Match of US Government™ Fed Std 595C 12197 *

Actual color may vary from on-screen representation. Please view a physical color swatch or material sample to confirm your color choice prior to purchase.

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A match of US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 reads as a warm, saturated red-orange with a strong orange bias and a fairly deep value. It is not a bright red; the lower lightness gives it a dense, grounded look, while the high chroma keeps the color vivid rather than muted.

MyPerfectColor custom-matched paint is made to match the selected Fed Std 595C government color reference. That makes it useful when a drawing, maintenance order, procurement document, or restoration callout names 12197 and you need a practical paint match for parts and components, not an official government coating system.

This color can be used on spray-painted brackets, enclosures, control boxes, panels, housings, fabricated guards, switch covers, carts, and other small hardware that need a visible red-orange identification tone. It also works for mock-ups, training aids, and replacement pieces where separate metal, plastic, or composite parts need to stay aligned to the same government standard.

Because the color is dark and highly saturated, substrate color and film build can affect how even it looks, especially over lighter primers or uneven surfaces. Gloss level and surface texture can also change the perceived depth, and touch-up beside aged or weathered coatings may show sheen or fade differences even when the code is correct. For acceptance-critical work, compare against the existing part or project-approved sample rather than relying on the code alone.

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MyPerfectColor DUNS Number: 117438928

MyPerfectColor CAGE Code: 8SUA4

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About US Government Federal Standard (now Aerospace Material Specification / AMS) 595 Colors. Fed-Std-595C / FED STD 595 Colors

The Federal Standard (now Aerospace Material Specification / AMS) 595 colors are used to specify colors for US Government applications. The color are used by the US Government agencies, branches and suppliers. The most common requests we receive for Fed Standard Colors are for spray paint, Direct to Metal and other paints for prototyping, marking and identification and touchup applications. Typical clients include the USCG, all branches of the Armed Services, the State Department, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. For example, we provided paint to the Navy for marking shells with the specific Fed Std color designated to identify the type of round.

We offer 5 standard sheens in our lacquer touchup paint: flat, low lustre, satin, semi-gloss or gloss. We also offer a full range of Alkyd and Acrylic Direct To Metal paints. Please contact us if you have any questions. Please submit RFQs to [email protected]

The colors in the Federal Standard set have no official names and are identified by five-digits. The numbers designate the sheen, color classification and color intensity.

The first digit will be 1,2 or 3 and indicates the level of sheen:
    1 = gloss
    2 = semi gloss
    3 = matt

The second digit indicates the color group;
    0 = Brown     5 = Blue
    1 = Red         6 = Grey
    2 = Orange 7 = Other (white, black, violet, metallic)
    3 = Yellow     8 = Fluorescent
    4 = Green

The third to fifth digits indicate the intensity. Lower numbers indicates a darker color and higher numbers indicate a lighter color.

While the Fed Std colors indicate sheen as part of the 5 digits, MyPerfectColor still requires you to enter a specific sheen. For example, the color Fed Std 37038 technically refers to a matte finish, but MyPerfectColor offers it in any sheen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Match of US Government™ Fed Std 595C 12197 *

Does Fed Std 595C 12197 define the coating system, or only the color target?

A match of US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 is a government color reference target, not a full coating specification. The code identifies the color to match, but it does not by itself choose chemistry, gloss, surface preparation, corrosion protection, or any formal approval status. If your project requires a specific coating system or compliance step, treat the code as only one part of the requirement.

Will Fed Std 595C 12197 match an older painted part exactly for touch-up?

Not always. Even if MyPerfectColor paint is matched to Fed Std 595C 12197, an older in-service coating can look different because of fade, weathering, sheen shift, surface texture, and coating age. For a touch-up beside an existing finish, the standard color may be the correct reference, but the surrounding part can still read differently. If the repair is highly visible or acceptance-critical, matching the existing part or using a sample panel is often the safer path.

What product formats can I order for Fed Std 595C 12197?

A match of US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 can be ordered as MyPerfectColor custom-matched paint in available formats such as spray paint, touch-up paint, and other format options where offered for specification-driven color work. The color code is the reference target, while the product format should be chosen based on how you plan to apply it, the size of the repair, and the surface you are coating.

