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INCH-POUND
MIL-DTL-43719D
6 APRIL 2009
SUPERSEDING
MIL-M-43719C
30 September 1992

DETAIL SPECIFICATION

MARKING MATERIALS AND MARKERS, ADHESIVE, ELASTOMERIC, PIGMENTED;

GENERAL SPECIFICATION FOR

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers the general requirements for adhesive-backed, pigmented,
elastomeric marking materials (see 6.1) in roll and sheet form. Requirements for individual markers, (i.e.,
letters, numerals, legends, symbols, and hazardous material symbols) are covered by the specification sheets.

1.2 Classification. The marking materials will be of the following types and classes, as specified (see 6.2).

Type I - Pressure sensitive adhesive type (see 6.1.1)

Type II - Positionable pressure sensitive adhesive type (see 6.1.2) (Applicable
primarily to markers 16 inches or larger in size)
Type III - Heat activated adhesive type (see 6.1.3)

Class 1 - High adhesion (permanent) (see 6.1)

Class 2 - Low adhesion (temporary) available in type I and II only (see 6.1)

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in section 3, 4, or 5 of this standard.
This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this standard or recommended for additional
information or as examples. While every effort has been made to ensure the completeness of this list,
document users are cautioned that they must meet all specified requirements of documents cited in section 3,
4, or 5 of this specification, whether or not they are listed.

Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to Defense Supply Center
Philadelphia (DSCP), ATTN: DSCP-NASA, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5096 or e-mail to
dscpg&inspecomments@dla.mil . Since contact information can change, you may want to verify the currency
of this address information using ASSIST Online database at http://assist.daps.dla.mil .

AMSC N/A FSC 7690

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MIL-DTL-43719D

2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications, standards, and handbooks. The following specifications, standards and
handbooks form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues
of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

FEDERAL STANDARDS

FED-STD-141 Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related Materials: Methods of Inspection,

Sampling and Testing
FED-STD-595/11105 Red, Gloss
FED-STD-595/11136 Red, Gloss
FED-STD-595/12197 Orange, Gloss
FED-STD-595/13538 Yellow, Gloss
FED-STD-595/13594 Yellow, Gloss
FED-STD-595/13655 Yellow, Gloss
FED-STD-595/14084 Green, Gloss
FED-STD-595/14187 Green, Gloss
FED-STD-595/15044 Blue, Gloss
FED-STD-595/15102 Blue, Gloss
FED-STD-595/16081 Gray, Gloss
FED-STD-595/16473 Gray, Gloss
FED-STD-595/17038 Miscellaneous, Gloss
FED-STD-595/17142 Miscellaneous, Gloss
FED-STD-595/17875 Miscellaneous, Gloss

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTIONS

A-A-1733 Stencilboard

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECIFICATIONS

MIL-C-8514 Coating Compound, Metal Pretreatment, Resin-Acid (ASG)

MIL-A-8625 Anodic Coatings for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
MIL-PRF-680 Degreasing Solvent
MIL-DTL-43719/1 Marking Materials and Markers, Adhesive, Elastomeric, Pigmented; Letters
and Numerals
MIL-DTL-43719/2 Marking Materials and Markers, Adhesive, Elastomeric, Pigmented; Legends
MIL-DTL-43719/3 Marking Materials and Markers, Adhesive, Elastomeric, Pigmented; Symbols
MIL-DTL-43719/4 Marking Materials and Markers, Adhesive, Elastomeric, Pigmented;
Hazardous Material Symbols
MIL-PRF-81352 Coatings, Aircraft Touch-up

(Copies of these documents are available online at http://assist.daps.dla.mil or from the Standardization
Document Order Desk, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.)

2.2.2 Other Government documents, drawings, and publications. The following other Government
documents, drawings, and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless
otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

U.S. ARMY TANK – AUTOMOTIVE AND ARMAMENTS COMMAND

Army Drawing 11677932 Marker, Identification or Instruction

(Copies of this drawing should be addressed to the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command,
ATTN: AMSRD-TAR-E/CM/DM/STND, Warren, MI 48397-5000, or at dami_standardization@conus.army.mil).

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FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

Standard Highway Signs (SHS) 2004 Edition

(Copies of this document are available online at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ser-shs_millennium_eng.htm .)

2.3 Non-Government publications. The following documents form a part of this specification to the
extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those cited in the
solicitation or contract.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY (ASQ)

ASQ Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes

(Copies of this document are available from www.asq.org or the American Society for Quality, 611 East
Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202.)

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)

ASTM A204/A204M Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel,
Molybdenum
ASTM B209 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and
Plate
ASTM D523 Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
ASTM D568 Standard Test Method For Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of
Burning of Flexible Plastics in a Vertical Position
ASTM D822 Standard Practice for Filtered Open-Flame Carbon-Arc Exposure
Apparatus of Paint and Related Coatings
ASTM D1014 Standard Practice for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Paints and
Coatings on Metal Substrates
ASTM D1730 Standard Practices for Preparation of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
Surfaces for Painting
ASTM D2244 Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color
Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
ASTM D2370 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Organic Coatings
ASTM D2805 Standard Test Method for Hiding Power of Paints by Reflectometry
ASTM D2860/D2860M Standard Test Method for Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape to
Fiberboard at 90° Angle and Constant Stress
ASTM G21 Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric
Materials to Fungi

(Copies of these documents are available from www.astm.org or the American Society for Testing and
Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.)

