An artificial weathering test enables different weathering influences on a surface coating to be investigated. The test simulates the outdoor climate and is carried out in standardises laboratory conditions.
The advantage of an artificial weathering test compared to a natural weathering test outdoors is primarily the significantly improved reproducibility of results. Because the weathering conditions in the laboratory can be controlled at all times and easily repeated where required. In addition, the short duration of artificial weathering tests (rapid weathering) typically results inconsiderable time savings compared to long-term, outdoor weathering.
Important to know: differences between the results achieved may also occur with artificial weathering tests - for example due to different types of equipment or radiation sources (e.g. with UV tests).