Designation: C 609 – 07

Standard Test Method for

Measurement of Light Reflectance Value and Small Color
Differences Between Pieces of Ceramic Tile1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 609; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope C 242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of Light Products
Reflectance Value (LRV) and visually small color difference D 2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
between pieces of glazed or unglazed ceramic tile, using any Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
spectrophotometer that meets the requirements specified in the Coordinates
test method. LRV and the magnitude and direction of the color E 259 Practice for Preparation of Pressed Powder White
difference are expressed numerically, with sufficient accuracy Reflectance Factor Transfer Standards for Hemispherical
for use in product specification. and Bi-Directional Geometries
1.2 LRV may be measured for either solid-colored tile or E 284 Terminology of Appearance
tile having a multicolored, speckled, or textured surface. For 3. Terminology
tile that are not solid-colored, an average reading should be
obtained from multiple measurements taken in a pattern 3.1 Definitions:
representative of the overall sample as described in 9.2 of this 3.1.1 color difference, DE* and DEH—the vector sum of the
test method. Small color difference between tiles should only three component differences DL*, Da*, and Db* for DE* and
be measured for solid-color tiles. Small color difference DLH,DaH,DbH for DEH. The superscript * indicates color
between tile that have a multicolored, speckled, or textured difference based on the use of CIELAB color space equations,
surface, are not valid. while the subscript H indicates color difference based on the
1.3 For solid colored tile, a comparison of the test specimen use of the Hunter equations. DEH is expressed in units of judds,
and reference specimen should be made under incandescent, while DE* is a unit-less value. Either form of the DE can be
fluorescent and daylight illuminant conditions. The use of solved for using the equation shown in 10.3. For both the
multiple illuminants allows the color difference measurement CIELAB and Hunter equations, the values DL, Da, and Db are
to be made without the risk of wrongly accepting a match when obtained by calculating the component differences as follows:
the tiles being compared are metamers. (See 3.1.4.) DL 5 L t 2 Lr
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Da 5 a t 2 ar
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for Db 5 b t 2 br
information only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the where:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the t = test specimen, and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- r = reference specimen.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- The quantity DE has a positive value and it describes the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. magnitude but not the direction of color difference between the
test specimen and the reference specimen. The direction of
2. Referenced Documents color difference depends upon the algebraic signs of the
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 components DL, Da, and Db. A positive DL value means that
the test specimen is lighter than the reference against which it
is being compared, and a negative DL value means that the test
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C21 on Ceramic specimen is darker. However, the algebraic signs of chroma-
Whitewares and Related Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C21.06 on Ceramic Tile. ticity components, Da and Db, do not convey an easily
Current edition approved May 1, 2007. Published May 2007. Originally
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as C 609 – 90(2000).
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards 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.

