ASTM D6688-20 - 1.6.2020
 
Significance and Use

4.1 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 practice permits an assessment of resistance of printed matter to several types of liquids.

4.2 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.

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

 
1. Scope

1.1 This practice 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 practice utilizes a sandwich procedure similar in principle to ISO/TC 130 N 589. Spotting or immersion procedures are covered in Test Methods D1308, D1647, and D2248.

1.3 This practice 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.

1.5 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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.

1.6 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

ISO/TC 130 N 589

Graphic Technology-Prints and Printing Inks-Assessment of Resistance to Various Agents Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

D1308-20(2025)

Standard Test Method for Effect of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Coating Systems

D1647-89(1996)e1

Standard Test Methods for Resistance of Dried Films of Varnishes to Water and Alkali (Withdrawn 2004)

D2248-25a

Standard Practice for Detergent Resistance of Organic Finishes (Includes all amendments and changes 5/19/2025).