Overview
ISO 105-B04:2024 - Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part B04: Colour fastness to artificial weathering: Xenon arc fading lamp test specifies a laboratory method to assess the effect of simulated weathering on the colour of textiles (except loose fibres). Using a xenon arc lamp in a controlled test chamber, the method reproduces the combined action of light and water to evaluate colour fastness, predicting fading and colour change in textiles such as apparel.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Designed for textiles where colour fastness is the primary evaluation criterion; distinguishes from ISO 105-B10 for permanently outdoor or mechanically stressed textiles.
- Test principle: Specimens are exposed to xenon arc radiation and water spray; change in colour is assessed by comparison with exposed blue wool references or by grey scale/instrumental methods.
- Reference materials: Blue wool references 1–8 are used and must meet quality requirements in ISO 105-B08.
- Glass shielding: Blue wool references are protected from water spray by a ventilated glass case with specified transmission (at least 90% between 380–750 nm, falling to 0% between 310–320 nm).
- Apparatus: Quartz‑jacketed xenon‑arc lamps, daylight filters (Type I and Type II introduced), test chamber, radiometer for controlling exposure, and temperature sensors including black‑standard/black‑panel thermometers (BST/BPT).
- Specimen preparation: Mounting cards, water‑resistant materials for wet cycles, specimen covers and holders made from inert materials.
- Exposure methods: Multiple exposure cycles (Method 1, 2, 3) are described to simulate different conditions; assessment uses the grey scale (ISO 105-A02) or instrumental colour measurement (ISO 105-A05).
- Reporting: Specifies data to include in the test report - apparatus, exposure conditions, reference comparisons and results.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
- Quality control: Textile and apparel manufacturers use ISO 105-B04 for routine QC of dyed fabrics, garments and trims to detect potential fading.
- Product development & R&D: Dye houses and textile chemists validate dyes, pigments and finishing processes against simulated weathering.
- Third‑party testing labs: Accredited test labs perform comparative tests for clients and for regulatory/label claims regarding colour fastness.
- Procurement & compliance: Buyers and specifiers use results to compare suppliers or to set product specifications for expected outdoor or light exposure.
- Use cases: Evaluating sensitivity to combined light and water exposure, selecting fade‑resistant materials, troubleshooting colour durability issues.
Related standards
- ISO 105-A01, A02, A05 (general principles, grey scale, instrumental assessment)
- ISO 105-B01, B02, B08 (colour fastness to light, xenon‑arc methods, blue wool quality)
- ISO 105-B10 (guidance for permanently outdoor textiles)
- ISO 4892-1, ISO 9370 (laboratory light source exposure and radiant exposure measurement)
For implementation or procurement, consult your national standards body or ISO for the full text of ISO 105-B04:2024.
Open preview (PDF)Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B04: Colour fastness to artificial weathering: Xenon arc fading lamp test