1
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 07:40:40 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C 609 – 07
visualized difference in color attributes and can best be 3.1.10 tile—See Terminology C 242.
visualized by plotting the corresponding points in the chroma- 3.1.11 spectrophotometric—measurement of the spectral re-
ticity plane.3 flectance or transmittance curve of a material.4.
3.1.2 color space—the colors of opaque specimens such as
ceramic tile are described in terms of three color scales L, a, 4. Summary of Test Method
and b. Scale L is a measure of lightness, a is a measure of 4.1 This test method explains the technique for measuring
redness or greenness, and b is a measure of yellowness or the LRV and color of tile specimens with a spectrophotometric
blueness. The units for each of the three scales are so chosen instrument that meets the specified requirements. Such instru-
that they represent equally perceptible color differences. The ments should give results comparable to differences observed
interrelation of these color scales is more readily visualized if by the human eye, and yield for each color a unique, three-
the scales are represented geometrically as the three mutually number characterization, having known relationship to the
perpendicular axes of a three-dimensional color space, with the tristimulus values X, Y, and Z.
L axis in the vertical direction, the positive a axis (redness) to 4.2 Spectrophotometic measurement systems commonly
the right, and the positive b axis (yellowness) in a counter- provide measurement data in a variety of color units and allow
clockwise direction from the positive a axis (see Fig. 1). for automatic conversion of data from one color system to
another. Select equations are included in this test method for
manual determination of LRV from Y, L* or LH. Equations are
also provided for calculation of L*,a* and b* and LH, aH and bH
from tristimulus values X, Y, Z. The algebraic differences in L,
a, and b values, between any two specimens, are then used to
calculate the color difference, DE. If manual calculations are
required, consult the instrument supplier for conversions not
provided within this test method.
4.3 The complete description of the amount and direction of
a color difference between any two pieces of solid colored tile
can be given simply as the three respective differences between
the pairs of values for L, a, and b. For some purposes, DE alone
provides enough information, since its magnitude gives a fairly
good correlation with human opinions about the size of a color
difference.
4.4 To protect against approval of a metameric color match,
multiple illuminates must be used when evaluating color
difference between solid colored tiles. A test specimen needs to
prove suitable with respect to a reference specimen under
FIG. 1 Three-Dimensional Color Space incandescent, fluorescent and daylight illuminant conditions in
order to be judged as acceptable.
3.1.3 light reflectance value, (LRV)—the luminance factor 5. Significance and Use
Y, of a sample expressed as a percent. Thus, a Y value of 70
would equate to an LRV of 70%. The LRV indicates the portion 5.1 This test method describes the means of determining the
of light cast on a sample that is not absorbed. LRV of a tile specimen. Certain building codes require the use
3.1.4 metamers—See Terminology E 284. of materials rated by LRV. Application of this test method
3.1.5 reference specimen—any tile for which a match is provides the means for rating ceramic tile. LRVs reported for
desired. ceramic tile should include reference to the observer and
3.1.6 repeatability—the standard deviation of results ob- illuminant for which the rating is valid.
tained by the same operator using the same instrument in 5.2 LRV is a property dependent on the overall color of a
successive measurements. tile specimen. Control of LRV is achieved through control of
3.1.7 reproducibility—the standard deviation of results ob- color and adherence to color specifications will govern the
tained by different operators using the same or different types acceptability of a product with respect to LRV. Therefore, a
of instruments in different laboratories. product cannot be judged as having an unacceptable LRV
3.1.8 standard—the plaque or other media of established unless the color of the product is found to be unacceptable.
tristimulus value, against which standardization of the instru- 5.3 Mixtures of several tile products are commonly installed
ment is made. on a surface, requiring a means to calculate LRV for a product
3.1.9 test specimen—any piece of tile whose LRV or color mix. The rating obtained for an individual tile product can be
difference from a reference specimen is to be evaluated. used to calculate the LRV for a product mix using the
following equation:

3
Illing, A. M., Balinkin, I., “Precision in Measurement of Small Color
4
Differences,” American Ceramic Society Bulletin , Vol 44, No. 12, 1965, pp. Billmeyer, F.W. Jr., Saltzman, M., Principles of Color Technology, 2nd Edition,
956–962. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 1981 p. 78, 85.

2
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 07:40:40 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C 609 – 07
LRVproduct mix 5 ( p1LRV1 1 p2LRV2 1….1 pn LRVn (1) repeatability (see 3.1.6) of s = 60.2 units or less, based on five
where: independent measurements. The well-known standard devia-
tion equation shown as follows is used to calculate the standard
deviation.5
n = number of products included in the mix
p1 to n = the proportion of the surface area taken up by s 5 [(jFj ~X j 2 X!2 /N]½ (2)
each product, the sum of p1 to pn must equal 6.2 Type of Instrument for Color Measurement—For the
one measurement of solid colored tile, the spectrophotometric
LRV1 to n = the LRV for each product used measurement system must meet all of the requirements for
LRV measurement and be capable of yielding tristimulus
For example, a mixture of two products is used on a surface. values X, Y, and Z, for daylight, incandescent and fluorescent
Two thirds of the surface area is covered by product A with a illuminants.
LRV of 75%, and one third of the surface is covered by product 6.3 Instrument Setup—For measurement of LRV and color
B with an LRV of 60% (see Fig. 2). Using the equation, the difference, spectrophotometric measurements should be taken
product mix is found to have an LRV of 70%. with specular component included (SCI). If the instrument
being used is not capable of taking SCI measurements, then all
reported measurements must include a notation stating mea-
surement obtained with specular component excluded (SCE).

