What Tests are used to Measure Colorfastness to Wet and Dry Crocking?
Colorfastness is a fabric’s ability to retain color in various conditions. Tests are performed that involve wet and dry crocking. Crocking refers to the rubbing off of color from a fabric when subjected to abrasion.
One test is the AATCC 8-2001. This “is a test method of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). This method uses a standard white cotton fabric that is rubbed against the surface of the test fabric. To test for wet crocking the standard fabric is wet before rubbing against the test fabric. After rubbing under controlled pressure for a specific number of times the amount of color transferred to the white test squares is compared to an AATCC color chart and a rating is established.”

Grade 5 = no color transfer Grade 1 = high degree of color transfer

Another test is the AATCC 116-2001. This “is a test method of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). This test is specifically used for printed fabrics that do not lend themselves to the AATCC 8-2001 method. The test fabric is held at the base of a Rotary Vertical Crockmeter and rubbed with a standard cotton white fabric either dry or wet. After rubbing under controlled pressure for a specific number of times the amount of color transferred to the white test squares is compared to an AATCC color chart and a rating is established.”

Grade 5 = no color transfer
Grade 1 = high degree of color transfer
SOURCE: Association of Contact Textiles Website