Colorfastness Level
Standardized evaluation of textile color change or transfer under stress relies on a five-point numerical rating system. A rating of 3 signifies a moderate level of color alteration or staining on adjacent test materials.
Visual Discrepancy
Spectrophotometric measurements of color differences on the grey scale define the precise limits of textile durability. When evaluation yields a rating of 3, the difference in color or the degree of dye transfer is easily observed by a trained technician without magnification. This visual change corresponds to a specific delta E value on the color scale, depending on the test method employed.
Acceptability Threshold
Quality assurance protocols for retail apparel establish the minimum tolerance levels for fabric performance in wash or rub tests. While high-end fashion brands require a minimum of 4, many mass-market apparel programs accept a rating of 3 for difficult shades such as deep reds or dark turquoises on synthetic fabrics. This tiering allows mills to balance cost and dye performance.
Production Impact
Process adjustment in the dye house becomes necessary when laboratory test results fall below the agreed performance brackets. A rating of 3 instead of a required 4 demands a change in the dye formulation, the addition of a fixing agent or a prolonged washing-off cycle to remove unfixed dyes. These corrective actions increase water consumption and cycle times during fabric finishing, which directly influences the overall cost of wet processing.