7. Standards
7.1 Primary Standard—The primary standard for reflec-
tance measurement is a layer of freshly prepared barium sulfate
(see Practice E 259).
7.2 Working Standard—Because of the difficulty of prepar-
ing a primary standard each time and its variability, calibrated
pieces of white opaque glass, porcelain enamel plaques, or
glazed ceramic tile are used as working standards and are
usually supplied by the manufacturer of the instrument. The
FIG. 2 Example of a Product Mix Used on a Surface
manufacturer of each type of instrument provides numerical
specifications for the working standards, which have a definite
relationship to the CIE values X, Y, and Z.
5.4 The test method described herein provides instrumental
means as the basis for judging color difference. Magnitude of 8. Test Specimens
color difference between pairs of ceramic tile can be deter- 8.1 Size—The preferred size of test specimens is 41⁄4 by 41⁄4
mined and expressed in numerical terms. in. (108 by 108 mm) because most instruments are equipped
5.5 Based on interlaboratory investigation,3 color difference with a holder of that size which assures that the identical
DE of plain-colored tile, if determined according to this test surface area may be measured repeatedly. Specimens larger
method, should give excellent reproducibility with a standard may be reduced to that size by cutting. The required sample
deviation of not more than s = 60.15 units. LRV should also size is dependent on the instrument being used to measure the
give excellent reproducibility when used for solid colored tile test and reference specimens. Many instruments can be con-
based on the relationship between LRV and either the Y figured to measure a sample using different size viewing
tristimulus or L value. However, LRV reproducibility for apertures. The largest area of view capable of being used
multicolored, speckled, or textured surface tile will be depen- without interference from the edges of the tile should be
dent upon the degree of variation of the tile specimen, and will selected. However, the same aperture size should be used for
require a different measurement procedure to minimize the all measurements involved in a comparison. Tile with surfaces
impact of the variation. smaller than the aperture opening may not be measured with
5.6 The test method requires the use of multiple illuminants this test method. Likewise, tile with insufficient flat area cannot
for the determination of color difference between solid-colored be tested for color difference.
tiles. Evaluation under incandescent, fluorescent and daylight 8.2 Selection—When the test method is to be used for
illuminant conditions ensure the color differences calculated specifications, statistical methods shall be used to determine
between a test and reference specimen account for the possible the number of specimens that will be representative of the lot,
occurrence of metamerism. but the number shall never be less than five. The required
number of specimens shall be randomly selected from the
6. Apparatus containers, which bear identical manufacturer’s color and
6.1 Type of Instrument for LRV Measurement—Any color- shade designations.
measuring spectrophotometric instrument capable of yielding
data that can be transformed mathematically into the Interna-
tional Commission of Illumination (CIE) tristimulus values X, 5
Duncan, A. J., Quality Control and Industrial Statistics , R. D. Irwin, Inc.,
Y, and Z, may be used. It must have a color difference, DE, Homewood, IL, 1959, p. 45.

