Wall Coverings in Roll form for Finished Wall Papers, Wall Vinyls and Plastic Wall Coverings

IS 15418: Scope & Key Specifications Summary

Scope (Clause 1.4):

• Excludes:
  • Rigid materials
  • Materials not fully attached by adhesive
  • Textile wall coverings
  • Heavy duty and non-decorative coverings (e.g., thermal/acoustic insulation)
• References standards like IS 2454 (fastness to artificial light) & IS 7888 (flexible polyurethane foam tests).

Key Specifications & Tables

1. Dimensions (Clause 4.2.2):

• Straightness: ≤ 1 mm deviation in any 1 m length
• Parallelity: Width measurements differ ≤ 1 mm

2. Spongeability (Clause 5 & Table 1):

• Must allow wiping off adhesive when damp without damage
• Symbol for spongeable at hanging: Designation Character "A"

3. Means of Application (Clause 8.2 & Table 1):

Measuring Method (Clause 4.2.1 & 4.2.2)

• Use a steel rule, calibrated in mm, accuracy ±0.5 mm.
• Measure edges for straightness and parallelity as above.

flowchart LR
    A[Wall Covering Material] --> B{Is it rigid or textile?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Excluded from IS 15418]
    B -- No --> D[Covered under IS 15418]
    D --> E[Check Spongeability]
    E -->

Key References from IS 15418 (Wall Coverings)

1. Dimension Tolerances (Clause 4.2.2)

• Straightness: Edges must not deviate more than 1 mm per 1 m length.
• Parallelity: Width measurements at three points must not differ by more than 1 mm.

2. Spongeability (Clause 5 & Annex C)

• Wall coverings must allow wiping off adhesive while damp without visible damage.
• Tested per Annex C, no damage compared to reference.
• Symbol: Category 1.1, Designation Character: A

3. Marking Symbols (Table 1)

4. Rounding Off (Clause None)

• Follow IS 2:1960 rules.
• Retain significant places equal to specified values.

Summary Diagram: Marking Symbol Categories

graph TD
  A[Spongeability (A)] --> B[Washability (B, C, D)]
  B --> C[Colour Fastness (3, 5)]
  C --> D[Pattern Matching (+10, 50, 50/25)]
  D --> E[Means

IS 15418 - Key Definitions & Specifications Summary

1. Dimensions (Clause 4.2.2)

• Straightness: Edge deviation ≤ 1 mm per 1 m length.
• Parallelity: Width measurements (3 points) differ ≤ 1 mm.

2. Spongeability (Clause 5)

• Wall covering must allow wiping off adhesive when damp without visible damage.
• Tested per Annex C; no appearance change allowed.
• Symbol for spongeability: SI No. 1.1, Designation Character: A

3. Symbols for Marking (Table 1)

IS 15418: Dimensions and Sampling Summary

1. Dimensions Measurement (Clause 4.2 & Annex B)

• Dimensions must be measured using a steel rule:
  • Calibrated in millimeters (mm)
  • Accuracy of ± 0.5 mm
• Measurement procedures are detailed in Annex B (typically specifying points and methods for length, width, thickness).

2. Sampling for Testing (Clause 4.1.4, Annex A)

• Sampling must follow guidelines in Annex A.
• Samples should be representative of the batch.
• The number of samples and sampling method ensure statistical reliability for test results.

Key Specifications:

Practical Notes:

• Always measure at multiple points to account for tolerances.
• Sampling size depends on batch size and test type (refer to Annex A for exact numbers).

flowchart TD
    A[Batch of Material] --> B[Sampling as per Annex A]
    B --> C{Number of Samples}
    C -->|Sufficient| D[Testing]
    C -->|Insufficient| E[Increase Samples]
    D --> F[Measure Dimensions using Steel Rule ±0.5mm]

This ensures accuracy and representativeness in testing and dimension verification.

