Weathering Testing Basics

Weathering tests are critical when determining a product's outdoor durability during product. Whether you're assessing how a product holds up to sunlight, heat rain, or wind, understanding the fundamentals of weathering tests is crucial to getting reliable results and making smart decisions for your business. 

There are two broad categories of weathering testing: natural outdoor, and accelerated laboratory testing. While both will give you fast & accurate results, Q-Lab recommends always performing outdoor tests as part of your program. At the end of the day, nothing beats the real thing!

Establishing a weathering testing program

First, it’s essential to set clear goals. Think about the test method, the size of your specimens, how long they’ll be exposed to testing, and how often you’ll want to evaluate them. Getting these details right from the start helps avoid costly mistakes down the road. Clear communication between you and your testing service provider is key to ensuring you're both on the same page.

Next consider your specimen selection and preparation. The size, material, and shape of your specimens can significantly affect the accuracy and cost of your test. Sticking to standard sizes is usually a smarter move, helping you keep costs down and ensuring reliable results. Plus, including a few replicate specimens can further boost the reliability of your outcomes, giving you more value for your investment.