaysia
Malaysian Association of Standards Users
Malaysian Ceramic Industry Group
Malaysian Institute of Chemistry
Malaysian Paint Manufacturers Association
Malaysian Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association
Ministry of Agricultural and Agro-based Industry (Department of Agriculture)
Ministry of Defence (Science & Technology Research Institute for Defence)
Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Department of Chemistry, Malaysia)
Universiti Malaya
Universiti Sains Malaysia

The Technical Committee on Paints and Varnishes which developed this Malaysian Standard consists of
representatives from the following organisations:

ICI Paints (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

IKRAM C & S Sdn Bhd
Malaysian Paints Manufacturers Association
Revertex (M) Sdn Bhd
Science & Technology Research Institute for Defence
Seamaster Paint (Manufacturing) Berhad
SIRIM Berhad (Secretariat)
SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd (Chemical Testing Section)
SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd (Product Certification Section)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia

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 MS 164:2007

FOREWORD

This Malaysian Standard was developed by the Technical Committee on Paints and
Varnishes under the authority of the Chemical and Materials Industry Standards Committee.

This Malaysian Standard is the third revision of MS 164, Specification for road marking paints
(Second revision).

Major modifications in this revision are as follows:

a) the temperature for storage of paint has been changed to room temperature;

b) the storage stability period has been changed to six months; and

c) the statement on certification mark has been amended.

This Malaysian Standard cancels and replaces MS 164:1991, Specification for road marking
paints (Second revision).

Compliance with a Malaysian Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal
obligations.

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 MS 164:2007

ROAD MARKING PAINTS SPECIFICATION (THIRD REVISION)

1. Scope
This Malaysian Standard specifies requirements for road marking paints for use on
bituminous traffic bearing surfaces.

2. Normative references
The following normative references are indispensable for the application of this standard. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the normative reference (including any amendments) applies.

ASTM D 868-85(2003), Standard test method for evaluating degree of bleeding of traffic paint

BS 381 C:1996, Specification for colours for identification, coding and special purposes

MS 133: Part A1, Methods of tests for paint - Part A1: Sampling

MS 133: Part A3, Methods of tests for paint Part A3: Standard panels for paint testing

MS 133: Part A9, Methods of tests for paint Part A9: Consistency of paints using the
Stormer viscometer

MS 133: Part A12, Methods of tests for paint Part A12: Determination of density and
specific gravity

MS 133: Part B2, Methods of tests for paint Part B2: Determination of volatile matter and
non-volatile matter

MS 133: Part C3:1996, Methods of tests for paint Part C3: Hard-drying time

MS 133: Part C6, Methods of tests for paint Part C6: Determination of fineness-of-grind

MS 133: Part D1, Methods of tests for paint Part D1: Colour comparison

MS 133: Part D4, Methods of tests for paint Part D4:Comparison of contrast ratio of paints
of the same type and colour (white or light colours)

MS 133: Part E1, Methods of tests for paint Part E1:Bend test (Cylindrical mandrel)

MS 133: Part F6, Methods of tests for paint Part F6:Resistance to natural weathering

MS 133: Part F7, Methods of tests for paint Part F7: Determination of resistance to water
(water immersion test)

MS 133: Part F8, Methods of tests for paint Part F8: Resistance to accelerated weathering
Xenon arc method

MS 655, Specification for saturated bitumen felts

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MS 164:2007

3. Classification
3.1 Types

Road marking paints covered by this standard shall be of the following types:

- Type 1: Non-reflective

- Type 2: Reflective

3.2 Colour

Road marking paints shall be furnished in three colours: white, black and yellow, as specified.
(See 4.3.1).

4. Requirements
4.1 General

The paint shall consist of a one package system. It shall be suitable for application by
brushing or with road marking machines.

4.2 Quantitative requirements

The paint shall meet the quantitative requirements specified in Table 1 for the respective
types.

