ISO/PRF 4211-7
(Main)Furniture — Tests for surface finishes — Part 7: Assessment of resistance to light
- Abstract
This document specifies a method for the assessment of the effects of light in indoor conditions, by exposure to artificial radiation and applies to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of material. It does not apply to finishes on leather and fabrics. The test is intended to be carried out on a part of the finished furniture but can be carried out on test panels of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test. This document describes the most important parameters, such as the colour change when a surface is exposed and specifies the conditions to be used in the exposure apparatus. The light resistance of a surface can be assessed by using two apparatus as specified in Clause 4, one as a reference test method, and the other for in-company testing
- Status
- Not Published
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 136 - Furniture
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 136/WG 8 - Furniture surfaces - Methods of test
- Current Stage
- 5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
- Start Date
- 11-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 10-Oct-2026
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ISO/PRF 4211-7 - Furniture — Tests for surface finishes — Part 7: Assessment of resistance to light
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ISO/PRF 4211-7 is an ISO document for furniture surface finishes. It specifies a method for assessing resistance to light in indoor conditions by exposure to artificial radiation, for rigid finished surfaces on finished products or matching test panels. It is used by laboratories, manufacturers, and in-company testers to judge colour change and contrast after exposure.
What does ISO/PRF 4211-7 specify?
ISO/PRF 4211-7 specifies how to expose a furniture surface to artificial light and how to assess the resulting colour change and contrast. It applies to rigid surfaces of finished products, but not to finishes on leather or fabrics.
The document is organized into nine clauses:
- Scope
- Normative references
- Terms and definitions
- Principle
- Apparatus and materials
- Preparation and conditioning
- Procedure
- Assessment of results
- Test report
Clause 4 explains the test principle and when each exposure method is used. Clauses 5 to 8 cover the equipment, specimen preparation, exposure, and rating. Clause 9 sets out what the report has to record.
What are the key requirements of ISO/PRF 4211-7?
Exposure method and apparatus
Clause 4 requires accelerated exposure with filtered xenon-arc radiation. The exposed section is compared with a masked control section or a separated control section from the same test surface, so the result comes from direct comparison of treated and untreated areas.
Clause 4.2 and Clause 5 define two apparatus options:
- the apparatus with humidity control is the reference method when humidity may influence the result
- the apparatus without humidity control is for in-company testing when humidity influence can be excluded
In practice, this means the user has to choose the set-up that matches the product and the purpose of the test, and record that choice.
Exposure conditions
Clause 5 specifies xenon-arc apparatus with window glass filters according to method B in ISO 4892-2. The document gives the irradiance, temperature, and humidity conditions for both apparatus types.
This matters because the test result depends on the exposure environment. Using the wrong light, temperature, or humidity conditions can change the amount of fading seen on the surface.
Test surface preparation
Clause 6 says the test shall use an unused surface, or one that has not already been affected by light. The surface is conditioned in a standard atmosphere of 23 °C and 50 % relative humidity for at least one week before testing, and the conditioning time has to be reported.
Clause 6.2 also requires a substantially flat test surface, taken at least 20 mm from the edge, with a minimum size of 150 mm × 45 mm. The surface is cleaned before exposure.
Masking and specimen handling
Clause 7 requires section 3 to be cut off and kept away from direct light. Section 1 is masked with aluminium foil or stainless steel, fixed from the reverse side and not glued to the exposed face.
This ensures that the control section stays comparable to the exposed section and that the masking itself does not affect the surface.
Exposure time and rating
Clause 7.2 says the exposure is normally stopped after 100 h when the specified irradiation amount is reached. Other exposure times may be agreed between the parties, but they are not for classification and must be reported as a deviation.
Clause 8 says the result is assessed after conditioning, using a daylight-like illuminant and a suitable viewing distance. The surface is rated by one experienced observer, or three observers in a dispute. The assessment uses the grey scale and the resistance to light is expressed in relation to blue wool standard no. 6.
Optional colour measurement
Clause 8 also allows instrumental colour measurement. Plain colours may be measured to ISO 18314-1, and non-plain colours may be measured to ISO/CIE 11664-6, such as CIEDE2000. This gives users a numerical way to support the visual rating.
What terms does ISO/PRF 4211-7 define?
- Test panel - A panel that includes the test surface; it may be cut from the finished item or made separately in the same way.
