Mt. Baker Research L.L.C.
2921 Sylvan Street/P.O. Box 28370
Bellingham, Washington 98228-0370

Defining Color Standards

Phone: (360) 650-0771 E-mail: <jackroot@mtbakerresearch.com>

Mt. Baker Research L.L.C. Information

Original Color Standards

Early in 2006 Mt. Baker Research began developing new color standards produced from commercial single-color ceramic tiles. Dr. Jack Root evaluated the tiles distributed in North America by more than 20 international manufacturers and acquired several hundred samples. After selecting the best varieties, we purchased the 14,000 tiles that make up the present production inventory.

Dr. Art Springsteen measured spectral reflectance factors for 100 glossy tiles. Dr. Root analyzed and documented the reflectance data, developed the manufacturing procedures and introduced the original sets of color standards (see below). At present he performs manufacturing, product development, research on translucency, consulting and certified traceable calibration and instrument validation services.

The original Basic Color Set is based on the Ceram Series II tiles with the addition of 4 new colors — black, white, difference yellow and difference blue. The Grey and Pastel Color Set expands the grey scale and introduces pastel colors. The Special Color Set further extends the color gamut with 16 dark and saturated colors that are not available in other tile sets.

Although the original sets include translucent color standards, we continue to support them. However, because of translucency we do not recommend these sets for testing small-aperture instruments. These sets may be purchased from Mt. Baker Research or Avian Technologies.