ISO 15110 – Artificial Weathering of Coatings Using Filtered Xenon Arc Radiation 

Coatings used in outdoor and high-exposure environments must withstand intense sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and moisture over long periods. Failure can lead to fading, cracking, gloss loss, and costly rework or warranty claims. 

Real-world exposure testing can take years and often provides inconsistent results due to changing weather conditions. 

ISO 15110 testing offers a controlled, accelerated method to evaluate how paints and coatings respond to full-spectrum sunlight simulation, helping you predict long-term performance with confidence. 

What ISO 15110 Testing Involves 

ISO 15110 specifies a laboratory method for the artificial weathering of paints, varnishes, and related coating systems using filtered xenon arc radiation. 

The xenon arc light source closely replicates natural sunlight, including: 

• Ultraviolet (UV) 

• Visible light 

• Infrared (IR) 

In combination with controlled moisture exposure, ISO 15110 evaluates how coatings degrade under realistic outdoor conditions. 

 

Methodology 

At Impact Solutions, ISO 15110 testing is conducted using precision-controlled xenon arc weathering chambers fitted with appropriate optical filters to meet ISO requirements. 

A typical ISO 15110 testing programme includes: 

1. Preparation and mounting of coated test panels. 
2. Selection of filter systems to simulate relevant sunlight exposure. 
3. Programming light, moisture, and temperature cycles in accordance with ISO 15110. 
4. Continuous monitoring of irradiance, temperature, and humidity. 
5. Periodic assessment of coating properties such as colour change, gloss retention, chalking, cracking, blistering, and adhesion. 
6. Detailed reporting with traceable, repeatable results. 

Exposure durations typically range from 500 to 3,000 hours, depending on coating type and service environment. 

 

Relevant Industry Applications 

ISO 15110 testing is commonly used for: 

• Architectural and decorative coatings 

• Industrial and protective coatings 

• Automotive and transport finishes 

• Marine and offshore coatings 

• Powder coatings and coil coatings 

• R&D, benchmarking, and formulation optimisation 

 

Benefits of ISO 15110 Testing 

• Simulates full-spectrum sunlight for realistic degradation behaviour 

• Helps predict long-term outdoor performance 

• Enables comparison of coating formulations and stabiliser systems 

• Reduces risk of premature coating failure in service 

• Supports quality assurance and specification compliance 

• Provides repeatable, internationally recognised test results 

 

FAQ 

Q: How does ISO 15110 differ from ISO 11507?
ISO 15110 uses xenon arc radiation, simulating full-spectrum sunlight, while ISO 11507 focuses on UV-driven degradation using fluorescent UV lamps. 

Q: Is ISO 15110 suitable for automotive coatings?
Yes. It is widely used for automotive, transport, and other high-exposure coating systems. 

Q: Can results be correlated to outdoor exposure?
While no accelerated test perfectly replicates real-world conditions, ISO 15110 provides highly reproducible data for comparative and predictive assessment. 

 

Want to verify your coating's durability before it reaches the field? 

Contact Impact Solutions to discuss ISO 15110 testing and how we can help you demonstrate proven weathering performance. 

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