ASTM D5053-03(2023)

Standard Test Method for Colorfastness of Crocking of Leather

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended for use on any type of leather.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the degree of color that may be transferred from leather to other surfaces by rubbing under wet (damp) or dry conditions, or both. This test method does not apply to wet blue.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are 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

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1517-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01(2013) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1517-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2813-03(2008) - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01(2007) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D1517-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1517-04e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1517-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1517-99(2004) - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D2813-03 - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM D1610-01 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1610-00 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-May-2001
• Refers: ASTM D1517-99 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999
• Refers: ASTM D2813-97 - Standard Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1997

Overview

ASTM D5053-03(2023) Standard Test Method for Colorfastness of Crocking of Leather defines procedures for evaluating the degree of color transfer, or "crocking," from leather to other surfaces under both wet and dry conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is applicable to any type of leather except "wet blue." It provides a consistent framework for quality control and comparative analysis in the leather industry, helping manufacturers, processors, and end-users measure and communicate the durability and colorfastness of leather materials.

Colorfastness and crocking in leather goods are key indicators of product quality, consumer satisfaction, and suitability for various applications, especially where contact or friction may occur.

Key Topics

• Scope: Applicable to all types of leather products, except wet blue leathers.
• Test Methods:
  • Dry crocking test
  • Wet (damp) crocking test
• Apparatus & Reference Methods:
  • Use of a crockmeter and standard test cloths (white and black)
  • Reference to AATCC Method 8 for chromatic transference scales and definitions
• Assessment Criteria:
  • Visual grading of color transfer using AATCC chromatic transference scale or gray scale for staining
  • Classification of colorfastness as "good," "fair," or "poor" based on degree of staining
• Specimen Preparation: Detailed guidelines for size, conditioning, and handling of leather samples and test cloths
• Reporting: Specifies required data in test reports, including test type (wet or dry), degree of staining, and evaluation method used
• Units of Measurement: Inch-pound units are standard; metric values provided for information

Applications

• Quality Control: Ensures that finished leather meets specified colorfastness thresholds before reaching consumers in footwear, apparel, upholstery, automotive interiors, and accessories.
• Product Development: Assists manufacturers in selecting dyes, finishes, and surface treatments that minimize color transfer.
• Compliance and Specification: Used by procurement and regulatory departments to verify conformance with international standards and trade agreements.
• Research and Comparison: Facilitates benchmarking of different leather types, tannage methods, or finishing processes under frictional stress.
• Consumer Assurance: Reduces the risk of staining on clothing, car seats, furniture, or other surfaces in contact with leather goods.

Related Standards

Compliance with ASTM D5053-03(2023) is often cross-referenced with several related standards:

• ASTM D1517: Terminology Relating to Leather
• ASTM D1610: Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Products for Testing
• ASTM D2813: Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and Chemical Tests
• AATCC Method 8: Colorfastness to Crocking (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists)

Adopting ASTM D5053-03(2023) in quality assurance protocols supports consistent leather colorfastness testing, contributing to improved product reliability and market competitiveness.

Keywords: ASTM D5053, colorfastness, crocking, leather, crockmeter test, wet crocking, dry crocking, leather testing standards, durability, color transfer, AATCC Method 8

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: D5053 − 03 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Colorfastness of Crocking of Leather
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5053; 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. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the degree 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of colorfastness and
of color that may be transferred from leather to other surfaces crocking, refer to AATCC Method 8. For other specific leather
by rubbing under wet (damp) or dry conditions, or both. This terminology, see Terminology D1517.
test method does not apply to wet blue.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.1 A specimen of the leather sample fastened to the base of
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
a crockmeter is rubbed with white crock test cloth under
information only.
controlled conditions. Color transferred to the white cloth is
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
assessed by a comparison with the AATCC chromatic trans-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ference scale; an alternative is to use the gray scale for staining
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
as suggested in AATCC Method 8.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5. Significance and Use
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 This test method is intended for use on any type of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
leather.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6. Apparatus
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4,5
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.1 Apparatus, as specified in AATCC Test Method 8.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5,6
6.2 Test Cloth, white crock.
5,7
2. Referenced Documents
6.3 Test Cloth, black crock.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
D1517 Terminology Relating to Leather
7.1 The minimum size of the test specimen shall be 2 in. by
D1610 Practice for Conditioning Leather and Leather Prod-
ucts for Testing 5 in. (5.1 cm by 12.7 cm). However, where nondestructive
testing of skins is desired, the entire skin may be used and
D2813 Practice for Sampling Leather for Physical and
Chemical Tests tested in any portion of its area. (See Practice D2813 for proper
sampling area.)
2.2 AATCC Methods:
AATCC Method 8 Colorfastness to Crocking:
7.2 All specimens shall be conditioned as prescribed in
AATCC Crockmeter Method
Practice D1610. Conditioning other than as prescribed shall be
AATCC Chromatic Transference Scale or Gray Scale for
noted in the results.
Staining
The sole source of supply of the AATCC crockmeter known to the committee
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D31 on Leather at this time is Atlas Electric Devices Company, 4114 North Ravenswood Avenue,
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D31.04 on Apparel Chicago, IL 60613. Telephone: [phone].
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D5053 – 03 (2015). ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting
DOI: 10.1520/D5053-03R23. of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
2 6
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The sole source of supply of test cloth known to the committee at this time is
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Testfabrics Inc., 200 Blackford Ave., Middlesex, NJ 08846. Telephone: (908)
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 469–6446. Fax: [phone].
the ASTM website. The source of this test cloth is Textile Innovators Corp., 101 Forest St.,
Technical Manual of the American Association
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