W8.2 Petroleum Waxes, Including Petrolatum—Heat the
sample just sufficiently enough to make it fluid and clear to
perform the color measurement at that temperature without
heating the wax excessively, because oxidation can occur,
along with consequent discoloration of the test specimen.A
sample heated to a temperature of 11 to 17°C (20 to 30°F)
above its congealing point, as determined in accordance with
Test Method D938, has been found suitable to test samples
using this test method. When the sample is darker than 8 color,
one may either stop the test and report “D8 ASTM Color” (see
10.2) or continue the test and mix 15 volumes of melted sample
with 85 volumes of solvent kerosine or alternative material (see
7.1) brought to the same temperature and test the mixture at
that temperature.