ASTM C1510-01(2020)

Standard Test Method for Color and Color Difference of Whitewares by Abriged Spectrophotometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The most direct and accessible methods for obtaining the color coordinates of ceramic glazes and related whitewares are by instrumental measurement using spectrophotometers or colorimeters with either hemispherical or bidirectional optical measuring systems. This test method provides procedures for such measurement by reflectance spectrophotometry using a hemispherical optical measuring system.  
5.2 This test method is especially suitable for measurement of the following types of specimens for the indicated uses (see Practice E805).  
5.2.1 All types of ceramic glaze and related whiteware specimens to obtain data for use in computer colorant formulation.  
5.2.2 Ceramic glaze and related whiteware specimens for color assessment.
5.2.2.1 For the measurement of plane-surface high-gloss specimens, the specular component should generally be excluded during the measurement.
5.2.2.2 For the measurement of plane-surface intermediate-gloss (satin) specimens, where the first-surface reflection component may be distributed over a wide range of angles, measurement may be made with the specular component included, but the resulting color coordinates may not correlate best with visual judgments of the color. Measurement with specular excluded may lead to better correlations.
5.2.2.3 For the measurement of plane-surface, low-gloss (matte) specimens, the specular component may either be excluded or included, as no significant difference in the results should be apparent.  
5.3 An estimate of gloss may be obtained by measuring the reflection both with the specular component of reflection included and excluded, and then calculating the difference between the two measurements at several wavelengths across the visible spectrum, as described in 10.2.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the instrumental measurement of the reflection properties and color of ceramic glazes and other whitewares by the use of a spectrophotometer or spectrocolorimeter with a hemispherical optical measuring system, such as an integrating sphere.  
1.2 The test method is suitable for use with most specimens having an exterior flat surface large enough to cover the spectrophotometer sample port.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2020
• ICS: 71.040.50 - Physicochemical methods of analysis
• Technical Committee: C21 - Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Drafting Committee: C21.03 - Methods for Whitewares and Environmental Concerns

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1164-23 - Standard Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object-Color Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1331-15(2023) - Standard Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM C242-20 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM E1331-15(2019) - Standard Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-19a - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-19 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-18 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM E308-17 - Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2244-15a - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E1331-15 - Standard Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM E308-15 - Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM C242-15 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-15 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-15e1 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2244-14 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014

Overview

ASTM C1510-01(2020): Standard Test Method for Color and Color Difference of Whitewares by Abridged Spectrophotometry provides a robust procedure for the objective, instrumental measurement of color properties in ceramic glazes and related whitewares. Using spectrophotometers or spectrocolorimeters equipped with a hemispherical optical measuring system, this standard enables accurate assessment and comparison of color and color differences in laboratory and industrial settings. The method is particularly suitable for whiteware products with flat, opaque surfaces and is recognized internationally for supporting quality assurance, color formulation, and product development in the ceramics industry.

Key Topics

• Instrumental Measurement: Uses integrating-sphere geometry spectrophotometers or spectrocolorimeters to obtain reflectance factors and calculate color coordinates.
• Specimen Requirements: Best suited for specimens with flat, opaque surfaces large enough to cover the instrument's measurement port; translucent and clear glazes may also be measured with the recognition that results are substrate-dependent.
• Gloss Assessment: Procedures differentiate between high-gloss, intermediate-gloss (satin), and low-gloss (matte) specimens, adjusting whether the specular (surface reflection) component is included or excluded in the measurement.
• Color Difference Evaluation: Color difference (ΔE*) is calculated using established scales, such as CIELAB, to quantify differences between a sample and a standard.
• Instrument Calibration and Verification: Standard outlines calibration steps for reflectance, wavelength, and verification standards to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
• Reporting: Clear instructions for recording specimen details, instrument settings, measurement results, color coordinates, gloss indication, and color difference values.

Applications

ASTM C1510-01(2020) is widely used for:

• Quality Control in Manufacturing: Ensures product color consistency and appearance specifications for ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, tableware, and other whiteware products.
• Colorant Formulation: Provides accurate color data for computer-assisted recipe formulation and tint adjustment in glazes and coatings.
• Product Development and R&D: Enables objective assessment of new glaze formulations and finished products for color matching and improvement.
• Supplier-Buyer Communications: Facilitates clear, quantifiable color comparisons that support material acceptance and reduce disputes.
• Routine Laboratory Testing: Standardizes measurement procedures for research laboratories and production lines engaged in ceramic color measurement.

Related Standards

The following standards are referenced or relevant when applying ASTM C1510-01(2020):

• ASTM C242: Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• ASTM D2244: Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• ASTM E179: Guide for Selection of Geometric Conditions for Measurement of Reflection and Transmission Properties of Materials
• ASTM E284: Terminology of Appearance
• ASTM E308: Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
• ASTM E805: Practice for Identification of Instrumental Methods of Color or Color-Difference Measurement of Materials
• ASTM E1164: Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object-Color Evaluation
• ASTM E1331: Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry

Practical Value

By adhering to ASTM C1510-01(2020), ceramic manufacturers, quality managers, and laboratory professionals can:

• Achieve reliable, repeatable color measurements using standard procedures.
• Maintain high product quality and color uniformity across production batches.
• Objectively compare color differences and resolve specification issues with precise metrics.
• Support innovation and product differentiation through accurate color characterization.

