Colorfastness Testing

What Is Colorfastness Testing

Colorfastness refers to a fabric’s ability to resist fading and/or color transfer when exposed to various external factors, such as washing, light, rubbing, perspiration, or dry cleaning. It is a critical quality parameter for textiles and garments as poor colorfastness can lead to several issues:

• Fading, which diminishes the product's visual appeal over time.
• Color bleeding, where dye transfers onto other garments or surfaces during use or washing.
• Loss of consumer trust and dissatisfaction due to compromised quality.

Ensuring good colorfastness is essential for maintaining product durability, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation.

What It Tests

Colorfastness testing evaluates a fabric's resistance to color changes or dye transfer under specific conditions. Key tests include:

• Colorfastness to Washing (ISO 105-C06, AATCC 61):
  Assesses how well a fabric retains its color and resists staining other materials during laundering. This is especially critical for everyday clothing, where frequent washing is expected.
• Colorfastness to Light (ISO 105-B02, AATCC 16):
  Determines the fabric’s resistance to fading when exposed to natural or artificial light. This is particularly important for products like curtains, outdoor clothing, and upholstery.
• Colorfastness to Rubbing (Crocking) (ISO 105-X12, AATCC 8):
  Evaluates the transfer of color from the fabric surface to another material through friction, in both wet and dry states. This test is critical for items like denim, upholstery, and any fabric that may come into contact with other surfaces.
• Colorfastness to Perspiration (ISO 105-E04, AATCC 15):
  Simulates the effect of acidic and alkaline human sweat on fabric to determine whether it causes discoloration and staining. This is essential for sportswear, activewear, and garments intended for humid climates.
• Colorfastness to Chlorinated Water/Seawater (ISO 105-E03, ISO 105-E02, AATCC 106):
  Tests how fabrics react to exposure to chlorine in swimming pools or saltwater at the beach. This is critical for swimwear and beachwear to ensure they retain their color after repeated use.
• Colorfastness to Dry Cleaning (ISO 105-D01, AATCC 132):
  Evaluates the garment’s ability to withstand solvent-based cleaning processes without fading or bleeding. Dry cleaning tests are vital for delicate and formal wear that cannot be washed conventionally.

How We Can Support

Intertek offers a comprehensive range of colorfastness testing services tailored to meet relevant international standards, helping you ensure quality and compliance.

• Intertek conducts testing according to globally recognized standards, including:
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization): Standards like ISO 105 series for colorfastness.
• AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists): Standards such as AATCC 8, AATCC 61, AATCC 16, and more.
• GB Standards (Chinese National Standards): For products entering the Chinese market.

Our global network of textile testing laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to simulate real-life conditions for precise testing. By partnering with Intertek, you can be more confident your fabrics maintain their vibrant colors, aesthetic appeal, and durability throughout their lifecycle, giving your products a competitive edge in the market.