EN ISO 105-A04:1999

Overview

EN ISO 105-A04:1999 is an international standard developed by CEN that specifies an instrumental method for evaluating the degree of staining of adjacent fabrics in textiles during colour fastness testing. This method serves as a precise alternative to the traditional visual assessment, enabling objective measurement of colour transfer from one fabric to another. The standard builds on the original ISO 105-A04:1989 and is part of the broader ISO 105 series on tests for colour fastness in textiles.

This standard is critical for the textile industry to ensure fabric quality, maintain consistent dye performance, and comply with rigorous testing requirements for colour fastness and staining assessment.

Key Topics

• Instrumental Assessment Method
  The standard describes using spectrometers or colorimeters to measure colour changes on adjacent fabric specimens. The instruments must simulate light conditions similar to standard illuminant D65 or illuminant C to provide consistent and comparable results.

• Measurement Procedure
  The method involves measuring the colour of adjacent fabrics that have undergone fastness testing both in contact with the test fabric and independently on non-optically brightened white card stock. Several readings may be taken if staining is uneven, ensuring accuracy by calculating an arithmetic mean.

• Colour Difference Calculation
  Colour differences between fabrics are calculated using CIELAB colour space units and then converted into a staining-scale rating (SSR) by applying specific equations detailed in the standard.

• Instrument Geometries
  Preferred geometries include sphere (d/0” with specular reflection) or 0”/45” or 45”/0” geometries, depending on the instrument capabilities.

• Standardized Reporting
  Results are expressed numerically on a staining-scale from 1 to 5, where higher ratings indicate better colour fastness and less staining of adjacent fabrics.

Applications

• Quality Control in Textile Production
  EN ISO 105-A04:1999 provides manufacturers with a reliable, standardized approach to monitor and control colour fastness properties during fabric production and finishing stages.

• R&D and Dye Performance Testing
  Textile researchers and dye manufacturers use the method for precise, reproducible evaluation of dye migration or bleeding, facilitating development of improved dye formulations with enhanced fastness performance.

• Compliance and Certification
  This instrumental method supports compliance with international textile testing protocols, helping manufacturers meet market and regulatory requirements related to colour fastness.

• Product Labeling and Consumer Assurance
  Objective staining data enables brands to provide validated claims about product durability and colour stability, enhancing consumer confidence.

Related Standards

• ISO 105-F10 – Specification for multifibre adjacent fabric used in colour fastness testing, required to prepare test specimens when applying EN ISO 105-A04.

• ISO 105-J01 – Method for measurement of colour and colour differences, foundational for colour difference calculations in EN ISO 105-A04.

• ISO 105 Series – A comprehensive collection of colour fastness testing methods covering various aspects such as wash, light, rubbing, and perspiration fastness.

• CIE Standards – Provide definitions related to colour measurement like the CIE 10° observer and illuminant D65 used for consistent instrumental readings.

Keywords: textile colour fastness testing, instrumental assessment, colour staining measurement, EN ISO 105-A04, adjacent fabric staining, spectrometer colour measurement, colour difference CIELAB, textile quality control, dye fastness evaluation, international textile standards