How to Identify Textile Fibers Using the Burn Test

If you want a quick and reliable way to identify different textile fibers, the burn test is one of the most effective methods. By observing how a fiber reacts to flame, you can determine whether it is natural or synthetic and even pinpoint the exact type of fiber.

Why Use the Burn Test

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The burn test is useful because each fiber reacts differently to heat:

Flame behavior – How fast it burns, whether it melts, curls, or shrinks.

Smell – Burning fibers release distinctive odors.

Residue – The ash left behind varies in texture, color, and fragility.

How to Perform the Burn Test Safely

Cut a small fiber sample – A few strands are enough.

Use tweezers – Hold the fiber safely away from your hand.

Light a flame – A candle or lighter works.

Observe closely – Watch how the fiber burns, the smell, and the ash left behind.

Extinguish safely – Have water or a fireproof surface nearby.

⚠️ Safety tip: Always perform the burn test in a ventilated area and keep a small amount of fiber for comparison.

Fiber	Burns or melts	Type of flame	Rate of burning / melting	Smoke color	Smell	Residue
NATURAL: CELLULOSE
Cotton	burns	yellow	fast	grey	burnt paper	fine, soft, grey ash
Linen	burns	yellow	fast	grey	burnt paper	smouldering soft grey ash
NATURAL: PROTEIN
Wool	burns	irregular, slight hiss	slow	blue/grey	burnt hair or feathers	crisp, black bead, crushes easily
Silk	burns	irregular, slight hiss	slow	grey	burnt hair or feathers	crisp, black bead, crushes easily
MAN-MADE: REGENERATED FIBRES
Viscose rayon	burns	yellow	fast	grey	burnt paper	fine, soft, grey ash
Cellulose acetate	melts	yellow	fairly slow	grey	burnt paper, vinegar	scorched bead, crushes
Cellulose triacetate	melts	yellow	fairly slow	grey	burnt paper, vinegar	scorched bead, crushes
MAN-MADE: SYNTHETICS
Nylon	melts	yellow	quite fast	grey	celery	very hard, light brown bead
Polyester	melts	yellow	quite fast	grey	quite sweet	very hard, black bead
Acrylic	melts	luminous	very fast	black	acrid	hard, black irregular bead