Overview
EN ISO 19712-2:2013 / ISO 19712-2:2007 - titled "Plastics - Decorative solid surfacing materials - Part 2: Determination of properties - Sheet goods" - specifies laboratory test methods to determine the physical and surface properties of decorative solid surfacing materials supplied as sheet goods. Adopted by CEN (as EN ISO 19712-2:2013), this part is intended primarily for materials defined in ISO 19712‑1 and supports manufacturers, specifiers and test laboratories in verifying product performance against end‑use requirements.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Gives terms for solid surfacing materials (SSMs) and clarifies that sheets are homogeneous through thickness, repairable and renewable.
- Surface preparation and cleaning: Standardized cleaning procedure using a damp cellulose sponge, non‑abrasive cleanser with bleaching agent, rinse and lint‑free drying.
- Surface defects inspection: Ink‑wiping method and visual inspection under defined illumination to detect cracks, pinholes, blisters and blemishes; limits for acceptable blemish area are specified in the standard text.
- Colour consistency and seam fabrication: Procedures for preparing seamed test panels (strip cutting, adhesive seam, sanding) and controlled lighting conditions for visual assessment.
- Mechanical and environmental tests: Includes load tests, resistance to impact (large‑diameter ball), hardness, resistance to cigarette burns, dry/wet heat exposure, hot/cold water cycling and renewability (repairability and surface renewal).
- Durability and surface performance: Lightfastness (xenon‑arc exposure referenced to ISO 4892‑2), stain and chemical resistance, cleanability and bacterial/fungal resistance where applicable.
- Test reporting: Required details for test reports, including references to the standard, product identification, deviations and test dates.
- Normative references: Links to related methods such as ISO 4892‑2 (xenon‑arc), ISO 2039 (hardness), ISO 105 (colour fastness) and others used to support the methods.
Applications
- Quality control and lot acceptance testing for decorative solid surfacing sheet goods.
- Product development and formulation verification for manufacturers.
- Specification compliance checks for architects, fabricators and contractors.
- Comparative performance testing for procurement, warranty claim assessment and failure analysis.
Who should use this standard
- Manufacturers of solid surfacing sheet goods
- Test laboratories and QA teams performing material characterization
- Specifiers, architects and fabricators who need objective performance criteria
- Regulatory bodies and purchasers setting procurement or performance requirements
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 19712-2, ISO 19712-2:2007, decorative solid surfacing materials, sheet goods, test methods, surface properties, lightfastness, stain resistance, colour consistency.
