Color Fastness Testing: Complete Laboratory Guide

Color fastness testing ensures dyed fabrics resist fading, bleeding, and staining. Key tests: wash fastness (AATCC 61, ISO 105-C06), light fastness (AATCC 16, ISO 105-B02), rubbing/crocking (AATCC 8, ISO 105-X12), perspiration fastness. Grading scale 1-5 (5=excellent). Industry requirements: activewear needs Grade 4-5 wash fastness, outdoor apparel needs Grade 4-5 light fastness, dark colors need Grade 4 crocking. Factors affecting fastness: dye quality, fixation process, fiber type. Polyester offers superior colorfastness vs natural fibers. Testing costs $75-300 per test. Huada products maintain Grade 4-5 across all fastness tests.