4.3 Qualitative requirements

4.3.1 Colour

The colour of the yellow paint shall visually match with colour no. 356 of BS 381 C or near
equivalent when tested as in MS 133: Part D1.

4.3.2 Condition in container

The paint shall not show excessive settling in a freshly opened can containing the specified
quantity. It shall be easily redispersed by simple stirring to a smooth homogeneous state.

4.3.3 Storage stability

The paint when stored at room temperature in the original sealed container shall retain the
properties detailed in this standard for a period of not less than six months from the date of
manufacture.

4.3.4 Skinning

The paint shall not skin when tested as described in 5.2.1.

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 MS 164:2007

4.3.5 Application properties and appearances

4.3.5.1 Application properties

The paint as supplied shall be easily applied by brush and by road marking machine. It shall
possess good levelling and lapping properties.

4.3.5.2 Finish

The paint film on a non-absorbent surface, when dried, shall be mall or eggshell finish, free
from wrinkling and other surface defects.

4.3.6 Flexibility and adhesion (Bent test)

The paint shall show no cracking when tested as described in 5.2.2.

4.3.7 Resistance to bleeding

When tested as described in Annex B the degree of bleeding should not be less than 4 when
evaluated in accordance to the photographic reference standard of ASTM D868.

4.3.8 Resistance to abrasion

When tested in accordance with Annex C the paint shall not expose the underlying surface
over an area 2.5 mm in diameter.

4.3.9 Resistance to water

The paint shall show no softening, blistering, loss of adhesion, or other evidence of
deterioration when tested as described in 5.2.3.

4.3.10 Resistance to accelerated weathering

When tested as described in 5.2.4, the paint shall not crack or blister and shall not show
appreciable change in colour (not lower than grey scale 3 of BS 381 C). However, in case of
any dispute, the natural weathering test shall be the referee method.

4.3.11 Resistance to natural weathering

When tested as in 5.2.5, the paint shall not crack or blister and shall not show appreciable
change in colour (not worse than grey scale 3 of BS 381 C).

5. Testing
5.1 Test sample

In the absence of any specific agreement on the method of sampling, the method as in
MS 133: Part A1 shall apply.

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MS 164:2007

5.2 Test methods

The tests shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable test methods indicated in
Table 1 and as specified in the relevant clauses.

5.2.1 Skinning

A wide mouth glass jar, approximately 12 cm in height and 5 cm in diameter, shall be used as
the container. The glass should be three quarter filled. The cover shall be secured tightly and
the jar inverted momentarily. The jar shall then be placed in an upright position in the dark
(placing it under a box or in a drawer is satisfactory). The test shall be conducted at 27 C
2 C.

The sample shall be agitated or disturbed for 48 h. It shall then be examined for skinning.

5.2.2 Flexibility and adhesion (Bend test)

Apply a coat of paint by brushing on a tin-plate panel giving a wet film thickness of 50 m 5
m. Allow the coated panel to dry at normal drying conditions in a horizontal position for 168
h. Bend the panel over a 13 mm mandrel using the Type 1 apparatus specified in MS 133:
Part E1 at a temperature of 27 C 2 C. Examine the film over the area of the bend in a
strong light at a 10 times magnification.

5.2.3 Resistance to water

Using a paint applicator apply a film of 100 m wet film thickness to a clean glass plate. After
drying for 72 h at normal room temperature immerse the painted glass plate in distilled water
at room temperature for 24 h as described in MS 133: Part F7.

Allow to dry and recover for 2 h and examine for compliance with 4.3.9.

5.2.4 Resistance to accelerated weathering

Apply a coat of the paint under test by brushing on the smooth side of an asbestos-free
cement panel to give a wet film thickness of 200 m 20 m.

Allow the panel to age for seven days at room temperature, then expose to accelerated
weathering for 300 h in accordance with MS 133: Part F8. Examine for compliance with
4.3.10.

