ISO/PRF 4211-7

• Abstract:

  This document specifies a method for the assessment of the effects of light in indoor conditions, by exposure to artificial radiation and applies to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of material. It does not apply to finishes on leather and fabrics. The test is intended to be carried out on a part of the finished furniture but can be carried out on test panels of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test. This document describes the most important parameters, such as the colour change when a surface is exposed and specifies the conditions to be used in the exposure apparatus. The light resistance of a surface can be assessed by using two apparatus as specified in Clause 4, one as a reference test method, and the other for in-company testing

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 136 - Furniture
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 136/WG 8 - Furniture surfaces - Methods of test
• Current Stage: 5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
• Start Date: 11-Sep-2026
• Completion Date: 19-Sep-2026

Overview

ISO/PRF 4211-7:2026 is part of ISO's comprehensive standard series focused on furniture surface finishes. Specifically, Part 7 details a reliable test method for the assessment of resistance to light on rigid surfaces of finished furniture. This standard is crucial for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and quality controllers in the furniture industry as it helps evaluate how well surface finishes withstand indoor light exposure, especially artificial radiation. Notably, the method does not apply to finishes on leather or fabrics.

By following the procedures outlined in ISO/PRF 4211-7, stakeholders can ensure consistent evaluation processes, improve product quality, and enhance customer satisfaction with furniture that retains its appearance over time.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability: The method applies to finished, rigid surfaces of any material, including panels made identically to actual products. It is not designed for leather or fabric finishes.
• Test Principles: The assessment simulates indoor conditions by exposing furniture surfaces to controlled artificial light, using apparatus with or without humidity control. Evaluations focus on changes in colour and contrast between exposed and unexposed sections.
• Test Apparatus:
  • Devices with xenon-arc lamps and appropriate filters are specified.
  • Two apparatus options are provided: one for reference testing (with humidity control), one for in-company tests (without humidity control).
• Preparation and Conditioning:
  • Surfaces or test panels must be conditioned in a controlled atmosphere before testing.
  • Specific cleaning and preparation steps are outlined for consistent results.
• Procedure and Assessment:
  • Surfaces are systematically masked and exposed per detailed instructions.
  • Assessment involves comparing colour and contrast changes using specified scales (grey scale and blue wool scale).
  • Multiple observers with good colour vision are recommended to rate results objectively.
• Reporting Requirements:
  • Comprehensive documentation is required, detailing materials, apparatus, exposure conditions, results, and any deviations from the standard.

Applications

ISO/PRF 4211-7 provides practical value for:

• Furniture Manufacturers: Assures the durability and aesthetic longevity of finishes exposed to light, supporting marketing claims and product warranties.
• Testing Laboratories: Offers a standardized approach for conducting light resistance tests, improving comparability of results across different labs and geographies.
• Quality Control: Facilitates internal testing in production environments to monitor surface finish performance and preempt customer complaints.
• Product Development: Assists in the selection or innovation of surface finishes that meet desired lightfastness requirements, reducing the risk of colour fading or degradation in real-world usage.

This standard also aids in compliance with customer and regulatory expectations for furniture quality and durability, enhancing overall market competitiveness.

Related Standards

For comprehensive surface finish evaluation and colour measurement, ISO/PRF 4211-7 references and complements several key international standards, including:

• ISO 4211 Series: Other parts cover a wide range of surface finish tests for furniture.
• ISO 105-A02: Grey scale for assessing colour change - critical for evaluating and reporting test results.
• ISO 105-B02:2014: Colour fastness to artificial light using xenon arc fading lamp.
• ISO 4892-1 and ISO 4892-2: Methods and requirements for exposure to laboratory light sources, directly linked to the apparatus used in this test.
• ISO 18314-1: Analytical colorimetry for practical colour measurement in testing.
• ISO/CIE 11664-6: Advanced methods for measuring and quantifying colour differences.

For organizations aiming to demonstrate high standards in furniture finish durability, implementing ISO/PRF 4211-7 and related standards is a key step towards consistent quality and global recognition.

Keywords: furniture testing, surface finish, resistance to light, ISO 4211-7, artificial light exposure, colour fastness, quality control, furniture standards, lightfastness test, furniture surface durability.

International
Standard
ISO 4211-7
First edition
Furniture — Tests for surface
finishes —
Part 7:
Assessment of resistance to light
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
Reference number
ISO 4211-7:2026(en) © ISO 2026

ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ii
ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3  Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
4.1 General .2
4.2 Choice of methods .2
5 Apparatus and materials . 2
6 Preparation and conditioning . 3
6.1 Storing and conditioning .3
6.2 Test surface .4
7 Procedure . 5
7.1 Preparation of test surface .5
7.2 Test procedure .5
8 Assessment of results . 6
9 Test report . 7
Bibliography . 8
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iii
ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 136, Furniture.
A list of all parts in the ISO 4211 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
iv
International Standard ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
Furniture — Tests for surface finishes —
Part 7:
Assessment of resistance to light
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the assessment of the effects of light in indoor conditions, by exposure
to artificial radiation.
This document is applicable to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of material.
It does not apply to finishes on leather and fabrics.
The test is intended to be carried out on a part of the finished furniture, but can be carried out on test panels
of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet
the requirements of the test.
This document describes the most important parameters, such as the colour change when a surface is
exposed and specifies the conditions to be used in the exposure apparatus.
The light resistance of a surface can be assessed by using two apparatus as specified in Clause 4, one as a
reference test method, and the other for in-company testing.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ISO 105-B02: 2014, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc
fading lamp test
ISO 4892-1, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 1: General guidance and
requirements
ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps — Amendment 1: Classification of daylight filters
3  Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
PROOF/ÉPREUVE
ISO 4211-7:2026(en)
3.1
test panel
panel including the test surface (3.2)
Note 1 to entry: It can be cut from a finished item of furniture or it can be a separate panel produced in the same
manner as the finished item of furniture.
3.2
test surface
part of the test panel including an exposed section as well as the control sections
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
4 Principle
4.1 General
Accelerated exposure to light of furniture surfaces to filtered xenon-arc radiation is carried out in order to
assess the change of contrast and colour. The surface is assessed by comparing the exposed section with the
masked control section or with the separated control section (see Clause 8) from the same test surface.
4.2  Choice of methods
The apparatus specified in 5.1 shall be used as a reference method in cases where the influence of humidity
cannot be excluded.
The apparatus specified in 5.2 can be used for in-company testing in cases where the influence of humidity
can be excluded.
5 Apparatus and materials
The following apparatus and materials shall be used.
5.1  Apparatus with humidity control.
A test device as specified in ISO 4892-1, ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021 with xenon lamp
using window glass filters according to method B in ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021, and
test parameters, as specified in Table 1.
Table
...

Final draft ISO/PRF 4211-7:2026(en)
ISO/TC 136
Secretariat: UNI
Date: 2026-05-2109-11
Furniture — Tests for surface finishes —
Part 7:
Assessment of resistance to light
DIS stagePROOF
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents
Foreword . iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
4.1 General. 2
4.2 Choice of methods . 2
5 Apparatus and materials . 2
6 Preparation and conditioning . 4
6.1 Storing and conditioning . 4
6.2 Test surface . 4
7 Procedure . 6
7.1 Preparation of test surface . 6
7.2 Test procedure . 7
8 Assessment of results . 7
9 Test report . 8
Bibliography . 10

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 136, Furniture.
A list of all parts in the ISO 4211 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Furniture — Tests for surface finishes —
Part 7:
Assessment of resistance to light
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the assessment of the effects of light in indoor conditions, by exposure
to artificial radiation.
This document is applicable to rigid surfaces of all finished products regardless of material.
It does not apply to finishes on leather and fabrics.
The test is intended to be carried out on a part of the finished furniture, but can be carried out on test panels
of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet
the requirements of the test.
This document describes the most important parameters, such as the colour change when a surface is exposed
and specifies the conditions to be used in the exposure apparatus.
The light resistance of a surface can be assessed by using two apparatus as specified in Clause 4, one as a
reference test method, and the other for in-company testing.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
ISO 105-B02:2014, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc
fading lamp test
ISO 4892-1, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 1: General guidance and
requirements
ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps — Amendment 1: Classification of daylight filters
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
test panel
panel including the test surface (3.2)
Note 1 to entry: It can be cut from a finished item of furniture or it can be a separate panel produced in the same manner
as the finished item of furniture.
3.2
test surface
part of the test panel including an exposed section as well as the control sections
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
4 Principle
4.1 General
Accelerated exposure to light of furniture surfaces to filtered xenon-arc radiation is carried out in order to
assess the change of contrast and colour. The surface is assessed by comparing the exposed section with the
masked control section or with the separated control section (see Clause 8) from the same test surface.
4.2 Choice of methods
The apparatus specified in 5.1 shall be used as a reference method in cases where the influence of humidity
cannot be excluded.
The apparatus specified in 5.2 can be used for in-company testing in cases where the influence of humidity
can be excluded.
5 Apparatus and materials
The following apparatus and materials shall be used.
5.1 Apparatus with humidity control.
A test device as specified in ISO 4892-1, ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021 with xenon lamp
using window glass filters according to method B in ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021, and
test parameters, as specified in Table 1.
Table 1 — General conditions for the apparatus with humidity control
Irradiance
Broadband Narrowband Black-standard Chamber Relative
(300 nm to 400 nm) (420 nm) temperature temperature humidity
2 2 a
W/m W/(m × nm) °C °C %
50 ± 2 1,10 ± 0,02 55 ± 3 38 ± 3 50 ± 10
a A black-standard sensor in accordance with ISO 4892-1 shall be used (with insulation on the backside of the black metal sheet).
5.2 Apparatus without humidity control.
A test device as specified in ISO 4892-1, ISO 4892-2:2013 and ISO 4892-2:2013/Amd 1:2021 with xenon lamp
using window glass filters according to method
...