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D5552-10 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
This test method, designated D5552-10 (Reapproved 2023), outlines a standardized procedure for evaluating the resistance of colored leather to bleeding. It is specifically designed for finished upper leather used in shoes, handbags, and similar articles, but does not apply to wet blue. The test simulates conditions where leather may come into contact with water, making bleed resistance a critical quality parameter.
📐 Specimen and Apparatus Specifications
| 🟦 Component | 📏 Imperial Dimensions | 📐 Metric Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Test Specimen (Finished Leather) | 4 in. × 4 in. | 101.6 mm × 101.6 mm |
| Bleached Cotton Sheeting | 2 in. × 2 in. | 51.6 mm × 51.6 mm |
| Glass Plates | 6 in. × 6 in., 0.125 in. thick | 152.4 mm × 152.4 mm × 3.18 mm |
The apparatus must include an air-tight oven capable of maintaining 120°F (49°C) for the duration of the test.
⚙️ Testing Procedure and Conditions
The test begins by placing the unfinished side of the leather specimen on a glass plate. Four squares of bleached cotton sheeting are thoroughly soaked in distilled water for 5 minutes, stacked, and placed on a second glass plate. This plate is inverted and positioned on the leather specimen so that the cloths align with the center of the leather. The cloth in direct contact with the leather is marked Number 1, with subsequent numbers assigned to each layer. The entire sandwich is then placed in an air-tight oven at 120°F (49°C) for 12 to 16 hours. After removal, the cloths are examined for discoloration.
💡 Tip: Ensure the cotton sheeting is uniformly soaked and the sandwich is compressed evenly to avoid false negatives during the test.
📊 Evaluating Bleeding Results
After the test, each cloth is observed for coloration. The migration of bleeding is reported on a scale of 0 to 4, where the number indicates the farthest cloth reached by the discoloration. The hue of the bled color is noted, and the intensity on cloth Number 1 is classified as none, slight, moderate, or considerable.
| 🎯 Assessment | ⚡ Criteria |
|---|---|
| Migration | 0 (no bleeding) to 4 (bleeding on cloth #4) |
| Hue | Predominant color observed on each cloth |
| Intensity | None, Slight, Moderate, Considerable (based on cloth #1) |
⚠️ Important: The test method specifies that results should be reported from cloth Number 1 for intensity, as it is in direct contact with the leather and shows the most representative transfer.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What does “bleeding” mean in this test method?
Bleeding is defined as the transfer of color from a finished leather sample onto or into another medium, such as cotton sheeting in this test.
💡 Why is bleed resistance important for leather?
Bleed resistance is crucial for leather used in lined and unlined items that may come into contact with water, such as shoes and handbags, to prevent color transfer.
⚡ Can this test method be used for wet blue leather?
No, this test method specifically does not apply to wet blue leather. It is intended for finished upper leather only.
📌 How is the intensity of bleeding measured?
Intensity is evaluated on cloth Number 1 by comparing the discoloration to standard degrees: none, slight, moderate, or considerable.