How does the manufacturer test the table’s resistance to stains from common outdoor beverages?

Manufacturers employ a rigorous, standardized testing protocol to evaluate an outdoor table's resistance to stains from common beverages. This process is critical for ensuring the furniture's durability and real-world performance. The testing typically involves controlled laboratory simulations where specific, problematic beverages are selected based on likelihood of outdoor use. These commonly include red wine, coffee, tea, cola, and fruit juices, each containing different staining agents like tannins, dyes, or acids.

The standard procedure begins with preparing the table's surface sample, ensuring it is clean and under consistent environmental conditions. Measured droplets of each test beverage are then applied to the surface. A key part of the protocol is allowing the spill to remain for a set "dwell time"—often 15 to 60 minutes—to simulate a realistic scenario where a spill is not immediately cleaned. After this period, the residue is cleaned using a specified method, which might involve a mild detergent and water, mirroring typical homeowner cleaning.

Technicians then visually inspect the surface under consistent lighting, often comparing it to a control sample. They grade any remaining discoloration or damage using a standardized scale. For a more quantitative analysis, some manufacturers use spectrophotometers to measure color difference (Delta-E values) before and after staining. High-performance tables, especially those with integrated stain-resistant coatings or specific material treatments like sealed concrete or high-pressure laminate, undergo multiple cycles of this test. This repeated testing assesses not just initial stain resistance but also the longevity of the protective finish after repeated exposure and cleaning, providing a comprehensive picture of the table's resilience in outdoor settings.