Overview
EN ISO 105-B03:2017 (CEN adoption of ISO 105-B03:2017) defines a standardized outdoor exposure method for assessing colour fastness to weathering of textiles (all types except loose fibres). The method compares the colour change of test specimens with blue wool reference standards exposed concurrently under controlled outdoor mounting conditions. Annex A provides general information on colour fastness to light.
Keywords: EN ISO 105-B03, ISO 105-B03:2017, colour fastness, weathering, outdoor exposure, textiles testing
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Intended for determining resistance of textile colour to natural weathering (outdoor exposure).
- Principle: Expose specimens in the open air while protected blue wool references are exposed to daylight (behind glass). Colour change of specimens is assessed by comparison to the blue wool references.
- Specimens: Recommended fabric specimen size is at least 40 mm × 100 mm; yarns should be converted to fabric before testing. Mounting on a hydrophobic backing cloth (e.g., polyester) is allowed.
- Exposure racks:
- Orientation: face due south (Northern hemisphere) or due north (Southern hemisphere).
- Slope: approximately equal to the latitude of the exposure location.
- Site: free from dust, exhaust fumes, and shadowing; allow air circulation behind specimens.
- Reference rack requirements: Glass cover with transmission of at least 90% between 380 nm and 750 nm, dropping to 0% between 310 nm and 320 nm, to allow daylight but exclude precipitation.
- Assessment and instruments:
- Use ISO 105-A02 grey scale and blue wool references (per ISO 105-A01/A02 and ISO 105‑B01) to rate colour change.
- Record climatological data where required: ambient temperature, relative humidity, precipitation/wetness hours, total and UV radiant energy.
- Test procedure notes: Multiple replicate exposures (different seasons) are recommended for reliable results; mean ratings give best indication of weathering fastness. The test includes guidance on mounting, washing, and test reporting.
Applications
- Product durability evaluation for outdoor and interior textiles: awnings, outdoor upholstery, marine fabrics, protective clothing and technical textiles.
- Quality control and incoming inspection for dyed fabrics and finished textile goods.
- R&D for dye formulation, finishing processes, and colourfastness improvement.
- Supporting warranty claims, durability specifications, and labeling for sunlight resistance.
Who should use it
- Textile testing laboratories (third‑party and in‑house)
- Textile and dye manufacturers
- Product designers and quality assurance teams
- Specifiers, procurement and compliance officers
- Standards writers and certification bodies
Related standards
- ISO 105-A01 (general testing principles)
- ISO 105-A02 (grey scale for assessing change in colour)
- ISO 105-B01 (colour fastness to light: daylight)
- ISO 105-C10 (colour fastness to washing)
This standard is published by ISO and adopted by CEN as EN ISO 105-B03:2017 - essential for consistent, comparable outdoor colour‑fastness testing of textiles.