The Gardner Color Scale is a simple, visual test for measuring the color of varnishes, drying oils, resins, nitro-cellulose, laquers, fatty acids, and similar transparent colored liquids.

The Orbeco-Hellige discs of permanent color glass standards comply with ASTM D-1544 and AOCS Method Td 1a, and should be used in conjunction with a 10 mm cell.

Orbeco-Hellige’s line of Varnish Comparator Outfits are ideally suited for testing in the laboratory, plant, or field, and portable versions are available. Test Kits come with everything you need to get started.

Correct lighting conditions are essential for accurate color comparison. Northern Daylight (or Southern Daylight in the southern hemisphere) is preferred because it maintains a more consistent color temperature over the course of the day, unlike direct sunlight where the color temperature varies according to the time of day.

However, because ideal lighting conditions are not always available nautually, Orbeco-Hellige has developed a line of lighting units to provide a standardized, consistent light source that simulates Northern Daylight. This means that reliable test results can be obtained at all times, and under all ambient light conditions.

Orbeco-Hellige light sources provide a constant and stable light using a tungsten halogen lamp and a calibrated color temperature correction filter. This guarantees correct lighting conditions 24 hours a day. We always recommend the use of a light source when visually matching colors.

Designed for use with the Comparator
705, the Daylight Illuminator (700-DA1) is designed for use in the laboratory.

The Portable Daylight Unit (700-DA2) conveniently converts into the sample cell holder, making it ideal for use in the lab, plant, or out in the field.