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

Ultra-White Color Standards

Since 2005 Mt. Baker Research has pursued the development of new ultra-white color standards. In June 2008 we introduced the alumina-based color standards shown in the next chart. These materials are durable, cleanable and stable following exposure to ultraviolet light. Read the FAQ page for answers to questions about these color standards.

The initial product release includes 3 types of ultra-white color standards. We are developing others through an ongoing strategic alliance with an established U.S. manufacturer of specialty ceramics. We are the exclusive source for these new products.

These charts compare typical spectral reflectance factor ("SRF") data for several ultra-white vitreous and ceramic materials. On both charts the blue plots show data for a Konica-Minolta CM-A103 white tile, while the green plots represent one of the 5 Ceram white tiles in our collection. In the visible region of the spectrum few vitreous or ceramic materials exhibit comparable spectral reflectance to the CM-A103 tile.

The 1st chart shows the average SRF values measured for the initial production release of ultra-white color standards. The 2nd chart shows data for those ultra-white standards that exhibited the largest SRF values. (Note: Individual specimens of Ceram tiles and ultra-white color standards exhibit variations in reflectance.)

The upper red plots show typical spectral reflectance data for the ultra-white matte color standard. The lower yellow plots show characteristic data for the ultra-white glossy color standard, while the central orange plots represent the ultra-white semi-glossy color standard.

At all wavelengths the ultra-white matte color standard exhibits higher spectral reflectance than Ceram white tiles or MC-20 Russian white opal glass ("RWOG," not shown). Above 560 nm half of the ultra-white matte standards exhibit higher reflectance than the Konica-Minolta CM-A103 white tile. The ultra-white matte color standard exhibits a faint orange colorcast, while Ceram white tiles and the CM-A103 white tile exhibit yellow and faintly blue colorcasts, respectively. Part No. MBDC-D1A-02-U (uncalibrated) or MBDC-D1A-02-C (calibrated).

At wavelengths above 400 nm, half of the ultra-white glossy color standards exhibit higher SRF values than the Ceram white tile. Although both materials exhibit yellow colorcasts, the ultra-white glossy color standard is less neutral than 3 of the Ceram white tiles in our collection. The ultra-white glossy color standard exhibits roughly comparable spectral reflectance to RWOG, but RWOG is more neutral. Part No. MBDC-D1B-02-U (uncalibrated) or MBDC-D1B-02-C (calibrated).

The optical properties of the ultra-white semi-glossy color standard are intermediate between those of the ultra-white glossy and the ultra-white matte color standards. At all wavelengths the ultra-white semi-glossy color standards exhibit higher spectral reflectance than the Ceram white tiles in our collection. We are working to improve the spectral reflectance of the ultra-white semi-glossy material in the near-ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared regions of the spectrum. Part No. MBDC-D1-02-U (uncalibrated) or MBDC-D1-02-C (calibrated).

Above 400 nm the ultra-white matte color standard exhibits greater than 94% reflectance. Except for increased absorption at 1,900 nm, from 550 - 2,100 nm its reflectance exceeds 96%. The ultra-white glossy and the ultra-white semi-glossy color standards exhibit comparable spectral reflectance at wavelengths above 600 nm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ultra-White Standards