ISO 105-B03-2017 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 105-B03:2017 — Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B03: Colour fastness to weathering: Outdoor exposure. This International Standard specifies a method for determining the resistance of the colour of textiles (except loose fibres) to the action of weather as determined by outdoor exposure.

Abstract

ISO 105-B03:2017 defines procedures for outdoor exposure testing of textile samples to assess colour change caused by natural weathering. The standard includes guidance on specimen mounting, exposure rack orientation and slope, use of reference materials and assessment methods (grey scale and blue wool references), and the recording of climatological data for reporting results.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 2017-10-18 (Edition 5, 2017).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.01 (Textiles in general).
• Edition / version: 5 (2017).
• Number of pages: 7 pages (core ISO document; national/adopted versions may have different pagination).

Scope

This part of ISO 105 specifies a method intended to determine the resistance of the colour of textiles of all kinds, in all forms except loose fibres, to the effects of weather as assessed by outdoor exposure. It covers mounting of specimens, required exposure-rack characteristics and orientation, use of reference standards for rating, recommended measurement and assessment procedures, and reporting of exposure and climatological data.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen preparation and mounting on outdoor exposure racks with specified orientation and slope (face due south in Northern Hemisphere or due north in Southern Hemisphere; slope approximately equal to local latitude).
• Reference (control) racks and optional glass covers to control precipitation while permitting daylight transmission where required.
• Use of ISO 105-A02 grey scale and blue wool reference materials for visual assessment of colour change and fading; instrumental methods (spectrophotometry) may be used where appropriate.
• Recording of climatological and exposure data (ambient temperature, relative humidity, precipitation/wetness hours, total and UV radiant energy) to support result interpretation.
• Recommendation to use multiple replicate exposures (and, if feasible, different seasons or averaged exposures) for reliable assessment of weathering performance.

Typical use and users

Used by textile testing laboratories, manufacturers of fibres, yarns, fabrics and finishes, product designers and quality assurance teams to evaluate sunlight and weather resistance of dyed and finished textiles (awnings, outdoor upholstery, marine fabrics, protective clothing, technical textiles). It is applied in R&D, quality control, specification development, and warranty or durability assessment.

Related standards

ISO 105-B03 is one part of the ISO 105 series (Tests for colour fastness). Related parts include general principles and assessment methods (ISO 105-A01, ISO 105-A02), other weather and light exposure methods (ISO 105-B01, ISO 105-B02, ISO 105-B08), and numerous C/D/E/G/X parts addressing washing, dry cleaning, rubbing, atmospheric impurities and other agents affecting colour fastness. National/adopted versions (e.g., EN/UNE adaptations) exist.

Keywords

colour fastness, weathering, outdoor exposure, textiles, ISO 105, blue wool references, grey scale, exposure rack, climatological data.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 105-B03:2017 is an ISO test method that specifies how to assess the resistance of textile colours to natural weathering by outdoor exposure.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen mounting and exposure, rack orientation and slope, use of reference materials and assessment procedures (visual grey scale and blue wool references, plus instrumental options), and recording of exposure/climate data for reporting colour change after outdoor exposure.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile test laboratories (third‑party and in‑house), textile and dye manufacturers, product designers, QA teams, specifiers and certification bodies use this standard for R&D, quality control and durability evaluations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (Edition 5) is the current ISO version that superseded earlier editions (for example the 1994 edition). Users should check national adoption status and any later confirmations or revisions from ISO; the ISO entry lists the 2017 edition as published and in force.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 105 is a multi‑part series covering many colour‑fastness tests (A, B, C, D, E, G, X, etc. parts). ISO 105-B03 specifically addresses outdoor weathering exposure within that series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: colour fastness, weathering, outdoor exposure, textiles, ISO 105, blue wool, grey scale, exposure rack, climatological recording.