Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

January, 2005

Flammability of Paint to Fed-Std 595a

Q. What is the flammibility specification for "FED-STD-595A" paint. This our application: 5032-H32 ALUM, 0.060 thick. FED-STD-595A paint on one side, color 37038 over gold irridite per MIL-C-5541.

Fed-Std 595a (now superseded by Fed-Std 595b) is strictly a color specification and has absolutely nothing to do with flammability. You can purchase Fed-Std colors in any resin system, such as alkyd, acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, and by selecting the resin and other ingredients in the paint (coating) you can affect the flammability of the product. Also, Fed-Std 595a or Fed-Std 595b colors can be supplied in solvent and waterborne coatings. Hence you have a very wide selection of products to choose from.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph