Anti-fading performance testing service

Anti‑Fading Performance Testing Service – Comprehensive Weathering and Colour Stability Assessment for Durable Materials and Finished Products

As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited independent testing laboratory, we offer specialised anti‑fading performance testing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and quality assurance teams across the coatings, plastics, textiles, automotive, construction, printing, and consumer goods sectors. Colour fading – the gradual loss of hue, intensity, or uniformity due to exposure to light, heat, humidity, and atmospheric pollutants – is a critical quality concern that directly affects product aesthetics, brand perception, and customer satisfaction. Our anti‑fading test protocols simulate accelerated and natural weathering conditions to quantify the colour retention, gloss retention, and overall appearance stability of your materials and finished products. By using controlled light sources (xenon‑arc, carbon‑arc, UVA/UVB fluorescent lamps), temperature and humidity cycling, and chemical exposure, we provide you with the data needed to optimise formulations, select suitable pigments and stabilisers, and substantiate fade‑resistance claims. All methods are aligned with ISO, ASTM, EN, and GB standards, including ISO 105‑B02 (Colour fastness to artificial light), ASTM G154 (UV exposure), ASTM G155 (Xenon‑arc exposure), ISO 4892 (Plastics exposure), SAE J2527 (Automotive exterior materials), and GB/T 16422 (Plastics – Exposure to laboratory light sources). Our inspection and test reports are recognised by national and international regulatory authorities, certification bodies, and major industry buyers for product registration, quality certification, and supply chain compliance.

Materials and Products We Regularly Test for Anti‑Fading Performance

Our laboratory accommodates a diverse range of materials and finished products across various application sectors. Typical test articles include:

Paints, coatings and printing inks – architectural paints, automotive coatings, industrial finishes, powder coatings, and UV‑curable inks
Plastics and polymer products – engineering plastics, films, sheets, moulded parts, pipes, and profiles for exterior and interior applications
Textiles and leather – apparel fabrics, upholstery, automotive interior textiles, synthetic leather, and natural leather
Construction materials – roofing materials, wall cladding, window profiles, sealants, and waterproofing membranes
Automotive components – exterior body panels, interior trims, instrument panels, and lighting components
Packaging materials – printed packaging films, labels, corrugated board, and flexible packaging
Consumer goods – electronics housings, outdoor furniture, sporting equipment, and toys
Pigments, dyes and colourants – organic and inorganic pigments, dyes, and masterbatches

Light Exposure Testing – Simulating the Effects of Natural and Artificial Light

Xenon‑arc weathering testing – ISO 4892‑2, ASTM G155, SAE J2527, GB/T 16422.2 – We use xenon‑arc weathering chambers (e.g., Atlas Weather‑Ometer) with xenon lamps that closely simulate the full spectrum of natural sunlight, including UV, visible, and infrared light. The test is performed with controlled irradiance (typically 0.35‑0.77 W/m² at 340 nm), temperature (black panel temperature 50‑90 °C), and relative humidity (typically 50‑95 %). Specimens are exposed for a specified number of hours (e.g., 500, 1 000, 2 000, 5 000 hours) or until a defined colour change or visual failure occurs. The test can be conducted with or without water spray (to simulate rainfall) and with dark/light cycles.
UV fluorescent lamp testing – ASTM G154, ISO 4892‑3, GB/T 16422.3 – For rapid screening of UV resistance, we use UVA‑340 and UVB‑313 fluorescent lamps, which emit high‑intensity UV radiation concentrated in the critical shorter wavelengths. The test is performed in a QUV (Q‑Panel) or equivalent weathering tester with typical cycles: 8 hours UV at 60‑75 °C, 4 hours condensation at 45‑50 °C (with no UV), or 4 hours UV at 60‑75 °C and 4 hours condensation at 45‑50 °C. This method is particularly effective for testing materials that are sensitive to UV‑induced degradation.
Carbon‑arc weathering testing – ASTM G152, JIS D0205 – Although less common today, we also offer carbon‑arc weathering testing using enclosed or open‑flame carbon‑arc chambers, for reference to older specifications and for certain Japanese automotive and industrial standards.
Natural outdoor weathering – ISO 877, ASTM G7, GB/T 16422.1 – For the most realistic and representative assessment, we offer natural outdoor weathering at our exposure test facility (or at a representative location in a tropical, arid, or temperate climate). Specimens are mounted on exposure racks at a fixed angle (typically 45° south‑facing, 5° for automotive applications, or as specified), and exposed to natural sunlight, temperature, humidity, and rainfall for 3, 6, 12, or 24 months. Colour and gloss measurements are taken at intervals.
Lightfastness testing of pigments and dyes – ISO 105‑B02, ASTM D4303, GB/T 1710 – We perform lightfastness testing on pigments, dyes, and colourants by exposing them to xenon‑arc or natural sunlight (using a blue wool scale reference or a colour change index). The lightfastness rating is expressed on the Blue Wool Scale (1‑8, where 8 = excellent lightfastness) or using the ISO 105‑B02 5‑step or 8‑step grading system.

