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A match of US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 reads as a very dark charcoal gray with almost no chroma and a slight cool cast. With an LRV of 3.86, it sits close to black while still keeping a clear gray identity.

MyPerfectColor custom-matched paint in this reference is suited to spray-paint touch-up and repaint work on equipment panels, brackets, housings, enclosures, vent covers, switch plates, railings, carts, and fabricated hardware. It is a practical choice when a part needs to stay aligned with a government color standard across metal, plastic, or composite components.

Because the color is so dark and low-chroma, surface condition and sheen can influence the final look. Film build, substrate texture, and the finish you choose may make the color read a little deeper, flatter, or more reflective, and gloss differences can be visible on repaired parts.

For work beside an existing coated surface, a standard-reference match is not always the same as matching an aged in-service finish. If the surrounding part has faded, weathered, or changed sheen, a sample panel or project-specific check may be more appropriate than relying on the code alone.

Similar colors:

AMS-STD-595 37031
AMS-STD-595 37030
AMS-STD-595 37032

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 37038 *

What does AMS-STD-595 37038 mean when I order MyPerfectColor paint?

A match of US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 is the color reference target, not a complete coating specification. When you order, you are selecting MyPerfectColor paint matched to that government color standard, while chemistry, gloss, primer, surface prep, and approval requirements still depend on your project.

If your drawing or maintenance order calls out 37038, use the code to choose the color, then confirm the needed product format and finish separately.

Will MyPerfectColor matched to AMS-STD-595 37038 blend with an older in-service finish?

Not always. Even if the code is correct, an older coating can have fade, weathering, sheen change, texture differences, or previous repaint layers that make the repaired area look different from the surrounding surface.

For a touch-up next to an aged part, a full-part repaint or an existing-part match may be a better decision than relying on the standard code alone. If the finish is acceptance-critical, test on the actual part before committing to the full job.

What documentation comes with MyPerfectColor paint matched to AMS-STD-595 37038?

The color code itself is the reference for the shade, but SDS and product data belong to the specific MyPerfectColor product or chemistry you order. The code does not carry the SDS or define the full coating system.

If a procurement package needs documentation, make sure you collect the paperwork for the selected product and keep the AMS-STD-595 37038 reference in the project record as the color target.

How do I plan dry time and recoat steps for MyPerfectColor AMS-STD-595 37038?

Do not use the color code to estimate dry time. Dry-to-touch, recoat window, and full cure are product-specific and depend on the MyPerfectColor format you choose.

For schedule planning, follow the product directions for the exact paint you ordered and treat each coat as separate from the final cure. If the project has a tight turnaround, confirm the application method and recoat timing before you start.

What surface prep should I use before applying MyPerfectColor to AMS-STD-595 37038 parts?

Prepare the actual substrate, not just the color code. Clean and degrease the part, remove loose rust or oxidation, and scuff sound existing coatings so the new paint can adhere properly.

If you are painting metal, damaged coatings, or mixed substrates, use the primer and prep steps required for that surface and test on the actual part before doing the full application. The right prep can matter as much as the color match.

When will I receive my paint matching US Government AMS-STD-595 37038? 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 37038 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 37038?
The RGB values for US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 are 55, 55, 56 and the HEX code is #373738. The LRV for US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 is 3.86. 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 37038? 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 37038 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 37038 need primer?
MyPerfectColor doesn't sell US Government paint, but it does match the US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 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 37038?
Many types of paint are available for US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 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 37038?
The US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 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 37038?
Contact MyPerfectColor support if you need a certificate of conformance for US Government AMS-STD-595 37038. We are happy to provide this with your order.
Does this US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 meet my spec?

The US Government AMS-STD-595 37038 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.