ASTM D1729-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1729-22 — Standard Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely‑Illuminated Opaque Materials. This practice specifies the equipment, viewing conditions, observer requirements, and procedures used for routine visual assessment and comparison of opaque materials under controlled, diffuse illumination for color matching and color‑difference evaluation.

Abstract

This standard practice defines standardized viewing conditions and procedures (including recommended illuminants, booth/surround requirements, sample presentation, and observer criteria) for visually appraising colors and color differences of diffusely illuminated opaque materials. It is intended as a practical, non‑instrumental method for quality control, specification, and approval of color where instrumental measurement is not used or is impractical. The practice excludes special viewing for metallic or pearlescent finishes that require directional illumination.

General information

• Status: Active (current version).
• Publication date: 1 June 2022 (designated D1729-22).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 17.180.20 (Colours and measurement of light).
• Edition / version: D1729-22 (revises D1729-16).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (ASTM published document).

Scope

This practice specifies the equipment and procedures for visual appraisal of colors and color differences of opaque materials that are diffusely illuminated. It is intended for routine and critical color matching where judgments are made by trained observers with normal (preferably superior) color vision. Viewing of metallic, pearlescent, or other goniochromatic materials that require directional lighting is outside the scope of this practice. The practice recommends using standardized simulated daylight and other specified light sources for metamerism detection and matching tasks.

Key topics and requirements

• Recommended illuminants and light sources for visual appraisal (D65 simulated daylight is recommended for general use; additional sources used for metamerism checks).
• Viewing booth / color‑matching cabinet construction and surround requirements to ensure uniform diffuse illumination and controlled reflectance.
• Observer selection, training, and vision requirements (observers should have normal or better color vision and be trained per relevant guides such as Guide E1499).
• Geometry and sample presentation: guidance on sample orientation, viewing angles, and background to minimize visual bias.
• Procedures for making comparative visual judgments and documenting color acceptability and tolerances.
• Limitations: guidance that the practice is not suitable for directional/metallic effects and that instrumental methods (spectrophotometry/CIE methods) are an alternative for greater precision.

Typical use and users

Used by color technologists, quality control laboratories, paint/coatings and plastics manufacturers, textile and apparel producers, product designers, brand owners, and production inspectors for routine color matching, incoming inspection, and final product acceptance when visual assessment is required or preferred. Also used by suppliers of color‑matching cabinets and viewing booths for equipment specification and compliance.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside or referenced with other visual and instrumental color standards and guides such as Guide E1499 (observer selection/training), Practices E308 and E1164 (instrumental color measurement and CIE procedures), and international image/printing viewing standards (for example ISO 3664 for viewing conditions in graphic arts). D1729-22 formally revises the previous D1729-16 edition.

Keywords

color appraisal, color matching, visual evaluation, viewing booth, D65, simulated daylight, metamerism, opaque materials, observer training, Guide E1499, ASTM D1729-22

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1729-22 is a standard practice that defines controlled visual viewing conditions and procedures for appraising the colors and color differences of diffusely‑illuminated opaque materials. It provides practical requirements for booths, light sources, observers, and test methods used in visual color evaluation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the selection and specification of illuminants (with D65 recommended for daylight viewing), viewing cabinet/booth conditions, observer qualifications and training, sample presentation and geometry, and procedures for making and recording visual color comparisons. It explicitly excludes specialized directional viewing needed for metallic or pearlescent effects.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers and QC personnel in coatings, plastics, textiles, printing/packaging, and related industries; color laboratories and consultants; designers and brand owners who require consistent visual color assessment; and suppliers of color‑matching cabinets and viewing booths.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of the 2022 designation, D1729-22 is the current, active version and it revises the previous D1729-16 edition. The ASTM store lists D1729-22 as active and published 1 June 2022.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D1729 is part of the ASTM color and imaging guidance developed by committee E12 (image and appearance) and is commonly used in conjunction with related ASTM practices and guides for color measurement and observer evaluation (for example Guide E1499, Practices E308/E1164). It sits within a family of standards used for visual and instrumental color assessment.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: color, color difference, visual appraisal, viewing conditions, D65, color matching cabinet, metamerism, opaque materials, observer training, ASTM.