Evaluation of Colour Change and Appearance – Quantifying Fading

Colour measurement – CIELAB (L*, a*, b*) and colour difference (ΔE*) – ISO 11664, ASTM D2244, GB/T 7921 – We measure the colour coordinates (L*, a*, b*) of the specimen using a calibrated spectrophotometer (with an integrating sphere or 45/0 geometry) before and after exposure. The colour difference (ΔE*) is calculated using the CIELAB formula (or the CMC, CIE94, or CIEDE2000 formula, as specified). The ΔE* value is compared to the specified acceptance criterion (e.g., ΔE* ≤ 1.0 for premium architectural coatings, ≤ 2.0 for automotive interior materials, ≤ 3.0 for general industrial finishes).
Gloss retention – ISO 2813, ASTM D523, GB/T 9754 – We measure the 60° gloss (or 20° for high‑gloss and 85° for low‑gloss surfaces) before and after exposure using a calibrated glossmeter. The gloss retention (expressed as a percentage of the initial gloss) is calculated. A gloss retention of ≥ 80 % after exposure is typically required for high‑performance automotive and architectural coatings.
Yellowing index (YI) and whiteness index (WI) – ASTM D1925, ASTM E313, GB/T 2409 – For transparent and white materials, we measure the yellowing index (YI) and the whiteness index (WI) before and after exposure. An increase in YI of more than 5 units is considered a failure for most applications.
Visual assessment and grey scale rating – ISO 105‑A02, ASTM D1729, GB/T 250 – We perform visual assessment of colour change using the ISO grey scale (1‑5, where 5 = no change, 1 = severe change) under controlled viewing conditions (D65 illuminant, 10° observer). The grey scale rating is used for reporting and for comparison with the acceptance criteria.
Chalking, cracking and blistering – ASTM D4214, ISO 4628, GB/T 1766 – In addition to colour and gloss, we also evaluate the surface for chalking (powdering), cracking, blistering, and other visual defects that can occur during weathering, using standard rating scales and photographic reference guides.

Environmental and Accelerated Ageing – Simulating the Effects of Heat, Humidity and Pollutants

Heat and humidity ageing – ASTM D573, ISO 188, GB/T 3512 – We expose specimens to elevated temperatures (typically 50 °C, 70 °C, 85 °C, 100 °C, 125 °C) and high humidity (typically 85‑95 % RH) for extended periods (72 hours to 1 000 hours) to simulate the effects of thermal and moisture stress on colour stability.
Thermal cycling – IEC 60068‑2‑14, ISO 11357, GB/T 2423.22 – We subject specimens to repeated temperature cycles (e.g., ‑40 °C to +80 °C, or +20 °C to +60 °C) to assess the colour stability of materials under temperature‑induced stress, which is particularly relevant for automotive and construction components.
Ozone and pollutant gas exposure – ASTM D1149, ISO 1431, GB/T 7762 – For rubber and elastomeric materials, we assess the resistance to ozone cracking (by exposure to ozone at a specified concentration and temperature) and to other atmospheric pollutants (SO₂, NOx) that can cause colour change.
Salt spray and humidity cycling – ASTM B117, ISO 9227, GB/T 10125 – For coatings and materials used in coastal environments, we perform salt spray testing (5 % NaCl, 35 °C) followed by humidity exposure, and then evaluate the colour retention and the extent of corrosion of the substrate.
Accelerated weathering with combined exposures – ISO 4892‑4, ASTM D5894, GB/T 2423 – We combine UV exposure with heat, humidity, and water spray (or salt spray) cycles to provide a more realistic simulation of outdoor conditions, particularly for automotive exterior and coastal marine applications.

