ISO 4211:1979
(Main)Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold liquids
Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold liquids
The specified method applies to surfaces of finished furniture or test panels of the same material and finished in the identical manner as the finished furniture with a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test. The type and number of test liquids and the test periods can be selected from the tables in clause 5 and in the annex. The test results are assessed in terms of a descriptive numerical rating code.
Ameublement — Évaluation de la résistance des surfaces aux liquides froids
Pohištvo - Ugotavljanje odpornosti površine proti hladnim tekočinam
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Aug-1979
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 136 - Furniture
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 136/WG 8 - Furniture surfaces - Methods of test
- Current Stage
- 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
- Start Date
- 04-Apr-2025
- Completion Date
- 13-Dec-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 22-Feb-2025
Overview
ISO 4211:1979 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines a method for assessing the surface resistance of finished furniture to cold liquids. This standard ensures consistent evaluation of how furniture surfaces react to various household and workplace liquids, focusing on durability and maintenance of aesthetic qualities when exposed to potential liquid damage. Applicable to both finished furniture surfaces and test panels made from the same materials and finish, ISO 4211:1979 provides a reliable framework for quality control and product development within the furniture industry.
Key Topics
Scope and Application
ISO 4211:1979 applies to surfaces of finished furniture or matching test panels with adequate size for testing. It covers the use of selected liquids, test durations, and environmental conditions to simulate exposure to everyday cold liquids.Test Liquids
The standard includes a comprehensive list of typical liquids such as:- Distilled water
- Coffee and tea
- Juices (e.g., blackcurrant)
- Cleaning agents and detergents
- Acetone and ethanol
- Oils, disinfectants, and alkalis
Each liquid is prepared or conditioned to maintain consistent test results.
Test Procedure
A liquid-saturated filter paper is placed on the test surface and covered with a glass basin for a specified period varying from immediate removal to several days, mimicking real-life accidental spills. After exposure, the surface is cleaned and inspected for any damage like discoloration, lustre change, blistering, or surface degradation.Assessment and Rating System
Visual inspection is conducted under standardized lighting conditions, and damage is rated numerically from 5 (no visible change) to 1 (severe damage with surface material removal). Multiple observers can rate the test areas to ensure accuracy.Environmental Conditioning
Surfaces must be aged and conditioned at 23 ± 2 °C with 50 ± 5% relative humidity before testing to simulate real ambient conditions.Reporting
Detailed test reports include test conditions, liquid types, durations, results, any deviations from the standard, and conclusions related to compliance with product requirements.
Applications
Furniture Manufacturing Quality Control
Helps manufacturers assess and improve the surface resistance of their products to cold liquid exposure, ensuring long-lasting finishes and customer satisfaction.Material and Finish Development
Assists in the selection and development of coating materials and surface treatments to increase resistance against household liquids such as coffee, juice, and cleaning agents.Product Certification
Enables independent testing bodies to certify furniture surfaces against liquid damage standards to support marketing claims and warranty conditions.Consumer Protection
Guides purchasers and suppliers in setting performance specifications and expectations related to durability of furniture surfaces in real-life use.
Related Standards
ISO 1065 – Detailing methods for determining cloud points of aqueous solutions, referenced for cleansing agent preparation in ISO 4211.
ISO/TC 136 Furniture Standards – Covers various furniture testing protocols including strength, safety, and surface properties.
International Furniture Industry Testing Methods – Other methods complementing liquid resistance assessments including heat resistance, abrasion, and stain resistance.
ISO 4211:1979 is essential for evaluating and assuring the quality and durability of furniture surfaces exposed to common cold liquids. By applying this standard, furniture producers, developers, and quality testers can maintain high standards of product performance and enhance consumer confidence.
ISO 4211:1979 - Furniture -- Assessment of surface resistance to cold liquids
ISO 4211:1979 - Ameublement -- Évaluation de la résistance des surfaces aux liquides froids
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 4211:1979 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold liquids". This standard covers: The specified method applies to surfaces of finished furniture or test panels of the same material and finished in the identical manner as the finished furniture with a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test. The type and number of test liquids and the test periods can be selected from the tables in clause 5 and in the annex. The test results are assessed in terms of a descriptive numerical rating code.
The specified method applies to surfaces of finished furniture or test panels of the same material and finished in the identical manner as the finished furniture with a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test. The type and number of test liquids and the test periods can be selected from the tables in clause 5 and in the annex. The test results are assessed in terms of a descriptive numerical rating code.