2.4 Order of precedence. Unless otherwise noted herein or in the contract, in the event of a conflict
between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence.
Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption
has been obtained

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 First article. When specified (see 6.2), a sample shall be subjected to first article inspection (see
6.3) in accordance with 4.3.

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3.2 Materials. It is encouraged that recycled material be used when practical as long as it meets the
requirements of the specification. The marking materials shall consist of pigmented type elastomeric sheeting
material with an adhesive applied on one side. The adhesive backing shall be protected by a removable liner.
When specified (see 6.2), the material shall be covered on the face side with a low tack, translucent transfer
sheet (see 6.1.4). Marking material in roll and sheet form (see 3.5.1) shall be not more than one year old as
measured from date of manufacture to date of delivery to the Government. Marking materials and markers
shall have the following minimum amounts of the material manufacturer’s warranted shelf life remaining at the
time of delivery to the Government (see 4.4.2.4 and 6.4):

Rolls and Sheets: 12 months All types and classes

Markers: 12 months Type I and II, class 1

10 months Type I and II, class 2

Type III, class 1

3.2.1 Liner. The liner shall be of such a material (e.g., paper) as to permit easy removal without
requiring water or other solvents for fast, distortion-free application of the marking materials. During removal,
the liner shall not break and shall not remove the adhesive from the marking material when tested as specified
in 4.4.2.5.

3.2.2 Translucent transfer sheet. When required (see 3.2 and 6.2), the transfer sheet to be applied
to the face side of marking material, to facilitate application or for other purposes, shall be translucent paper or
film, coated on one side with low-tack, pressure-sensitive adhesive. When the marking material is attached in
its final position, the transfer sheet shall be removable in one or a few large pieces, and without visible residue
of adhesive left on the marker face or on the application surface.

3.3 Color. The face colors of the marking materials shall be either inherent in the pigmented,
elastomeric materials, or coated on their surface. The colors shall be as specified (see 6.2) and conform to
FED-STD-595 when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.3.1 Gloss (class 1 only). When tested as specified in 4.4.2.5, the gloss of glossy, pigmented,
elastomeric, class 1 marking materials shall be 40 minimum, and the gloss of lusterless, class 1 marking
materials shall be 6 maximum.

3.4 Adhesive.

3.4.1 Type I. the adhesive backing shall be pressure sensitive and shall require no heat, solvent, or
other preparation for adhesion to smooth, clean surfaces.

3.4.2 Type II. The adhesive backing shall be positionable, pressure sensitive, and shall require no
heat, solvent, or other preparation for adhesion to smooth, clean surfaces. The marking material shall be
positionable at standard conditions and at 100° F without damage to the marking materials when tested as
specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.4.3 Type III. The adhesive backing shall be tack-free at standard conditions and shall be
activated by applying heat in excess of 175° F to the material. The adhesive shall be positionable at standard
conditions when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.5 Form.

3.5.1 Rolls and sheets. The marking materials shall be supplied in sheet or roll form, in sizes as
specified (see 6.2). Rolls shall be evenly and tightly wound with the liner side in, on a core of sufficient rigidity
to prevent distortion of the roll. Rolls shall contain not more than an average of two splices and no roll shall
contain more than four splices per 50 yards of length.

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3.5.2 Markers. Markers shall be supplied in the form of letters, numerals, letter and numeral kits,
legends, symbols or hazardous material symbols, as covered in the applicable detailed specification sheet, or
as otherwise specified by the procuring activity (see 6.2 and 6.4).

3.5.2.1 M113 marking materials. When specified (see 6.2) the marking materials for the
M113/A1/A2 armored, full tracked, personnel carrier vehicle family, shall conform to the requirements and
testing of the type I, class 1, and the additional requirement cited in Army Tank and Automotive Command
Drawing 11677932.

3.6 Thickness. After removal of liner and any transfer sheets or other tapes, marking materials
shall have maximum thicknesses as follows (see 4.4.2.5):

Class 1, not screen processed - 0.0055 inch

Class 1, screen processed - 0.0075 inch
Class 2, not screen processed - 0.0060 inch
Class 2, screen processed - 0.0080 inch

3.7 Performance.

3.7.1 Breaking strength. The marking materials shall have a minimum breaking strength of 5.0
pounds per inch of width when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.2 Elongation. The marking materials shall have an elongation of 25 percent minimum initially,
and 15 percent minimum after the one year storage period when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5. In either case,
however, the elongation shall exceed 15 percent at 5 pounds force.

3.7.3 Shrinkage. When tested as specified in 4.4.2.5, the shrinkage in length or width shall be 1/16
inch maximum for class 1 marking material and 1/8 inch maximum for class 2 material.

3.7.4 Free film flammability. The marking materials shall not be completely burned in 15 seconds
when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.5 Flexibility.

3.7.5.1 Room temperature. The marking materials shall not show a break, crack, or delamination
after 20 folds at room temperature when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.5.2 Low temperature. The marking materials shall not crack when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.6 Adhesion.

