Standard Test Method for Determination of Resistance of Leather to (Bleeding) Color Stain Transfer

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Bleed resistance is considered to be an important characteristic in leather used to make lined and unlined items that may come in contact with water.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method2 covers the determination of whether leather bleeds (exudes coloring matter) when in intimate contact with wet surfaces, as indicated by staining produced on wet cloth in contact with the leather. This test method does not apply to wet blue.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Aug-2021
Technical Committee
D31 - Leather
Drafting Committee
D31.04 - Apparel

Relations

Effective Date
01-May-2013
Effective Date
01-Apr-2007
Effective Date
10-May-2001
Effective Date
10-May-2001

Overview

ASTM D6012-03(2021): Standard Test Method for Determination of Resistance of Leather to (Bleeding) Color Stain Transfer establishes a reliable procedure for evaluating whether finished leather products bleed or transfer color when exposed to moisture. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is essential for manufacturers and quality assurance professionals working with leather goods that may encounter wet conditions, such as footwear, garments, luggage, and upholstery.

This standard outlines the significance of bleed resistance as a vital property for both lined and unlined leather items, especially those likely to come into contact with water. Understanding color bleed helps prevent unwanted staining or transfer, ensuring product integrity and customer satisfaction.

Key Topics

  • Bleed Resistance Assessment: The method determines if a leather sample exudes coloring matter, i.e., if there is color migration from the leather to another material when wet.
  • Test Procedure: The standard describes preparing a leather specimen, exposing it to a wet cotton pad under controlled weight and conditions, and subsequently evaluating stain intensity using standardized rating scales.
  • Safety and Compliance: The method acknowledges that users should establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, as not all potential concerns are addressed within the standard.
  • Scope Limitations: This test method does not apply to "wet blue" (chrome-tanned wet leather), focusing instead on finished leather products.
  • Units of Measurement: Standard values are provided in inch-pound units, with SI conversions included for reference.

Applications

This ASTM standard is widely used across the leather and fashion industries to verify the colorfastness and overall quality of leather goods. Key practical applications include:

  • Footwear Manufacturing: Ensures that leather used in shoes and boots will not bleed onto socks or linings when exposed to sweat or moisture.
  • Apparel and Accessories: Confirms the suitability of leather for jackets, belts, bags, and gloves by minimizing the risk of color transfer to clothing or skin.
  • Furniture and Upholstery: Assures that leather upholstery maintains its appearance and does not cause staining when exposed to spills or cleaning.
  • Automotive Interiors: Validates the resistance of automotive leather seats to color transfer, preserving vehicle interior quality.
  • Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance: Helps manufacturers meet quality and regulatory requirements and provide documentation when bidding on contracts, particularly with government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense.

Related Standards

For enhanced assessment and compatibility with other leather testing protocols, users of ASTM D6012-03(2021) may consider the following related ASTM standards:

  • ASTM D1610: Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing, referenced for specimen preparation.
  • AATCC Chromatic Transferance Scale: Used as the basis for stain rating in the evaluation procedure.
  • Federal Test Method Standard No. 311 (Method 3021.2): The origin for this ASTM method, providing a foundation for color transfer testing practices in textiles and leathers.

For more information, official documents, or additional guidance on leather testing, consult the ASTM website at www.astm.org.


Keywords: ASTM D6012, leather bleed resistance, color stain transfer, leather colorfastness, leather quality testing, leather standards, wet contact leather testing, ASTM International

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D6012-03(2021) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Determination of Resistance of Leather to (Bleeding) Color Stain Transfer". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Bleed resistance is considered to be an important characteristic in leather used to make lined and unlined items that may come in contact with water. SCOPE 1.1 This test method2 covers the determination of whether leather bleeds (exudes coloring matter) when in intimate contact with wet surfaces, as indicated by staining produced on wet cloth in contact with the leather. This test method does not apply to wet blue. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Bleed resistance is considered to be an important characteristic in leather used to make lined and unlined items that may come in contact with water. SCOPE 1.1 This test method2 covers the determination of whether leather bleeds (exudes coloring matter) when in intimate contact with wet surfaces, as indicated by staining produced on wet cloth in contact with the leather. This test method does not apply to wet blue. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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.

ASTM D6012-03(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 61.040 - Headgear. Clothing accessories. Fastening of clothing. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D6012-03(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1610-01(2013), ASTM D1610-01(2007), ASTM D1610-01, ASTM D1610-00. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D6012-03(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


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.
Designation: D6012 − 03 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Resistance of Leather to (Bleeding) Color
Stain Transfer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6012; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3.1.1 bleeding—the transfer of color from a finished leather
2 sample onto or into another medium.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of whether
leather bleeds (exudes coloring matter) when in intimate
4. Significance and Use
contact with wet surfaces, as indicated by staining produced on
4.1 Bleed resistance is considered to be an important char-
wet cloth in contact with the leather. This test method does not
acteristic in leather used to make lined and unlined items that
apply to wet blue.
may come in contact with water.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
5. Apparatus
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
5.1 One or More Assemblies, consisting of a flat glass or
and are not considered standard.
plastic square, and same size as transfer pad with a suitable
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
weight placed on top of the square. The combined weight shall
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
be 100 6 5 g. (An assembly consisting of a plastic or glass
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
plate and a 1 fluid oz (29 cc) plastic or glass jar with plastic lid
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
to which the appropriate amount of lead shot or steel balls is
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
added has been found suitable. The plate and jar may be held
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
together by a suitable cement or pressure-sensitive adhesive
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tape.)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.2 Container, flat-bottomed, heat-resistant plastic or other
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
similar material with cover of sufficient size to accommodate a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
maximum of 15 specimens.Acontainer 12 in. (300 mm) long,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
9 in. (230 mm) wide and 4 in. (100 mm) high has been found
suitable.
2. Referenced Documents
5.3 Forced Circulating-Air Oven, capable of maintaining
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the required temperature of 38 6 2 °C (100.4 6 3.6 °F).
D1610 Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Prod-
ucts for Testing
5.4 Balance, single beam or high speed.
5.5 Bleached Cotton Sheeting, 2-in. (51.6 mm) squares.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6. Test Specimen
6.1 The specimen shall be a square of leather 1.0 by 1.0 in.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D31 on Leather
(25 by 25 mm).
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D31.04 on Apparel.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally
6.2 Number of Determinations—Unless otherwise specified
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D6012–03(2013).
in the material specification, one specimen from each sample
DOI: 10.1520/D6012-03R21.
unit shall be tested.
This test method was developed from Federal Test Method Standard No. 311
Method 3021.2 in cooperation with the U.S. Army Natick Research Development
and Engineering Center, Natick, MA, and the Defense Personnel Support Center
Directorate of Clothing and Textiles, Philadelphia, PA. The sole source of supply of the color transfer cloth known to the committee at
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or this time is Test Fabrics, Inc., P.O. Box 53, 200 Blackford Ave., Middlesex, NJ
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM 08846. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information t
...

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