Rubbing Fastness
Rubbing fastness is a dye fastness measure that indicates how resistant a textile is to color transfer to other items, or to the textile itself changing color, when its surface is rubbed with a dry or wet cloth.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Rubbing fastness is a quality item that checks how difficult it is for dyes, pigments, and other colors to transfer during wear. In general, the textile is rubbed with a white test cloth, and the degree of staining on the white cloth and the color change of the sample are evaluated.
Results may differ between rubbing in a dry state and rubbing in a wet state, such as when sweat or rain is assumed. In particular, wet rubbing fastness is checked carefully for dark-colored items and depending on the dyeing method.
Features and Impact on Appearance
If a textile does not have sufficient rubbing fastness, there is a risk of color transfer through contact with bags, shoes, belts, chairs, and similar items. If it stains light-colored clothing, linings, or furniture, it affects the product’s appearance and feel in use.
For dark colors, vivid colors, brushed surfaces, and expressions that use pigments on the surface, the risk of color transfer is considered individually. On the other hand, rubbing fastness is not an item that directly indicates softness, luster, thickness, or shrinkage.
Main Applications and Inspection Situations
It is important for items that are likely to come into contact with other clothing and belongings, such as denim, pants, skirts, jackets, coats, and bags. For spring and summer garments that are prone to sweating, outerwear worn in rainy weather, and sportswear or uniforms, checking including wet conditions is useful.
During planning, check not only the color of the textile sample, but also the dry and wet test results, the wearing conditions of the target product, and the colors of the linings and accessories used together. Even with the same color name, performance may differ depending on the dye lot and finishing.
Selection and Handling Precautions
The required standard differs depending on the application, color, and quality requirements of the sales destination. When selecting a textile, check rubbing fastness separately from washing fastness, perspiration fastness, and light fastness, and evaluate the product in its final form if necessary.
Even during sewing, pressure feet, feed dogs, pressing, and friction between layered textiles can cause fading or color transfer on the surface. During cutting, sewing, and inspection, avoid contact with light-colored textiles, and confirm process suitability with prototypes.
Rubbing fastness does not indicate shrinkage itself. However, if the surface condition changes due to washing, product washing, or finishing such as brushing, the tendency for color transfer during rubbing may also change. It is important to check the textile or product after final finishing.
Differences from Similar Terms
Fastness is a general term for resistance to color change and color transfer. Rubbing fastness is an evaluation limited to rubbing, and does not represent resistance to other conditions such as washing, perspiration, or light.
Washing fastness looks at color change, fading, and staining on other textiles during washing. Perspiration fastness looks at resistance to sweat liquid, and light fastness looks at resistance to fading caused by light. Depending on the wearing environment, multiple fastness items are evaluated together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems occur if rubbing fastness is low?
When the textile is rubbed during wear or carrying, color may transfer to white or other light-colored clothing, bags, sofas, and similar items. Color transfer may be more likely when wet, so test results in wet conditions should also be checked, not just in dry conditions.
Are rubbing fastness and washing fastness the same?
No. Rubbing fastness is an item that looks at color transfer caused by rubbing during wear, while washing fastness is an item that looks at color change, fading, and staining during washing. Even if a textile is resistant to washing, it does not necessarily mean there will be little color transfer when rubbed.
What should be checked for dark-colored textiles?
For dark-colored textiles, check dry and wet rubbing fastness separately. Also assume contact with white or light-colored linings and accessories, contact with bags and shoes, and the condition after product washing, and evaluate prototypes and products after final finishing.
