SAE AMS-STD-595A-A2-2021 PDF

Full title and description

SAE AMS-STD-595A/A2:2021 — Colors Used in Government Procurement. This document is Amendment A2 to the AMS-STD-595A color specification and provides the official numeric color references and associated guidance used for government and defense procurement of paints, coatings and color-critical items.

Abstract

This material specification lists standardized color references (five‑digit AMS/Federal color numbers and gloss categories) used in government procurement and aerospace applications. Amendment A2 (issued September 1, 2021) updates the AMS-STD-595A color reference dataset as published by SAE International; the AMS-STD-595A series is maintained by SAE’s AMS G8 (Aerospace Organic Coatings) committee.

General information

• Status: Superseded — AMS-STD-595A/A2:2021 was issued as Amendment A2 and later replaced by AMS-STD-595A/A3 (May 9, 2022).
• Publication date: September 1, 2021 (AMS-STD-595A/A2:2021).
• Publisher: SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers).
• ICS / categories: Related to general standardization and materials/coatings classifications (ICS groupings listed in supplier records include the generic categories used for standards documentation and materials/coatings).
• Edition / version: AMS-STD-595A Amendment A2 (designation AMS-STD-595A/A2:2021).
• Number of pages: 3 pages (short amendment document / color list update).

Scope

The standard provides an authoritative set of color references for procurement, inspection and color matching of paints and coatings used by government and aerospace organizations. It defines the five‑digit numeric color identifiers tied to physical color chips (and gloss categories) used for specification and quality control, and is intended for use where consistent, repeatable color specification is required across suppliers and contractors.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized five‑digit color numbering system for paints and coatings (AMS/Federal color codes).
• Gloss/sheen categorization encoded in the color code (typical gloss levels used in AMS-STD-595A series).
• Use of physical reference color chips for procurement and quality acceptance.
• Application to government and defense procurement, aerospace coatings, and color compliance testing.
• Maintenance and amendment process managed by SAE’s AMS G8 committee (amendments A1, A2, A3 documented).

Typical use and users

Procurement officers, specification writers, paint and coatings manufacturers, quality/inspection labs, subcontractors to government and aerospace primes, and design engineers use this standard to communicate exact colors for parts, vehicles and equipment. It is used during specification, manufacturing, inspection and acceptance to ensure consistent color matching.

Related standards

Related documents include the base AMS-STD-595A publication (original AMS-STD-595A:2017 and its amendments A1/A2/A3), the legacy FED-STD-595 series (Federal Standard 595), and other aerospace paint and color performance specifications (various MIL and AMS product specifications). Users often cross-reference FED-STD-595C and the later AMS-STD-595A/A3:2022 update.

Keywords

color standard, AMS-STD-595A, AMS-STD-595A/A2, government procurement, color chips, paint specification, coatings, color matching, FED-STD-595, aerospace colors

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: SAE AMS-STD-595A/A2:2021 is an amendment (A2) to the AMS-STD-595A color specification titled "Colors Used in Government Procurement," providing official numeric color references and related guidance for procurement and inspection.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the standardized color reference system (five‑digit color numbers and gloss categories) and the associated physical color chip references used to specify and verify colors for government and aerospace procurement.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Government procurement/specification authors, prime contractors and subcontractors in aerospace and defense, paint/coatings manufacturers, and inspection labs that perform color compliance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: AMS-STD-595A/A2:2021 was issued on September 1, 2021 and has since been superseded by AMS-STD-595A/A3, issued May 9, 2022. Users should consult the latest AMS-STD-595A amendment (A3) for the current official release.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the AMS-STD-595A series (base AMS-STD-595A and successive amendments A1, A2, A3). The AMS-STD-595 family is the SAE-managed successor/trademarked counterpart to the older FED-STD-595 federal color standard.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Color standard, AMS-STD-595, AMS-STD-595A/A2, government procurement, color chips, paint specification, coatings, color matching.