5.2.5 Resistance to natural weathering

Apply a coat of the paint under test by brushing on the smooth side of an asbestos-free
cement panel to give a wet film thickness of 200 m 20 m.

Allow the panel to age for seven days at room temperature. Expose the panel to natural
weathering in accordance with MS 133: Part F6 for a period of 12 months on 45 angle
exposure rack facing south at an approved exposure site. Examine for compliance with
4.3.11.

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 MS 164:2007

Table 1. Quantitative requirements

Characteristic Requirement Method of test

Non-volatile matter, % m/m of paint, min. MS 133: Part B2

a) White and yellow 55
b) Black 60

Consistency, Krebs units (see Note 1), at 70 MS 133: Part A9

27 C 2 C, min.

Specific gravity, (different % from declared 3 MS 133: Part A12

value) (See Note 1)

Drying time, max.

a) No pick up, minutes 20 Annex A

b) Hard dry, minutes 60 MS 133: Part

C3:1996

Fineness of grind, m, max. (see Note 1) 75 MS 133: Part C6

Opacity (contrast ratio, %), min. (see Note 1) MS 133: Part D4

a) White Using a block
b) Yellow 70 applicator with a
c) Black 60 gap size 100 m
70

Luminance factor, %, min. Annex D

a) White 75
b) Yellow 50
c) Black Not applicable

Skid resistance, min. (see Note 2) 45 Annex E

2
Retroreflectivity value, mcd/1x.m , (see Note Annex F
3), min.
a) White 90
b) Yellow 65

NOTES:

1. These requirements are applicable for both non-reflective and reflective paints. In the case of
reflective pain, the pain used for testing is the paint before the addition of glass beads.

2. A skid resistance value of 55 is recommended for motorways, trunk roads and heavy traffic road
(carrying more than 2 000 vehicles per day).

3. This requirement is applicable only to reflective paint.

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MS 164:2007

6. Packaging and marking

6.1 Packaging

The paint shall be supplied in sound, clean and strong container.

6.2 Marking

The following information shall be legibly and indelibly marked on each container:

a) name of the material and colour as appropriate;

b) name of the supplier or manufacturer or recognised trademark, if any;

c) the contents, stated as net volume, of the material in the container;

d) the lot or batch number;

e) type of paint;

f) safety information shall be clearly indicated; and

g) any other information as agreed upon between the purchaser and manufacturer.

7. Certification mark
Each product, may by arrangement with a recognised certification body, be marked with the
certification mark of that body, provided the product conforms to the requirements of this
Malaysian Standard.

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 MS 164:2007

Annex A
(normative)

Method of test for no-pick-up time of road marking paint

A1. Scope
This method describes a laboratory test for determining the length of drying time after
application for no-pick-up of road marking paint by the tyre of an automobile.

A2. Apparatus
The apparatus as shown in Figure A1 shall consist of a small, rubber tyre wheel with roller
bearings mounted on an axle so that it rotates freely. The axle shall be fitted with knob
handles and equally weighed on each side. The total mass of the apparatus shall be 16 kg.
The detailed dimensional requirements shall conform to those shown in Figure A1.

A3. Procedure
A3.1Prepare a test strip at least 76 mm in width of the paint to be tested by a mechanical spreader, brush or
other suitable means on a clean plate glass panel at a wet film thickness of 200 m 20 m. Record the time
of application. Allow the panel to air dry in a horizontal position at 27 C 2 C.

A3.2At regular intervals roll the weighed wheel over the paint film without downward thrust by the operator.
Note the end point for no-pick-up time when no paint adheres to the rubber tyre of the test wheel when it is
rolled over the paint film every 30 s (see Note). Report the time elapsed between application of the paint and
the end point as the drying time for no-pick-up of the road marking paint.

NOTE. Progressive softening of the rubber by commonly used paint solvents may affect the end point. Remove
adherent paint with acetone or methyl ethyl ketone.

