ASTM D1535-14(2023)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System
Standard Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is used by artists, designers, scientists, engineers, and government regulators, to specify an existing or desired color. It is used in the natural sciences to record the colors of specimens, or identify specimens, such as human complexion, flowers, foliage, soils, and minerals. It is used to specify colors for commerce and for control of color-production processes, when instrumental color measurement is not economical. The Munsell system is widely used for color tolerancing, even when instrumentation is employed (see Practice D3134). It is common practice to have color chips made to illustrate an aim color and the just tolerable deviations from that color in hue, value, and chroma, such a set of chips being called a Color Tolerance Set. A color tolerance set exhibits the aim color and color tolerances so that everyone involved in the selection, production, and acceptance of the color can directly perceive the intent of the specification, before bidding to supply the color or starting production. A color tolerance set may be measured to establish instrumental tolerances. Without extensive experience, it may be impossible to visualize the meaning of numbers resulting from color measurement, but by this practice, the numbers can be translated to the Munsell color-order system, which is exemplified by colored chips for visual examination. This color-order system is the basis of the ISCC-NBS Method of Designating Colors and a Dictionary of Color Names, as well as the Universal Color Language, which associates color names, in the English language, with Munsell notations (3).
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a means of specifying the colors of objects in terms of the Munsell color order system, a system based on the color-perception attributes hue, lightness, and chroma. The practice is limited to opaque objects, such as painted surfaces viewed in daylight by an observer having normal color vision. This practice provides a simple visual method as an alternative to the more precise and more complex method based on spectrophotometry and the CIE system (see Practices E308 and E1164). Provision is made for conversion of CIE data to Munsell notation.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1535 − 14 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Practice for
Specifying Color by the Munsell System
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1535; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This practice provides a means of specifying the colors 3.1 Terms and definitions in Terminology E284 are appli-
of objects in terms of the Munsell color order system, a system cable to this practice.
based on the color-perception attributes hue, lightness, and
3.2 Definitions:
chroma. The practice is limited to opaque objects, such as
3.2.1 Munsell notation, n—(1) the Munsell hue, value, and
painted surfaces viewed in daylight by an observer having
chroma assigned to the color of a specimen by visually
normal color vision. This practice provides a simple visual
comparing the specimen to the chips in the Munsell Book of
method as an alternative to the more precise and more complex 3
Color; (2) a notation in the Munsell color system, derived
method based on spectrophotometry and the CIE system (see
from luminous reflectance factor Y and chromaticity coordi-
Practices E308 and E1164). Provision is made for conversion
nates x and y, in the CIE system for standard illuminant C, by
of CIE data to Munsell notation.
the use of scales defined by the Optical Society of America
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Subcommittee on the Spacing of the Munsell Colors (1).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The Munsell notation is written as a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
combination of letters and numbers by which the color of an
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
opaque object may be specified with respect to Munsell hue H,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Munsell value V, and Munsell chroma C, written in the form H
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
V/C.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.2 hue, n—the attribute of color perception by means of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
which a color is judged to be red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
purple, or intermediate between adjacent pairs of these, con-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
sidered in a closed ring (red and purple being an adjacent pair).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.3 Munsell hue, n—an attribute of color used in the
Munsell color system to indicate the hue of a specimen viewed
2. Referenced Documents
in daylight.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Two systems of designating Munsell
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
hue are shown in Fig. 1, a letter-number system and an
Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
all-number system. The two systems are equivalent, but the
D3134 Practice for Establishing Color and Gloss Tolerances
letter-number system is preferred, because it requires no prior
E284 Terminology of Appearance
knowledge or memory of the correspondence of numbers to
E308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using
hues. The hue circle is graduated in steps judged visually to be
the CIE System
approximately equal.
E1164 Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object-
3.2.4 lightness, n—the attribute of color perception by
Color Evaluation
which a non-self-luminous body is judged to reflect more or
less light.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E12 on Color and
Appearance and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E12.07 on Color Order 3.2.5 Munsell value, n—an attribute of color used in the
Systems.
Munsell color system to indicate the lightness of a specimen
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D1535 – 14 (2018).
