ASTM D6012-03 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6012‑03(2021) — Standard Test Method for Determination of Resistance of Leather to (Bleeding) Color Stain Transfer. This test method specifies a laboratory procedure to determine whether finished leather exudes coloring matter (bleeds) when placed in intimate contact with wet surfaces, as indicated by staining produced on an adjacent wet cloth.

Abstract

This standard defines a simple, repeatable test to evaluate bleed (color transfer) from finished leather to wet fabric under controlled conditions. It describes specimen size and conditioning, apparatus (weighted plate and transfer pad in a container, controlled temperature), test procedure, and interpretation of staining; it is intended for use in quality control, specification, and comparative evaluation of leather products.

General information

• Status: Active — D6012‑03 reapproved (current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021).
• Publication date: Reapproved/updated 2021 (effective/approval dates shown as Sept. 1, 2021; published Oct. 2021 in ASTM listings).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 61.040 — Headgear, clothing accessories, fastening of clothing (leather testing / apparel).
• Edition / version: Designation D6012‑03 with reapproval notation (D6012‑03R21 / D6012‑03(2021)).
• Number of pages: 2 pages (short test method / 2‑page procedure).

Scope

This test method 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. The method does not apply to wet blue. Values are given in inch‑pound units as standard (SI conversions for information). The standard also notes user responsibility for safety and regulatory compliance.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of bleeding (color transfer) and its significance for lined and unlined leather goods.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning (typical specimen: 1.0 in × 1.0 in / 25 × 25 mm squares; conditioning per referenced practices).
• Apparatus and materials — transfer pad (bleached cotton sheeting), flat plate and weight assembly (combined weight ≈ 100 ± 5 g), container, and forced‑air oven for specified temperature conditioning.
• Test procedure — placement of wet transfer pad in contact with leather specimen under controlled weight and temperature; inspection for staining on the pad to determine bleed behavior.
• Referenced practices and related methods (for specimen conditioning and related leather tests).

Typical use and users

Used by leather tanneries, quality control and testing laboratories, footwear and apparel manufacturers, product developers, and procurement/specification engineers who need to verify colorfastness with regard to bleeding and stain transfer in wet contact situations (e.g., lined goods, garments, accessories). Military and government procurement specifications may reference this ASTM test for acceptance testing.

Related standards

Typical related ASTM documents include Practice D1610 (conditioning of leather and leather products for testing) as well as other leather test methods for colorfastness and wetting (examples in the leather standards collection such as D1913 and D5053). Users often consult the broader ASTM D31 leather standards series for complementary procedures.

Keywords

leather, bleed resistance, bleeding, color transfer, stain transfer, colorfastness, leather testing, transfer pad, conditioning, ASTM D6012

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6012‑03(2021) is a short ASTM test method that specifies how to determine whether finished leather will bleed (transfer color) onto wet cloth under specified laboratory conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen size and conditioning, apparatus (weighted plate and transfer pad, container, oven), procedural steps for contacting leather with a wet transfer pad under weight/temperature, and interpretation of staining; it does not apply to wet blue leather.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Leather manufacturers, QC/testing labs, footwear and apparel producers, specifiers, and procurement agents (including agencies that reference ASTM test methods) use it to check bleed resistance for product acceptance and quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D6012‑03 has been reapproved for 2021 (appearing as D6012‑03(2021) / D6012‑03R21) and is listed as the active/reapproved edition in ASTM records as of 2021. Users should confirm the current status with ASTM for any later reapproval or revision.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASTM Committee D31 leather standards and is typically used alongside other D31 methods and practices (for conditioning, colorfastness, wetting tests, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: bleed resistance, bleeding, color transfer, stain transfer, leather testing, colorfastness, transfer pad, ASTM D6012.