What is the difference between the colour fastness to rubbing for textiles and leather? What method are we using to test the color fastness to rubbing for footwear materials?
We have received so many inquiries from our customers over this area and let’s have our experts explain.
The most commonly-used test methods
1. Colour fastness to rubbing for textiles
- ISO 105-X12
- GB/T 3920
- AATCC TM8
Also available are ISO 105-X16 and GB/T 29865: colour fastness to rubbing – small areas. This method is specially used for small areas printing or dyeing textiles and rarely used in practice.
2. Colour fastness to rubbing for leather
- ISO 11640
- QB/T 2537
Differences in test methods
1. Concept
The concept for these two materials is the same, the fastness of the dye is checked by reciprocating straight line rubbing motion on the sample surface. But for leather, check the surface for color changes and even record any visible changes or breakage if needed.
2. Testing equipment
The equipment used is different.
A. Testing equipment and parameter for textiles
- Downward force：（9±0.2）N
- Rubbing finger：2 alternative sizes of rubbing fingers. For pile fabrics, including textile floor coverings: rubbing finger rounded measuring 19 mm × 25,4 mm. For other textiles, rubbing finger comprised of a cylinder of (16 ± 0,1) mm diameter.
- Track：（104±3）mm
- Rate：1 cycle per second
- Rubbing material：cotton rubbing cloth
B. Testing equipment and parameter for leather
- Downward force：1000g（normal leather）、500g（suede or similar leather）。
- Area of rubbing material：15 mm×15 mm
- Track：（35 mm～40 mm）
- Rate：（40±2）cycles per minute
- Rubbing material：wool felt
3. Test condition
- Dry rubbing
- Wet rubbing（wet rubbing material）
- Dry rubbing
- Wet rubbing（wet rubbing material）
- Wet（wet sample）
- Perspiration
Colour fastness to rubbing for footwear materials
1. Test standard:
- ISO 17700 Method A
- QB/T 2882 method A
2. Equipment and procedure:
Colour fastness to rubbing for footwear materials is basically the same as leather. Here are some common footwear standards for colour fastness rubbing.
Requirements of colour fastness rubbing：Wet rubbing 50 cycles: ≥2-3 grade
Testing materials：Lining and insole
Requirements of colour fastness rubbing：
- Wet rubbing 10 cycles: ≥3 grade /suede leather≥2 grade
Testing materials：Lining and insole
Requirements of colour fastness rubbing：
- Wet rubbing 10 cycles:
- Wet rubbing 50 cycles: ≥2-3 grade
Testing materials：Lining and insole
Requirements of colour fastness rubbing：
- Web rubbing 50 cycles:
- Suede ≥2 grade
- Fur, artificial fur ≥3 grade
- Other material ≥2-3 grade
Testing materials：Lining and insole
Requirements of colour fastness rubbing：
- ≥3 (grey scale) after 50 cycles with perspiration solution
Testing materials：Lining and insole
PFI has more than 65 years of professional experience in footwear industry. Please feel free to contact us and consult with our experts for more shoe testing technology.