DOI: 10.1520/D1535-14R23.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Munsell, 4300 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM www.munsell.com.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
the ASTM website. this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1535 − 14 (2023)
FIG. 1 Designation Systems for Munsell Hue
viewed in daylight, on a scale extending from 0 for ideal black nated by CIE source C or D65, against a medium gray to white
to 10 for ideal white, in steps that are visually approximately background, the Munsell value of the specimen correlates well
equal in magnitude. with the observer’s perception of the lightness of the color.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Achromatic or neutral colors are des- Under the same conditions, the Munsell hue correlates well
ignated N followed by the value notation, thus: N 5.61/. with the observer’s perception of hue and the Munsell chroma
with the perception of chroma.
3.2.6 chroma, n—the attribute of color used to indicate the
3.3.1.2 Discussion—(2) Although the original system pro-
degree of departure of the color from a neutral color of the
posed by Munsell was a left-handed coordinate system, the
same lightness.
system is often represented as a right-handed system because it
3.2.7 Munsell chroma, n—an attribute of color used in the
facilitates comparison to the CIE chromaticity diagram, taken
Munsell color system to indicate the degree of departure of a
to be right-handed.
color from a gray of the same Munsell value, in steps that are
3.3.2 Munsell hue circle, n—a spatial representation of the
visually approximately equal in magnitude.
Munsell hue sectors on a circle, where the angular spacing
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
represents a uniform scaling of hue; see Fig. 2.
3.3.1 Munsell surface-color perception solid, n—a spatial
representation of colors in the form of a cylindrical coordinate
4. Significance and Use
system based on the three perceptual attributes: hue, lightness
and chroma. 4.1 This practice is used by artists, designers, scientists,
3.3.1.1 Discussion—(1) This solid (see Fig. 2 (2)) forms the engineers, and government regulators, to specify an existing or
basis of the Munsell notation in which Munsell hue corre- desired color. It is used in the natural sciences to record the
sponds to hue, Munsell value corresponds to lightness, and colors of specimens, or identify specimens, such as human
Munsell chroma corresponds to chroma. The central, vertical complexion, flowers, foliage, soils, and minerals. It is used to
axis dimension represents neutral colors, ranging from black at specify colors for commerce and for control of color-
the bottom, through a gradation of grays, to white at the top. production processes, when instrumental color measurement is
The lightness of a color perceived as chromatic (not gray) is not economical. The Munsell system is widely used for color
represented by the distance above the base plane. Hue is tolerancing, even when instrumentation is employed (see
represented by the angular position about this axis (see Practice D3134). It is common practice to have color chips
Discussion (2)). Chroma is represented by the perpendicular made to illustrate an aim color and the just tolerable deviations
distance from the central axis. If the observer has normal color from that color in hue, value, and chroma, such a set of chips
vision, is adapted to daylight, and views the specimen illumi- being called a Color Tolerance Set. A color tolerance set
D1535 − 14 (2023)
FIG. 2 Dimensions of the Surface-Color-Perception Solid
exhibits the aim color and color tolerances so that everyone 7.1.1 Specimens must be examined by an observer with
involved in the selection, production, and acceptance of the normal color vision.
color can directly perceive the intent of the specification, 7.1.2 For critical applications, use daylight illuminating
before bidding to supply the color or starting production. A equipment as described in Practice D1729.
color tolerance set may be measured to establish instrumental 7.1.3 If the lighting equipment described in Practice D1729
tolerances. Without extensive experience, it may be impossible is not available, natural daylight can be used to obtain notations
to visualize the meaning of numbers resulting from color having accuracy adequate for many purposes.
measurement, but by this practice, the numbers can be trans-
7.2 Procedure:
lated to the Munsell color-order system, which is exemplified
7.2.1 When using daylight illuminating equipment, follow
by colored chips for visual examination. This color-order
the lighting and viewing recommendations of Practice D1729.
system is the basis of the ISCC-NBS Method of Designating
7.2.2 When determining the Munsell notation with natural
Colors and a Dictionary of Color Names, as well as the
daylight, select a window through which the sun is not shining.
Universal Color Language, which associates color names, in
A north window is usually used in the northern hemisphere,
the English language, with Munsell notations (3).
and a south window is usually used in the southern hemisphere.
