what is color fastness to rubbing?

Rub resistance color fastness is the ability of a dyed fabric to maintain its color without fading when rubbed or worn. It is an indicator for assessing the color fastness of fabrics and is commonly used in the production and quality control of products such as clothing, home textiles and automotive interiors.

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Rubbing fastness testing is typically performed using standardized test methods and equipment such as the Martindale and Wyzenbeek testers. In the test, a set test fabric is placed on the test machine and a standardized rubbing head is used to apply a certain amount of friction or abrasion to the surface of the fabric. A standardized evaluation method is then used to measure the color fastness and the fabric's color fastness rating is evaluated based on the test results.


The rubbing fastness rating is usually from 1 to 5 or from 1 to 8, where 1 indicates the worst color fastness and 8 indicates the best color fastness. The higher the grade, the less likely it is that the fabric color will fade when rubbed or worn, and therefore has better durability and quality.


The results of the rub resistance color fastness test are very important for the use and maintenance of fabrics. For example, when selecting clothing, rubbing fastness can help consumers choose products that are more durable and whose colors are less likely to fade. In products such as home textiles and automotive interiors, rubbing fastness assessment can ensure that products remain beautiful and durable during use.