ISO 105-B03:2017 PDF

Overview

ISO 105-B03:2017 - Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part B03: Colour fastness to weathering: Outdoor exposure specifies a standardized outdoor exposure test to determine the resistance of textile colours (all textile types except loose fibres) to natural weathering. The method compares exposed specimens with blue wool references and uses visual assessment (grey scale) to quantify colour change. Annex A provides general information on colour fastness to light.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Applies to textiles of all kinds except loose fibres; intended to assess colour fastness to weather by outdoor exposure.
• Principle: Simultaneous outdoor exposure of test specimens and blue wool references (references protected from rain by glass). Colour change of specimens is assessed relative to the blue wool scale.
• Specimens: Typical specimen size is 40 mm × 100 mm; fabrics can be mounted directly or sewn to undyed hydrophobic cloth (e.g., polyester).
• Exposure rack & orientation:
  • Rack faces due south (Northern hemisphere) or due north (Southern hemisphere).
  • Slope approximately equal to the latitude of the exposure site.
  • References are protected by glass with at least 90% transmission between 380–750 nm, falling to 0% between 310–320 nm.
• Reference materials & apparatus: Uses ISO 105-A01 general principles, ISO 105-A02 grey scale, and blue wool references per ISO 105-B01:2014.
• Test methods:
  • Method 1: Exposure period controlled by inspection of the specimen (mandatory in disputes); one set of blue wool references per specimen.
  • Method 2: Exposure controlled by inspection of references (suitable when many specimens tested simultaneously).
  • Method 3: Exposure controlled by accumulated radiant energy (used for conformity checks to agreed radiant energy levels).
• Assessment: Colour change assessed against blue wool references and reported with numerical ratings (half-ratings allowed) and optional hue-change abbreviations (e.g., Bl = bluer, Y = yellower).
• Post-exposure: Exposed specimens are washed per ISO 105-C10 and mounted for final assessment.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 105-B03:2017 is used by:

• Textile manufacturers and dye houses for product development and QA of outdoor textiles (awnings, upholstery, workwear).
• Independent textile testing laboratories performing standardized weathering and colour fastness tests.
• Procurement and compliance teams specifying minimum weathering fastness for contracts or regulatory conformity.
• Research groups studying dye stability and outdoor durability.

Keywords: ISO 105-B03:2017, colour fastness to weathering, outdoor exposure test, textile testing standards, blue wool references, exposure rack, grey scale assessment.

Related standards

• ISO 105-A01 - General principles of testing (textiles)
• ISO 105-A02 - Grey scale for assessing change in colour
• ISO 105-B01:2014 - Colour fastness to light: Daylight
• ISO 105-C10:2006 - Colour fastness to washing with soap or soap and soda