3
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 07:40:40 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C 609 – 07
8.3 Preparation—The specimen surface that is to be mea- white. The equations for calculating CIEL*a*b* are only valid when X/Xn,
sured for color must be cleaned with a cloth dipped in alcohol, Y/Yn, and Z/Zn are greater than 0.01.
followed by drying with a lintless dry cloth or paper tissue. In order to protect against approval of a metameric color
Unglazed tile, particularly those with absorptions of more than match between the test and reference specimens, L, a, and b
0.5 % shall be dried in an oven at 200°F (93°C) for a period of values need to be calculated separately for daylight, incandes-
1 h and cooled in a desiccator to room temperature before cent and fluorescent illuminant conditions.
measurement. 10.2 Obtain the equations to convert the readings from other
color-measuring instruments to CIE tristimulus values X, Y, and
9. Procedure Z, from the manufacturer of the instrument. The values for L,
9.1 Measurement of solid colored tile—Operate the instru- a, and b can then be calculated by the equations given at the
ment in accordance with the instructions supplied by the beginning of 10.1.
manufacturer, allowing specified warm-up time. Insert the 10.3 Calculation of Color Difference,DE— Calculate color
working standard, which comes with the instrument, and set difference between each test specimen and the reference
the instrument to the assigned values of the working standard. against which it is compared from the computed L, a, and b
Prepare the test and reference specimens as outlined under 8.3. values as follows (see Test Method D 2244):
Take alternate readings of the reference specimen and the test
DE 5 @~DL!2 1 ~Da! 2 1 ~Db!2# 1 / 2 (6)
specimen in quick succession until a total of three readings
have been made of each tile. Record them and use the average DL 5 L t 2 Lr (7)
of the three measurements for each tile as the values to be used Da 5 at 2 a r (8)
in calculating color difference. If the number of test specimens and
to be measured and compared against the same reference
exceeds ten, restandardize the instrument against the working Db 5 b t 2 br· (9)
standard after each ten test specimens, that is, 60 individual In order to protect against approval of a metameric match
measurements. between the test and reference specimens, color difference
9.2 Measurement of tile having a multicolored, speckled, or needs to be calculated separately using the L, a and b values
textured surface—Follow the proscribed procedure for the generated for daylight, incandescent and fluorescent illuminant
measurement of solid colored tile with regard to instrument conditions.
preparation. The number of required sample readings should be 10.4 Calculation of Light Reflectance Value, LRV
determined based upon the surface area of the tile specimen —Calculate LRV value from Y tristimulus, L* or LH as
and the area of view of the measurement according to the follows:
following formula, rounded to the nearest whole number: LRV 5 Y (10)
Surface Area of Sample * 3 *
Readings per Sample 5 (3) LRV 5 100~~L 1 16!/116! , for L . 8.000 (11)
~5 * Area of View of Measurement!
* *
The measurements should be distributed over the tile in a LRV 5 L /9.0329, for L # 8.000
pattern that will provide representative data for the entire LRV 5 100 ~LH / 100! 2 (12)
sample. The average of all measurements performed on a tile
should be used to represent the LRV of the specimen. As with 11. Report
solid colored tile, no less than five specimens should be used to
11.1 Report the following information:
represent a lot. All measurements for a test specimen should be
performed followed by all measurements on a reference 11.1.1 Describe the type of test specimen, whether glazed or
specimen, alternating back and forth until the required number unglazed, the surface characteristics of glaze (bright, semi-
of tiles of each type has been measured. matte etc.), the common descriptive term of the hue (blue,
green, yellow, etc.), and the degree of saturation (strong,
medium, weak).
10. Calculation
11.1.2 Identify the instrument by manufacturer and model
10.1 Conversion of Readings—Convert the instrument read- number. Also give type of working standard used.
ings into L, a, and b values in order to calculate color
11.1.3 Give the equations used for converting the instru-
difference. Transform CIE tristimulus values X, Y and Z into L,
ment readings to the tristimulus values X, Y, and Z, if different
a and b values as follows (see Test Method D 2244):
from those specified in this test method. List the CIE illuminant
L* 5 116~Y/Yn!1 / 3 – 16 (4) designation for the daylight, incandescent and fluorescent
a* 5 500[~X/Xn! 1/3
2 ~Y/Yn! 1/3
] illuminants used.
1/3 1/3 11.1.4 For each of the illuminant conditions (daylight,
b* 5 500[~Y/Yn! 2 ~Z/Zn! ]
incandescent and fluorescent), report the LRV or color differ-
1/2
LH 5 100~Y/Yn! (5) ence, DE, between each test specimen and the reference
aH 5 175 [0.0102Xn/~ Y/Yn!# 1/2
* [~X/Xn! – ~Y/Yn!# specimen to the nearest tenth of a unit. For DE give the actual
1/2
color readings in L, a, and b of the reference and test specimen.
bH 5 70 [0.00847Zn/~ Y/Yn!# * [~Y/Yn! – ~Z/Zn!#
11.1.5 For each of the illuminant conditions (daylight,
NOTE 1—Xn, Yn, and Zn are the tristimulus values for the reference incandescent and fluorescent), indicate the direction of color

4
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 07:40:40 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C 609 – 07
difference for each test specimen by reporting the lightness and 12.2 Bias—No data are available on measurements versus a
chromaticity differences DL, Da, and Db, with their respective standard.
algebraic signs.
13. Keywords
12. Precision and Bias
12.1 The precision of this test method within a single 13.1 color differences; color equations; color measurement;
laboratory is determined by the sensitivity of a color-measuring glaze color; light reflectance; tristimulus
instrument that as specified has a standard deviation of 60.2
units when calculating DE* from five independent measure-
ments on the same sample. No interlaboratory data are avail-
able.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org).

5
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Thu Apr 16 07:40:40 EDT 2009
Downloaded/printed by
Laurentian University pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.