ASTM D1729-96(2009)

Standard Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Although color measuring instruments are widely used, color matches are usually checked visually. The standardization of visual examination has greatly improved the uniformity of products and the accuracy of color matches.
The use of this practice is essential for critical color matching but is also recommended for any color appraisal, such as the choice or approval of a color. This practice is widely used in industry to choose colors, exhibit colors reproducibly, inspect incoming materials, monitor color producing processes, and inspect finished goods. Visual appraisal is particularly important when the product inspected is not of the same material as the color standard to which it is compared.
Observers—This practice is based on the fundamental assumption that the observer has normal color vision and is trained and experienced in observing and classifying color differences. The significance of the results depends on that being so. The selection, evaluation, and training of observers are treated in Guide E1499.
Illumination—Simulated average daylight is recommended by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), but a slightly bluer simulated north-sky daylight came into widespread use in North America, because it provides a slightly greater distinction between very pale yellow and white, a distinction of great commercial importance.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice specifies the equipment and procedures for visual appraisal of the colors and color differences of opaque materials that are diffusely illuminated. These specification are of critical importance in color matching. This practice requires judgments by observers with normal color vision.
1.2 Critical visual appraisal of colors and color differences of materials such as metallic and pearlescent paints requires illumination that is nearly a geometric simulation of sunlight, because such directional illumination permits observation of the glitter and goniochromatism that characterize such materials. Such viewing conditions are beyond the scope of this practice.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2009
• ICS: 17.180.20 - Colours and measurement of light
• Technical Committee: E12 - Color and Appearance
• Drafting Committee: E12.11 - Visual Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1729-96(2003) - Standard Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D2244-23 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM C1501-23 - Standard Test Method for Color Stability of Building Construction Sealants as Determined by Laboratory Accelerated Weathering Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM F29-97(2022) - Standard Specification for Dumet Wire for Glass-to-Metal Seal Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D5146-10(2019) - Standard Guide to Testing Solvent-Borne Architectural Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D7489-09(2017) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Touch-Up Properties of Architectural Coatings under Various Environmental Conditions
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM F934-96(2022) - Standard Specification for Standard Colors for Polymer-Coated Chain Link Fence Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D16-23 - Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D2616-19 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Visual Color Difference With a Gray Scale
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D5531-17(2023) - Standard Guide for Preparation, Maintenance, and Distribution of Physical Product Standards for Color and Geometric Appearance of Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D6695-16 - Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D2205-20 - Standard Guide for Selection of Tests for Traffic Paints
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D822/D822M-13(2018) - Standard Practice for Filtered Open-Flame Carbon-Arc Exposures of Paint and Related Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D5031/D5031M-13(2018) - Standard Practice for Enclosed Carbon-Arc Exposure Tests of Paint and Related Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D3794-22 - Standard Guide for Testing Coil Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D1729 − 96(Reapproved 2009)
Standard Practice for
Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of
Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1729; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Thecolorsofmaterialsdependonthegeometricandspectralnatureoftheilluminatingandviewing
conditions. This practice specifies standard conditions for appraising the colors and color differences
of opaque specimens that are diffusely illuminated. Daylight, the natural illuminant, is usually of
primary interest, but natural daylight is highly variable and is not available at night or in interior
rooms, so simulated daylight is generally used. Colors may match under a light source with one
spectral power distribution, but not under another, so the match is usually confirmed under another
very different source. An incandescent lamp of low correlated color temperature has long been used
to detect mismatches likely to appear under yellower phases of daylight or incandescent light.
Industrial color matchers often verify the match with the kind of light likely to be found where the
productissoldorused.Judgmentsmustbemadebyobserverswithnormalcolorvision.Evenso,there
may be substantial individual differences in judgments.
1. Scope 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This practice specifies the equipment and procedures for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
visual appraisal of the colors and color differences of opaque
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
materials that are diffusely illuminated. These specification are
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of critical importance in color matching. This practice requires
judgments by observers with normal color vision.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 Critical visual appraisal of colors and color differences
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of materials such as metallic and pearlescent paints requires
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
illumination that is nearly a geometric simulation of sunlight,
D1535 Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System
because such directional illumination permits observation of
the glitter and goniochromatism that characterize such materi- D4086 Practice for Visual Evaluation of Metamerism
D5531 GuideforPreparation,Maintenance,andDistribution
als. Such viewing conditions are beyond the scope of this
practice. of Physical Product Standards for Color and Geometric
Appearance of Coatings
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
E284 Terminology of Appearance
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
E308 PracticeforComputingtheColorsofObjectsbyUsing
only.
the CIE System
E1164 PracticeforObtainingSpectrometricDataforObject-
Color Evaluation
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E12 on Color and
E1499 Guide for Selection, Evaluation, and Training of
Appearance and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E12.11 on Visual
Observers
Methods.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2009. Published December 2009. Originally
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D1729 – 96 (2003).
