Leather Martindale Test: Stunning, Effortless Color Fastness

During the process of purchasing leather goods, someone often asks a question: Is the color of the leather surface prone to fading from use? Regarding this issue, the leather testing standard includes a special indicator called the Martindale friction method. This is specifically used to test the color fastness of leather spray and sets quality requirements for mid-to-high-end leather usage scenarios.

The American standard Martindale pilling differs significantly from the medium and Chinese standard Martindale pelletizing methods. The American standard uses a 38mm sample with a friction stroke of 60mm and a load of 198g for the friction head. The Chinese standard uses a 90mm sample with a friction stroke of 60mm and a load weight of 151 + 260g for the friction head plus weight.

The Martindale abrasion test is a widely used standard testing method in the textile industry to assess the abrasion resistance of fabrics. Evaluate the abrasion resistance of fabrics by simulating the friction conditions during actual use. During testing, fabric samples are subjected to multi-directional friction with standard abrasives (usually woven wool), a motion pattern composed of multiple arcs to ensure that every part of the fabric is evenly subjected to friction.

Wear resistance, simply put, refers to the ability of leather or textiles to withstand wear. The main influencing factors include: Fiber type: Synthetic fibers (such as nylon and polyester) have better abrasion resistance than natural fibers (cotton, linen); Yarn structure : Tight yarn structure enhances abrasion resistance; Fabric Structure: Different weaves such as plain weave and twill weave affect wear paths; Leather, etc Post-processing process: Post-treatment processes such as coatings and resin finishing can enhance wear resistance.

Machine name

– Martindale Abrasion Tester

– Also known as: Martindale Friction Color Fastness Tester or Martindale Wear Tester

– Standard reciprocating friction color fastness tester (Crockmeter): generally only measures 100~1000 times (GB/T 3920, QB/T 2537)

– Martindale: Can be set to 10,000~100,000 cycles, achieving long-cycle wear resistance + color fastness

Applicable Scenarios

– Long-cycle wear resistance + color fastness (≥ 10,000 cycles)

– Leather/ artificial leather /PU/combined finished leather (Especially for color-spray, coating, and film models)

– Products with high wear resistance requirements:

– Furniture leather (sofas, dining chairs)

– Shoe materials (upper, lining)

– Bags, automotive interiors, high-end leather goods

– Core advantage: Lisa trajectory as shown in the illustration (all-around friction), closest to actual wear and tear

Is it a mandatory test?

– Not a national mandatory standard (GB/T is recommended)

– But: Industry/brand mandatory testing: Furniture, shoes, automotive interiors, luxury leather goods. Client/bidding mandatory: most mid-to-high-end orders, e-commerce platforms, and inspection report requirements; Quality bottom line: 50,000 coats is the minimum wear resistance threshold for mid-to-high-end leather color-spray.

Martindale wear resistance testing methodology system

Sample damage testing

Test Principle:

The round specimen installed inside the Martindale wear tester specimen fixture moves in a planar motion patterned by Lissajous under specified loads and rubs against the abrasive (i.e., standard fabric). The specimen fixture can freely rotate around an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Determine the fabric’s abrasion resistance based on the total number of friction cycles during specimen damage.

 Relevant testing standards:

EU standard: ISO 12947-2

Chinese standard: GB/T 21196.2

US standard: ASTM D4966

 Relevant product standards:

Denim Apparel (FZ/T 81006-2017, FZ/T 73032-2017)

Washed and finished garments (GB/T 22700-2016, FZ/T 73052-2015)

Outdoor jacket (GB/T 32614-2023)

Ski Gloves (FZ/T 74004-2016)

Ski Wear (GB/T 41176-2021)

Measurement of mass loss

Test Principle:

Round specimens installed inside the Martindale wear tester specimen fixture, Under the specified friction load, a planar movement with a Lissajous trajectory rubs against the standard abrasive, allowing the specimen fixture to rotate freely around an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane. During the test, the sample mass is weighed at intervals, and the fabric’s abrasion resistance is determined based on the mass loss of the sample.

 Relevant testing standards:

International standard: ISO 12947-3

Chinese standard: GB/T 21196.3

US standard: ASTM D4966

Evaluation of appearance changes

Test Principle:

Round specimens installed inside the Martindale wear tester specimen fixture, Under the specified load, a planar movement with a Lissajous trajectory rubs against the abrasive (i.e., standard fabric), allowing the specimen fixture loaded with abrasive to rotate freely around its axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Determine the fabric’s abrasion resistance based on changes in the appearance of the specimen.

 Relevant testing standards:

International standard: ISO 12947-4

Chinese standard: GB/T 21196.4

US standard: ASTM D4966

Selection of testing methods and application scenarios

Testing methods	Core indicators	Applicable scenarios
Determination of the number of failures	The number of cycles of friction damage	Assess ultimate abrasion resistance, such as outdoor clothing, denim jackets, etc
Mass loss measurement	Quality loss	Quantify material wear levels, laboratory research, and quality control
Appearance change evaluation	Surface appearance grade variation grade	Appearance-sensitive products, automotive interiors, high-end apparel, etc