What Is Color Fastness, and How Is It Tested?
Color fastness is a quality measure of how well a fabric's printed or dyed color holds up against external factors like washing, rubbing, and light exposure. Low fastness shows up over time as fading, bleeding, or color transfer to other surfaces.
How is a fastness test performed?
In standard test methods, a fabric sample is subjected to a set number of wash cycles, a standard rubbing device, or controlled light exposure. After the test, the color change is scored by comparing it against a reference gray scale.
Factors affecting fastness in digital printing
The type of ink used, the fabric's fiber content, and the fixation (color-setting) process applied after printing all directly affect the fastness level. The same pattern can yield different fastness results on different fabric and ink combinations.
Explore Fabric PropertiesCan a fabric with low color fastness still be used?
It can, but it may carry risk depending on how often the product will be washed or rubbed; for heavily used products, a higher-fastness fabric should be preferred.
How many types of fastness tests are there?
The most common are wash fastness, rubbing (crocking) fastness, and light fastness; each measures a different durability scenario.
How can I learn fastness information before ordering?
You can examine the fabric by requesting a swatch or sample, and clarify fastness details for the fabric you're interested in by contacting us directly.