Testing of coatings durability using ISO 16474-2
ISO 16474-2 is an internationally-recognized test standard for evaluating paint and coating samples under simulated sunlight exposure using xenon-arc lamps. This standard includes several different cycles intended to accelerate and simulate outdoor forces of weathering to test materials for physical property degradation and color change.
Test Parameters
ISO 16474-2 includes test cycles for both outdoor (daylight) exposures, as well as behind-glass (window) exposures. The experimental parameters depend on which type of condition is being simulated. There are two primary methods:
- Method A: Exposures Using Daylight Filters
- Exposure period:
- 102 minutes of light exposure (dry)
- 18 minutes of light exposure + spray
- Irradiance;
- Broadband (300 nm to 400 nm): 60 W/m²
- Narrowband (340 nm): 0.51 W/(m²·nm)
- Allows for insulated black panel (black standard) & uninsulated black panel
- Exposure period:
- Method B: Exposures Using Window Glass Filters
- Exposure period:
- Constant light exposure (dry), no spray
- Irradiance:
- Broadband (300 nm to 400 nm): 50 W/m²
- Narrowband (420 nm): 1.10 W/(m²·nm)
- Two different window exposure cycles:
- One cycle type uses a higher temperature with a lower humidity (cycles 3 & 6)
- One cycle type uses a lower temperature with a higher humidity (cycles 2 & 5)
- Exposure period:
Q-Lab customers can log in to their Q-Portal account for in-depth information regarding ISO 16474-2.
Why Test to ISO 16474-2
ISO 16474-2 is widely used for those testing the weatherability of paints and coatings. This testing method ensures that applications maintain functionality in outdoor conditions where materials are exposed to sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Industries such as the automotive, construction & architecture, aerospace, marine, consumer goods, and others perform this test method to conduct quality control testing, meet regulatory requirements, and guide R&D teams during product development, ultimately improving the overall longevity and quality of their product.
Pros and Cons of ISO 16474-2
- Fast and reliable results
- ISO 16474-2 can help companies evaluate the material durability over a significantly shortened time period
- Widely internationally-recognized standard
- ISO 16474-2 has been an widely-accepted testing method for decades, providing years of data to back up the accuracy of the testing method
- Helps improve product longevity
- Manufacturers across numerous industries have used ISO 16474-2 to enhance the durability of their products by identifying weaknesses related exposure to UV light, high temperatures, and outdoor moisture
- Limited correlation to real-world conditions
- The light / light+spray conditions do not accurately reproduce outdoor conditions, since most moisture takes place in the dark.
- At Q-Lab, we always encourage our customers to combine laboratory testing with natural outdoor testing for the best results
How Q-Lab Can Help
Q-SUN Xenon Arc Test Chambers
Q-Lab's Q-SUN Xenon Arc Test Chambers fully comply with ISO 16474-2. 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 contract testing at either of our two accelerated testing laboratories – Florida or Germany. Both labs are ISO 17025-accredited to perform ISO 16474-2, using the very same Q-SUN test chambers built at our manufacturing plant. In addition to accelerated weathering testing, our accelerated laboratories are accredited and qualified to perform a suite of different evaluations, including color change, gloss retention, visual evaluations, 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 16474-2 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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