ISO 105-A02-1993 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 105-A02:1993 — Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour. This part of ISO 105 specifies the grey scale (essential and augmented) used to assess change in colour of textiles resulting from colour‑fastness tests; it includes a precise colourimetric specification for the scale so working standards can be checked against a permanent record.

Abstract

Defines the grey scale for determining change in colour in textile colour‑fastness testing. The standard describes an essential 5‑step scale formed by pairs of non‑glossy grey chips (or grey cloth swatches) and an augmented scale with four half‑steps (9 steps total). It also gives a colorimetric specification so newly prepared working standards and existing standards can be compared.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard); last reviewed and confirmed in 2025.
• Publication date: 1993 (Edition 4, approved 26 August 1993; commonly cited as September 1993).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 59.080.01 (Textiles in general).
• Edition / version: Edition 4 (1993).
• Number of pages: 2.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details (status, edition, page count and confirmation) are recorded on the ISO bibliographic record and by national distributors.

Scope

Specifies the grey scale and its use for assessing change in colour of textile samples after colour‑fastness tests. The standard provides both the physical/visual forms (pairs of grey chips or swatches) and an exact colorimetric reference so that working standards can be verified and differences in assessment reduced between laboratories. It is intended to be used together with the various test methods in the ISO 105 series.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and construction of the essential 5‑step grey scale (pairs of non‑glossy grey chips or swatches).
• Specification of an augmented grey scale with four half‑steps (9 steps total) for finer discrimination.
• Colorimetric values for each grey step to serve as a permanent reference for verification of working standards.
• Guidance on using the grey scale to assess change in colour in conjunction with ISO 105 test methods.
• References to corrigenda that correct or clarify the original text (technical corrigenda published after 1993).

Typical use and users

Used by textile test laboratories, quality‑control departments in textile and dye manufacturing, independent testing bodies, standards committees, and research institutions to assess and report change in colour after exposure to washing, light, rubbing and other conditions. It is applied whenever a standardised visual/colourimetric assessment of change in colour is required.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 105 series (Textiles — Tests for colour fastness). ISO 105‑A02 is referenced by many other parts of ISO 105 that evaluate specific exposures (washing, light, rubbing, etc.). Technical corrigenda for A02 were published (Cor 1:1997 — French version; Cor 2:2005). The ISO 105 family and related parts are maintained by ISO/TC 38/SC 1.

Keywords

grey scale; colour fastness; colour change assessment; textile testing; ISO 105; colourimetric reference; grey chips; working standards.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 105‑A02:1993 is an ISO international standard that specifies the grey scale used to assess change in colour of textiles in colour‑fastness testing.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the construction and use of the essential 5‑step grey scale and an augmented 9‑step scale, and provides colorimetric reference values so laboratories can verify working standards and make consistent visual assessments of colour change.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Textile testing and quality‑control laboratories, dye and textile manufacturers, certification bodies, and standards committees use the grey scale when reporting colour‑change results from ISO 105 tests.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1993 edition is Edition 4 and remains the published text for ISO 105‑A02; it has been subject to technical corrigenda (1997 and 2005) and was reviewed/confirmed in its lifecycle records. Users should check national bodies or ISO for the latest confirmation or any newer revisions before citing compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 105‑A02 is one part of the larger ISO 105 series (Tests for colour fastness) which contains many parts covering specific exposures and assessment methods; ISO/TC 38/SC 1 is the responsible committee.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Grey scale, colour change, colour fastness, textile testing, ISO 105, colourimetric specification.