How do I reorder Fed Std 595C 12197 for another part and keep the match consistent?

Reorder by the exact color code, Fed Std 595C 12197, and keep the same product type and finish whenever possible. That is the best way to improve consistency across repeat jobs or multi-part projects. Even then, the final appearance can still vary with substrate, application method, and film build, so matching the order details is important but not the only factor.

Why can Fed Std 595C 12197 look different after application even when the color match is correct?

Finish changes how Fed Std 595C 12197 reads after it is applied. Gloss, matte, satin, texture, and film thickness can all make the same matched color appear lighter, darker, or differently colored to the eye. If appearance matters on a visible surface, choose the finish intentionally and, when possible, compare a test area under the same application conditions you will use on the job.

When will I receive my paint matching US Government Fed Std 595C 12197? Can I get it right away?

All paint is custom-made to order. While most orders ship within 48 hours, the lead-time for paint made to match US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 depends on the type of paint needed. Interior and exterior house paints usually ship within 1 to 3 business days, while custom spray paint typically takes 3-5 business days to ship. The transit time depends on your location and the shipping method you choose. If your need is immediate, select Expedited Production during checkout. Most expedited production orders ship within 24 hours on business days. Please contact MyPerfectColor if you are concerned about a specific deadline. We do our best to make sure you get your paint on time. Learn more about paint lead times at MyPerfectColor.

What are the LRV, HEX, and RGB values for the US Government Fed Std 595C 12197?

The RGB values for US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 are 193, 68, 41 and the HEX code is #C14429. The LRV for US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 is 15.61. The LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value and measures the percentage of light that a color reflects. Learn more about using RGB and Hex codes for matching colors and Light Reflectance Values.

What paint type is used to make spray paint matched to US Government Fed Std 595C 12197? And how many spray cans do I need?

MyPerfectColor uses an acrylic enamel which is a fast-drying durable coating suitable for interior or exterior use. MyPerfectColor custom spray paint matched to US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 enables you to conveniently achieve a professional spray-smooth finish in any color in any sheen. It sticks well to most surfaces including metal, plastics, powder-coatings, cabinets and primed or previously painted wood.

The MyPerfectColor 11oz spray will cover about 20 square feet per coat. Keep in mind that it is difficult to gauge spray paint need as the coverage is highly dependent on how it is applied. Learn more about how spray paint works at MyPerfectColor.

Does US Government paint color US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 need primer?

MyPerfectColor doesn't sell US Government paint, but it does match the US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 and all the other US Government colors in a wide variety of paint types. The need for primer depends on the specific paint and the substrate being painted. The top quality paints these days tend to be self-priming over most surfaces, while paint at the mid to lower grade quality levels will need a separate primer. Most special situations such as bleeding type woods or difficult to adhere surfaces like plastic will often need a specialty primer. Contact MyPerfectColor support if you have specific questions about the best paint to use for your project and whether you need a primer.

How do I buy paint in the US Government Fed Std 595C 12197?

Many types of paint are available for US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 with no minimum order quantities. MyPerfectColor offers spray paint, paint pens, touch up bottles, water-based acrylics, epoxies, urethanes and a variety of other paints. Select the Paint Type button above to get started. Learn more about buying paint at MyPerfectColor.

How do I get the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for paint matched to US Government Fed Std 595C 12197?

The US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 is the color and the SDS is based on the type of paint used to make the color. You can find Safety Data Sheets here for our most popular products.

How do I get a Certificate of Conformance (CofC) for the US Government Fed Std 595C 12197?

Contact MyPerfectColor support if you need a certificate of conformance for US Government Fed Std 595C 12197. We are happy to provide this with your order.

Does this US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 meet my spec?

The US Government Fed Std 595C 12197 is the color portion of the spec. The remaining part of the spec will indicate the type of paint needed. Paint can be purchased directly from the color page, but MyPerfectColor offers many additional paint types not visible from the color page. Please contact us if you are not sure what you need, you don't see what you are looking for, or you need a quote to proceed. MyPerfectColor can furnish Certificates of Conformance upon request.