Sea Defence water fastness

Fastness to Sea Water
Fastness to Sea Water

Seawater fastness tests are performed to determine the durability of the colors of the printed and dyed fabrics to be used in the sea and to remain in the seawater. These tests are carried out in accordance with the methods that determine the water fastness of the colors. Here, however, the fabric sample is soaked with a solution of sodium chloride (salt) instead of distilled water and held under a certain pressure at 20 degrees 16 hours or 37 degrees 4 hours. To evaluate the results of the test, the gray scale used in the fading assessment is used to determine the color change (TS 423-2 EN 20105-A02 Textile - Methods for determining color fastness - Section A02 - Using the gray scale for the evaluation of fading).

Seawater fastness is particularly important for fabric types used in making swimwear and similar garments. With these tests, it is checked whether the fabric is produced in accordance with the place of use as desired.

The fastness of seawater made to determine whether the colors of printed or dyed textile products that will remain in seawater are resistant to seawater effect is determined in accordance with the following standards:

  • TS EN ISO 105-E02 Textiles - Color fastness tests - Part E02: Color fastness to sea water
  • AATCC 106 Color fastness to water: Sea water

These tests measure the resistance of dyes on printed or dyed textile products to sea water. Sea water can take the color of the fabric. The fabric will fade due to loss of color. Color discoloration may be due to the removal of dyes from the fibers or a change in the structure of the dyes molecule. Sea water fastness is also revealed by the evaluations made in the authorized laboratories.