Federal Standard No. 595
March 1, 1956
Superseding
Fed. Spec. TT–C–595
January 12, 1950
Federal Standard No. 595
Colors
Authority.—This standard is issued pursuant to the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, and its application to the purchase of commodities referred to herein is mandatory on all Federal agencies.
S1. Purpose and Scope
S1.1 The purpose of this standard is to present in convenient form a collection of standard colors currently used by the various departments of the Government (see S6.1). These standard colors, identified by 5-digit numbers, are defined by fundamental colorimetric data. For reference purposes, each color is approximately reproduced herein. For procurement, inspection and other color matching purposes, 3 × 5 inch color chips are issued as a supplement. These chips are identified by the same 5-digit numbers.
S2. Applicable Specifications
S2.1 The following Federal Specification, of the issue in effect on date of invitation for bids, forms a part of this standard:
(Activities outside the Federal Government may obtain copies of Federal Specifications and Standards as outlined under General Information in the Index of Federal Specifications and Standards and at the prices indicated in the Index. The Index, which includes cumulative monthly supplements as issued, is for sale on a subscription basis by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D.C.)
S3. Classification and Numbering System
S3.1 Color classification.—The colors have been classified in three main groups depending upon the specular gloss. These three main groups are designated gloss, semi-gloss, and lusterless (or flat). A color may appear in more than one of the color groups. Within each gloss group, the colors are further arranged in 8 arbitrarily selected color classification groups, and within the latter groups in the order of approximate increasing diffuse reflectance.
S3.2 Numbering system.—The 5-digit numbering system used for the colors is based on the assignment of numerals which indicate the following:
- The first digit indicates the gloss of a color; 1—gloss; 2—semi-gloss; 3—lusterless.
- The second digit indicates the selected color classification group.
- The last three digits indicate the approximate order of increasing diffuse reflectance and are assigned nonconsecutively to provide numbers between the colors for future use.
Where a color appears in more than one gloss range, the last four digits will be the same. The system thus permits the addition of new colors to be inserted, without destroying the pro-
1
