ASTM D2066-07(2020)

Standard Test Methods for Relative Tinting Strength of Paste-Type Printing Ink Dispersions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Tinting strength is an essential property of printing ink dispersions. Although test results on wet drawdowns and tints do not guarantee equivalency of dry printed ink films, they provide useful parameters for quality assurance of established formulations, gaging relative degree of dispersion, and estimating the color value of colorants from different batches, sources, or grades.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining the relative tinting strength of paste-type printing ink dispersions by visual or instrumental evaluation of tints prepared by manual or automated mixing.  
1.2 These test methods are applicable to paste-type printing inks, flushed pigments, and other pigment dispersions that are essentially nonvolatile under ordinary room conditions and for which there is a wet reference standard of the same pigmentation and consistency. With proper choice of tinting base, they are applicable to dispersions of any color, including black and white.  
Note 1: The instrumental procedures for tinting strength are similar in principle to those described in Test Methods D387, D2745, D4838, and D6531.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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-May-2020
• ICS: 87.080 - Inks. Printing inks
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.56 - Printing Inks

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2066-07(2012) - Standard Test Methods for Relative Tinting Strength of Paste-Type Printing Ink Dispersions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Refers: ASTM D16-24 - Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1331-15(2023) - Standard Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1347-06(2020) - Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM E1331-15(2019) - Standard Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6531-00(2019) - Standard Test Method for Relative Tinting Strength of Aqueous Ink Systems by Instrumental Measurement
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D16-16 - Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1347-06(2015) - Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Measurement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-15a - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E1331-15 - Standard Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-15e1 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-15 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D16-14 - Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM D2244-14 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E284-13b - Standard Terminology of Appearance
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013

Overview

ASTM D2066-07(2020) is the Standard Test Methods for Relative Tinting Strength of Paste-Type Printing Ink Dispersions, developed by ASTM International. This standard specifies laboratory procedures for determining the relative tinting strength of paste-type printing ink dispersions through visual or instrumental evaluation of tints prepared by manual or automated mixing. These methods are essential for quality assurance in the production and formulation of printing inks and pigment dispersions, and help standardize assessments across different batches, sources, and grades.

By providing reliable ways to compare tinting strength, ASTM D2066 is crucial for evaluating colorants, ensuring color consistency, and supporting quality control throughout the ink manufacturing industry.

Key Topics

• Tinting Strength Definition: Defined as the ability of a material to impart color to a standard base, measured by comparing the amount needed to match a standard reference.
• Applicable Materials: The methods apply to paste-type printing inks, flushed pigments, and other pigment dispersions that are essentially nonvolatile in ordinary room conditions, provided a wet reference standard of similar pigmentation and consistency is available.
• Test Procedures:
  • Visual Evaluation: Drawing down samples side by side on paper for visual comparison of masstone (mass color) and undertone (undertone color).
  • Instrumental Evaluation: Using reflectance measurements or colorimetric devices like spectrophotometers or densitometers to quantify tinting strength.
  • Manual or Automated Mixing: Procedures for preparing tints using either manual mixing or an automated mixer such as the FlackTek Speed Mixer.
• Quality Assurance: Results provide parameters for confirming formulation consistency and gaging the degree of dispersion within and across production batches.
• Color Range: With the appropriate tinting base, methods are applicable to color dispersions of any hue, including black and white.

Applications

ASTM D2066-07(2020) is widely used in the printing ink and pigment dispersion industries for:

• Quality Assurance & Batch Consistency: Ensuring product uniformity and color reliability by comparing new dispersions with standards.
• Formulation Development: Aiding ink manufacturers in evaluating raw materials or alternative suppliers through comparative color strength.
• Troubleshooting Production: Identifying formulation issues, changes in raw material batches, or inconsistencies in pigment dispersions.
• Supplier Evaluation: Establishing benchmark tests for pigments or bases from different sources.
• Routine Testing: Part of standard laboratory testing protocols in QC labs for printing ink manufacturers.

Typical users include ink formulators, pigment manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and suppliers or purchasers of commercial printing inks.