3.7.6.1 Class 1, at room temperature. Twenty-four hours after application, class 1 marking material
shall have an average adhesion over bare and painted metal surfaces of not less than 50 ounces per inch of
width for types I and III, and not less than 35 ounces per inch of width for type II, when tested as specified in
4.4.2.5.

3.7.6.1.1 Class 1, type II only, at 34 °F. Class 1, type II marking material, applied to clean, dry,
bare, and painted metal surfaces at 34 °F shall have sufficient initial adhesion to produce tearing of the marking
material when removal is attempted, when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.6.2 Class 2, type I and II. Twenty-four hours after application, marking materials shall have an
average adhesion over bare and painted metal surfaces of not less than 15 nor more than 65 ounces per inch
of width, when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

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3.7.7 Screenability. The marking material shall show no bleeding, streaking, removal of screening
ink, or other sign of unsuitability for silk screening, when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.8 Printability, class 2. the printed characters shall be sharp and legible and there shall be no
transfer of ink to the fingers when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5. The printed characters shall be clearly legible
after exposure to accelerated weathering as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.9 Water resistance. After immersion in water for 8 hours as specified in 4.4.2.5, marking
materials shall exhibit no visible defects, such as blistering, peeling, or color change, five minutes after removal
from the water. Twenty-four hours after removal from the water, the immersed portion shall not be
distinguishable in appearance from the nonimmersed portion.

3.7.10 Fuel resistance (class 1 only). When tested for fuel resistance as specified in 4.4.2.5, the
immersed portion of the marking material shall not be distinguishable in appearance from the nonimmersed
portion, when examined 24 hours after removal from the test fluid.

3.7.11 Corrosion resistance. The marking material shall cause no etching, corrosion, or other
detrimental effect on aluminum alloy or stainless steel nor shall it evidence any acidic reaction, when tested as
specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.12 Weather resistance.

3.7.12.1 Class 1. Class 1 marking materials, when applied on bare and coated surfaces and tested
as specified 4.4.2.5, shall withstand outdoor exposure in the Miami, Florida area for 12 months, without
exhibiting any deterioration or failure such as peeling, fading, cracking, blistering, diffusion or bleeding of color,
loss of adhesion, or checking. After weathering 4 months, the adhesion shall be such that the marking material
cannot be removed without destroying it.

3.7.12.2 Class 2. Class 2 marking materials shall show no peeling, blistering, separation from test
panels, or marked color change when exposed to accelerated weathering as specified in 4.4.2.5. The materials
shall be removable from the test panels in one piece, and there shall be no nonremovable residue on, or
damage to, the painted surface.

3.7.13 Hiding power (class 1 only). When tested as specified in 4.4.2.5, the minimum contrast ratio
of the marking materials shall conform to table I for the colors specified and for their lusterless equivalents. For
other colors, the contrast ratio shall be the same as the nearest matching color listed in table I.

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Table I. Minimum contrast ratio – FED-STD-595.

Color name Color No. Contrast ratio (min.)

Light blue 15102 0.98

Insignia blue 15044 0.98
Light green 14187 0.98
Olive drab 14084 0.98
Light yellow 13655 0.96
Orange yellow 13538 0.96
Aircraft cream 13594 0.96
International orange 12197 0.96
Red 11136 0.95
Red 11105 0.95
Green 14187 0.98
Magenta 17142 0.95
Insignia white 17875 0.97
Aircraft gray 16473 0.98
Engine gray 16081 0.98
Jet black 17038 0.98

3.7.14 Application properties. Marking materials, applied in accordance with 4.4.2.5, shall not
separate from the surface at any point, nor show any surface irregularities such as wrinkling or bubbling.

3.7.15 Storage stability. Marking materials shall meet the designated requirements of this
specification when tested as specified in 4.4.2.5 after storage for the following number of months after
manufacture:

Type I and II, class 1 - 24 months

Type I and II, class 2 and type III, class 1 - 12 months

3.7.16 Resistance to fungi. The marking materials shall show no evidence of fungus growth when
tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

3.7.17 Instruction. Instructions defining a step-by step procedure for application of the marking
materials and markers shall be furnished in each package of material (roll or quantity of sheets) or in each
package of markers, as applicable. The instructions shall include recommended surface preparation and any
restrictions as to application procedure and conditions.

3.8 Workmanship. The end item shall conform to the quality of product established by this
specification.

4. VERIFICATION

4.1 Certificates of compliance. When certificates of compliance are submitted, the Government
reserves the right to inspect such items to determine the validity of the certification.

4.2 Classification of inspections. The inspection requirements specified herein are classified as follows:

a. First article inspection (see 4.3).

b. Conformance inspection (see 4.4).

4.3 First article inspection. when a first article is required (see 6.2), it shall be examined for the
defects specified in 4.4.2 through 4.4.2.4 and tested as specified in 4.4.2.5.

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4.4 Conformance inspection. Unless otherwise specified, sampling for inspection shall be
performed in accordance with ASQ Z1.4.

4.4.1 Component and material inspection. In accordance with 4.1, components and materials shall
be inspected in accordance with all the requirements of referenced documents unless otherwise excluded,
amended, modified, or qualified in this specification or applicable purchase document.

