Learn something every day. I thought USN “Insignia” white was white. An IPMS chart suggests a combination of 3 parts white with one part what looks to be unbleached white or even buff. Now that I look at it, when I stare at my sample in the Robert Archer book the white does look a little off. Not quite ready to blast my Avenger yet, and definitely like to get it right. Wiser heads?
Eric
I leard something about " White Color " years ago while being involved in the Automotive restoration hobby. If you talk to the Street Rod guys they will tell you about white not really being white. The paint manufacturers tentd to cut it with a little bit of another color. Another example is your basic white interior house paint. They now have a color called Ultra White, which really pops out at you compared to regular white. I painted all of the ceilings in my house with Ultra white to brighten the rooms. As far as Uncle Sam is concerned, I think that if you check the FS number for Insignia white, it may not be a true or pure white. I’m guessing that pure white may be a little bit more difficult and / or expensive to manufacture… but that’s just a guess. I hope that helps. Bob
US Insignia White was two different colors,caused by the specification and a “rule”
the spec said to use Insignia White FS 17875 on the lower surfaces of USN aircraft (for example)
that was a White from the BG (Blue-Green) area of the Munsell book of color (the source of the colors in the first place)
the problem was that the Rule was that “tinting mediums” were not authorized by the USN for use in the White paint supplied, to change the color of white,so, the color actually used was Insignia White FS 17925 which was a white from the GY (Green-Yellow) area of the Munsell book of color and was the base color that came in the cans (it was authorized as a mixing tint for other colors)
add in the fact that all of the Whites with a different FS number were actually different colors (not just different glosses),and the presence of “weird” things like USN ship surfaces White possibly around at some of the same shops,and you are going to see more than one “match” to any given white surface
the decals for things like Insignias would not be any different than “spec” colors though,except in the case of some Insignia that got repainted on,that last would be sort of rare, we have photos of Insignia being used even if they tore during application and the parts not lined up perfectly