Related Standards

ASTM D2066 references and relates closely to other industry standards for color and pigment testing, including:

• ASTM D387: Test Method for Color and Strength of Chromatic Pigments with a Mechanical Muller
• ASTM D2745: Test Method for Relative Tinting Strength of White Pigments by Reflectance Measurements
• ASTM D4838: Test Method for Determining the Relative Tinting Strength of Chromatic Paints
• ASTM D6531: Test Method for Relative Tinting Strength of Aqueous Ink Systems
• ASTM E1331, E1347, E1349: Test Methods for spectrophotometric and color-difference measurements

These standards create a comprehensive framework for color strength, appearance, and tinting assessment within the graphic arts and coatings industries.

Keywords: tinting strength, paste-type ink, pigment dispersion, printing ink, color consistency, manual mixing, automated mixing, spectrophotometer, densitometer, quality assurance, ASTM D2066.

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: D2066 − 07 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Methods for
Relative Tinting Strength of Paste-Type Printing Ink
Dispersions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2066; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D16TerminologyforPaint,RelatedCoatings,Materials,and
Applications
1.1 These test methods cover procedures for determining
D387Test Method for Color and Strength of Chromatic
the relative tinting strength of paste-type printing ink disper-
Pigments with a Mechanical Muller
sions by visual or instrumental evaluation of tints prepared by
D2244Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
manual or automated mixing.
Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
1.2 These test methods are applicable to paste-type printing
Coordinates
inks, flushed pigments, and other pigment dispersions that are
D2745Test Method for Relative Tinting Strength of White
essentially nonvolatile under ordinary room conditions and for
Pigments by Reflectance Measurements
which there is a wet reference standard of the same pigmen-
D4838Test Method for Determining the Relative Tinting
tationandconsistency.Withproperchoiceoftintingbase,they
Strength of Chromatic Paints
are applicable to dispersions of any color, including black and
D6531Test Method for Relative Tinting Strength of Aque-
white.
ous Ink Systems by Instrumental Measurement
NOTE1—Theinstrumentalproceduresfortintingstrengtharesimilarin E284Terminology of Appearance
principle to those described in Test Methods D387, D2745, D4838, and
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
D6531.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
E1331Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
only.
E1347Test Method for Color and Color-Difference Mea-
surement by Tristimulus Colorimetry
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E1349Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Spectrophotometry Using Bidirectional (45°:0° or 0°:45°)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Geometry
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2.2 ANSI Standards:
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
PH 2.17Geometric Conditions for Reflection Density
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
PH2.18SpectralConditionsfortheMeasurementofOptical
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Density
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
PH 2.30 Viewing Conditions for Graphic Arts and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Photography—ColorPrints,TransparenciesandPhotome-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
chanical Reproductions
2. Referenced Documents
3. Terminology
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1 Definitions relating to color attributes and color differ-
ences are covered in Terminology D16 and E284.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications and are the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee D01.56 on Printing Inks.
3.2.1 masstone (or masscolor), n—the color of a material
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
that is thick enough to mask any background.
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D2066–07 (2012).
DOI: 10.1520/D2066-07R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2066 − 07 (2020)
