ASTM D6012-03(2021) PDF

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