4.4.2 End item inspection.

4.4.2.1 End item visual examination. The marking material shall be examined for the defects listed
below. The sample unit shall be 1 yard, one sheet, one letter, one numeral, one kit, one legend or one symbol
marker, as applicable. The lot size shall be expressed in units of 1 yard, one sheet, one letter, one kit, one
numeral, one legend, or symbol, as applicable. When material is supplied in rolls or 10-unit packages, the
number of rolls or packages from which the sample units are to be selected shall be in accordance with table II.
The sample units shall be apportioned equally among the selected rolls or packages. The defects found shall
be counted, regardless of their proximity to each other, except where two or more defects represent a single
local condition of the material, in which case only the more serious defect shall be counted. In rolls, a
continuous defect shall be counted as one defect for each sample unit or fraction thereof in which it occurs.
The inspection level shall be level I and the acceptable quality limit (AQL) expressed in terms of defects per
hundred units, shall be 6.5.

Examine Defect

Materials:

Backing Not as specified

Not coated with adhesive as specified

Liner Missing
Not smooth
Does not completely cover adhesive

Transfer sheet Missing

(when applicable) Not smooth
Does not completely cover face side
Not translucent
Not adhered

Appearance Any blister, pit, or foreign matter

Any tear, cut, hole, crack, or crease
Edges ragged, nicked, crushed, or uneven
Not cut smooth; not cut as specified
Notches, punch holes, slits, etc. (as applicable) not as specified
Letters and numerals not centrally located in rectangles (as applicable)
Letters, numbers, legends, and symbols not as specified
Sticky edges; any solid lump
Spot, stain or streak – more than 1 inch in its longest dimension 1/

1/ Clearly visible at normal inspection distance (approximately 3 feet).

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Table II. Sample size.

Sample size
Lot size Rolls Packages

Up to 1300 1/ 3 7
1301 up to and including 3200 5 10
3201 up to and including 8000 7 15
8001 up to and including 22000 10 25
22001 and more 15 35

1/ If lot contains fewer than three rolls or seven packages, each roll or package in the lot shall be
examined.

4.4.2.2 Roll put up examination. When put up in rolls, the marking materials shall be examined
for the defects listed below. The lot shall be expressed in units of one roll. The inspection level shall be S-3
and the AQL, expressed in terms of defects per hundred units, shall be 6.5.

Examine Defect

Assembly of roll End of roll not secure

Not wound evenly and tightly
Core missing, loose, distorted or broken
Not wound with liner side in

Unwinding of roll When unwinding, material sticks together, causing tearing

(examine both sides) or injury to any surface
Average of more than three pieces per 50 yards
of material in roll
More than five pieces in any 50 yard length
of material in roll

4.4.2.3 End item dimensional examination. The end item shall be examined for defects in
dimensions. The sample unit shall be one sheet, roll, letter, numeral, kit, legend or symbol, as applicable. The
lot size shall be expressed in units of 1 yard, one sheet, one letter, one kit, one numeral, one legend or symbol,
as applicable. When material is supplied in rolls or 10-unit packages, the number of rolls or packages from
which the sample units are to be selected shall be in accordance with table II. The sample units shall be
apportioned equally among the selected rolls or packages. Any dimension, except for length of rolls, which is
less than that specified shall be classified a defect. The inspection level shall be S-2 and the AQL, expressed
in terms of defects per hundred units, shall be 4.0.

4.4.2.3.1 Length examination of rolls. During the visual examinations in 4.4.2.1, each roll in the
sample shall be examined for length. Any length found to be more or less than that specified by more than 5
yards shall be classified a defect. The lot shall be unacceptable if two or more roll length defects occur or if the
average length of the rolls in the sample is less than that specified (see 3.5.1 and 6.2).

4.4.2.4 Age and shelf life certification. Conformance to the age and shelf life requirements for
marking materials and markers shall be on the basis of a contractor’s certificate of compliance with the
requirements in 3.2.

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4.4.2.5 End item testing. Each lot of the end item shall be tested for the characteristics shown in
table III. The lot size shall be expressed in units of one roll, sheet, kit, or one polyethylene package of letter,
numerals, legends or symbols, as applicable, and the sample size (number of sample units) shall be as
specified below. The sample unit shall be sufficient material to complete all required testing. In the event that
the roll, sheets, kits, letters, numerals, legends or symbols ordered are not of the minimum dimensions required
for testing, the manufacturer shall fabricate from the same manufacturing lots and materials, 1 square yard of
the material with a minimum width of 8 inches for performing tests. The lot shall be unacceptable if one or
more units fail to meet any requirement specified. All test reports shall contain the individual values utilized in
expressing the final result.

Lot size Sample size

800 or less 2
801 up to and including 22000 3
22001 or more 5

Table III. End item tests.

Specification reference Results reported as

Characteristic Rqmt. Test method Pass or Fail Numerically to nearest

Linear removability 3.2.1 4.6.2 X

Color 3.3 4.6.1 X

Gloss (class 1) 3.3.1 4.6.1.1 Unit

Positionability 3.4.2 and 4.6.18 X

(types II and III) 3.4.3

Abrasion 3.5.2.1 1/ Dwg. 11677932 X

Thickness 3.6 4.6.3 0.0001 inch

Breaking strength 3.7.1 4.6.4 0.1 lb

Elongation 3.7.2 4.6.5 1 percent

Shrinkage 3.7.3 4.6.6 1/32 inch

Flammability 3.7.4 4.6.7 X

Flexibility:
at room temperature 3.7.5.1 4.6.8.1 X
at minus 20° F 3.7.5.2 4.6.8.2 X

Adhesion 3.7.6 4.6.9 1 oz.

