ASTM C474-02 - 10.12.2002
 
1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the physical testing of joint compound, paper joint tape, glass-mesh joint tape, and an assembly of joint compound and paper joint tape.

1.1.1 Joint treatment materials are specified in Specification C 475/C 475M.

1.1.2 The joint treatment material described in this standard are for use with gypsum board installed in accordance with Specification C 840.

1.2 The test methods appear in the following order:

Section
Joint Compound Tests:
Viscosity
Shrinkage
Check Cracking
Putrefaction
Joint Tape Tests:
Tensile Strength
Width
Thickness
Paper Joint Tape Tests
Dimensional Stability
Assemblages of Paper Joint Tape and Joint Compound:
Bond of Paper Joint Tape to Joint Compound
Cracking of Joint Compound at Tape Edges
Glass-Mesh Joint Tape Test
Skewness

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI (metric) values given in brackets are approximate and are provided for information purposes only.

1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

C472-26

Standard Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum, Gypsum Plasters, and Gypsum Concrete

C11-25

Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems

D3882-08(2025)

Standard Test Method for Bow and Skew in Woven and Knitted Fabrics

C475/C475M-17(2022)

Standard Specification for Joint Compound and Joint Tape for Finishing Gypsum Board

C840-25

Standard Specification for Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board

C1396/C1396M-24

Standard Specification for Gypsum Board

E177-26a

Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods (Includes all amendments and changes 5/14/2026).

D1000-26

Standard Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic Applications

D3699-25

Standard Specification for Kerosine

D828-22

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation Apparatus

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

E100-19(2024)

Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers

D685-26

Standard Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing