ASTM D1913-00(2023)

Standard Test Method for Resistance to Wetting of Garment-Type Leathers<brk/> (Spray Test)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The procedure is intended primarily to evaluate garment-type leathers. The test method is qualitative and measures the surface-water repellency or surface-water resistance only. It is not intended for use in determining resistance to water penetration. A visual means is given to evaluate the relative effects of materials showing water repellency, but no comparison is possible with conditions found in actual use.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the qualitative evaluation of the surface repellency to water of garment-type leathers. 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 shown in parentheses are provided for information only.  
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: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 59.140.30 - Leather and furs
• Technical Committee: D31 - Leather
• Drafting Committee: D31.04 - Apparel

Overview

ASTM D1913-00(2023), Standard Test Method for Resistance to Wetting of Garment-Type Leathers (Spray Test), is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International for the qualitative evaluation of water surface repellency in garment-type leathers. This test method, using a spray test, provides a simple and visual assessment of how well leather resists surface wetting, making it essential for quality control and research in the leather apparel industry. It is important to note that this method is not intended for use with "wet blue" leathers and does not measure resistance to water penetration.

Key Topics

• Surface Water Repellency: The primary focus is on evaluating the capability of garment-type leather to resist water droplets on its surface, rather than absorption or penetration.
• Qualitative Assessment: The method uses a rating chart to visually compare the wetting pattern resulting from the spray test, allowing for objective grading of water repellency.
• Standardized Apparatus: The test employs a specific spray tester with a standardized nozzle, laboratory funnel, and mounting system to maintain consistent testing conditions.
• Test Specimens: Leather samples should be a minimum of 7 x 7 inches (178 x 178 mm), with nondestructive testing possible on whole skins if needed.
• Consistent Methodology: The test method specifies conditions such as water temperature, spray duration, and evaluation procedures, ensuring reproducibility across laboratories.

Applications

The ASTM D1913-00(2023) spray test method is widely applied in the following contexts:

• Leather Apparel Manufacturing: Manufacturers use this test for quality control of jackets, coats, gloves, and other garment-type leathers, ensuring they meet water repellency requirements before sale.
• Product Development & Research: R&D teams utilize this method to assess and improve surface treatments or coatings for leather designed to enhance water resistance.
• Comparative Material Assessment: This standard allows producers and buyers to compare various leathers or surface finishes for relative water repellency.
• Specification Compliance: Brands and suppliers reference this standard in purchase agreements to confirm adherence to recognized performance benchmarks for leather goods.
• Educational and Laboratory Use: The method serves as a teaching tool in materials science and leather engineering, demonstrating standardized material testing protocols.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation and quality assurance of leather products, the following standards are relevant:

• ASTM D2099 - Standard Test Method for Dynamic Water Resistance of Shoe Upper Leather; offers a different approach for evaluating water resistance under dynamic conditions.
• ISO 5403-1 - Leather - Determination of Water Resistance of Flexible Leather; provides international alternative methods for water resistance testing.
• ASTM D7252 - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests.
• ISO 2417 - Leather - Physical and Mechanical Tests - Determination of Water Absorption and Desorption.
• ASTM D1653 - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Organic Coating Films; relevant for leathers with surface coatings.

ASTM D1913-00(2023) provides an accessible, reproducible, and standardized approach for assessing the surface water repellency of garment-type leathers, supporting higher product quality and helping the industry meet both customer expectations and international compliance requirements.

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: D1913 − 00 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Resistance to Wetting of Garment-Type Leathers
(Spray Test)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1913; 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 4. Apparatus
1.1 This test method covers the qualitative evaluation of the 4.1 Spray Tester—The spray tester (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2)
surface repellency to water of garment-type leathers. This test shall consist of a standard spray nozzle (19 holes, drill No. 65,
method does not apply to wet blue. 0.035 in. (0.89 mm) in diameter) connected by means of ⁄8 in.
(9.5 mm) rubber tubing to the funnel tube of a 6 in. (152 mm)
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
laboratory funnel; and a laboratory ring support which holds
as standard. The values shown in parentheses are provided for
the funnel directly over the center of a 6 in. (152 mm) metal
information only.
embroidery hoop mounted on a block of wood so that the plane
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of a specimen held on the hoop makes an angle of 45° with the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
horizontal. The distance of the nozzle to the center of the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
hoop-mounted specimen shall be 6.0 in. (152 mm).
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.2 Rating Chart.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Test Specimen
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 5.1 The minimum size of the test specimen shall be 7 in. by
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 7 in. (178 mm by 178 mm). However, where nondestructive
testing of skins is desired, the entire skin may be used and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. tested in any portion of its area.
5.2 Conditioning of the specimen prior to testing is not
2. Summary of Test Method
necessary.
2.1 Water is sprayed against the taut surface of the test
specimen under controlled conditions, producing a pattern of
6. Procedure
wetting whose size depends on the relative repellency of the
6.1 Fasten the specimen securely in the 6 in. (152 mm)
leather. Evaluation is accomplished by comparing the wetted
metal hoop so that it presents a smooth, wrinkle-free surface.
pattern with pictures on a standard chart.
Place the hoop on the stand of the tester so that the surface to
be evaluated is uppermost and in such a position that the center
3. Significance and Use
of the spray pattern coincides with the center of the hoop.
3.1 The procedure is intended primarily to evaluate
6.2 Pour 250 mL of water at 80 °F 6 2 °F (27 °C 6 1 °C)
garment-type leathers. The test method is qualitative and
into the funnel of the tester and allow it to spray onto the test
measures the surface-water repellency or surface-water resis-
specimen. This will take approximately 25 s to 30 s.
tance only. It is not intended for use in determining resistance
6.3 Upon completion of the spraying period, take the hoop
to water penetration. A visual means is given to evaluate the
by one edge, tap it smartly once a
...