ASTM D6688-01(2006)

Many types of printed matter, notably container labels, packaging materials, magazine and book covers, must be resistant to liquid materials that may contact them advertently or inadvertently. This test method permits an assessment of resistance of printed matter to several types of liquids.

The requirement that a reference print be run at the same time as the test print minimizes effects of atmospheric conditions (humidity and temperature) and other variations which may develop.

This test method can be used to determine whether new formulations are suitable for the end-use purpose and for specification acceptance between producer and user.

1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the relative resistance of printed matter to liquid chemicals, as evidenced by lack of discoloration, bleeding, or loss of gloss.

1.2 This test method utilizes a sandwich procedure similar in principle to ISO/TC 130 N 589. Spotting or immersion procedures are covered in Test Methods D 1308, D 1647, and D 2248.

1.3 This test method is applicable to prints on any flat substrate including paper, paperboard, metallic foil, metal plate, and plastic films, and produced by any printing process including letterpress, offset lithography, flexography, gravure, silk screen, and non-impact.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.