Color fastness is the resistance of a material to change in any of its color characteristics, to the transfer of its colorants to adjacent materials. Color is an influential element of fashion and aesthetics of clothing, it has great value for both the user and the brand. Retaining the original color is one of the important quality parameter of colored textiles. Color fastness is rated poor if it does not comply with the tests by exposing to laundry, light, rubbing and other agencies such as perspiration.
Color fastness testing is an important process used in the textile industry to ensure that fabrics maintain their color and vibrancy over time. This testing is used to ensure that fabrics such as clothing, bedding, home décor, and upholstery meet the expected standards of colorfastness.
The textile industry uses colorfastness testing to measure the degree of resistance a fabric has to fading, bleeding, and staining when exposed to environmental elements such as UV light, washing, dry cleaning, and perspiration. Colorfastness testing is used to determine if fabrics can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use and still maintain their original color, brightness, and vibrancy.
There are a variety of color fastness tests available, each designed to measure different aspects of fabric performance. Common tests include light fastness, wash fastness, perspiration fastness, rubbing fastness, and dry cleaning fastness.
Light fastness tests measure how well a fabric can withstand exposure to sunlight and artificial UV light. This test can help identify which fabrics will fade in direct sunlight or with prolonged exposure to UV light.
Wash fastness tests measure how well a fabric can withstand washing, including the type of detergent used and the number of washes a fabric can withstand without fading.
Perspiration fastness tests measure how well a fabric can withstand exposure to body perspiration and sweat. This test helps identify fabrics that will fade due to contact with sweat or body oils.
Rubbing fastness tests measure how well a fabric can withstand friction and abrasion, such as rubbing, scuffing, or pilling. This test helps identify fabrics that will pill, fade, or become discolored when rubbed.
Dry cleaning fastness tests measure how well a fabric can withstand dry cleaning solvents such as perchloroethylene, petroleum distillates, and other chemical agents.
Colorfastness testing is an important part of the textile industry, and it helps ensure that fabrics maintain their original color and vibrancy over time. This testing helps identify fabrics that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use and environmental elements.
Learn more about fabric testing terminology.
Learn about color fast testing equipment in our textile machinery & equipment section.