DOI: 10.1520/D1729–96R09.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Defense to replace Method 4249.1 of Federal Test Method Standard No 141. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Consult the DoD Index of Specifications and Standards for the specific year of issue Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
which has been adopted by the Department of Defense. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1729 − 96 (2009)
2.2 ISO/CIE Standard: 6.1.1.1 Daylight illumination shall be a spectral simulation
10526 CIE Standard Colorimetric Illuminants (1991) of daylight of one or more of the following three kinds:
overcast northern sky light, designated CIE Illuminant D ;
3. Terminology
average daylight, designated CIE Illuminant D ; or, for
applications involving color photography or color printing,
3.1 Fordefinitionsofappearancetermsusedinthispractice,
CIE Illuminant D . The spectra of these illuminants are
refer to Terminology E284. 50
specified in Practice E308 and CIE Publication 15.2. The
quality of the simulation of daylight shall be assessed by the
4. Significance and Use
method specified in the latest revision of CIE Publication 51
4.1 Although color measuring instruments are widely used,
(under revision in 1996). For critical appraisal of colors and
color matches are usually checked visually. The standardiza-
color differences, the category determined by that method shall
tion of visual examination has greatly improved the uniformity
be BC(CIELAB) or better. This rating ensures that the source
of products and the accuracy of color matches.
provides ultraviolet and visible power in the right proportions
4.2 The use of this practice is essential for critical color
to make both nonfluorescent and fluorescent materials look
matching but is also recommended for any color appraisal,
very nearly the way they would in the corresponding phase of
such as the choice or approval of a color. This practice is
natural daylight. Users of this practice should be aware of the
widely used in industry to choose colors, exhibit colors
fact that neither correlated color temperature nor chromaticity
reproducibly, inspect incoming materials, monitor color pro-
alone qualifies simulated daylight for this purpose.
ducing processes, and inspect finished goods. Visual appraisal
6.1.1.2 Incandescent illumination shall have the spectral
is particularly important when the product inspected is not of
quality of the light from an incandescent lamp commonly used
thesamematerialasthecolorstandardtowhichitiscompared.
for home and business lighting, approximately simulating CIE
4.2.1 Observers—This practice is based on the fundamental
Illuminant A, specified in Practice E308 and ISO/CIE 10526.
assumption that the observer has normal color vision and is
6.1.1.3 Incandescent illumination of low correlated color
trained and experienced in observing and classifying color
temperature shall have spectral quality similar to that of a
differences. The significance of the results depends on that
Planckian radiator having a color temperature of 2300 K. This
being so. The selection, evaluation, and training of observers
light is commonly produced by incandescent lamps operated at
are treated in Guide E1499.
half their rated voltage.
4.2.2 Illumination—Simulated average daylight is recom-
6.1.1.4 Fluorescent lamps are often provided. Those most
mended by the International Commission on Illumination
often used are of the type known as “cool white” approxi-
(CIE), but a slightly bluer simulated north-sky daylight came
mately simulated by CIE Illuminant F2, and the type known as
into widespread use in North America, because it provides a
“three-band” approximately simulated by CIE Illuminant F11.
slightlygreaterdistinctionbetweenverypaleyellowandwhite,
The spectra of these illuminants are specified in Practice E308
a distinction of great commercial importance.
and ISO/CIE 10526.
6.1.1.5 One or several of these kinds of illumination, or
5. Observers
other kinds, as specified, may be provided in a luminaire or
viewing booth. Provision must be made for selecting any one
5.1 The validity of the results obtained by this practice
of the sources independently.
depends on visual judgments by an observer or observers with
6.1.2 Photometric Conditions—For critical evaluation of
normal color vision. Even among normal observers, there may
color differences of materials of medium lightness, the illumi-
be substantial individual variations. Color specifications de-
nation at the center of the viewed area shall be 1080 to 1340 lx
pendent on this practice may require averaging the results
(100 to 125 fc). For general evaluation of materials of medium
obtained by a specified number of observers. The nature of an
lightness, the illumination shall be between 810 and 1880 lx
observer’s color vision can be ascertained by visual tests.
(75and175fc).Ineithercase,forviewingverylightmaterials,
Observers should be tested periodically, because an individu-
the illumination may be as low as 540 lx (50 fc), and for
al’s color vision can change (see Guide E1499).
viewing very dark materials it may be as high as 2150 lx (200
6. Apparatus
fc). This higher level of illumination is usually obtained by
holding the specimens nearer the s
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D1729–96(Reapproved2003) Designation:D1729–96(Reapproved2009)
Standard Practice for
Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of
Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1729; 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 Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
The colors of materials depend on the geometric and spectral nature of the illuminating and viewing
conditions. This practice specifies standard conditions for appraising the colors and color differences
of opaque specimens that are diffusely illuminated. Daylight, the natural illuminant, is usually of
primary interest, but natural daylight is highly variable and is not available at night or in interior
rooms, so simulated daylight is generally used. Colors may match under a light source with one
spectral power distribution, but not under another, so the match is usually confirmed under another
very different source. An incandescent lamp of low correlated color temperature has long been used
to detect mismatches likely to appear under yellower phases of daylight or incandescent light.