Figure A1. Weighed wheel for no-pick-up time test

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MS 164:2007

Annex B
(normative)

Resistance to bleeding

B1. Scope
This method covers laboratory test procedure for determining the degree of bleeding of road
marking paints.

B2. Apparatus
B2.1 Film applicator

A conventional type drawdown gauge that casts a film having a minimum width of 50 mm and
an approximate wet film thickness of 200 m.

B2.2 Test panel of bitumen substrate

A 125 mm x 250 mm piece cut from a standard roll of. 6.8 kg saturated bitumen felt complying
with MS 655.

B3. Preparation of test panel

B3.1 The 125 mm x 250 mm specimen panel shall be cut from that portion of the roll 125
mm in from the edges.

B3.2 A non-bleeding contrast surface shall be provided by affixing a 19 mm cellophane

tape, with firm pressure to the entire length of the panel so that the outside edge of the tape is
at least 25 mm from the edge of the panel and parallel to the edge of the panel.

B4. Procedure
B4.1 Place the test panel on a smooth flat surface (such as glass panel), with the tape side
up on the left and hold in a flat position by weighing down the edges.

B4.2 Draw the sample of paint under test down over the specimen panel in such a manner
that the entire width of the tape is covered leaving the remainder of the film to the right of the
tape in direct contact with the test panel.

B4.3 Keep the coated panel in a flat position until the film is set (after which the weights
maybe removed) and allow the coated panel to dry for 48 h at normal room temperature.

B4.4 Immediately after completion of 48 h air drying, observe the contrast in colour
between the portion of the film over the tape and that portion which is indirect contact with the
test panel. Rate the degree of resistance to bleeding numerically in accordance with the
nearest photographic reference standard in ASTM D 868 (2003).

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 MS 164:2007

Annex C
(normative)

Resistance to abrasion by the falling sand method

C1. Scope
This method covers the determination of the resistance of coatings to abrasion by falling
sand, when the coatings are applied to glass panels.

C2. Apparatus
C2.1 Abrasion tester

The abrasion tester shall be as illustrated in Figures C1 and C2. The guide tube shall be
firmly supported in a vertical position over a suitable receptacle which will contain a support
for holding the coated panel at angle of 45 to the vertical so that the opening of the tube is
directly above the area to be abraded and the distance from the tube to the coated surface at
the nearest point is 25 mm when measured in a vertical direction. The base of the apparatus
shall be fitted with adjusting screws for proper alignment of the equipment.

C2.2 Standard sand

Natural sand shall be considered standard when not more than 15 g is retained on a 850 m
sieve and not more than 5 g passes through a continuous sieving of a 100 g sample.

C3. Standardisation of apparatus

A quantity of standard sand shall be poured into the funnel. The sand stream falling from the
lower end of the guide tube shall be examined and the apparatus shall be aligned by means
of adjusting screws in the base until the inner concentrated core of the same stream falls in
the centre of the flow when viewed at two positions at 90 to each other. A measured volume
of sand (2 000 ml 10 ml is a convenient amount) shall then be introduced and the time of
efflux determined. The rate of flow shall be 10 L of sand in 21 s to 23.5 s.

C4. Maintenance
C4.1 The alignment of the guide tube shall be checked at frequent intervals to ensure that
the concentrated inner core of the sand stream is falling in the centre of the flow.

C4.2 The sand shall be replaced after it has been used 50 times.

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MS 164:2007

C5. Determination of abrasion resistance

The coating material to be tested shall be applied by draw down at a wet film thickness of 200
m to a clean glass panel. Allow the panel to air dry for seven days. Secure the test panel in
the testing position. Pour standard sand, measured volumetrically into the funnel. As soon as
10 L of sand have been used, remove the panel and inspect for wearing out or abrasion of the
film.

