ASTM E2194-14 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

Designation: E2194‑14 (Reapproved 2021) — Standard Test Method for Multiangle Color Measurement of Metal Flake Pigmented Materials. This practice specifies instrumental requirements, standardization procedures, and measurement parameters for characterizing the color appearance of metal‑flake (gonioapparent) materials using multiangle spectrophotometric measurements; typical applications include automotive coatings, paints, plastics and inks where angle‑dependent appearance is important.

Abstract

This standard defines procedures for measuring color at multiple aspecular angles to quantify gonioapparent effects of metal‑flake pigmented materials. It covers geometric measurement conditions, instrument standardization (using an angle‑specific standardization plaque), specimen requirements and limits of applicability (it does not address pearlescent/interference materials). Data produced are intended primarily for quality control, color matching and incoming inspection.

General information

• Status: Reapproved 2021 (designation E2194‑14; note: a further revision/reissue appears published in 2025).
• Publication date: 31 May 2021 (reapproval date shown for E2194‑14 (2021)).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 17.180.20 — Colours and measurement of light.
• Edition / version: E2194‑14 (Reapproved 2021).
• Number of pages: 9 (document versions list 9–10 pages depending on publisher format; primary reapproved 2021 listing shows 9 pages).

Scope

The practice covers instrumental requirements, standardization procedures, material standards, and measurement parameters needed to obtain precise multiangle color measurements of metal‑flake pigmented (gonioapparent) materials. It requires measurements at multiple aspecular angles (commonly three angles: near‑specular, mid‑specular and far‑specular) and specifies preferred geometries, aperture limits, and the use of a traceable standardization plaque. The procedure excludes the optical characterization of pearlescent and interference pigments.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of gonioapparent/metallic appearance and relevant terminology (references to Terminology E284 and VIM where applicable).
• Required multiangle instrument capabilities and preferred measurement geometries (near, mid and far aspecular angles).
• Standardization procedure using an angle‑specific standardization plaque traceable to a national laboratory.
• Specimen preparation and representativeness requirements (surface finish, gloss, texture and flake orientation considerations).
• Limitations and intended use: quality control, color matching and incoming inspection; not intended for pearlescent/interference materials.

Typical use and users

Applied in automotive appearance laboratories, coatings and paint manufacturers, color metrology labs, plastic and ink producers, and incoming inspection/quality control environments where metallic effect and angle‑dependent color must be quantified for matching or process control. Instrument manufacturers and test labs also use the practice when developing or validating multiangle measurement systems.

Related standards

Commonly used together with Practice E308 (computing tristimulus values from spectra), Terminology E284 (appearance terms), Practice E1708 (electronic interchange of color data), Practice E1345 and other color/metrology standards addressing instrumentation, data interchange and multi‑measurement procedures. Newer related ASTM practices for interference/pearlescent materials (for example E2539) may apply where E2194 is not suitable.

Keywords

multiangle, gonioapparent, metal flake, metallic pigment, aspecular angle, near‑specular, mid‑specular, far‑specular, multiangle spectrophotometer, color measurement, appearance, ASTM E2194.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2194‑14 (Reapproved 2021) is a test method for multiangle instrumental color measurement of metal‑flake pigmented (gonioapparent) materials, intended for precise angle‑dependent color characterization used in quality control and color matching.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument requirements, preferred measurement geometries and apertures, standardization with an angle‑specific plaque, specimen requirements, and procedures for measuring color at multiple aspecular angles. It explicitly excludes pearlescent/interference materials.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Automotive appearance labs, coatings and paint manufacturers, plastics and ink producers, color‑metrology labs, instrument manufacturers, and quality/control groups that must quantify angle‑dependent metallic appearance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The edition designated E2194‑14 was reapproved in 2021 (E2194‑14 (2021)). Records show a later revision/reissue with an E2194‑14(2025) listing; users seeking the most current requirements should check the latest ASTM catalog or publisher for the 2025 revision.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It forms part of ASTM's appearance and color metrology practices (committee E12) and is used alongside practices such as E308, E284, E1708 and other color/appearance standards addressing instrumentation, data formats and related measurement methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Multiangle, gonioapparent, metal flake, aspecular angle, multiangle spectrophotometer, color measurement, metallic pigment, appearance.