ISO 4211:1979 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 4211:1979 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 4211-1:2025. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ISO 4211:1979 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)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-avgust-1995
3RKLãWYR8JRWDYOMDQMHRGSRUQRVWLSRYUãLQHSURWLKODGQLPWHNRþLQDP
Furniture -- Assessment of surface resistance to cold liquids
Ameublement -- Évaluation de la résistance des surfaces aux liquides froids
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 4211:1979
ICS:
97.140 Pohištvo Furniture
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
International Standard
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION.MEWYHAPO~HAF OPrAHM3AL&lf7 fl0 CTAH~APTH3Al&lWORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE NORMALISATION
Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold
liquids
Ameublemen t - Evaluation de Ia ksistance des surfaces aux liquides froids
First edition - 1979-09-01
Ref. No. ISO 4211-1979 (E)
UDC 646.4: 620.193
Descriptors : furnishing, furniture, tests, determination, resistance to domestic products, liquids.
Price based on 4 pages
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of
national Standards institutes (ISO member bodies). The work of developing Interna-
tional Standards is carried out through ISO technical committees. Every member body
interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been set up 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.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to
the member bodies for approval before their acceptance as International Standards by
the ISO Council.
International Standard ISO 4211 was developed by Technical Committee ISO/TC 136,
Furniture, and was circulated to the member bodies in July 1977.
lt has been approved by the member bodies of the following countries :
Australia India Romania
South Africa, Rep. of
Austria Iran
Bulgaria Israel Spain
Czechoslovakia Italy Sweden
United Kingdom
Denmark Japan
France Mexico Y ugoslavia
Germany, F.R. Norway
Hungary Poland
The member body of the following country expressed disapproval sf the document on
technical gro unds
Netherlands
0 International Organkation for Standardkation, 1979
Printed in Switzerland
ISO 4211-1979 (E)
INTERNATIONALSTANDARD
Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold
liquids
‘l Scope and field of application
3.6 Diffuse light Source, providing evenly diffused light
giving an illumination on the test area between 1 000 and
This International Standard specifies a method of assessment 5 000 IX. This may either be diffused daylight or be diffused
of surface resistance to cold liquids and relates to the surfaces
artificial lig ht.
of finished furniture. lt tan also be applied to test Panels with a
size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test and of the NOTE - The daylight should be unaffected by surrounding trees,
same material and finished in the identical manner as the buildings, etc. When artificial light is used, it is recommended that it
should have a correlated colour temperature of 5 000 to 6 550 K and an
finished furniture.
R, greater than 92.
The type and number of test liquids and the test periods
(selected from the table in clause 5) shall be stated in require-
3.7 Direct light Source : 60 W frosted bulb so screened
ment specifications or shall be agreed upon between purchaser
that light reaches the test area only from the bulb and that the
and supplier.
bulb is not in direct view of the tester. The angle between the
horizontal and a line between the bulb and the area under
A selection of suitable test liquids is given in the annex, but
examination shall be 30 to 60°.
others may be used, if necessary.
NOTE - One suitable way to perform this test is to use a viewing
~uhinet as shown in figure 1.
2 Principle
3.8 Test liquid, temperature 23 & 2 OC.
Application of a liquid to a surface by means of saturated
Paper, covered by a glass basin. After a specified period of
3.9 Deionized or distilled water, temperature 23 + 2 OC.
time, removal of the Paper, washing and drying of the surface
and examination for darnage (discoloration, Change in lustre,
3.10 Cleansing Solution containing 15 ml/l of the cleansing
blistering, etc.). Assessment of the test results in terms of a
agent (3.11) in water (3.9). This Solution shall be freshly
descriptive numerical rating Code.
prepared on each occasion.
3.11 Cleansing agent, of the following composition :
3. Equipment and products
- 12,5 % (mlm) of a sodium primary (CIO - C14) alkyl
aryl sulphonate;
3.1 Discs, diameter approximately 25 mm, of filter Paper .
with a grammage of 400 to 500 g/m2.
- 12,5 % (mlm) polyethoxylated derivatives of primary
or secondary (Cs - C16) alcohols with 5 to 15 ethoxylated
3.2 Glass basins with ground edges and without lips,
groups having a cloud Point of 25 to 75 OC in 1 % (mlm)
external diameter approximately 40 mm, height approximately
aqueous Solution (determination of cloud Point is described
25 mm.
in ISO 1065);
- 5,0 % (mlm) ethanol;
3.3 Tweezers.
- 70 % (mlm) water (3.9).
3.4 Filter Paper.
The cleansing agent shall be stored in a glass bottle in a cool,
dark place and should be used within 1 year of the day of
preparation.