3.5.2.1 1/ Dwg. 11677932

Screenability 3.7.7 4.6.10 X

Printability (class 2) 3.7.8 4.6.11 X

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Table III. End item tests. Con’t

Specification reference Results reported as

Characteristic Rqmt. Test method Pass or Fail Numerically to nearest
Legibility of printing
after weathering
(class 2) 3.7.8 4.6.15.2 X

Water resistance 3.7.9 4.6.12 X

Fuel resistance (class1) 3.7.10 4.6.13 X

Corrosion resistance 3.7.11 4.6.14 X

Weather resistance 2/:

class 1 3.7.12.1 4.6.15.1 X
3.5.2.1 1/ Dwg. 11677932 X
class 2 3.7.12.2 4.6.15.2 X

Hiding power (class 1) 3.7.13 4.6.16 0.01 (contrast ratio)

Application properties 3.7.14 4.5.3 X

3.5.2.1 1/ Dwg. 11677932 X

Storage stability 2/ 3.7.15 4.6.17 X

Fungi resistance 3.7.16 ASTM G21 X

1/ Only applicable to procurement for U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command.
2/ A certificate of compliance shall be submitted and will be acceptable for the stated requirements.

4.4.3 Packaging examination. The fully packaged end items shall be examined for the defects listed
below. The lot size shall be expressed in units of shipping containers. The sample unit shall be one shipping
containers. The sample unit shall be one shipping container fully packaged. The inspection level shall be S-2
and the AQL, expressed in terms of defects per hundred units, shall be 2.5.

Examine Defect

Marking (exterior Omitted; incorrect; illegible; of improper size, location, sequence, or

and interior) method of application

Materials Any component missing, damaged, or not as specified

Workmanship Bulged or distorted container

Inadequate application of components, such as: incomplete sealing or
closure of flap, improper taping, loose strapping, or inadequate stapling
Open noncontinuous heat sealed seams of polyethylene bag
Incorrectly fabricated bag

Contents Quantity per unit pack is more or less than required or indicated 1/

Weight Weight of contents exceeds requirement

1/ The sample unit shall be one unit pack. The lot shall be unacceptable if the average quantity is more
or less than specified when the contents of one unit pack is counted from each sample shipping
container.

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4.5 Test conditions and test equipment.

4.5.1 Standard conditions. Unless otherwise specified herein, specimens shall be conditioned and
tested at an air temperature of 73° F ± 2° F and a relative humidity of 50 ± 4 percent. Unless otherwise
specified herein, the applied marking material shall be allowed to stand 72 hours at standard conditions prior to
testing.

4.5.2 Panels.

4.5.2.1 Bare metal. For testing over bare metal, marking materials shall be applied to panels made
from aluminum alloy Alclad 2024 or aluminum alloy 6061, conforming to ASTM B209, and cleaned in
accordance with ASTM D1730. The panels shall be 0.020 by 3 by 6 inches in size.

4.5.2.2 Coated metal. For testing over coated metal, marking material shall be applied to coated panels made
from aluminum alloy Alclad 2024 conforming to ASTM B209. The panels shall be 0.020 by 3 by 6 inches in
size. The panels to be coated shall be anodized in accordance with type II of MIL-A-8625 and finished as
follows: One coat of wash primer conforming to MIL-C-8514, dried 30 minutes, dry film thickness 0.0005 to
0.0007 inch; two coats of white acrylic base coating conforming to the control formula of MIL-PRF-81352, each
0.0005 to 0.0007 inch thick, applied 30 minutes apart. The panels shall be allowed to air dry for 2 hours and
force dried for 1 hour at 180° F ± 5° F. The panels shall be allowed to cool before applying marking material.

4.5.3 Application of marking material for test. All type I and type II marking materials for
application for test shall be covered on the face side with low tack, translucent transfer sheet to minimize
stretching of elastomeric material during application. The protective liner shall be removed from the adhesive
prior to application. All type I materials shall be carefully set in place. Starting at one end of each panel and
securing contact progressively toward the other end while avoiding wrinkling and entrapment of air under film,
and shall be rolled down with two passes of the hand operated, rubber-covered roller described in ASTM
D2860/D2860M (except that an alternate roller having a width of 2.5 ± 0.1 inch, a total diameter of 3.25 ± 0.1
inch and a hardness (Shore Scale A) of 70 to 80 may be used) at a roller speed of 12 inches per minute. Type
II and type III materials shall be applied with application tools and techniques as recommended by the
contractor in the furnished instructions. Once in place, the translucent transfer sheet shall be removed, the
marking materials shall be re-rolled or re-squeeged to ensure good edge adhesion, and then the marking
materials shall not be moved.

4.6 Method of inspection.

4.6.1 Color. The marking material shall be applied to bare metal as specified in 4.5.2.1. The color
shall be compared to the specified standard color in accordance with ASTM D2244. When differences in gloss
of the test panel and the standard color so as to interfere with the color comparison, a clear, colorless
overcoating of compatible lacquer or varnish, or other liquid of suitable matching gloss, may be used on the test
sample.

