Toyota TSH 1513G Paint Film Fading Feature - Rubbing Fastness

The standard “Toyota TSH 1513G Paint film fading property - Rubbing fastness” developed by Toyota vehicle company describes the procedure for testing the fading property of paint film of vehicle coatings against rubbing.

The ability to resist fading is a valuable property of most paint materials and therefore there is a demand for improved methods to measure the fading process. Two of the important evidences of fading of paints, namely color change and gloss change, are rapidly detected by photoelectric methods developed in the last few years. In this context, photoelectric measurements of color change and photoelectric measurements of specular gloss change are applied to follow the fading of paint samples exposed both to external weather conditions and to treatments designed to wear the samples at an accelerated rate. With these measurements it is possible to compare numerically the rates of artificial and natural fading of paints.

For car owners, the visual appeal of their vehicles is of utmost importance. A well-maintained and shiny paint job will only enhance the aesthetics of a vehicle. However, over time, vehicle paint can lose its vibrancy and show signs of fading, which can be an annoying problem.

Modern automotive paint systems usually consist of several layers, each serving a specific purpose. The primer is the first layer that bonds to the vehicle's metal surface, providing corrosion protection and improving paint adhesion. The base coat contains the color pigment that gives the vehicle its distinctive color. The clear coat is the top layer that acts as a protective shield for the base coat, providing gloss and durability.

One of the biggest contributors to fading of vehicle paint is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunlight contains harmful UV rays that break down chemical bonds in paint, causing discoloration and loss of gloss. UV radiation also promotes oxidation, causing paint to appear dull over time.

Oxidation occurs when oxygen molecules interact with the paint surface, causing a chemical reaction that leads to discoloration. This process is particularly problematic for older cars or those that are not regularly waxed and maintained.

In short, the number one cause of paint fading is oxidation from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays cause heat to build up beneath the clear coat, which mixes with oxygen. This causes the molecular breakdown of the paint’s structure. In the early stages of oxidation, the color begins to fade and lose its visibly vibrant appearance. As the damage progresses, the surface of the paint may feel rough or dusty. Then, the clear coat begins to flake off. If the metal beneath the paint is exposed, there is a risk of rust, which can compromise the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, various environmental factors can accelerate the fading of vehicle paint. For example, airborne pollutants such as industrial waste, acid rain and road debris can adhere to the surface of the vehicle and contribute to the deterioration of the paint. Harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, rain and snow can erode the protective transparent layer of the paint. In addition, tree sap, bird droppings and insect residue can cause local damage to the paint and lead to fading if not cleaned immediately.

Salt is very corrosive, especially if left on paint for long periods of time. The sun's UV rays can heat up the salt crystals, which can erode paint and fade the color. Salt can also cause rust. Even unburned fuel from a vehicle's exhaust can damage paint. Carbon particles are often hard, which can cause them to bond to the clear coat and expose the paint.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the standard “Toyota TSH 1508G Paint Film Resistance to Volatile Solvents” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.