All about lightfastness of fabrics: what you need to know

When choosing fabrics for furniture, curtains, or clothing, lightfastness is an important factor that's often overlooked. But what exactly does lightfastness mean, and why is it so important? In this comprehensive blog post, we explain what lightfastness is, how it's measured, and why it plays a crucial role in choosing high-quality fabrics.

What is lightfastness?

Lightfastness is the degree to which a fabric resists fading due to exposure to (sun)light. When fabrics are exposed to excessive sunlight, their color can fade over time. Fabrics with high lightfastness retain their color and appearance longer than fabrics with low lightfastness.

How is lightfastness measured?

The lightfastness of fabrics is measured according to an international standard and expressed on a scale of 1 to 8 :

• 1 = Very poor (rapid discoloration)
• 2 = Bad
• 3 = Moderate
• 4 = Fairly good
• 5 = Good
• 6 = Very good
• 7 = Excellent
• 8 = Exceptional (almost no discoloration)

During the test, the fabric is exposed to artificial light that simulates sunlight. Over time, the discoloration is compared to a standard reference.

Why is lightfastness important?

1. Long-lasting color fastness

A fabric with high lightfastness retains its vibrant color for longer, even when exposed to direct sunlight. This is especially important for curtains, furniture upholstery, and outdoor fabrics.

2. Maintaining appearance and quality

Fading not only affects the fabric's aesthetics but can also diminish its sense of quality. Fabrics with high lightfastness retain their original appearance longer.

3. Suitability for different spaces

For areas with a lot of sunlight (such as conservatories or rooms with large windows) it is essential to choose fabrics with a higher lightfastness, so that discolouration is minimised.

Tips for choosing fabrics with good lightfastness

• Always ask about lightfastness when purchasing fabrics.
• Choose fabrics with a lightfastness of at least 4-5 for standard residential use.
• For intensive sunlight (e.g. outdoor furniture) it is best to choose a lightfastness of 6 or higher.
• Dark fabrics often fade faster than lighter fabrics; keep this in mind when making your choice.

Fabrics with high lightfastness

• Polyester: Known for its excellent lightfastness, often rated 5 or higher.
• Acrylic: Popular for outdoor fabrics, high UV resistance and lightfastness of 7-8.
• Cotton and linen: Often lower light fastness (3-5), unless treated with special coatings.

Conclusion

Lightfastness is an essential characteristic when choosing fabrics for interior design and fashion. By paying attention to lightfastness, you ensure that colors stay vibrant longer and that your fabrics remain durable and of high quality.

Want to learn more about fabrics with excellent lightfastness? Discover the wide range of high-quality fabrics at allestoffen.nl and make a conscious choice for long-lasting colorfastness and quality.