4.6.1.1 Gloss. The marking material shall be applied to bare metal as specified in 4.5.2.1 and tested
for gloss in accordance with ASTM D523.

4.6.2 Liner removability. Two 6 by 20 inch pieces of the marking material shall be used to determine the liner
removability. The liner shall be stripped from each specimen by hand and it shall be noted if the liner breaks or
tears, if it delaminates the adhesive from the backing, and if the stripping results in distortion of the marking
material.

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4.6.3 Thickness. One strip of marking material, approximately 1 by 6 inches shall be cut from each
sample. The liner shall be removed, the marking material applied to strips of aluminum foil approximately 0.001
inch thick, and firmly rolled down. The average thickness of the aluminum foil shall have been previously
measured by micrometer to the nearest 0.0001 inch. Four micrometer readings shall be taken at random
locations on the strip. Calculate the average thickness to the nearest 0.0001 inch after allowing for the
thickness of the aluminum foil.

4.6.4 Breaking strength. Five strips of marking material, each 1 by 6 inches shall be cut from the
sample and conditioned in accordance with 4.5.1. After removing liners and any transfer sheets, test in
accordance with ASTM D2370 except that head travel rate shall be 12 inches per minute and the results shall
be reported in pounds per inch of width. Calculate the average breaking strength of the five specimens.

4.6.5 Elongation. Specimens prepared and tested as specified in 4.6.4 shall be simultaneously tested
for elongation in accordance with ASTM D2370.

4.6.6 Shrinkage. Two 6-1/2 inch squares of marking material shall be applied to cover the surface
of two 6 by 6 inch bare metal panels (see 4.5.2.1). The marking material shall then be trimmed to the
dimension of the panel. Type I and II materials shall be trimmed prior to removal of translucent transfer sheet
and rerolled or resqueegeed following transfer sheet removal, as specified in 4.5.3. The panels shall be baked
at 150° F for 48 hours and allowed to cool, after which the amount of shrinkage of the 6 inch dimensions shall
be measured.

4.6.7 Free film flammability. One strip, 1 by 12-1/2 inches, shall be cut from the marking material.
The specimen shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D568.

4.6.8 Flexibility.

4.6.8.1 Room temperature. At standard conditions, a 1 by 2 inch portion of the marking material,
with liner removed and the adhesive covered with talc to prevent sticking, shall be folded forward and backward
on itself 20 times with pressure of the thumb and forefinger being exerted on the creased section each time the
material is folded. After 20 folds, the creased section shall be observed for cracking, breaking, or delamination.

4.6.8.2 Low temperature. Marking materials shall be applied to a bare metal panel as specified in 4.5.2.1,
Which shall then be mounted film side up on a steel plate 9 by 9 inches by 1 inch thick. The assembly shall be
maintained in a conditioning chamber for 5 ±1/4 hours at (minus 20 ±2F). The assembly shall be firmly
supported in a horizontal plane and, at the same temperature, the test specimen shall be subjected to the
action of a 5 pound steel ball dropped once from a height of 24 inches. The test specimen shall be brought to
room temperature and examined for cracking of the face surface.

4.6.9 Adhesion.

4.6.9.1 At room temperature, class 1 (all types), and class 2 (types I and II). Five strips of marking
material, each 1 by 8 inches, shall be applied separately over 2 by 4 inch bare and coated aluminum panels
(with one end of the strip flush to one end of the panel) so that a 1 by 3 inch area of the panel shall be adhered
to the marking material. The free end of the material shall be doubled back at 180°. The applied strips shall be
allowed to set for 24 hours prior to testing for adhesion. The bare end of the aluminum panel shall be clamped
in the lower jaw of the tensile testing machine and the free end of the material shall be clamped in the upper
jaw. Adhesion shall be determined on a dead-weight pendulum or crosshead type testing machine. The film
shall be pulled back from the test panel at a constant rate of head travel of 12 ± 0.5 inches per minute. After
the first inch is removed, the average tension required to remove the next inch shall be determined. If class 1
material breaks or tears at any point during removal, the test shall be terminated and the material shall be
considered satisfactory if the value is equal to or higher than, and unsatisfactory if lower than, the applicable
value specified in 3.7.6.

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4.6.9.2 Low temperature (class 1, type II only). Strips of premasked marking material 2-1/2 by 8
inches shall be applied to 3 by 10 inch bare and coated test panels, such that 2-1/2 inches by 6 inches of the
marking material is adhered to the panel. Test panels and marking materials shall be conditioned for 2 hours at
34° F ± 2° F and the applications and tests shall be made at that temperature. Application shall be
accomplished with firm pressure of a plastic, hand squeegee as recommended by the manufacturer. Test
panels shall be dry at time of application. Following application, the translucent transfer sheet shall be
removed, the sample resqueegeed, and the unapplied 2 inches of marking material folded back on its adhesive
to form a 1 inch long tab. The tab shall be grasped immediately and used to peel the sample back on itself
(180°) from the test panel. If the material breaks or tears during removal, it shall be considered to have
satisfactory low temperature initial adhesion. Removal of the entire sample without breakage or tearing
constitutes failure.