IS 15418: Spongeability Key Specifications & Test Details

1. Sponge Material (Clause 20.5)

• Material: Polyether foam, open cell irregular structure
• Apparent density: 22 ± 1 kg/m³
• Hardness: 20.5 ± 2.5 N (per IS 7888)
• Thickness: 6.2 ± 3.2 mm (per IS 7888)
• Dimensions: 29 ± 1 mm wide, length sufficient for 50 mm bottom face of rubbing head
• Rubbing head mass (with sponge): 100 ± 5 g

2. Test Conditions (Clause 6.2 & Annex C)

• Reagent: Distilled or de-ionized water at 27 ± 1°C
• Test: Mechanical rubbing of test piece with sponge on rubbing head
• Evaluation: No visible damage or change compared to reference piece

3. Symbols for Marking (Table 1, Clause 5)

4. Summary of Spongeability Test Setup

flowchart LR
    A[Test Piece] --> B[Rubbing Head with Sponge]
    B --> C[Mechanical Rubbing]
    C --> D[Examination for Damage]
    D --> E{Damage?}
    E -- No --> F[Pass Spongeability]
    E -- Yes --> G[Fail Spongeability]

5. Important Notes

• Spongeability means adhesive can be wiped off while damp without damage.
• Sponge hardness and density control reproducibility.
• Test temperature and humidity controlled for consistency.

This ensures wall coverings meet the spongeability requirement per IS 15418, guaranteeing easy cleaning without damage.

IS 15418: Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications for Washability

1. Test Materials & Conditions (Clause 6.2)

Particle sizing for abrasive powder:

2. Test Procedure Summary (Clause 6.3 & Annex C)

3. Evaluation (Clause C-7)

• Compare tested pieces with reference pieces in a viewing cabinet (Fig. 3).
• Illumination: 6500 K daylight lamp, 750-1500 lux.
• Viewing distance: 1 m.
• Pass if no visible damage or appearance

IS 15418: Colour Fastness to Light - Key Points

Test Method (Clause 7.2 & 4.1.4)

• Test pieces include all colours in the pattern.
• Exposure to artificial light under controlled conditions per IS 2454.
• Use Xenon arc lamp with indoor filters.
• Relative humidity: 60% - 70%.
• Black panel temperature: max 45°C.

Rating System (Clause 7.3 & Table 1)

• Colour fastness to light is rated numerically from 1 to 8.
• Minimum acceptable rating: 3.
• Ratings indicate degree of fading:
  • 8 = Excellent (no change)
  • 1 = Very poor (severe fading)

Summary Table: Colour Fastness to Light Grades

References:

• IS 2454: Method for determination of colour fastness to light.
• Test environment and conditions strictly controlled to ensure reproducibility.

flowchart LR
    A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Expose to Xenon Arc Light]
    B --> C[Maintain RH 60-70% & Temp ≤ 45°C]
    C --> D[Assess Colour Change]
    D --> E[Assign Numerical Rating (1-8)]
    E --> F{Rating ≥ 3?}
    F -- Yes --> G[Pass]
    F -- No --> H[Fail]

This ensures durability and aesthetic quality of wall coverings under light exposure.

IS 15418 Key Symbols & Specifications (Clause 7 & 8)

The standard uses Table 1 to define symbols for various wallpaper-related instructions:

1. Matching & Design Repeat (Category 4, Table 1)

• Symbols indicate pattern repeat type (straight match, drop match, random match).
• Essential for aligning wallpaper patterns during installation.

2. Application Methods (Category 5, SI No. 5.1 to 5.3)

• Symbols specify how adhesive is applied:
  • Paste on wall
  • Paste on paper
  • Pre-pasted

3. Removal Methods (Category 6, SI No. 6.1 to 6.3)

• Symbols indicate removal ease/type:
  • Strippable (easy to remove)
  • Peelable
  • Non-removable

4. Colour Fastness to Light (Category 3, SI No. 3.1 & 3.3)

• Symbols denote grade of light fastness, important for durability.