- Test surface - The part of the test panel that includes both the exposed section and the control sections.
- Reference test method - The humidity-controlled apparatus method used when humidity could affect the result.
- In-company testing - The method using the apparatus without humidity control for internal testing when humidity influence can be excluded.
- Blue wool standard no. 6 - The lightfastness reference used to express the reported resistance to light.
- Grey scale - The visual scale used to judge the colour change between exposed and unexposed sections.
Who uses ISO/PRF 4211-7?
ISO/PRF 4211-7 is used by furniture manufacturers, surface-finish suppliers, testing laboratories, and quality teams. It is relevant when checking whether a finish on a rigid furniture surface can withstand indoor light exposure, when comparing products, and when documenting test results for customers or internal specification control.
Which standards are used with ISO/PRF 4211-7?
The document refers to these standards:
- ISO 105-A02 - provides the grey scale used for visual assessment of colour change.
- ISO 105-B02:2014 - provides the blue wool scale and the xenon-arc light-fasting context behind the reference rating.
- ISO 4892-1 - gives general guidance and requirements for laboratory light exposure apparatus.
- ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021 - specify xenon-arc lamp exposure apparatus and the filter system used here.
- ISO 1065:1991 - is used for determining the cloud point of one cleansing-agent ingredient.
- ISO 18314-1 and ISO/CIE 11664-6 - support optional instrumental colour measurements in Clause 8.
What does the ISO/PRF 4211-7 document contain?
The document contains two apparatus variants, specimen preparation rules, a conditioning step, an exposure procedure, and a visual assessment method. It also includes tables for apparatus conditions, irradiation/time correlation, and the rating of resistance to light.
Figures show how to cut the test surface from a panel and how to arrange the exposed and control sections. Clause 9 gives a detailed test-report checklist, including the apparatus type, exposure method, observer count, rating result, and any deviations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ISO/PRF 4211-7 is a draft published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Furniture — Tests for surface finishes — Part 7: Assessment of resistance to light". This standard covers: This document specifies a method for the assessment of the effects of light in indoor conditions, by exposure to artificial radiation and applies to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of material. It does not apply to finishes on leather and fabrics. The test is intended to be carried out on a part of the finished furniture but can be carried out on test panels of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test. This document describes the most important parameters, such as the colour change when a surface is exposed and specifies the conditions to be used in the exposure apparatus. The light resistance of a surface can be assessed by using two apparatus as specified in Clause 4, one as a reference test method, and the other for in-company testing
This document specifies a method for the assessment of the effects of light in indoor conditions, by exposure to artificial radiation and applies to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of material. It does not apply to finishes on leather and fabrics. The test is intended to be carried out on a part of the finished furniture but can be carried out on test panels of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test. This document describes the most important parameters, such as the colour change when a surface is exposed and specifies the conditions to be used in the exposure apparatus. The light resistance of a surface can be assessed by using two apparatus as specified in Clause 4, one as a reference test method, and the other for in-company testing
ISO/PRF 4211-7 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.140 - Furniture. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO/PRF 4211-7 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
International
Standard
ISO 4211-7
First edition
Furniture — Tests for surface
finishes —
Part 7:
Assessment of resistance to light
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
ISO 4211-7:2026(en) © ISO 2026
ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ii
ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
4.1 General .2
4.2 Choice of methods .2
5 Apparatus and materials . 2
6 Preparation and conditioning . 3
6.1 Storing and conditioning .3
6.2 Test surface .4
7 Procedure . 5
7.1 Preparation of test surface .5
7.2 Test procedure .5
8 Assessment of results . 6
9 Test report . 7
Bibliography . 8
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iii
ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 136, Furniture.
A list of all parts in the ISO 4211 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iv
International Standard ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
Furniture — Tests for surface finishes —
Part 7:
Assessment of resistance to light
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the assessment of the effects of light in indoor conditions, by exposure
to artificial radiation.
This document is applicable to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of material.
It does not apply to finishes on leather and fabrics.
The test is intended to be carried out on a part of the finished furniture, but can be carried out on test panels
of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet
the requirements of the test.
This document describes the most important parameters, such as the colour change when a surface is
exposed and specifies the conditions to be used in the exposure apparatus.