Keywords: ASTM C1510, ceramic glaze color measurement, whiteware color difference, reflectance spectrophotometry, integrating sphere, color coordinates, quality control, CIELAB, color standardization.

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: C1510 − 01 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Color and Color Difference of Whitewares by Abriged
Spectrophotometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1510; 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.
1. Scope E308 PracticeforComputingtheColorsofObjectsbyUsing
the CIE System
1.1 This test method describes the instrumental measure-
E805 Practice for Identification of Instrumental Methods of
ment of the reflection properties and color of ceramic glazes
Color or Color-Difference Measurement of Materials
and other whitewares by the use of a spectrophotometer or
E1164 PracticeforObtainingSpectrometricDataforObject-
spectrocolorimeter with a hemispherical optical measuring
Color Evaluation
system, such as an integrating sphere.
E1331 Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by
1.2 The test method is suitable for use with most specimens
Spectrophotometry Using Hemispherical Geometry
having an exterior flat surface large enough to cover the
3. Terminology
spectrophotometer sample port.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.1 The definitions in Guide E179, Terminologies C242
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- and E284, and Practice E1164 are applicable to this test
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- method.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 4.1 This test method provides a procedure for measuring the
reflectance factors of reflecting ceramic glazes or related
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- whiteware specimens by using a spectrophotometer or spec-
trocolorimeter equipped with a hemispherical optical measur-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. ing system such as an integrating sphere (see Test Method
E1331).
2. Referenced Documents
4.2 This test method includes procedures for calibrating the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
instrument and for selecting specimens suitable for precision
C242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related
measurement.
Products
4.3 Most modern spectrophotometers have the capacity to
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
compute the color coordinates of the specimen immediately
Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
following the measurement. When this is the case, the user
Coordinates
must select the color system, observer, and illuminant (Practice
E179 Guide for Selection of Geometric Conditions for
E308, Section 6).
Measurement of Reflection and Transmission Properties
of Materials
5. Significance and Use
E284 Terminology of Appearance
5.1 The most direct and accessible methods for obtaining
the color coordinates of ceramic glazes and related whitewares
are by instrumental measurement using spectrophotometers or
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC21onCeramic
colorimeters with either hemispherical or bidirectional optical
Whitewares and Related Productsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C21.03 on Methods for Whitewares and Environmental Concerns.
measuring systems. This test method provides procedures for
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
such measurement by reflectance spectrophotometry using a
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C1510 – 01 (2016).
hemispherical optical measuring system.
DOI: 10.1520/C1510-01R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.2 This test method is especially suitable for measurement
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
of the following types of specimens for the indicated uses (see
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Practice E805).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1510 − 01 (2020)
5.2.1 All types of ceramic glaze and related whiteware 8.2.1 Zero setting of the reflectance scale (mandatory), and
specimens to obtain data for use in computer colorant formu- 8.2.2 Wavelength scale (recommended).
lation.
8.3 Calibrate the full-scale value of the reflectance scale of
5.2.2 Ceramic glaze and related whiteware specimens for
the instrument by use of the white reflectance standard (man-
color assessment.
datory). This should be done every time the instrument is
5.2.2.1 For the measurement of plane-surface high-gloss
started up. Follow the instrument manufacturer’s instructions.
specimens, the specular component should generally be ex-
8.4 Verifytheaccuracyoftheinstrumentaldatabymeasure-
cluded during the measurement.
ment of a series of verification standards (recommended)
5.2.2.2 For the measurement of plane-surface intermediate-
(Practice E1164, Subsection 9.5). Select the appropriate color
gloss (satin) specimens, where the first-surface reflection
scales, observer, and illuminant for the computation of color
component may be distributed over a wide range of angles,
coordinates before measurement.
measurement may be made with the specular component
included, but the resulting color coordinates may not correlate
9. Procedure
best with visual judgments of the color. Measurement with
9.1 Select inclusion or exclusion of the specular component
specular excluded may lead to better correlations.
of reflection.
5.2.2.3 For the measurement of plane-surface, low-gloss
(matte) specimens, the specular component may either be
9.2 When required, select the color scales, observer, and
excluded or included, as no significant difference in the results
illuminant for the computation of color coordinates (Practice
should be apparent.
E308, Section 6). For most applications, the CIELAB (L*, a*,
b*) color scale, 10° observer, and D illuminant is recom-
5.3 An estimate of gloss may be obtained by measuring the 65
mended.
reflection both with the specular component of reflection
included and excluded, and then calculating the diffe
...