3.5 Soft, absorbent cloths.
ISO 4214-1979 (E)
6.3 After the test period, remove the basin and lift off the
4 Preparation and csnditisning sf test units
Paper with the tweezers. DO not remove fibres of Paper
Unless otherwise agreed, the unit shall be allowed to age and adhering to the test area. Soak up any remaining test liquid
shall then be conditioned. with the dry filter Paper (3.4) without rubbing and leave the test
surface undisturbed for 16 to 24 h in the test atmosphere
without covering it. The test area shall be sufficiently protected
For ageing, the unit shall be stored at a temperature not less
than 15 OC with free access of air. Ageing including condition- against dust without limiting in any way the free access of air.
ing before test shall not be less than four weeks.
6.4 After the 16 to 24 h, wash the test surface by lightly
Conditioning should begin one week before testing
...
International Standard
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION.MEWYHAPO~HAF OPrAHM3AL&lf7 fl0 CTAH~APTH3Al&lWORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE NORMALISATION
Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold
liquids
Ameublemen t - Evaluation de Ia ksistance des surfaces aux liquides froids
First edition - 1979-09-01
Ref. No. ISO 4211-1979 (E)
UDC 646.4: 620.193
Descriptors : furnishing, furniture, tests, determination, resistance to domestic products, liquids.
Price based on 4 pages
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of
national Standards institutes (ISO member bodies). The work of developing Interna-
tional Standards is carried out through ISO technical committees. Every member body
interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been set up 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.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to
the member bodies for approval before their acceptance as International Standards by
the ISO Council.
International Standard ISO 4211 was developed by Technical Committee ISO/TC 136,
Furniture, and was circulated to the member bodies in July 1977.
lt has been approved by the member bodies of the following countries :
Australia India Romania
South Africa, Rep. of
Austria Iran
Bulgaria Israel Spain
Czechoslovakia Italy Sweden
United Kingdom
Denmark Japan
France Mexico Y ugoslavia
Germany, F.R. Norway
Hungary Poland
The member body of the following country expressed disapproval sf the document on
technical gro unds
Netherlands
0 International Organkation for Standardkation, 1979
Printed in Switzerland
ISO 4211-1979 (E)
INTERNATIONALSTANDARD
Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold
liquids
‘l Scope and field of application
3.6 Diffuse light Source, providing evenly diffused light
giving an illumination on the test area between 1 000 and
This International Standard specifies a method of assessment 5 000 IX. This may either be diffused daylight or be diffused
of surface resistance to cold liquids and relates to the surfaces
artificial lig ht.
of finished furniture. lt tan also be applied to test Panels with a
size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test and of the NOTE - The daylight should be unaffected by surrounding trees,
same material and finished in the identical manner as the buildings, etc. When artificial light is used, it is recommended that it
should have a correlated colour temperature of 5 000 to 6 550 K and an
finished furniture.
R, greater than 92.
The type and number of test liquids and the test periods
(selected from the table in clause 5) shall be stated in require-
3.7 Direct light Source : 60 W frosted bulb so screened
ment specifications or shall be agreed upon between purchaser
that light reaches the test area only from the bulb and that the
and supplier.
bulb is not in direct view of the tester. The angle between the
horizontal and a line between the bulb and the area under
A selection of suitable test liquids is given in the annex, but
examination shall be 30 to 60°.
others may be used, if necessary.
NOTE - One suitable way to perform this test is to use a viewing
~uhinet as shown in figure 1.
2 Principle
3.8 Test liquid, temperature 23 & 2 OC.
Application of a liquid to a surface by means of saturated
Paper, covered by a glass basin. After a specified period of
3.9 Deionized or distilled water, temperature 23 + 2 OC.
time, removal of the Paper, washing and drying of the surface
and examination for darnage (discoloration, Change in lustre,
3.10 Cleansing Solution containing 15 ml/l of the cleansing
blistering, etc.). Assessment of the test results in terms of a
agent (3.11) in water (3.9). This Solution shall be freshly
descriptive numerical rating Code.
prepared on each occasion.
3.11 Cleansing agent, of the following composition :
3. Equipment and products
- 12,5 % (mlm) of a sodium primary (CIO - C14) alkyl
aryl sulphonate;
3.1 Discs, diameter approximately 25 mm, of filter Paper .
with a grammage of 400 to 500 g/m2.