3.2.2 tinting strength, n—the ability of a material to impart 6.2.3 Thermometer, small, reading close to room
its color to a standard base; the reciprocal of the relative temperature,formeasuringtemperatureoftintspreparedonthe
concentration required to match the reference material in a FlackTek.
standard base.
6.3 Spatulas,(2)withflexibleblades80to120mminlength
3.2.3 undertone (or undercolor), n—the color of a thin film
(for weighing and mixing).
of a material.
6.4 Mixing Surface, such as a glass or similar slab fixed to
a work bench.
4. Summary of Test Methods
6.5 Putty Knife, with an 80 to 120 mm wide blade having a
4.1 Thin and thick films of the standard and unknown
smooth straight edge (for use as a drawdown blade).
dispersions are drawn down in juxtaposition on bond and on
6.6 Standard Daylight, preferably a D50 light source con-
coated paper. Visual evaluation of the relative undertone and
masstone provides a check on color equivalency. forming to ANSI Standard PH 2.30.
4.2 Thestandardandunknowndispersionsareeachreduced 6.7 Reflectance Measuring Instrument, (for instrumental
to the same concentration in a suitable tinting base. Thick wet evaluation).Unlessotherwiseagreedupon,theinstrumentshall
be a spectrophotometer with hemispherical (integrating-
drawdownsofthetwotintsareevaluatedfortintingstrengthby
Test Methods A or B. sphere) geometry conforming to Test Method E1331, a spec-
trophotometer with bidirectional (45/0 or 0/45) geometry
4.2.1 Test Method A—Visual Evaluation: If the strength of
the tints is judged unequal, aliquots of the stronger tint are conforming to Test Method E1349, or a tristimulus (filter)
colorimeter with either geometry conforming to Test Method
further reduced until equivalence is obtained. The tinting
strength of the unknown dispersion is calculated from the E1347. Alternatively, a reflection densitometer conforming to
weight of extra tinting base added per unit weight of the ANSI Standard PH 2.17 and having a set of Status T or Status
5,6
stronger tint. E filters (see 12.3.2), conforming toANSI Standard PH 2.18
4.2.2 Test Method B—Instrumental Evaluation: Reflectance may be used for certain colors.
measurementsaremadeonthickwetfilmsoftheoriginaltints.
NOTE 2—The filter systems in typical densitometers are suitable only
The tinting strength of the unknown dispersion is calculated
for use with black, white, and the three process colors (yellow, magenta
according to a Kubelka-Munk equation.
and cyan). Instrumental evaluation of other colors requires a spectropho-
tometer or a colorimeter.
4.3 Preparation of a confirming tint is recommended as an
unbiased method of verification. The preferred approach is to
7. Materials
prepareanewtintoftheunknownataconcentrationcalculated
7.1 Reference (Standard) Dispersion, having the same pig-
to match the standard tint.
mentation and consistency as the test (unknown) dispersion.
5. Significance and Use
7.2 Tinting Base, as agreed upon between the producer and
5.1 Tinting strength is an essential property of printing ink user, consisting of a suitable pigment well dispersed in a
dispersions.Although test results on wet drawdowns and tints
vehicle that is compatible with the vehicle in the test disper-
do not guarantee equivalency of dry printed ink films, they sion. The consistency of the base should not be appreciably
provide useful parameters for quality assurance of established
lower than that of the test dispersion. Driers are not generally
formulations,gagingrelativedegreeofdispersion,andestimat- used because they may affect the color of the base and
ingthecolorvalueofcolorantsfromdifferentbatches,sources,
corresponding tints.
5,7
or grades.
7.2.1 White Base, for testing colored and black disper-
sions.Asuitable white base may contain by weight 30 to 60%
6. Apparatus
ofeitherzincoxideortitaniumdioxideand40to70%vehicle.
7.2.2 Black Base, for testing white dispersions. A suitable
6.1 Laboratory Balance, sensitive to at least 1.0 mg, pref-
black base may contain by weight 4% black pigment (prefer-
erably 0.1 mg.
ably non-flocculating), 43% precipitated calcium carbonate,
4,5
6.2 FlackTek Speed Mixer (optional, for automated mix-
and 53% vehicle. Alternatively, a neutral black nondrying
ing). Essential accessories include:
printing ink such as a news ink.
6.2.1 PlasticCup,preferablyMax15,formixing10to15g.