Industrial color matchers often verify the match with the kind of light likely to be found where the
productissoldorused.Judgmentsmustbemadebyobserverswithnormalcolorvision.Evenso,there
may be substantial individual differences in judgments.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice specifies the equipment and procedures for visual appraisal of the colors and color differences of opaque
materials that are diffusely illuminated. These specification are of critical importance in color matching. This practice requires
judgments by observers with normal color vision.
1.2 Critical visual appraisal of colors and color differences of materials such as metallic and pearlescent paints requires
illumination that is nearly a geometric simulation of sunlight, because such directional illumination permits observation of the
glitter and goniochromatism that characterize such materials. Such viewing conditions are beyond the scope of this practice.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D523 Test Method for Specular Gloss
D1535 Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System
D4086 Practice for Visual Evaluation of Metamerism
D5531 Guide for Preparation, Maintenance, and Distribution of Physical Product Standards for Color and Geometric
Appearance of Coatings
E284 Terminology of Appearance
E308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
E1164 Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object-Color Evaluation
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E12 on Color and Appearance and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E12.11 on Visual Methods.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2003.2009. Published December 2003.2009. Originally approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 19962003 as
D1729 – 96 (2003). DOI: 10.1520/D1729-–96R039.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense to replace Method 4249.1 of Federal Test Method Standard No 141. Consult the DoD
Index of Specifications and Standards for the specific year of issue which has been adopted by the Department of Defense.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D1729–96 (2009)
E1499 Guide for Selection, Evaluation, and Training of Observers
2.2 ISO/CIE Standard:
CIE 1052610526 CIE Standard Colorimetric Illuminants (1991)
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of appearance terms used in this practice, refer to Terminology E284.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Although color measuring instruments are widely used, color matches are usually checked visually. The standardization of
visual examination has greatly improved the uniformity of products and the accuracy of color matches.
4.2 The use of this practice is essential for critical color matching but is also recommended for any color appraisal, such as the
choice or approval of a color. This practice is widely used in industry to choose colors, exhibit colors reproducibly, inspect
incoming materials, monitor color producing processes, and inspect finished goods.Visual appraisal is particularly important when
the product inspected is not of the same material as the color standard to which it is compared.
4.2.1 Observers—This practice is based on the fundamental assumption that the observer has normal color vision and is trained
and experienced in observing and classifying color differences. The significance of the results depends on that being so. The
selection, evaluation, and training of observers are treated in Guide E1499.
4.2.2 Illumination—Simulated average daylight is recommended by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), but
a slightly bluer simulated north-sky daylight came into widespread use in North America, because it provides a slightly greater
distinction between very pale yellow and white, a distinction of great commercial importance.
5. Observers
5.1 The validity of the results obtained by this practice depends on visual judgments by an observer or observers with normal
color vision. Even among normal observers, there may be substantial individual variations. Color specifications dependent on this
practice may require averaging the results obtained by a specified number of observers. The nature of an observer’s color vision
can be ascertained by visual tests. Observers should be tested periodically, because an individual’s color vision can change (see
Guide E1499).
6. Apparatus
6.1 The apparatus shall consist of luminaires, specimen table, surround, and ambient field having the following spectral,
photometric, and geometric characteristics:
6.1.1 Spectral Power Distribution—The spectral power distribution of the radiant flux incident on the specimens depends not
only on the source used, but on the nature of any diffuser employed and any reflecting surfaces, including those in the ambient
field, that reflect flux to the specimens.
6.1.1.1 Daylight illumination shall be a spectral simulation of daylight of one or more of the following three kinds: overcast
northern sky light, designated CIE Illuminant D ; average daylight, designated CIE Illuminant D ; or, for applications involving
75 65
color photography or color printing, CIE Illuminant D . The spectra of these illuminants are specified in Practice E308 and CIE
Publication 15.2. The quality of the simulation of daylight shall be assessed by the method specified in the latest revision of CIE
Publication 51 (under revision in 1996). For critical appraisal of colors and color differences, the category determined by that
method shall be BC(CIELAB) or better. This rating ensures that the source provides ultraviolet and visible power in the right
proportions to make both nonfluorescent and fluorescent materials look very nearly the way they would in the corresponding phase
of natural daylight. Users of this practice should be aware of the fact that neither correlated color temperature nor chromaticity
alone qualifies simulated daylight for this purpose.
6.1.1.2 Incandescent illumination shall have the spectral quality of the light from an incandescent lamp commonly used for
home and business lighting, approximately simulating CIE Illuminant A, specified in Practice E308 and ISO/CIE 10526.
6.1.1.3 Incandescent illumination of low correlated color temperature shall have spectral quality similar to that of a Planckian
radiator having a color temperature of 2300 K.This light is commonly produced by incandescent lamps operated at half their rated
voltage.
6.1.1.4 Fluorescent lamps are often provided. Those most often used are of the type known as “cool white” approximately
simulated by CIE Illuminant F2, and the type known as “three-band” approximately simulated by CIE Illuminant F11.The spectra
of these illuminants are specified in Practice E308 and ISO/CIE 10526.
6.1.1.5 One or several of these kinds of illumination, or other kinds, as specified, may be provided in a luminaire or viewing
booth. Provisi
...