Gas Fading
Gas fading is a phenomenon in which the color of dyed fibers or products changes or fades due to the effects of nitrogen oxides and other substances in the air.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Mechanism of Occurrence
Gas fading is a change in color caused by gases in the air, including nitrogen oxides from combustion, acting on dyes and pigments. It may occur during storage or display, and can happen even in places not exposed to light.
The change is not always uniform across the entire item, and differences in appearance may occur at folds, overlapping areas, or points of contact with packaging materials. In particular, it may be recognized as yellowing in light colors and white, or as a reddish tone or fading in dark colors.
Characteristics and Effect on Appearance
Gas fading is not a treatment that gives fabric its unique texture, thickness, or stretch; it is a quality-related phenomenon in which hue and brightness change unintentionally. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether it will occur based only on the material name or weave/knit structure.
The extent of the effect varies depending on the type of dye, dyeing conditions, type of fiber, storage environment, and elapsed time. Even if it is not noticeable on the fabric alone, it may become apparent as a color difference when placed alongside matching accessories or items from a different lot.
Main Applications and Thinking During Production
Gas fading is not a term that indicates a specific item or seasonal fabric. It is a quality control item to consider storage and distribution conditions for all dyed products, including shirts, blouses, jackets, pants, coats, and interior applications.
For products expected to be stored for a long period, kept as warehouse inventory, or displayed before sale, confirm color matching among the fabric, lining, tape, and sewing thread at the planning stage, and if necessary, check the test results and management conditions related to gas fading with the supplier.
Points to Note When Selecting and Handling
When selecting fabric, in addition to the desired color tone, confirm resistance to gas fading according to the application. In particular, for white or light colors, or color combinations where color differences are easy to notice, performing tests and aging checks assuming actual use before mass production helps grasp the risk of color differences after delivery.
Gas fading is generally a different issue from shrinkage during washing or needle penetration during sewing. However, washing a product that has discolored does not necessarily restore the original color. Avoid high temperature and high humidity, exhaust gas, and places near combustion appliances, and store in a clean, well-ventilated area.
- Dry fabric and products sufficiently before storage.
- Check packaging materials such as cardboard, bags, and cushioning materials for their effect on discoloration.
- Check color differences with same-color accessories from different lots or made of different materials in the combined state.
- Follow care labels and individual handling instructions, and carefully judge strong bleaching treatment for discolored items.
Differences from Similar Terms
Light fastness mainly indicates resistance to fading and color change caused by exposure to light. Gas fading, by contrast, refers to discoloration caused by gases in the air. A major difference from light-induced fading is that it can occur even when stored in the dark.
Wash fastness and rub fastness are items that confirm resistance to color loss and color transfer caused by washing liquid or friction. Since the causes and evaluation conditions differ from gas fading, each fastness property must be checked separately according to the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gas fading be prevented by washing?
Gas fading mainly occurs during storage and distribution due to the influence of gases in the air, so it cannot be prevented by washing alone. It also does not necessarily return to the original color after washing. Countermeasures should be considered including the storage environment, packaging materials, and selection of dyes.
Are gas fading and sun-fade discoloration the same?
No, they are not the same. Sun-fade discoloration mainly occurs due to light and is related to light fastness. Gas fading is discoloration caused by nitrogen oxides and other substances in the air. In practice, both risks are checked separately.
