Color Selection Standards

RAL Color Selection System

http://www.ral.de/en/ral_farben/home/index.php

Since 1927, RAL has created a uniform language when it comes to color. We have standardized, numbered and named the abundance of colors. These standards are easily understandable and applicable - worldwide.

Pantone Color Matching System

http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=19295&ca=10

For more than 40 years, Pantone has been inspiring design professionals with products, services and leading technology for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity.

Federal Standard FS.595B

http://apps.fss.gsa.gov/pub/fedspecs/index.cfm

Color reference standards used in government procurement. The colors are identified by means of a designated five-digit number

The first digit can be 1, 2 or 3 and indicates the level of sheen

• 1 = gloss
• 2 = semi-gloss
• 3 = matte

The second digit indicates a general color classification group

• 0 = brown
• 1 = red
• 2 = orange
• 3 = yellow
• 4 = green
• 5 = blue
• 6 = grey
• 7 = other (white, black, violet, metallic)
• 8 = fluorescent

The remaining digits 3, 4, and 5 combined into a number indicate the intensity. Lower value indicates a darker color, higher value - a lighter color, with no other significance. The numbers have been assigned with gaps to allow addition of new colors.

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