- 12,5 % (mlm) polyethoxylated derivatives of primary
or secondary (Cs - C16) alcohols with 5 to 15 ethoxylated
3.2 Glass basins with ground edges and without lips,
groups having a cloud Point of 25 to 75 OC in 1 % (mlm)
external diameter approximately 40 mm, height approximately
aqueous Solution (determination of cloud Point is described
25 mm.
in ISO 1065);
- 5,0 % (mlm) ethanol;
3.3 Tweezers.
- 70 % (mlm) water (3.9).
3.4 Filter Paper.
The cleansing agent shall be stored in a glass bottle in a cool,
dark place and should be used within 1 year of the day of
preparation.
3.5 Soft, absorbent cloths.
ISO 4214-1979 (E)
6.3 After the test period, remove the basin and lift off the
4 Preparation and csnditisning sf test units
Paper with the tweezers. DO not remove fibres of Paper
Unless otherwise agreed, the unit shall be allowed to age and adhering to the test area. Soak up any remaining test liquid
shall then be conditioned. with the dry filter Paper (3.4) without rubbing and leave the test
surface undisturbed for 16 to 24 h in the test atmosphere
without covering it. The test area shall be sufficiently protected
For ageing, the unit shall be stored at a temperature not less
than 15 OC with free access of air. Ageing including condition- against dust without limiting in any way the free access of air.
ing before test shall not be less than four weeks.
6.4 After the 16 to 24 h, wash the test surface by lightly
Conditioning should begin one week before testing and should
rubbing it with the absorbent cloth (3.5) soaked first in
be carried out in air at a temperature of 23 + 2 OC and relative
cleansing Solution (3.10) and then only water (3.9). Finally wipe
humidity of 50 & 5 %.
the sur-face carefully with a dry cloth (3.5).
The test surface shall be substantially flat and of a size suffi-
At the same time, wash and dry one Point (reference area) on
cient to meet
...
Norme internationale
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATIONWVIEM~YHAPO~HAR OPrAHM3A~MR l-l0 CTAH~APTM3AlJMM.ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE NORMALISATION
Évaluation de la résistance des surfaces
Ameublement -
aux liquides froids
Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to cold fiquids
Première édition - 1979-09-01
CDU 645.4: 620.193 Réf. no : ISO 4211-1979 (F)
: ameublement, mobilier, essai, détermination, résistance aux produits domestiques, liquide.
Descripteurs
Prix basé sur 4 pages
Avant-propos
L’ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale
d’organismes nationaux de normalisation (comités membres de I’ISO). L’élaboration
des Normes internationales est confiée aux comités techniques de I’ISO. Chaque
comité membre intéressé par une étude a le droit de faire partie du comite technique
correspondant. Les organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non gouverne-
mentales, en liaison avec I’ISO, participent également aux travaux.
Les projets de Normes internationales adoptés par les comités techniques sont soumis
aux comités membres pour approbation, avant leur acceptation comme Normes inter-
nationales par le Conseil de I’ISO.
La Norme internationale ISO 4211 a été élaborée par le comité technique ISO/TC 136,
Ameub/ement, et a été soumise aux comités membres en juillet 1977.
Les comités membres des pays suivants l’ont approuvée :
Afrique du Sud, Rép. d’ Hongrie Pologne
Allemagne, R. F. Inde Roumanie
Australie Iran Royaume-Uni
Autriche Israël Suéde
Bulgarie Italie Tchécoslovaquie
Danemark Japon Yougoslavie
Espagne Mexique
France
Norvège
Le comité membre du pays suivant l’a désapprouvée pour des raisons techniques :
Pays-Bas
0 Organisation internationale de normalisation, 1979
Imprimé en Suisse
NORME INTERNATIONALE ISO 42114979 (F)
- Évaluation de la résistance des surfaces
Ameublement
aux liquides froids
3.6 Source de lumière diffuse, fournissant un éclairage
1 Objet et domaine d’application
indirect donnant sur la surface d’essai un éclairement compris
La présente Norme internationale spécifie une méthode d’éva- entre 1 000 et 5 000 lx. Ce peut être soit la lumière du jour
diffuse, soit une lumière artificielle diffuse.
luation de la résistance des surfaces aux liquides froids et
s’applique aux surfaces des meubles finis. Elle peut également
s’appliquer à des panneaux d’essai de dimensions suffisantes NOTE - La lumière du jour ne devrait pas être altérée par des arbres du
voisinage, des bâtiments, etc. Si l’on emploie la lumière artificielle, il
pour remplir les conditions de l’essai, constitués du même
est recommandé d’avoir une température de couleur appropriée de
matériau et ayant subi la même finition que les meubles finis.
5OOOà6550 Ketune R, > 92.
