Repeatable Color Durability Testing for Real-World Textile Performance
ISO 105-B04 is a widely used standard for measuring how well textile colors withstand simulated outdoor exposure, using a xenon arc lamp as an artificial light source. By reproducing the combined effects of sunlight, heat, and moisture, the test provides a repeatable way to evaluate color durability and resistance to fading. It plays a key role in ensuring consistent appearance, product quality, and customer confidence—especially for apparel and other consumer textiles.
Recently updated in 2024, this internationally recognized test method was revised to clarify device requirements, now explicitly requiring the use of a Daylight-type optical filter.
Key Test Parameters
ISO 105-B04 is intended as a test for weatherability for textiles exposed to outdoor environments at moderate temperatures. It is related to the other members of the ISO 105 B series, including ISO 105-B02 for lightfastness of textiles, ISO 105-B06 for high-temperature lightfastness, and ISO 105-B10 for high-temperature weathering.The test cycle in ISO 105-B04 includes short cycles consisting of 29 minutes of light alternating with 1 minute of Light+Spray to simulate outdoor wetness
Irradiance Requirements
ISO 105-B04 requires the use of a Daylight optical filter to simulate outdoor sunlight exposures. The standard allows both Type I and Type II Daylight filters as defined in ISO 4892-2. Q-Lab recommends the use of Daylight-Q filters.
The irradiance setpoint is not required, but values of 42 W/m² TUV (300-400 nm) or 0.36 W/m²/nm (340 nm) are suggested.
Temperature Parameters
Non-mandatory temperature and humidity setpoints within the test chamber are provided. The chamber air temperature must not exceed 40 °C during the light phase (drying), with 37 °C serving as a typical setpoint. Surface temperatures are monitored using either a Black-Standard Thermometer (BST, or IBP) or a Black-Panel Thermometer (BPT) and must remain at or below 60 °C during drying. Setpoints of 57 °C (BST) or 55 °C (BPT) are commonly used.
Water spray
The standard provides a weathering cycle designed to simulate environmental exposure, consisting of a 1-minute spraying period (Light+Spray) followed by 29 minutes of drying (Light). To prevent contamination or residue on the textiles, high-purity water must be used.
Blue Wool References
Most methods of ISO 105-B04 require the user to perform grey scale measurements of blue wool references and the specimen. The grey scale measurement provides references for fading between 5 (no fading) and 1 (extreme fading). This includes half-steps, where a measurement between 3 and 4 for example would be indicated as “3-4.” Grey scale measurements are made by assessing the contrast between the exposed and unexposed areas of the sample and finding the corresponding contrast that matches best on the grey scale reference card.
You can find in-depth information on how to program the ISO 105-B04 test cycle into your Q-SUN xenon-arc weathering chamber by logging into your Q-Portal account.
Why Test to ISO 105-B04
ISO 105-B04 is an internationally-recognized and widely-referenced testing method to evaluate the ability of textiles to maintain their appearance when exposed to sunlight, heat, and water. This entry in the ISO 105 B series focuses on weatherability, as opposed to lightfastness, at moderate temperatures. By simulating the effects of natural daylight with a xenon arc lamp, it helps evaluate lightfastness, helping various industries test for product durability and quality.
Test Methods
ISO 105-B04 contains only one test cycle, but specifies three Methods for performing the test. These Methods describe the materials to be expose, when the given Method should be selected, how long the test is conducted for, and what evaluations are to be performed.
Method | Material | Purpose | Duration | Evaluation |
1 | Test specimens + one set of blue wool references (BWR) per specimen | Generating definitive numerical ratings | Specimen reaches grey scale contrasts (3 & 2) | Comparison of specimen contrast to BWR contrasts; gives a numerical rating |
2 | Test specimens + only one shared set of blue wool references | Efficiency when testing large numbers of specimens | Blue wool references 6 and 7 have faded to a grey scale grade 4 | Comparison of specimen contrast to the shared BWR contrasts; gives a numerical rating |
3 | Test specimens;references are optional | Check conformity to specific radiant energy levels | Specified level of radiant energy | Numerical quantification against the grey scale or instrumental colour measurement |
Pros and Cons of ISO 105-B04
- Required use of daylight optical filters
- Updated in 2024, ISO 105-B04 now requires the use of daylight optical filters, providing the most realistic simulation of natural daylight for apparel worn outdoors
- Water spray
- Specially tailored for outdoor apparel and textiles, ISO 105-B04 includes water spray steps for weatherability, not just lightfastness.
- Use of blue wool references
- ISO 105-B04 specifies the use of blue wool references for most test cycles. These materials may be difficult or expensive to obtain. Test performance depends on the consistency of these materials, which may see inconsistent fading over time.
- Short cycles
- The 29 minute light and 1 minute spray cycles make it difficult for the tester to reach an equilibrium state, which can lead to testing inconsistency.
How Q-Lab Can Help
Q-SUN Xenon Arc Test Chambers
Q‑Lab's Q-SUN xenon arc test chambers - Xe-2, Xe-3, and Xe-8, fully comply with ISO 105-B04. Q‑SUN full-spectrum sunlight xenon arc test chambers are simple, reliable, and easy to use. With multiple sizes and models available, they are the world’s most versatile weathering testers.
Testing Services
If a new tester is not part of the budget, we offer testing at either of our two accelerated laboratories – Florida or Germany. Both labs are ISO 17025 accredited to perform ISO 105-B04, using the very same Q‑SUN test chambers built at our manufacturing plant. In addition to accredited testing, our accelerated laboratories are accredited and qualified to perform a suite of different evaluations, including color change, gloss retention, tensile hardness, and much more.
Q-PANEL Standard Test Substrates
Q‑PANEL paint test substrates are the world’s most recognizable and widely-used standard test panels. Q‑Lab manufactures millions of panels each year for a variety of industries, most available immediately from stock.
More ISO 105-B04 Resources
Standards Tool
Review setup and performance information on key international and OEM test standards from ASTM, ISO, SAE, JIS, GB, and more.
Document Library
Browse Q-Lab’s extensive library of weathering testing literature and technical content.
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