Ashland scientists have extensive expertise in color matching for custom formulations or to replace an existing color formulation.

In the process of color matching, a spectrophotometer is used to measure the E of two L*a*b* readings for each sample, a
protocol developed by the Color Measurement Committee (CMC) of the Society of Dyers and Colorists (see Figure 1). L* is a
reading in the white-to-black plane, a* is in the red-to-green plane, and b* is in the yellow-to-blue plane. The E CMC is simply a
Pythagorean distance calculation between the two measured points. A E of 3.0 or less is the amount of color shift for which the
average observer will be unable to perceive a color dierence.
In our color lab we have formulated a standard range of Pantone*-matched colors that can be used as starting points for a
discussion about color matching. If the color you need is not found in our standard range, please feel free to discuss options for a
custom color formulation with your Ashland sales representative.
Figure 1
The Three-Dimensional L*a*b* Color Space
With good chemistr y great things happen.

Color matching
Green
- a*
Red
+ a*
White
L*
Black
Yellow
+ b*
All statements, information and data presented herein are
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as a guarantee, an express warranty, or an implied warranty
of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose, or
representation, express or implied, for which Ashland Inc.
and its subsidiaries assume legal responsibility.
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