Colour Fading In Webbing Slings: Does It Affect Strength & Safety?

By Author: Indolift
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Webbing slings have become a staple in modern lifting operations because they are lightweight, flexible, and gentle on loads. They are used across industries—from construction and logistics to manufacturing and offshore operations. But as durable as they are, webbing slings are not immune to wear and deterioration. Among the earliest visible signs of aging is colour fading.
Operators often ask:
“If the colour fades, does it mean the sling is unsafe?”
“Is fading just cosmetic, or does it impact strength?”
“Should a faded sling be removed from service?”
Let’s explore the science and practical considerations behind this often-ignored issue.

Why Are Webbing Slings Colour-Coded?
Before understanding what fading means, it is important to know why webbing slings have specific colours in the first place.
Colour coding ensures easy identification of lifting capacity
According to global standards (EN 1492-1, ASME B30.9, and IS 15041), webbing slings follow a standardised colour scheme:
Webbing slings follow a universal colour-coding system that helps users instantly ...
... identify their lifting capacity. A purple sling corresponds to a 1-ton Working Load Limit (WLL), while a green sling indicates 2 tons. Yellow slings are rated for 3 tons, grey for 4 tons, and red for 5 tons. Brown slings are designed to lift 6 tons, blue slings handle 8 tons, and orange slings typically denote 10 tons or more, depending on the manufacturer and standard. This consistent colour scheme makes it easier and faster for riggers and operators to select the correct sling for safe lifting operations.This helps riggers visually identify the sling’s capacity even from a distance.
However, this system only works if the colour remains recognisable.

Does colour fading affect the WLL?
Not directly.
But if fading is linked to UV degradation, aging, chemical contact, or fibre damage, then the WLL is indirectly affected.
What Causes Colour Fading in Webbing Slings?
Colour fading is usually a result of environmental exposure, but not all fading is equal. Some causes simply affect appearance, while others directly weaken the sling.
UV Exposure (Sunlight)
Polyester—the most common webbing sling material—has good UV resistance, but it is not UV-proof.
Long-term exposure to sunlight causes:
• Breakdown of dye pigments
• Reduction in polymer chain strength
• Loss of elasticity
• Surface “chalkiness”
UV degradation can lead to loss of tensile strength, even if the sling looks structurally intact.
Continuous Outdoor Storage
Slings left outside on cranes, hooks, scaffolding, or trucks fade faster due to:
• Rain
• Heat
• Dirt
• Wind abrasion
• Temperature cycling
This constant environmental stress weakens fibres over time.
Contact with Chemicals
Acids, alkalis, solvents, and even industrial fumes can attack polyester fibres.
Chemical exposure can:
• Bleach or fade colour
• Stiffen the webbing
• Cause fibre melting or roughness
• Reduce strength dramatically
This kind of fading is a major safety risk.
Abrasion and Friction
Surface abrasion slowly removes:
• The outer dye
• The protective coating
• Surface fibres
Even mild abrasion-related fading can signal deeper web damage.
Washing and Cleaning Chemicals
Harsh detergents or repeated washing can fade colours over time.
This type of fading usually doesn’t reduce strength, unless the chemical is harmful to polyester.
Does Colour Fading Mean the Sling Is Unsafe?
Understanding the Relationship Between Fading and Strength
Not always — but it can be a warning sign.
Colour fading itself is not a mechanical indicator of strength loss.
However, it often appears alongside the true causes of strength reduction, including UV degradation, abrasion, chemical exposure, and aging.