7.2.3 Dark Blue Base (optional), for visual testing of white
Alarger cup, such as Max 40, may be useful for mixing 20 or
dispersions. A suitable dark blue base may contain by weight
more g of tinting base prior to use.
42% ultramarine blue, 18% precipitated calcium carbonate,
6.2.2 Cup Holder, of a size appropriate to the cup used in
and 40% vehicle.
6.2.1.
4 6
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time StatusTfilters are available in the USA, Status E in other countries.The major
is FlackTek Inc., 1708 Highway 11, Building G, Landrum, SC 29356, http:// difference is in the peak transmission of the blue filter.
www.speedmixer.com/. The sole source of supply of the spectrophotochemically controlled NPIRI
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to Bleach White X-1025 known to the committee at this time is Colorcon, No-Tox
ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider- Products, 171 New Britain Boulevard, Chalfont, PA 18914–1833, http://
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend. www.colorcon.com/no-tox/index.html.
D2066 − 07 (2020)
7.2.4 LightBlueBase(optional),forvisualtestingofyellow 9.4 Repeat 9.1 and make a tight drawdown on a sheet of
dispersions. A suitable light blue base may contain by weight coated paper. Make an immediate visual judgment of the
1% phthalocyanine blue dispersion and 99% white base. relative undertone. Include relative gloss and bronzing in the
evaluation.
NOTE 3—Mixtures of a light blue base with yellow samples produce
green tints, differences between which are more easily detected by eye
NOTE 4—When the consistencies of the standard and unknown disper-
than are mixtures of white and yellow. However, false results may be
sions are significantly different, the film thicknesses of the tight draw-
obtained. The use of a blue base is not recommended for visual tests on
downs may not be comparable. In such cases, judgments regarding
greenish-yellowcolorantsandisnotpermittedforinstrumentalevaluation
relative hue should be reserved until the tints are examined (see Note 8 in
of any yellow colorant.
11.6).
NOTE 5—If the hue or cleanliness of the test dispersion is significantly
7.3 Weighing Substrate (for manual mixing), nonabsorbent,
differentfromthestandarddispersion,tintingstrengthcannotbetestedby
such as skin paper or small glass plates ca 75 to 100 mm
the procedures covered in this test method. A numerical assessment of
square.
such systems may be obtained by making color measurements according
toTestMethodsE1331,E1347,orE1349andcalculatingcolordifferences
7.4 Drawdown Substrates, one consisting of white bond
by the 1976 CIELAB equations in accordance with Practice D2244.
paper at least 50-mm wide and 150-mm long with a black bar
at least 20-mm wide imprinted across the short dimension
10. Preparation of Tints
about half way down the length of the sheet, and a second one
10.1 Manual Mixing:
consisting of white coated paper.
10.1.1 Select a tinting base appropriate to the sample being
7.5 Microscope Cover Glasses (for instrumental
tested (see 7.2). Examine the base for uniformity. If there are
measurements), made of fine optical glass, 50 by 45 mm, 0.13
signs of separation or settling, stir thoroughly in container. If
to 0.17 mm thick.
necessary, transfer the quantity required for testing to a slab
and mix to ensure that the same composition of base will be
7.6 Standard Spacer (for instrumental measurements), such
used for both the standard and the unknown samples.
as cardstock the same size as the cover glass described in 7.5,
10.1.2 Tare or counterbalance a weighing substrate. Using
about 1-mm thick, with a 35-mm diameter hole.
guidelines suggested in Table 1, prepare5gofthe tint if
evaluation is to be visual, 10 g if evaluation is to be instru-
8. Sampling
mental; weigh out the desired amount of the standard disper-
8.1 These test methods do not include a method for prepa-
sion and the tinting base by one of the following methods.
ration of dispersions. If colorants from different batches or
10.1.2.1 Weighing Method 1—The quantity of specimen
sources are being evaluated, it is important that the standard
neednotbeexactlyaslistedinTable1butmustbeweighedto
and unknown samples be dispersed either in the identical
atleastthreesignificantfigures.Dividetheactualweightbythe
mannerortothemaximumdegree,asagreeduponbetweenthe