5. Miscellaneous (Category 7)

• Additional instructions like overlap, double cut, and adhesive type.

Example Extract from Table 1 (Simplified):

Summary Diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Wallpaper Instructions] --> B[Matching (Cat 4)]
    A --> C[Application (Cat 5)]
    A --> D[Removal (Cat 6)]
    A --> E[Miscellaneous (Cat 7)]
    B --> B1[Straight match]
    B --> B2[Drop match]
    C --> C1[Paste on wall]
    C --> C2[Paste on paper]
    D --> D1[Strippable]
    D -->

IS 15418 — Marking Key Points

1. Visible Markings (Clause 9.1)

Roll or packaging must clearly show:

• Standard number (IS 15418)
• Manufacturer/supplier identification
• Product description & pattern/batch number
• Roll dimensions: Width, Length, Area
• Washability grade (symbols from Table 1, Category 2)
• Colour fastness grade (symbols from Table 1, Category 3)
• Means of application (symbols from Table 1, Category 5)

2. Symbols for Marking (Table 1 Highlights)

3. Dimension Consistency (Clause 4.2.2)

IS 15418 Designation System for Wall Coverings (Annex E, Clause 9.4)

The designation consists of:

1. Roll Width (2 boxes): Width in cm (nearest cm)
2. Roll Length (4 boxes): Length in cm (nearest cm)
3. Cleanability: Letter from Table 1 (e.g., A for spongeable)
4. Colour Fastness to Light: Number from Table 1 (e.g., 3 for moderate, 5 for good)
5. Application: Letter from Table 1 (e.g., G for adhesive on covering, H/J for adhesive on wall, K for prepasted)

Key Table: Symbols and Designation Characters (Excerpt)

Dimension Tolerances (Clause 4.2.2)

• Straightness: Max 1 mm deviation per 1 m length
• Parallelity: Width measurements differ by max 1 mm

Summary Format Example:

IS 15418-1) 120x200 A 5 G

• Width: 120 cm
• Length: 200 cm
• Spongeable (A)
• Colour fastness good (5)
• Adhesive applied to wall covering (G)

flowchart LR
    A[Designation] --> B[Width (cm)]
    A --> C[Length (cm)]
    A --> D[Cleanability (Letter)]
    A --> E[Colour Fastness (Number)]
    A --> F[Application (Letter)]

This system ensures clear, standardized identification of wall covering properties per IS 15418.

IS 15418 — Sampling for Testing (Annex A, Clause 4.1.4)

Key Specifications for Sampling:

• Sampling Time: Samples taken ≥14 days after manufacture.
• Sampling Basis: Samples are from wall coverings.

Sampling Quantity (Table A-1):

Sampling Method:

• Roll Selection: Random or by packing order if indicated by manufacturer.
• Cutting Specimen:
  • Start ≥1 m from roll end.
  • Extend across full width of roll.
  • Length along roll ≥ 500 mm.

Sample Area:

• Total area taken from each roll = 2 × area required for testing (to allow repeat tests without re-sampling).

Summary Diagram (Sampling Process):

flowchart TD
    A[Start Sampling ≥14 days post-manufacture]
    B{Lot Size?}
    C[< 1,000 sheets → Take 10 sheets]
    D[1,000 to 5,000 sheets → Take 15 sheets]
    E[> 5,000 sheets → Take 20 sheets]
    F[Select rolls randomly or by packing order]
    G[Cut specimen ≥1m from roll end]
    H[Specimen full width × ≥500 mm length]
    I[Take 2× test area for repeat tests]

    A --> B
    B --> C
    B --> D
    B --> E
    C --> F
    D --> F
    E --> F
    F --> G --> H --> I

This ensures representative, consistent sampling aligned with IS 15418 requirements.