4.6.10 Screenability test. Marking material shall be cut to a size to permit screen process coverage
of ½ square foot or more. An opaque, flexible, durable vinyl screen printing ink shall be applied in accordance
with commercial practice and thoroughly dried. When thoroughly dry, the screened specimen shall be
examined for streaking, bleeding, or other sign of incompatibility. A 2 inch by 5 inch strip of the processed
material shall be applied to a bare metal test panel and conditioned. The panel shall then be tested in
accordance with method 6301 of FED-STD-141 and examined for damage, such as the removal of ink from
marking material. The interval from time of removal of panels from the water to time of application of the tape
shall be 60 ± 5 seconds. Stripping of the tape from the panel shall be done immediately after tape application.
The screenability shall be reported as unsatisfactory if above appearance defects and loss of adhesion occur.

4.6.11 Printability (class 2 material). Class 2 marking material shall be applied to one bare and one
coated panel as specified in 4.5.2. Five capital letters, ¾ inch high, shall then be stenciled on the material,
using stencil-board conforming to any type or grade of A-A-1733. Forty seconds after application of the ink, the
lettering shall be tested for set-to-touch by lightly touching with the fingers. The lettering shall then be visually
examined from a distance of 6 feet for sharpness and legibility.

4.6.12 Water resistance. The marking material shall be applied to one bare and one coated panel as
specified in 4.5.2. Force dry the applied panels at 150° F ± 2° F for two hours. Cool to standard conditions
(4.5.1). immerse half of panel in distilled water for eight hours at 73° F ± 2° F. The materials shall be removed
from the water and examined five minutes after removal and 24 hours after removal.

4.6.13 Fuel resistance (class 1 only). Marking material shall be applied to one bare and one coated
panel as specified in 4.5.2, and the edges sealed with clear sealer as recommended by the manufacturer.
Sealer shall dry thoroughly during the conditioning period. Immerse half of panel in hydrocarbon test fluid
conforming to MIL-PRF-680 for 1 hour. The marking material shall be examined 24 hours after removal from
the test fluid.

4.6.14 Corrosion resistance. One bare metal panel each of aluminum alloys 5052 and 6061
conforming to ASTM B209 and of stainless steel with composition of S30400 conforming to ASTM
A204/A204M, shall be prepared in accordance with ASTM D1730 marking material shall be applied to panels
as specified in 4.5.2.1 and the panels heated to 150° F ± 2° F for 168 hours. The material shall then be tested
for the presence of acid, using moistened blue litmus paper applied to the body and edges of the film. The
material shall be removed from the panels and the metal shall be examined for evidence of corrosion.

4.6.15 Weather resistance.

4.6.15.1 Class 1. Class 1 marking material shall be applied to two bare and two coated panels as
specified in 4.5.2, and shall be mounted and exposed in a 45° facing south position in accordance with ASTM
D1014 for 12 months in the Miami, Florida area. After 4 months of exposure, one panel of each type shall be
tested for quality of removability of the marking material in accordance with requirement of 3.7.12.1.

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4.6.15.2 Class 2 material. The specimens shall be those used for the printability test in 4.6.11. The
specimens shall be exposed to accelerated weathering according to ASTM D822 for 96 hours. The specimens
shall then be examined and tested according to the requirements of 3.7.8 and 3.7.12.2. The examination for
sharpness and legibility of the printed letters shall be made from a distance of 6 feet.

4.6.16 Hiding power. Hiding power of marking material shall be determined in accordance with
ASTM D2805, except that the material shall be applied to the black and white Carrara glass as specified in
4.5.3.

4.6.17 Storage stability. Marking material to be tested shall be stored at a temperature of 70° F to
90° F for the following number of months after manufacture:

Type I and II, class 1 - 24 months

Type I and II, class 2, and type III, class 1 - 12 months

The material shall then be tested for conformance to the requirements listed in table III, except for weathering
resistance and storage stability.

4.6.18 Positionability test (type II and III). The length of the test specimen shall be 8 inches. The
width shall be the full width of the tape up to 3 inches wide. Material over 3 inches wide shall be cut to 3
inches. One specimen shall be conditioned and tested at standard conditions (type II and III), and one
specimen shall be conditioned for 1 hour and tested at 100° ± 2° F (type II only). A 4 by 8 inch aluminum test
panel shall be conditioned with the specimens and the test shall be performed as follows: Crease one end of
the specimen sharply back against its face to form a tab ½ inch long. Completely remove the liner from the
specimen. Hold the tabbed end of the specimen and, with the test panel held securely, position the specimen
gently on the test panel with the long dimension of the specimen and panel parallel. Do not press specimen
against panel. After 10 seconds, hold the tab, slide the specimen slowly along the long dimension of the test
panel; if the specimen does not slide, lift the specimen off the panel. After the test, the specimen shall be
examined for any evidence of damage (e.g., distortion of tearing) to the specimen and for any removal of
adhesive from the specimen. Any damage or removal of adhesive constitutes failure.

