ISO 10545-14:2015

Overview

ISO 10545-14:2015 - "Ceramic tiles - Part 14: Determination of resistance to stains" specifies a standardized laboratory method to evaluate how the proper surface of ceramic tiles resists common staining materials. The procedure defines staining agents, exposure and cleaning methods, inspection conditions and a five‑class classification (1–5) indicating ease of stain removal. This test supports quality control, product specification and comparative performance claims for ceramic tiles.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Applies to the proper surface of ceramic tiles; testing can be done on unabraded and, by agreement, after abrasion (refer to ISO 10545-7).
• Test specimens: Five unused, undamaged whole or cut tiles; dried at (105 ± 5) °C for ≥2 h and tested within 3 h after cooling.
• Staining agents:
  • Pastes that leave a trace: green (Cr2O3) and red (Fe2O3) pigments in a light oil carrier (40% m/m).
  • Chemical/oxidizing: iodine solution (13 g/L in alcohol).
  • Film-forming: olive oil (per International Olive Oil Agreement).
• Cleaning agents:
  • Hot water (55 ± 5 °C).
  • Weak commercial cleaning agent (non‑abrasive, pH 6.5–7.5).
  • Strong commercial cleaning agent (abrasive, pH 9–10) - no hydrofluoric compounds.
  • Solvents: 3% HCl, KOH 200 g/L, acetone (used successively as needed).
• Cleaning procedures:
  • Procedure A: hot water, 5 min.
  • Procedure B: manual cleaning with weak agent, rinse.
  • Procedure C: mechanical cleaning with strong agent (example: 8 cm rotating brush at ~500 r/min) for 2 min.
  • Procedure D: immersion in solvent for 24 h.
• Test sequence and evaluation: Apply stains under a convex watch glass, leave 24 h, then attempt removal successively with Procedures A→B→C→D. After each step dry (105 ± 5 °C, ≥2 h) and visually inspect at 25–30 cm under ≥300 lx illumination. Record classification per specimen and stain.
• Reporting: Include reference to ISO 10545-14, tile description, staining/cleaning agents used and classification results.

Applications and users

• Who uses it: ceramic tile manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, QA/QC teams, architects and specifiers, distributors and regulatory bodies.
• Practical uses:
  • Validate cleanability and stain resistance claims for glazed and unglazed tiles.
  • Support product selection for kitchens, bathrooms, commercial flooring and facades where stain performance matters.
  • Compare formulations, glazes, or surface treatments and verify performance before market release.

Related standards

• ISO 10545 series (e.g., ISO 10545-7 for abrasion testing). Use ISO 10545-14 together with other parts (dimensions, chemical resistance, abrasion) for a complete characterization of tile performance.

Keywords: ISO 10545-14:2015, ceramic tiles stain resistance, stain resistance test, tile testing standard, cleaning procedures, staining agents.