Neutral Gray - the Key to Accurate Color Viewing
Neutral gray is specified and recommended for color viewing because it eliminates “simultaneous color contrast.” For example, a red sample viewed on a blue background has an orange cast, while the same red viewed on a yellow background appears slightly purple. For the eye to see color accurately, it is imperative that the surround environment be chromatically neutral. Neutral gray also minimizes “color pollution” of a viewing area, which is caused by reflections from chromatic surfaces.
When D50 standard illumination is reflected from colored walls, its color quality changes so it is no longer “standard.” The application of a neutral gray to chromatic surfaces will eliminate such color pollution by providing spectrally neutral surfaces around the viewing area.
At GTI we not only paint all of our Color Viewing Systems for the graphic arts to the Munsell N8/ Neutral Gray Standard, we also offer Graphiclite Standard Gray Neutral 8 matte vinyl latex paint in gallon and pint size cans. GTI Graphiclite paint is the equivalent to Munsell N8/ and is used to paint walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces which are in the field of view. Painting these surfaces will reduce reflectance to 60% or less, the equivalent to Munsell N8/.
Industrial Color Matching
Industrial applications, which include plastics, textiles, paints, and other non-graphics related industries, use a Munsell N7/ Neutral Gray which is a slightly darker tone than Neutral 8.
Above: GTI’s PDV e professional desktop viewers offer viewing areas from 11” x 17” to 23” x 25.”
Above: GTI’s CVX-30106 Color Viewing Station
Above: Graphiclite Standard Gray Neutral 8 is a vinyl latex paint used in color viewing areas which require a Munsell N8/ surround.
About GTI
GTI is the leading manufacturer of tight tolerance lighting systems for critical color viewing, color communication, and color matching assessment. All of GTI’s color viewing and matching systems are designed and manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Newburgh, NY.
