Colorfastness to rubbing (crocking)

Color Fastness to Rubbing Testing as per ISO 105-X12 | Laboratory Analysis by METS Laboratories

Introduction

Color fastness to rubbing is one of the most important quality parameters in the textile industry. During normal use, fabrics are subjected to friction against skin, clothing, upholstery, and other materials. Poor rubbing fastness can result in color transfer, staining, and customer complaints.

ISO 105-X12 is the internationally recognized standard used to evaluate the resistance of textile colors to rubbing and color transfer under controlled laboratory conditions. Professional laboratories such as METS Laboratories perform ISO 105-X12 testing to help manufacturers ensure product quality, comply with international requirements, and meet buyer specifications.

Laboratory Color Fastness to Rubbing Testing

What is ISO 105-X12?

Textiles — Tests for Colour Fastness — Part X12: Colour Fastness to Rubbing

The standard specifies a method for determining the amount of color transferred from the surface of a colored textile to another surface by rubbing.

The test evaluates:

1. Dry rubbing fastness 
2. Wet rubbing fastness 
3. Color transfer to adjacent materials 
4. Surface dye stability 

This testing is widely used for:

1. Apparel textiles 
2. Denim fabrics 
3. Sportswear 
4. Home textiles 
5. Upholstery fabrics 
6. Workwear 
7. Technical textiles 

Importance of Color Fastness to Rubbing Testing

ISO 105-X12 testing helps manufacturers:

1. Prevent color transfer during use 
2. Improve customer satisfaction 
3. Meet retailer quality requirements 
4. Support export compliance 
5. Reduce product complaints and returns 
6. Maintain brand reputation 

Many international buyers require rubbing fastness testing before product approval.

Principle of the Test

A white cotton rubbing cloth is rubbed against the textile specimen under controlled pressure and movement.

The test is performed under two conditions:

1. Dry Rubbing 
2. Wet Rubbing 

After rubbing, the staining on the white rubbing cloth is evaluated using standardized grey scales.

Test Equipment – Crock meter

The primary equipment used is a Crockmeter, which provides:

1. Controlled rubbing pressure 
2. Standard rubbing distance 
3. Consistent rubbing speed 
4. Repeatable testing conditions 

The instrument ensures reliable and reproducible results.
 

Test Procedure

Sample Preparation

1. Fabric specimens are conditioned under standard laboratory conditions. 
2. White cotton rubbing cloths are prepared according to the standard. 

Dry Rubbing Test

1. The dry rubbing cloth is attached to the rubbing finger. 
2. The specimen is rubbed for the specified number of cycles. 
3. The rubbing cloth is removed for evaluation. 

Wet Rubbing Test

1. The rubbing cloth is wetted to the required moisture content. 
2. The rubbing procedure is repeated under identical conditions. 
3. The cloth is dried before assessment. 

Evaluation of Results

After testing, laboratory experts assess:

1. Degree of staining on the rubbing cloth 
2. Color transfer from the specimen 
3. Difference between dry and wet rubbing performance 

Evaluation methods include:

1. Grey scale for staining 
2. Visual assessment under controlled lighting 
3. Instrumental color measurement (when required) 

Grey Scale Ratings

Results are typically rated using a grey scale from:

Higher ratings indicate better rubbing fastness.

Common Causes of Poor Rubbing Fastness

Several factors can reduce rubbing fastness performance:

1. Excess unfixed dyes on the fabric surface 
2. Poor dye fixation 
3. Inadequate washing after dyeing  
4. High surface pigment concentration 
5. Improper finishing treatments 
6. Certain dark shades, especially black, navy, and red colors 

Proper dyeing and after-treatment processes significantly improve rubbing fastness.

Applications of Rubbing Fastness Testing

ISO 105-X12 testing is commonly specified for:

1. Denim garments 
2. Fashion apparel 
3. Children's clothing 
4. Sportswear 
5. Uniforms 
6. Upholstery fabrics 
7. Automotive textiles 

Dark-colored fabrics often require special attention due to their higher risk of color transfer.

Benefits of ISO 105-X12 Testing

Manufacturers benefit from rubbing fastness testing by:

1. Improving product quality 
2. Reducing customer complaints 
3. Meeting retailer specifications  
4. Supporting quality assurance programs 
5. Demonstrating compliance with international standards 
6. Enhancing consumer confidence 

Conclusion

ISO 105-X12 is one of the most widely used textile testing standards for evaluating color fastness to rubbing. Reliable testing helps manufacturers prevent color transfer issues, improve product durability, and comply with international buyer requirements.

Professional laboratories such as METS Laboratories use calibrated Crockmeters, standardized procedures, and experienced technical specialists to provide accurate and dependable rubbing fastness testing services.

As quality expectations continue to increase in the global textile industry, color fastness to rubbing testing remains an essential component of textile quality assurance and performance evaluation programs.