ASTM C1378-20

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1378 − 04 (Reapproved 2019) C1378 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Resistance to Staining
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1378; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method is intended to determine the resistance to staining of ceramic tile surfaces. covers a procedure for
determining whether ceramic tiles and glass tiles are affected by prolonged exposure to staining agents.
1.2 The resistance to staining is determined by maintaining test solutions in contact with ceramic tile surfaces for a specified
period of time. After exposure, the surface is cleaned in a defined manner, and the test specimens are inspected visually for change.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Summary of Test Method
2.1 The resistance to staining is determined by maintaining staining agents in contact with tile surfaces for a specified period
of time. After exposure, the surface is cleaned in a defined manner, and the test specimens are visually inspected for change.
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method is intended to determine the resistance to staining of tile surfaces. This test method is suitable for use in
specifications, quality control, and research and development.
4. Staining Agents
4.1 Contrasting Grout, unsanded tile grout, applied as a neat paste.
4.2 Carbon Lamp Black.
4.3 Waterproof Ink Black.
4.4 Washable Ink.
4.5 Potassium Permanganate Solution, 1 %, prepared from 99 % KMnO crystals, dissolve 1g of reagent into 100 mL of
distilled water.
4.6 Methylene Blue Solution, 1 %.
4.7 This test method may be used for exposing tile to any staining agent deemed appropriate for the expected service conditions
and may specify any reasonable combination of time and temperature for the exposure period. Exposure substances, time, and
temperatures should be selected so as to either simulate service conditions, or accelerate staining that is possible under expected
service conditions, or bear some other meaningful relation to expected service conditions.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Test Glass Test Tubes or PVC Tubes, plain end glass test tubes or PVC tubes with a diameter of approximately 20 mm and
a length of 150 mm.sufficient to contain the required amount of test solution
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C21 on Ceramic Whitewares and Related Productsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C21.06
on Ceramic Tile.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019June 1, 2020. Published August 2019June 2020. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 20142019 as
C1378 – 04 (2014).C1378 – 04 (2019). DOI: 10.1520/C1378-04R19.10.1520/C1378-20.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1378 − 20
3.2 Pipets, glass pipet with a volume of at least 50 mL with gradations in 1-mL increments.
5.2 Oven, capable of maintaining a constant temperature of 110 6 5 °C.at least 110 °C.
5.3 Cloths, a supply of lintless, absorbent clothescloths or paper towels.
5.4 Distilled or Deionized Water , Water, for preparation of the solutions.
5.5 Light Source, standard light source that supplies a minimum of 300 lux of illumination.
5.6 Cleaning Agents.
5.6.1 Hot water.Water.
5.6.2 Weak cleaning agent,Cleaning Agent, a commercial agent, not containing abrasive, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
5.6.3 Strong cleaning agent,Cleaning Agent, a commercial cleaning agent containing abrasive, with a pH of 9 to 10.
5.6.4 Suitable solvents:Solvents:
3 % (v/v) HCI solution, prepared from 38 % hydrochloric
acid by adding 79 mL of the reagent hydrochloride acid
solution to 951 mL of distilled water.
20 % KOH solution (200 g/L), prepared by dissolving 200
g of 90 % potassium hydroxide into 1 L of distilled water.
Acetone (technical grade).
(1) 3 % (v/v) HCI solution, prepared from 38 % hydrochloric acid by adding 79 mL of the reagent hydrochloride acid solution
to 921 mL of distilled water.
(2) 20 % KOH solution (200 g/L), prepared by dissolving 222 g of 90 % potassium hydroxide into 1 L of distilled water.
(3) Acetone (technical grade).
6. Samples
6.1 Number of Test Specimens—One defect-free test specimen, which is representative of the entire surface, for each test
solution is to be used. Test specimens shall be representative of the sample, and where tiles have different colors of decorative
effects, care should be taken to include all distinctive parts. More test specimens may be necessary to incorperateincorporate all
surface features.
6.2 Size of Specimens—The original tile for testing shouldmay be cut to 50-50 by 50-mm50 mm squares for testing with each
cut piece labeled according to the testing solution to be applied.
6.3 The sample surfaces shouldmay be thoroughly cleaned with a suitable solvent, such as acetone and completely dried before
testing. acetone.
6.4 The test specimens can be glazed or unglazed tile. If the tiles are glazed, then the staining agent should be applied to the
glazed surface.
7. Procedure for Staining Agent Application
7.1 Application of the Staining Agent:
5.1.1 Dry the test specimens thoroughly at 110 6 5 °C before testing and then cool the tile to room temperature.
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