Overview
EN ISO 105-E16:2007 (ISO 105‑E16:2006) specifies a standardized test method for colour fastness to water spotting on upholstery fabrics. It covers natural, bleached, dyed and printed furniture fabrics and defines how to assess the effect of water droplets on fabric colour and staining. The principle is simple: a controlled volume of warm deionized water is applied under a weighted tube to a specimen, allowed to absorb and dry, then evaluated for colour change and staining.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Assessment of water spotting resistance for all types of upholstery fabrics.
- Principle: Localized water application under defined conditions, followed by visual or instrumental assessment of colour change and staining.
- Reagents: Deionized or distilled water at (50 ± 2) °C (ISO 3696 Grade 3).
- Apparatus: Cylindrical tube and load ring assembly (specified dimensions and combined weight ~1,9 ± 0,1 kg), polyurethane support pad, plastic film, drying rack, and grey scales or spectrophotometer.
- Specimens: Minimum two specimens (typically ≥ 500 mm × 500 mm) representing all colours; conditioned at (23 ± 2) °C, 50 ± 4 % RH (ISO 139).
- Procedure: Pour (35 ± 2) ml of water into the cylinder over 10–20 s; allow absorption (remove excess by suction if >30 min); dry on a rack; repeat on at least two specimens.
- Assessment: Evaluate change in colour using ISO 105‑A02 (grey scale) or ISO 105‑A05 (instrumental). Assess staining with ISO 105‑A03 or ISO 105‑A04. Report worst value or individual colour values as applicable.
- Reporting: Include standard reference, sample identification, date, numerical ratings (grey scale/instrumental), any staining, other appearance changes, and deviations from the procedure.
Applications and users
- Quality control and batch acceptance for furniture manufacturers, upholstery fabric suppliers and textile mills.
- Independent textile test laboratories performing regulatory or product specification testing.
- Product development teams and designers assessing fabric performance against water spotting.
- Procurement/specification authors who require documented colour fastness criteria for upholstery fabrics.
Practical benefits include objective comparison of fabrics, verification of supplier claims, and support for warranty and safety decisions.
Related standards
- ISO 105‑A02, A03, A04, A05 (assessment scales and instrumental methods)
- ISO 105‑E07 (spotting: water - related method)
- ISO 139 (conditioning atmosphere)
- ISO 3696 (water quality for laboratory use)
Keywords: EN ISO 105‑E16:2007, colour fastness, water spotting, upholstery fabrics, textile testing, grey scale, ISO 105.