AATCC TM 104 Color Fastness Test Method Against Water Stains

The “AATCC™ 104 Color Fastness Test Method to Water Stains” standard, published by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Color Experts (AATCC), describes a test method developed to evaluate the resistance of dyed, printed, or otherwise colored textile fabrics to water stains. Even white fabrics can show color changes, such as yellowing. This test method does not determine whether the color change is reversible.

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Color Experts (AATCC) develops standardized test methods widely used in the textile industry to evaluate fabric performance, including color fastness, under various conditions. One such test, described in the AATCC™ 104 standard, assesses how well dyed, printed, or otherwise colored textile fabrics resist color fading when exposed to water stains that simulate real-world scenarios such as raindrops or spills.

The AATCC™ 104 standard evaluates the resistance of colored textiles to water-induced staining. This standard is applicable to a wide range of fabrics, including dyed or printed fabrics. Notably, even white fabrics may show changes such as yellowing under this test. The test method focuses on the initial color change resulting from water contact, but does not determine whether the resulting stains or changes can be removed by washing or other cleaning processes.

This testing method is particularly important for clothing, upholstery, and other textiles where accidental water contact can affect appearance, and it helps manufacturers ensure that products maintain their aesthetic quality during everyday use.

Colorfastness tests are crucial for quality control in textiles. Water stains can cause uneven staining or ringing effects, especially in fabrics treated with certain dyes or finishes. The AATCC™ 104 standard complements other AATCC colorfastness methods, such as:

• AATCC TM 107 Water color fastness test method (includes full immersion)
• AATCC TM 106 Water color fastness test method: marine
• AATCC TM 162 Color fastness test method for water: chlorinated pool

By using standardized methods such as AATCC TM 104, manufacturers, retailers, and testing laboratories can consistently evaluate and compare fabric performance while meeting consumer expectations and regulatory specifications.

In short, the AATCC™ 104 standard is designed for the following purposes:

• To evaluate the resistance of dyed, printed, or otherwise colored textiles to stains and discoloration caused by water droplets.
• To assess whether a fabric changes color after getting wet (for example, by the formation of stains or rings) when it dries.

This testing method does not determine whether color degradation can be remedied once it has occurred; it only measures the initial effects. This is particularly important for fabrics used in environments where they may be exposed to water splashes or moisture, such as outerwear, furniture upholstery, and tablecloths.

This testing method generally includes the following steps:

• Sample preparation: Textile samples (colored fabrics) are prepared according to standard testing laboratory conditions.
• Water staining: A measured amount of distilled or ionized water is placed on the fabric surface (usually with a pipette). A glass rod can be used to help the water come into contact with the fibers.
• Observation and evaluation: After wetting and drying at ambient temperature, the sample is examined for color change or staining around the wet area. The degree of change is typically assessed using a grayscale or instrumental color measurement for color change.

Color fastness testing against water stains is considered important for the following reasons:

• Product quality: Ensures that dyed or printed fabrics retain their visual appearance after exposure to water.
• Buyer specifications: Many buyers require water stain resistance as part of the quality criteria in their contracts or textile product specifications.
• Performance comparison: The results help compare different dyeing systems, finishing processes, or fabric structures.
• Industry standardization: Using a common methodology ensures global consistency in assessments.

The equivalent of this standard is “ISO 105-E07 Textiles - Color fastness tests - Part E07: Color fastness to staining: Water” published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The AATCC TM 104 standard is technically the same in scope as the ISO 105-E07 standard, but the procedures may differ in detail. This international standard specifies a method for determining the color resistance of textiles of all types and forms to water stains. In principle, water droplets are introduced into the sample using a glass rod, and the color change of the fabric is evaluated after 2 minutes and after drying using a gray scale or instrumentally.

In conclusion, the AATCC™ 104 standard is a concise yet fundamental textile testing method that provides an objective measurement of how fabrics visually react to water contact. It supports manufacturers and quality laboratories in evaluating colorfastness performance, helps buyers establish meaningful acceptance criteria, and ensures that textile products meet performance expectations in real-world environments.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "AATCC TM 104 Color Fastness Test Method to Water Stains" standard.