Place a working surface at the window so the light reaches the
5. Apparatus
surface from the observer’s side, chiefly from the sky, and at
5.1 Munsell Book of Color, matte or glossy edition.
angles centering on 45° above the horizontal. Place a canopy of
black cloth above the working surface to prevent errors caused
5.2 Gray Masks, with rectangular openings the size of the
by the ceiling or other objects being reflected from the surface
chips in the Munsell Book of Color.
of the specimens, or by light other than daylight falling on the
5.3 Daylight Illuminating Equipment, as described in Prac-
work surface. Place the specimen on a neutral medium gray to
tice D1729.
white background, where it is uniformly illuminated by day-
light. View the specimen along a direction just far enough from
6. Preparation of Test Specimens
the normal to avoid reflection of your forehead. Although 45°
6.1 This practice does not cover the preparation of test
illumination and perpendicular viewing are recommended by
specimens. If preparation is necessary, see other ASTM stan-
the CIE, converse conditions are equivalent if a black matte
dards covering the appropriate materials or agree among
surface is placed opposite the observer to minimize the amount
interested parties on what the procedure shall be.
of light reflected from the specimen surface.
7.2.3 If both matte and glossy editions of the Munsell Book
7. Munsell Notation by Visual Means
of Color are available, use the one having gloss most like the
7.1 Lighting and Viewing Conditions: specimen. Select the two adjacent Munsell constant-hue charts
D1535 − 14 (2023)
NOTE 2—For further information concerning Figs. 3-7, Fig. 9, Fig. 11,
or chips between which the hue of the specimen lies. Place one
Fig. 13, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 and see Newhall, et al. (1). For further
on each side of the specimen. Cover the specimen and charts
information concerning Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, see I. Nimeroff (2).
with the gray masks so the specimen and one chip from each
NOTE 3—The luminous reflectance in the original reference (1) was
chart can be seen. Move the masks from chip to chip to find the
measured relative to Magnesium Oxide. The luminous reflectance values
chips most like the specimen. The glossy chips are removable.
in Table 2 were changed so that it is relative to the perfect reflecting
Remove them and place immediately adjacent to the specimen.
diffuser.
Estimate, in the following order, the value, the chroma, and the
8.2 In Table 1, find the value, V, equivalent to the luminous
hue, by interpolation or extrapolation of the notations on the
reflectance, Y. Use Figs. 3-16 to estimate hue and chroma for
chips, as described in 7.2.3.1 to 7.2.3.3. Interchange the
value levels above and below the value found and linearly
positions of the charts, repeat the estimations, and average the
interpolate the hues and chromas for the desired value level (if
results.
those hues and chromas are well defined). If the required value
7.2.3.1 Value—Find the chips between which the value of
level differs from the nearest level by 0.05 or less, simply use
the specimen lies. Estimate the value of the specimen to the
the hue and chroma for the nearest level. If the hue and chroma
nearest tenth of the one-value-step interval between adjacent
are ill-defined for the requisite value levels, then do not try to
value levels and record it, for example, 4.2.
7.2.3.2 Chroma—Move the masks to present successive estimate them.
colors of the same chroma and, by interpolation or
NOTE 4—The hue and chroma are ill-defined if, at the upper value level,
extrapolation, determine the Munsell chroma. Pay chief atten- the chromaticity (x, y) lies (a) outside the MacAdam limit; or (b) within
a chroma-hue sector that is incomplete because it is cut off by the
tion to the Munsell chips having values nearest that of the
MacAdam limit.
specimen and secondary attention to those next nearest. Al-
though all Munsell chips of the same Munsell chroma are
8.3 Munsell Notation of Dark Colors—If the Munsell value
intended to appear to have the same perceptual chroma, a
is less than 1.0, use the extension of the Munsell system to very
slightly different estimate of chroma may be obtained by
dark colors (4). Table 3 contains the numerical data from Ref
comparison with the chips of the next value. In such cases,
(4) for 40 hues at values 0.8/, 0.6/, 0.4/, and 0.2/ and chromas
average the estimated Munsell chromas. Note that there are
up to the theoretical pigment limits.
usually two chroma steps between adjacent columns of a chart.
NOTE 5—The luminous reflectance in the original reference (4) was
Estimate chroma to the nearest fifth of the 2-chroma interval
measured relative to Magnesium Oxide. The luminous reflectance in
...
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