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This is an extremely dark, low-chroma gray that reads close to black. The color has a cool tendency with only a very slight blue-green bias, so it comes across as a restrained technical charcoal rather than a warm black.

MyPerfectColor custom-matched paint to this Fed Standard 595C / AMS-STD-595 reference can be used for maintenance and fabrication work on brackets, enclosures, panels, housings, switch covers, hardware, rack parts, and other small components where a specified government color is needed. In spray paint form, it is well suited to touch-up work, replacement parts, prototypes, training aids, and color-coded equipment pieces.

Because the color is so dark, surface condition and sheen can be more noticeable after application. A consistent primer, even film build, and compatible substrate help the finish read more uniformly, while gloss level can shift how deep or flat the color appears. On repairs next to older coatings, the standard match may still differ from an in-service surface that has aged, worn, or faded.

For specification-driven work, this standard reference is the target; for acceptance-critical repairs, an existing-part comparison or project sample may be needed if the surrounding coating has changed over time. That distinction matters when the goal is to match the documented code versus duplicating the look of a weathered finished part.

Similar colors:

AMS-STD-595 17038
AMS-STD-595 27040
AMS-STD-595 15042

Product Data

Perfect Color Ventures LLC DUNS Number and CAGE Code

MyPerfectColor DUNS Number:  117438928

MyPerfectColor CAGE Code:  8SUA4

MyPerfectColor is compliant with section 889. Download the Record of Section 889 Representations PERFECT COLOR VENTURES LLC.

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™ AMS-STD-595 27038 *

What does AMS-STD-595 27038 define, and what does it not define when I order this color?

A match of US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 is a government color reference target. It tells you which color you are trying to match, but it does not by itself define the product chemistry, gloss, surface preparation, coating system, or approval status for your project.

When you order from MyPerfectColor, you are ordering MyPerfectColor paint matched to AMS-STD-595 27038, not an official government-issued coating system.

Is AMS-STD-595 27038 a good match for touch-up on an older coated part, or should I match the existing finish instead?

A match of US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 is the correct reference if your goal is to match the standard color. For touch-up next to an older in-service coating, the surrounding finish may have faded, worn, or changed sheen, so the standard color can still look different from the existing part.

If the repair is visible or acceptance-sensitive, matching the existing part or repainting the full part is sometimes the better choice. If you are unsure, compare the standard reference against the actual part before ordering.

If my spec calls for AMS-STD-595 27038, is a standard color match enough for acceptance?

Not always. AMS-STD-595 27038 identifies the color reference, but some procurement packages, engineering authorities, or inspection processes require more than a standard color-code match.

If the project is acceptance-critical, you may need a sample panel, an existing-part match, or project-specific approval steps. Check the contract, drawing, or authority having jurisdiction before you order paint for a compliance-sensitive job.

How should I plan dry time, recoat timing, and handling for AMS-STD-595 27038?

Dry-to-touch, recoat timing, handling, and full cure are different milestones. The right plan depends on the MyPerfectColor product format you order for AMS-STD-595 27038.

Use the product instructions for the specific format, and do not assume that a surface is ready for recoating or service just because it feels dry. If the part will be handled, assembled, or exposed to service quickly, build that timing into the project plan before ordering.

What product formats can I order for AMS-STD-595 27038 from MyPerfectColor?

For AMS-STD-595 27038, MyPerfectColor can supply custom-matched paint in spray paint and other available formats for specification-driven color work. The color code is the reference target, while the format should be chosen based on how you will apply the paint.

If you need touch-up work, a small repair, or a sprayed finish, choose the format that best fits the part, access, and application method. If you are ordering for a project with a defined coating process, confirm that the format you select is compatible with that process before purchase.

When will I receive my paint matching US Government AMS-STD-595 27038? 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 AMS-STD-595 27038 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 AMS-STD-595 27038?
The RGB values for US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 are 16, 18, 18 and the HEX code is #101212. The LRV for US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 is 0.61. 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 AMS-STD-595 27038? 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 AMS-STD-595 27038 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 AMS-STD-595 27038 need primer?
MyPerfectColor doesn't sell US Government paint, but it does match the US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 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 AMS-STD-595 27038?
Many types of paint are available for US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 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 AMS-STD-595 27038?
The US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 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 AMS-STD-595 27038?
Contact MyPerfectColor support if you need a certificate of conformance for US Government AMS-STD-595 27038. We are happy to provide this with your order.
Does this US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 meet my spec?

The US Government AMS-STD-595 27038 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.