Key Inspection Points for Faded Webbing Slings
A faded sling needs a detailed inspection. Look for these signs:
Surface Roughness or Hardening
If the webbing feels:
• Stiff
• Crispy
• Rough
• Dry
…it likely has UV or chemical damage.
This means the fibres are losing flexibility and strength.
Small Cuts, Nicks, or Frayed Edges
A faded sling often hides abrasion marks.
Check for:
• Exposed white fibres
• Edge cuts
• Broken stitches
• Loose or open webbing patterns
Any of these make the sling unsafe.
Weak or Damaged Label (Tag)
If the tag is:
• Faded
• Torn
• Missing
The sling must be taken out of service because its WLL, material, and certification cannot be verified.
Soft Spots or Thin Areas
Run your fingers across the sling.
If certain parts feel:
• Thinner
• Soft
• Weak
…it indicates internal fibre breakdown.
Powdery or Chalky Appearance
This is classic UV deterioration.
Such slings usually fail under load testing and must not be used.
When Is Colour Fading Acceptable?
Safe vs. Unsafe Scenarios
Safe Scenarios (Cosmetic Fading)
The sling may still be usable if:
• Colour is lightly faded but uniform
• No cuts, stiffness, or abrasions are present
• Tag is intact and readable
• Sling passes all other inspection criteria
This typically results from mild sun exposure or long-term clean usage.
Unsafe Scenarios (Dangerous Fading)
The sling must be removed from service if fading is accompanied by:
• Visible damage
• Roughened or hardened fibres
• Soft spots
• Chemical stains
• Brittle texture
• Missing tag
In most cases, severe fading is a signal that the sling is nearing the end of its lifespan.
How UV Degradation Affects Sling Strength (Scientific Explanation)
Polyester fibres consist of long polymer chains.
UV light breaks these chains through a process called photo-oxidation.
Effects include:
• Reduction of tensile strength
• Loss of elasticity
• Increased brittleness
• Surface cracking
• Slower recovery after loading
Research studies show:
Long-term UV exposure can reduce webbing sling strength by 15–40%, depending on intensity and duration.
This means a sling that looks fine but is heavily faded may fail unexpectedly during lifting.
How to Slow Down Colour Fading and Extend Sling Life
Even in harsh environments, proper practices can significantly extend sling durability.
Store Indoors or in Shade
Keep slings:
• In a dry, clean storage cabinet
• Away from sunlight
• Off the ground
• Protected from dust and moisture
Many companies use UV-protected sling bags.
Avoid Leaving Slings on Hooks or Cranes
After use, remove slings immediately.
Outdoor exposure is the main cause of fading.
Use Wear Sleeves or Edge Protectors
Abrasion accelerates fading and fibre wear.
Using sleeves prevents:
• Corner cutting
• Sharp-edge damage
• Friction burns
Keep Away from Chemicals
Polyester is resistant to many chemicals, but strong acids and alkalis are dangerous.
If a sling contacts chemicals:
• Wash it with clean water
• Inspect carefully
• Remove if stiffness or bleaching occurs

Follow Proper Cleaning Methods
Use:
• Mild soap
• Warm water
• Soft brushes
Avoid:
• Bleach
• Solvents
• Industrial cleaners
Rotate Slings Frequently
Using the same sling repeatedly in the same environment causes uneven fading and wear.
When Should a Faded Sling Be Replaced?
Replace the sling if:
• Colour is extremely faded or uneven
• Surface feels stiff or brittle
• Webbing shows cuts or thinning
• Tag is missing or unreadable
• Chemical damage is visible
• Powdery residue is present
• Stitching has weakened
When in doubt: remove it from service.
The cost of a new sling is tiny compared to the risk of load failure.
Does Colour Fading Affect Strength & Safety?
Yes — but indirectly.
Colour fading itself does not weaken a sling,
but the causes behind it usually do.
UV degradation, abrasion, chemical exposure, and aging weaken polyester fibres and often appear first as fading.
Think of fading as the body’s fever:
It isn’t the disease itself, but a warning sign of underlying problems.
A faded sling must always be inspected more carefully than a fresh one.

Key Takeaways
• Colour fading is an early warning sign, not an automatic rejection reason.
• UV, chemicals, and abrasion are the real dangers behind fading.
• Inspect faded slings thoroughly for stiffness, cuts, roughness, and tag condition.
• If in doubt, remove the sling from service.
• Proper storage and handling can greatly reduce colour fading and extend sling life.