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 we have independently pursued the development of new Ultra-White ceramic color standards. In June, 2008 we introduced the synthetic-alumina-based standards shown on 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 standards.

Our initial product release includes 3 types of ultra-white standards. We are developing others through an active strategic alliance with a well-known U.S. manufacturer of specialty ceramics. We are the exclusive source for these new products.

These charts compare typical spectral reflectance factor 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 4 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 spectral reflectance factors measured for our initial production release of Ultra-White color standards. The 2nd chart shows data for those Ultra-White standards that exhibited the largest reflectance factor 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 our Type 2 Ultra-White Matte standard. The lower yellow plots show characteristic data for our Type 1 Ultra-White Glossy standard, while the central orange plots represent our Type 3 Ultra-White Semi-Gloss standard.

At all wavelengths our Type 2 Ultra-White Matte standard exhibits higher spectral reflectance than CERAM White tiles or M-20 Russian White Opal Glass ("RWOG," not shown). Above 560 nm half of the Type 2 Matte standards exhibit higher reflectance than the Konica-Minolta CM-A103 White tile.

Our Type 2 Ultra-White Matte standard exhibits a faint orange color cast, while the CERAM White tile and the CM-A103 White tile exhibit yellow and faintly blue color casts, respectively.

Above 400 nm half of the Type 1 Ultra-White Glossy standards exhibit higher spectral reflectance than the CERAM White tile. Although both materials exhibit yellow color casts, the Type 1 Glossy standard is less neutral than 3 of the CERAM White tiles in our collection. Our Type 1 standard exhibits roughly comparable spectral reflectance to RWOG, but RWOG is more neutral.

The optical properties of our Type 3 Ultra-White Semi-Gloss standard are intermediate between those of the Type 1 Glossy and Type 2 Matte standards. At all wavelengths these Type 3 Semi-Gloss standards exhibit higher spectral reflectance than the CERAM White tiles in our collection. We are working to improve the spectral reflectance of the Type 3 material in the near-ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the spectrum.

Above 400 nm our Type 2 Ultra-White Matte standard exhibits greater than 94% reflectance. Except for increased absorption at 1,900 nm, from 550 - 2,100 nm its reflectance exceeds 96%. The Type 1 Glossy and Type 3 Semi-Gloss standards exhibit comparable spectral reflectance at wavelengths above 600 nm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ultra-White Standards