4.1 Defacement of paint and coating films by fungal growth (mold, mildew) is a common phenomenon, and defacement by algal growth can also occur under certain conditions. It is generally known that differences in the environment, lighting, temperature, humidity, substrate pH, and other factors in addition to the coating composition affect the susceptibility of a given painted surface. This test method attempts to provide a means to comparatively evaluate different coating formulations for their relative performance under a given set of conditions. It does not imply that a coating that resists growth under these conditions will necessarily resist growth in the actual application. The method is not intended to simulate or replace indoor or outdoor exposure of paint films or related coatings.

Note 1: It is hoped that a ranking of relative performance would be similar to that ranked from outdoor exposures. Paint designated for service in exterior conditions should be pre-conditioned by laboratory accelerated weathering prior to exposure to fungi. All pre-conditioning must be detailed in the final report. This test method however, should not be used as a replacement for exterior exposure (that is, Practice D3456) since many other factors, only a few of which are listed will affect those results.

4.2 Familiarity with microbiological techniques is required. This test method should not be used by persons without at least basic microbiological training.