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Packaging. For acquisition purposes, the packaging requirements shall be as specified in the
contract or order (see 6.2). When packaging of material is to be performed by DoD or inhouse contractor
personnel, these personnel need to contact the responsible packaging activity to ascertain packaging
requirements. Packaging requirements are maintained by the Inventory Control Point’s packaging activities
within the Military Services or Defense Agency, or within the military service’s system commands. Packaging
data retrieval is available from the managing Military Department’s or Defense Agency’s automated packaging
files, CD-ROM products, or by contacting the responsible packaging activity.

6. NOTES

(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature that may be helpful, but is not mandatory.)

6.1 Intended use. Class 1 marking material is used in the manufacture of markers that are
permanent in nature. The markers are then to be applied, by means of their adhesive layer, on exterior and
interior surfaces of automotive vehicles, aerospace and ground support equipment, on interior surfaces of
aircraft, and in other applications as required or permitted. Class 2 marking material is intended for use in
preparation of temporary identification and instruction markers in shipment and storage of supplies and
equipment as provided in MIL-STD-129. An important characteristic of class 2 material; e.g., in marking of
vehicles during shipment and storage, is that it is readily removable even after extended weathering. These
materials are not intended to be used on surfaces which become heated above 150° F. For exterior markers of
the United State Air Force aircraft, the applicable material is covered by A-A-59485.

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6.1.1 Type I. The pressure sensitive adhesive of type I material is of the aggressive tack type.
Accordingly, under some circumstances, type I material markers are subject to premature contact and
attendant difficulties. These difficulties may be countered or avoided by various devices, such as appropriate
scoring of the liner, technique of placement, wet method of application (dilute detergent), and other methods
that may be furnished by contractors to assist proper positioning of markers of all sizes.

6.1.2 Type II. The type II material has been included in this specification for use primarily in large,
difficult-to-apply markers when desired. Its pressure sensitive adhesive is of a type which confers a degree of
positionability of the marker during application and prior to final attachment, and is desired by some users
under certain conditions, particularly for markers like stars, crosses, letters, 16 inches or larger in size. Users
should take note of the fact that the adhesion of type II material is significantly less than that of type I, and that
use of this type will involve a trade off of adhesion for positionability. It is expected that selection of the desired
type will be governed by the user’s experience and consideration of various factors; e.g., size and shape or
configuration of marker, temperature during application, lesser adhesion of type II, difference in cost, and skill
of applicator.

6.1.3 Type III. The type III material is intended for mounting on metal or wood bases by a heat-
vacuum process; e.g., as in manufacture of signs and markers.

6.1.4 Translucent transfer sheet. In addition to their use in transferring legends and prespaced
letters, translucent transfer sheets are incorporated in some markers to make use of other capabilities such as
stiffening the markers for handling, masking markers from subsequent painting, and protection marker surfaces
from dirt and foreign matter, as may be required (see 6.2).

6.2 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents must specify the following:

a. Title, number, and date of this specification and specification sheet (when applicable).
b. Type and class required (see 1.2).
c. When a first article is required (see 3.1, 4.3, and 6.3).
d. If translucent transfer sheet is required (see 3.2.2 and 6.1.4).
e. Color required (see 3.3).
f. Form and size (see 3.5.1 for marking materials in rolls and sheets and 3.5.2 for markers).
g. When procurement of marking materials for the M 113/A1/A2 Armored Personnel Carrier
is required (see 3.5.2.1).
h. Packaging requirements (see 5.1).

6.3 First article. When a first article is required, it will be inspected and approved under the appropriate
provisions of FAR 52.209-4. The first article should be a preproduction sample. The contracting officer should
specify the appropriate type of first article and the number of units to be furnished. The contracting officer
should include specific instruction in acquisition documents regarding arrangements for selection, inspection,
and approval of the first article.

6.4 Shelf-life. This specification covers items where the assignment of a Federal shelf-life code is a
consideration. Specific shelf-life requirements should be specified in the contract or purchase order, and
should include, as a minimum, shelf-life code, shelf-life package markings in accordance with MIL-STD-129 or
FED-STD-123, preparation of a materiel quality storage standard for type II (extendible) shelf-life items, and a
minimum of 85 percent shelf-life remaining at time of receipt by the Government. These and other
requirements, if necessary, are in DoD 4140.27-M, Shelf-life Management Manual. The shelf-life codes are in
the Federal Logistics Information System Total Item Record. Additive information for shelf-life management
may be obtained from 4140.27-M, or the designated shelf-life Point of Contact (POC). The POC should be
contacted in the following order: (1) the Inventory Control Points that manage the item and (2) the DoD
Services and Agency administrators for the DoD Shelf-Life Program. Appropriate POCs for the DoD Shelf-Life
Program can be contacted through the DoD Shelf-Life Management website: https://www.shelflife.hg.dla.mil/.

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6.5 Subject term (key word) listing.

Hazardous materials
Heat activated
Pressure sensitive
Signs
Symbols
Vehicle marking

6.6 Changes from previous issue. Marginal notations are not used in this revision to identify
changes with respect to the previous issue due to the extensiveness of the changes.

Custodians: Preparing activity:

Army – GL DLA – IS
Navy – SA (Project 7690-2009-001)
Air Force – 99

Review activity:
Air Force - 71

NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this document. Since
organizations and responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency of the information above using
the ASSIST Online database at http://assist.daps.dla.mil .

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