Material‑Specific Testing – Pigments, Plastics, Textiles and Automotive

Pigment and dye testing – ISO 787, ASTM D2616, GB/T 1710 – We evaluate the lightfastness and weatherfastness of pigments and dyes by exposing them (in a standard binder or as a dispersion) to xenon‑arc or UV light, and by measuring the colour change and the colour strength retention. For automotive and premium industrial pigments, a ΔE* of ≤ 1.0 after 1 000 hours of xenon‑arc exposure is often required.
Plastics and polymer testing – ISO 4892‑2, ASTM D4329, GB/T 16422 – We test plastics, films, and moulded parts for colour stability and surface degradation after exposure to UV, heat, and moisture. The test is performed with controlled temperature and humidity, and the change in colour, gloss, and surface morphology (by SEM or optical microscopy) is evaluated.
Textile and leather testing – ISO 105‑B02, AATCC 16, GB/T 8426 – We test textiles (woven, knitted, non‑woven) and leather for colour fastness to light, to washing, to dry cleaning, and to perspiration. The lightfastness is rated using the blue wool scale, and the colour change is assessed by grey scale. For automotive interior textiles, a lightfastness rating of ≥ 6 on the blue wool scale is typically required.
Automotive interior and exterior materials – SAE J2527, SAE J2412, ISO 105‑B06, GB/T 16422 – We perform automotive‑specific testing using xenon‑arc weathering with cycling of temperature, humidity, and water spray, and with controlled irradiance (typically 0.55‑0.77 W/m² at 340 nm). The interior testing involves exposure to higher temperatures (up to 90 °C) and lower humidity, while exterior testing involves water spray and UV exposure.
Architectural and industrial coatings – ISO 16474, ASTM D4587, GB/T 1865 – We test architectural paints, powder coatings, and industrial finishes for resistance to weathering, including colour retention, gloss retention, and resistance to chalking and cracking. The testing is performed in accordance with the relevant ISO and ASTM standards, and the results are used for product certification (e.g., for exterior architectural coatings).

Data Interpretation and Statistical Analysis – Predicting Service Life

Statistical analysis of colour change – We calculate the mean, standard deviation, and confidence intervals for ΔE* values across replicate specimens, and we perform statistical tests (t‑test, ANOVA) to compare the fading behaviour of different materials or formulations.
Dose‑response modelling – prediction of fade rate and service life – We model the colour change (ΔE*) as a function of exposure time, irradiance, and temperature to predict the fade rate and the expected service life of the material under a given set of outdoor conditions.
Accelerated to natural weathering correlation – estimating real‑world durability – We compare the results of accelerated weathering (xenon‑arc, UV) with natural outdoor weathering data (if available) to establish a correlation factor (the acceleration factor) that can be used to predict the outdoor performance based on the accelerated test results.
Pass/fail determination – against the specified acceptance criteria – We compare the measured ΔE*, gloss retention, and other parameters against the specified acceptance criteria (e.g., ΔE* ≤ 2.0, gloss retention ≥ 80 %, grey scale rating ≥ 4) and provide a clear pass/fail verdict.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Certification – Supporting Industry Standards and Supply Chain Requirements

Our anti‑fading performance testing services are performed in accordance with the most widely used international and national standards. The most commonly requested include:

ISO 105‑B02 – Colour fastness to artificial light (xenon‑arc) – for textiles, leather, and plastics
ISO 4892‑2 – Plastics – Exposure to laboratory light sources – xenon‑arc – for plastics and polymers
ISO 4892‑3 – Plastics – Exposure to laboratory light sources – UVA/UVB fluorescent lamps – for plastics and polymers
ASTM G154 – Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
ASTM G155 – Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non‑Metallic Materials
SAE J2527 – Performance Based Standard for Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Exterior Materials Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon Arc Apparatus
SAE J2412 – Accelerated Exposure of Automotive Interior Trim Materials Using a Controlled Irradiance Xenon Arc Apparatus
EN 927‑6 – Paints and varnishes – Coating materials and coating systems for exterior wood – Part 6: Exposure of wood coatings to artificial weathering
GB/T 16422.2 – Plastics – Exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon‑arc
GB/T 16422.3 – Plastics – Exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps

Report Acceptance and Regulatory Recognition

All anti‑fading performance tests are conducted under our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, using calibrated weathering instruments, spectrophotometers, and glossmeters, all traceable to national and international reference standards. Our final test reports include a complete description of the test material, the test conditions (exposure method, irradiance, temperature, humidity, duration), the measured parameters (colour coordinates, ΔE*, gloss, yellowing index, grey scale rating), statistical summaries (mean, standard deviation, confidence intervals), and a clear pass/fail verdict against your specified acceptance criteria. These reports are accepted by national regulatory authorities, international certification bodies, and major industry buyers for product registration, quality certification, and supply chain compliance. Bilingual (Chinese/English) versions are available to facilitate submissions to domestic and international authorities and to support your global market access.