desired decimal concentration to obtain the total tint weight.
producer and the user.
The difference between the total weight and the specimen
weightrepresentstheweightofbleachingbasetobeadded.For
8.2 Carefully select a dispersed sample that is free of skin
and other contamination and representative of the lot being example, 10 g of a 1% tint is specified and the weight of the
specimenis0.1122g.Dividingthatquantityby0.1gives11.22
evaluated. Transfer to a clean container, protect with skin
paper, close and seal. g. This is the total weight of the tint. Add bleaching base
accordingly.
10.1.2.2 Weighing Method 2—The weight of specimen and
9. Evaluation of Masstone and Undertone for Relative
tinting base must both be exact to 60.001 g. For example, for
Color
10 g of a 1% tint, the weight of specimen must be exactly 0.1
9.1 Using the bond paper with the black bar, place small
portions of the standard and unknown dispersions close
TABLE 1 Suggested Tint Concentrations for Strength Testing of
together, but not touching, in the center at one end of the sheet
A
Printing Ink Dispersions
in the long dimension.
B,C
Content of Tint, g
Dispersion Ratio
Type of
9.2 Placethebladeofthedrawdownknifebehindthepastes Concentra- Disper-
Disper- Tinting
Dispersion
Total
tion in Tint sion
sion Base
and, using heavy pressure, draw down a thin film of the pastes
Flush or concentrate 0.005 1:199 0.05 9.95 10.0
in juxtaposition. When the middle of the black bar is reached,
Process color ink 0.01 1:99 0.10 9.90 10.0
raise the blade slightly and draw down the remaining pastes in
Laked or low strength 0.05 1:19 0.50 9.50 10.0
a layer sufficiently thick that the black bar is not visible.
color
Titanium dioxide
Remove excess material.
D
with lamp black base 0.85 6:1 8.50 1.50 10.0
D
9.3 Immediatelyexaminethedrawdownsunderthestandard with carbon black base 0.98 49:1 8.80 0.20 10.0
A
D50 light or other agreed upon light source. Judge the hue,
InNPIRIBleachWhiteX-1025exceptwherenoted.Figuresaregivenasaguide.
It is recommended that standard batches be checked first to establish tint
depth, cleanliness, transparency and other properties of the
concentrations that give proper lightness levels, that is, 20 to 55 % reflectance for
unknowndispersionrelativetothestandarddispersion.Record
instrumental evaluation.
B
qualitativeobservationsofthethinfilmoverwhitepaperasthe Materials should be weighed to three significant figures. Increase weights by a
factor contingent on the balance sensitivity.
relative undertone, the thin film over the black bar as the
C
Half the quantity may be used if evaluation is visual only.
relative transparency, and the thick film as the relative mass- D
For white dispersions, weigh tinting base first.
tone.
D2066 − 07 (2020)
g 60.001g,andtheweightoftintingbasemustbeexactly9.9 TEST METHOD A—TINTING STRENGTH BY
g 6 0.001 g. For a nominal 1% tint, the weight of tinting base VISUAL EVALUATION
may be 10 g 6 0.001 g.
11. Procedure
10.1.3 Gently mix the specimen and tinting base on the
weighing substrate until the tint is uniform. Use a circular 11.1 Using separate ink knives, gently stir the standard and
stirring motion, periodically scraping all material from the the test tints. Place a small quantity of each tint close together,
surfaceofthesubstrate.Donotusesomuchenergythatfurther but not touching, at one end of a small glass plate or other
dispersion will result. If necessary, transfer all material to a drawdown substrate. Hold the drawdown knife at a low angle
glass slab and continue mixing with a gentle scraping and (5to15°fromhorizontal)and,usinglightpressure,drawdown
stirring motion until a uniform color with no specks or streaks thetintsinjuxtaposition.Thetwofilmsmustbeincontactwith
is achieved. With a clean putty knife, push the tint to one side each other, smooth, and sufficiently thick so as to mask any
of the slab. Clean the putty knife and remainder of the slab. background.
11.2 Immediately examine the drawdowns under the stan-
NOTE 6—With flushes and other high viscosity dispersions, it is
recommended that the tinting base be mixed into the specimen in small dard light. If the two tints appear equal, record the tinting
increments.
strength of the unknown as 100%. If the tints are unequal in
strength, estimate the strength difference between the stronger
10.1.4 Repeat 10.1.2 and 10.1.3 w
...