The light resistance of a surface can be assessed by using two apparatus as specified in Clause 4, one as a
reference test method, and the other for in-company testing.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ISO 105-B02: 2014, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc
fading lamp test
ISO 4892-1, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 1: General guidance and
requirements
ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps — Amendment 1: Classification of daylight filters
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
3.1
test panel
panel including the test surface (3.2)
Note 1 to entry: It can be cut from a finished item of furniture or it can be a separate panel produced in the same
manner as the finished item of furniture.
3.2
test surface
part of the test panel including an exposed section as well as the control sections
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
4 Principle
4.1 General
Accelerated exposure to light of furniture surfaces to filtered xenon-arc radiation is carried out in order to
assess the change of contrast and colour. The surface is assessed by comparing the exposed section with the
masked control section or with the separated control section (see Clause 8) from the same test surface.
4.2 Choice of methods
The apparatus specified in 5.1 shall be used as a reference method in cases where the influence of humidity
cannot be excluded.
The apparatus specified in 5.2 can be used for in-company testing in cases where the influence of humidity
can be excluded.
5 Apparatus and materials
The following apparatus and materials shall be used.
5.1 Apparatus with humidity control.
A test device as specified in ISO 4892-1, ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021 with xenon lamp
using window glass filters according to method B in ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021, and
test parameters, as specified in Table 1.
Table
...
Final draft ISO/PRF 4211-7:2026(en)
ISO/TC 136
Secretariat: UNI
Date: 2026-05-2109-11
Furniture — Tests for surface finishes —
Part 7:
Assessment of resistance to light
DIS stagePROOF
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents
Foreword . iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
4.1 General. 2
4.2 Choice of methods . 2
5 Apparatus and materials . 2
6 Preparation and conditioning . 4
6.1 Storing and conditioning . 4
6.2 Test surface . 4
7 Procedure . 6
7.1 Preparation of test surface . 6
7.2 Test procedure . 7
8 Assessment of results . 7
9 Test report . 8
Bibliography . 10
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 136, Furniture.
A list of all parts in the ISO 4211 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Furniture — Tests for surface finishes —
Part 7:
Assessment of resistance to light
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the assessment of the effects of light in indoor conditions, by exposure
to artificial radiation.
This document is applicable to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of material.
It does not apply to finishes on leather and fabrics.
The test is intended to be carried out on a part of the finished furniture, but can be carried out on test panels
of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet
the requirements of the test.
This document describes the most important parameters, such as the colour change when a surface is exposed
and specifies the conditions to be used in the exposure apparatus.
The light resistance of a surface can be assessed by using two apparatus as specified in Clause 4, one as a
reference test method, and the other for in-company testing.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ISO 105-B02:2014, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc
fading lamp test
ISO 4892-1, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 1: General guidance and
requirements
ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps — Amendment 1: Classification of daylight filters
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
test panel
panel including the test surface (3.2)
Note 1 to entry: It can be cut from a finished item of furniture or it can be a separate panel produced in the same manner
as the finished item of furniture.
3.2
test surface
part of the test panel including an exposed section as well as the control sections
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
4 Principle
4.1 General
Accelerated exposure to light of furniture surfaces to filtered xenon-arc radiation is carried out in order to
assess the change of contrast and colour. The surface is assessed by comparing the exposed section with the
masked control section or with the separated control section (see Clause 8) from the same test surface.
4.2 Choice of methods
The apparatus specified in 5.1 shall be used as a reference method in cases where the influence of humidity
cannot be excluded.
The apparatus specified in 5.2 can be used for in-company testing in cases where the influence of humidity
can be excluded.
5 Apparatus and materials
The following apparatus and materials shall be used.
5.1 Apparatus with humidity control.
A test device as specified in ISO 4892-1, ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021 with xenon lamp
using window glass filters according to method B in ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021, and
test parameters, as specified in Table 1.
Table 1 — General conditions for the apparatus with humidity control
Irradiance
Broadband Narrowband Black-standard Chamber Relative
(300 nm to 400 nm) (420 nm) temperature temperature humidity
2 2 a
W/m W/(m × nm) °C °C %
50 ± 2 1,10 ± 0,02 55 ± 3 38 ± 3 50 ± 10
a A black-standard sensor in accordance with ISO 4892-1 shall be used (with insulation on the backside of the black metal sheet).
5.2 Apparatus without humidity control.
A test device as specified in ISO 4892-1, ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021 with xenon lamp
using window glass filters according to method
...