IS 15418 - Method of Measuring Dimensions (Clause 4.2)

Key Specifications:

• Measuring instrument: Steel rule, calibrated in mm, accuracy ±0.5 mm.
• Reference: Dimensions measured per Annex B.

Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 4.2.2):

Measurement Method Summary:

• Check edges for straightness over every 1 m length.
• Take width measurements at three locations (start, middle, end).
• Ensure parallelism by comparing these widths.

Additional Table: Symbols for Marking Purposes (Clause 5)

Visual Concept (Mermaid.js):

flowchart LR
    A[Measure Edge Straightness] --> B{Deviation ≤ 1 mm?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Measure Width at 3 points]
    B -- No --> D[Reject Roll]
    C --> E{Width difference ≤ 1 mm?}
    E -- Yes --> F[Roll Accepted]
    E -- No --> D

Summary: Use a calibrated steel rule (±0.5 mm), check edge straightness and parallelism within 1 mm tolerance over 1 m length, following Annex B. Use Table 1 symbols for product marking.

IS 15418: Test Methods for Spongeability and Washability

Key Specifications & Materials (Clause 6.2, Annex C)

Particle Sizing for Abrasive Powder:

Test Apparatus Details (Clause 20.5)

• Sponge: Polyether foam, open cell, density 22 ± 1 kg/m³, hardness 20.5 ± 2.5 N, thickness 6.2 ± 3.2 mm, width 29 ± 1 mm.
• Rubbing Head: 50 mm long × 29 mm wide, with white wool felt strip (≥97% wool, density 0.181 g/cm³ ±15%, thickness 6 mm ±20%), total mass 550 ± 10 g.
• Felt purity: pH 5–8; chloride ≤0.05%; sulphate ≤0.25%.

Test Procedure Summary

1. Cut test piece and secure horizontally.
2. Apply reagent (water or soap solution).
3. Mechanically rub using the specified sponge or felt head.
4. Examine for damage or change compared to reference.

Symbols for Marking (Clause 5, Table 1)

IS 15418: Method for Determination of Colour Fastness to Light

Key Points from Clause 7.2 & 4.1.4:

• Test Method: As per IS 2454 (Xenon arc lamp with indoor filters).
• Test Conditions:
  • Relative Humidity: 60% - 70%
  • Black Panel Temperature: Max 45°C
• Sample: Include all colours in the pattern.
• Rating: Numerical rating from Annex D; minimum acceptable rating is 3.

Colour Fastness to Light Rating (Table 1, Clause 7.3)

Summary of Test Procedure (IS 2454):

• Expose test pieces to Xenon arc light with indoor filters.
• Maintain controlled humidity and temperature.
• Assess colour change visually or instrumentally.
• Assign rating from 1 (worst) to 5 (best).

flowchart LR
    A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Exposure to Xenon Arc Light]
    B --> C[Maintain RH 60-70% & Temp ≤ 45°C]
    C --> D[Assessment of Colour Change]
    D --> E[Assign Numerical Rating (1-5)]
    E --> F{Rating ≥ 3?}
    F -- Yes --> G[Pass]
    F -- No --> H[Fail]

Note: IS 15418 refers to IS 2454 for detailed test setup and evaluation criteria.

IS 15418 - Designation System for Wall Coverings

The designation system (Annex E) consists of:

Format:

IS 15418 - Width (cm) x Length (cm) - Cleanability - Colour Fastness - Application - Removal - Miscellaneous

Key Blocks & Codes (from Table 1):

Example Designation:

IS 15418 - 140x300 - A - 5 - K - 1 - E

• Width 140 cm, Length 300 cm
• Spongeable (A)
• Good colour fastness (5)
• Prepasted (K)
• Strippable removal (1)
• Duplex embossed (E)

Dimension Tolerances (Clause 4.2.2):

• Straightness: ≤ 1 mm deviation per 1 m length
• Parallelity: Width measurements differ ≤ 1 mm

This system ensures clear, standardized product identification and quality attributes.