Le type et le nombre des liquides d’essai ainsi que les durées
d’essai (à choisir dans le tableau du chapitre 5) doivent être 3.7 Source de lumière directe, consistant en une lampe
fixés dans les spécifications ou faire l’objet d’un accord entre
dépolie de 60 W tamisée de telle manière que seule la lumière
l’acheteur et le fournisseur. provenant directement de l’ampoule atteigne la surface d’essai
et que l’opérateur ne soit pas directement ébloui. L’angle formé
Une sélection de liquides d’essai appropriés est donnée en par l’horizontale et une ligne allant de l’ampoule au point
annexe, mais d’autres liquides peuvent être employés, si examiné doit être de 30 à 60 O.
nécessaire.
NOTE - Cet essai peut être réalisé de maniére appropriée en utilisant
un dispositif adéquat tel que celui représennté à la figure 1.
2 Principe 3.8 Liquide d’essai, de température 23 + 2 OC.
Application d’un liquide sur une surface au moyen d’un papier
3.9 Eau déionisée ou distillée, de température 23 + 2 OC.
saturé recouvert d’une coupelle en verre. Après une durée spé-
cifiée, enlèvement du papier, lavage et séchage de la surface,
3.10 Lessive contenant 15 m/l du détergent (3.11) dans
puis examen de celle-ci en vue de déterminer si elle a subi des
l’eau (3.9). La lessive doit être préparée à l’occasion de chaque
dommages (décoloration, changement dans le lustre,
essai.
claquage, etc.). Expression des résultats d’essai sous forme
d’un code numérique de résistance.
3.11 Détergent, de composition suivante :
- 12,5 % (mlm) d’alkylarène sulfonate de sodium
primaire (CIo - CI,);
3 Appareillage et produits
- 12,5 % (mlm) de dérivés polyéthoxylés d’alcools
3.1 Disques, de diamètre 25 mm environ, de papier
primaires ou secondaires KS - C16) comportant 5 à 15
filtre de grammage 400 à 500 g/m* environ.
groupes oxyéthylène et dont la température de trouble est
de 25 à 75 OC en solution aqueuse à 1 % (mlm) (la détermi-
nation du point de trouble est décrite dans I’ISO 1065);
3.2 Coupelles en verre, à bords meulés et sans rebord, de
diamètre extérieur approximatif 40 mm et de hauteur extérieure
- 5,0 % Mm) d’éthanol;
25 mm environ.
- 70 % (mlm) d’eau (3.9).
3.3 Pinces brucelles.
3.4 Papier filtre.
L’agent détergent doit être conservé dans une bouteille en
verre, en un lieu frais et sombre, et doit être utilisé dans l’année
qui suit le jour de sa préparation.
3.5 Chiffon doux absorbant.
ISO 4211-1979 (F)
4 Préparation et conditionnement des 6.2 Immerger un disque de papier (3.1) dans le liquide d’essai
éléments soumis à l’essai (3.8) durant 30 s, puis le prendre avec les pinces brucelles (3.3)
et l’égoutter sur le rebord du récipient. Le placer ensuite sur la
puis le
Sauf accord contraire, on doit laisser r I ‘élément zone d’essai et recouvrir immédiatement d’une coupelle en
conditionner pour l’essai. verre (3.2) renversée.
Pour le vieillissement, l’élément doit être conservé à l’air libre
6.3 Après la durée d’essai, enlever la coupelle et soulever le
à une température au moins égale à 15 OC. Le vieillissement et
papier avec les pinces brucelles. Ne pas retirer les fibres de
le conditionnement ne doivent pas être inférieurs à quatre
papier adhérant à la surface d’essai. Absorber tout liquide
semaines.
d’essai restant à l’aide du papier filtre (3.4) sec, sans frotter, et
laisser la surface d’essai au repos durant 16 à 24 h dans I’atmos-
Le conditionnement doit commencer une semaine avant l’essai
phére d’essai, sans être couverte. La zone d’essai doit être suf-
et doit être réalisé dans un air dont la température est de
fisamment protégée contre la poussière, sans gêner d’une quel-
23 + 2 OC et l’humidité relative de 50 & 5 %.
conque maniére la libre circulation de l’air.
La surface d’essai doit être plate et de taille suffisante pour
6.4 Après cette période de 16 à 24 h, laver la surface d’essai
répondre aux spécifications du chapitre 6 concernant la sépara-
en la frottant légèrement avec le chiffon absorbant (3.51,
tion des surfaces des disques de papier filtre.
trempé au préalable dans la lessive (3.10) puis ensuite unique-
ment dans l’eau (3.9). Es
...


















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