Figure C1. Apparatus for falling sand abrasion test

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 MS 164:2007

Figure C2. Design details of abrasion test apparatus

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MS 164:2007

Annex D
(normative)

Luminance factor

D1. Principle
The principle of the method is photoelectric comparison of the luminance of the test paint
relative to that of a perfect white diffuser. In this standard, magnesium oxide is considered to
be a perfect diffuser and magnesium carbonate is used as the reference surface.

D2. Apparatus
D2.1 Light source, a tungsten lamp operating at a correlated colour temperature of 2 854
K.

D2.2 Photoelectric cell, having a spectral sensitivity closely matched to the CIE photopic
luminous efficiency function V(X) when the two curves are normalised at 555 nm.

D2.3 Magnesium carbonate block, calibrated against magnesium oxide.

D3. Procedure
D3.1 Prepare a tin plate test in accordance with MS 133: Part A3 and apply the paint to the
test panel to give a wet film thickness of 200 m, using shims and a doctor blade. Allow to air
dry for 168 h (seven days) in a horizontal position at normal temperature, out of direct sunlight
and with adequate protection from the deposit of dust.

D3.2 Illuminate the paint film with the light source (D2.1), with the axis of the incident beam
at 45 1 to the test surface so that the axis of the cell is at 90 1 to the illuminated test
surface.

D3.3 Measure the luminance of three different areas of the paint film and calculate the
mean. Report the mean luminance factor to the nearest 1 %.

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 MS 164:2007

Annex E
(normative)

Skid resistance test

E1. Scope
This method describes a laboratory test for determining the skid resistance of road marking
paints.

E2. Apparatus
E2.1 Tin plate panel, approximately 850 mm x 150 mm and not less than 1 mm in
thickness.

E2.2 Portable skid resistance tester.

E3. Procedure

E3.1 Apply the paint to the tin plate panel at a temperature of 27 C 2 C by a

mechanical spreader, brush or other suitable means to give a wet film thickness of 200 m
20 m, approximately 100 mm wide and at least 800 mm long. Allow to air dry for 24 h at
room temperature.

E3.2 Determine the skid resistance at five parts of the specimen, excluding 150 mm from
either end, using the skid resistance tester in accordance with the instructions supplied with
the instruments.

E4. Results
Report the mean results of the five readings to the nearest whole number as the skid
resistance of the material.

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MS 164:2007

Annex F
(normative)

Retroreflectivity test

F1. Scope
This method covers laboratory test procedures for determining the retroreflectivity of road
marking paint.

F2. Apparatus
F2.1 Retroreflectometer with the following specifications:

- Illumination angle is 86.5

- Observation angle is 1.5

- 12 V 12 W Halogen lamp
2
- Measurement units in mcd/lx.m

F2.2 Tin plate panels

F3. Procedures
F3.1 Draw down on a tin plate panel, a wet film to a thickness of 200 m 20 m. Allow to
air dry for 24 h at room temperature.

F3.2 Make measurements of retroreflectivity in the direction of application.

F3.3 Make five (5) measurements, obtain the average and check against the requirements
specified in Table 1.

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Acknowledgements

Ms Foo See Yee (Chairperson) Malaysian Paints Manufacturers

Association/ ICI Paints (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Ms Masrina Mansor (Secretary) SIRIM Berhad
Ir Dr Ch'ng Guan Bee IKRAM C & S Sdn Bhd
Mr Chong Fook Chai Revertex (M) Sdn Bhd
Mr Lim Kee Hong Science & Technology Research
Institute for Defence
Ms Wong Chang Jeng Ngo Seamaster Paint (Manufacturing) Berhad
Mr Abdul Aziz Haron SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd
(Chemical Testing Section)
Mr Mohd Nizam Mat Zin/ SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd
Mr Kamarul Arieffin Rosli (Product Certification Section)
Prof Dr Yang Farina Abd Aziz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Prof Madya Dr Abdull Rahim Mohd Yusof Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Prof Madya Hj Mohd Muhiddin Ahmad Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia

STANDARDS MALAYSIA 2007 All rights reserved