PSA D15 1343 Color Materials - Visual Comparison of Images in a Light Room

The “PSA D15 1343 Colored Materials – Visual Comparison of Images in a Lightroom” standard, developed by the French car manufacturer PSA Group, now part of Stellantis, describes a method that defines the conditions to be met for a visual comparison of the appearance of a colored material with a standard (or an original sample of the material). This standard applies to all colored materials. Specifically,

• All topcoat paints applied to the body, whether for normal or special purposes.
• Preparation materials (textiles)
• Painted or coated plastic parts in bulk, with paint or decoration.

The areas of application for this standard are as follows:

• Checking whether a painted part conforms to the relevant color standard.
• To determine whether a colored element changes color during aging or any other test that might alter its color (e.g., light exposure or discharge testing).

This method consists of visually comparing the color impressions obtained by placing a piece of the same color, exposed to the illumination of a specific light source, side-by-side with a standard (or reference) piece. To detect metamerism, this comparison should also be performed under artificial light with different lighting conditions (daylight, fluorescent, incandescent lamp). A comparison can also be made under ultraviolet light (or black light) to highlight fluorescence.

The PSA D15 1343 standard outlines a method for visually comparing the colors of colored materials in a light chamber (light booth or color evaluation booth). This standard defines controlled conditions for visually comparing the color of a test sample (colored material or part) against a reference color standard. It provides consistent and reliable color evaluation in the automotive industry, where accurate color matching is critical for interior and exterior components, paints, coatings, plastics, textiles, and decorative parts.

This standard focuses on subjective visual assessment under standardized lighting to detect any color differences, shifts, or discrepancies that might not be visible under normal room lighting. This test often complements instrumental methods such as color measurement (e.g., the PSA D15 5084 standard using CIELAB).

The basic test conditions are as follows:

• Lightroom requirements: The evaluation is carried out in a specialized color evaluation booth or lightroom, in accordance with standards such as “ISO 3668 Visual comparison of colors of paints and varnishes” and “DIN 5033-1 Basic terms in color measurement”.
• Illuminators: Primarily, the D65 is used (a daylight simulator that roughly represents average northern sky daylight at a color temperature of approximately 6500 K). Some setups also include other illuminators, such as the TL84, for additional viewing conditions. Spectral distribution follows defined requirements (typically 300–780 nm).
• Lighting level: Between 1000 and 4000 lux, with around 2000 lux common in laboratory cabinets. The room usually allows for adjustable brightness.

This method generally follows these steps:

• The test sample and the color standard (reference) are placed side-by-side in the light chamber.
• It is examined from a defined distance and angle under specified lighting conditions (typically D65 white light/daylight).
• Differences in hue, saturation, lightness, or overall appearance are visually assessed.
• In some applications (for example, after aging or exposure tests), an aged sample is compared to a non-aged reference to check for color change or fading.
• The assessment is qualitative/subjective and usually indicates whether or not there is a visual color change or grades the difference (sometimes cross-referenced with grayscale methods such as NF EN 20105-A02/A03).

This standard provides reproducible imaging conditions, including ambient light control and observer positioning, to minimize metamerism (the phenomenon where colors match under one light but differ under another).

Common applications of the PSA D15 1343 standard include:

• Automotive parts: Interior and exterior plastics, paints, coatings, metallized components, textiles, and leather.
• It is commonly used to assess color stability after other durability tests (e.g., UV exposure, heat aging, corrosion, or weathering).
• Companies supplying PSA/Stalantis (and sometimes Renault) must pass this test for color approval.

In short, the PSA D15 1343 standard includes a material test developed for the visual evaluation of colored materials under controlled lighting conditions.

The primary objectives of the PSA D15 1343 standard are as follows:

• To ensure a consistent color appearance.
• Detecting (visually) color differences.
• Evaluating surface properties such as gloss, texture, and uniformity.

This standard is particularly critical for:

• Interior trim parts (plastic, textile, leather)
• Painted surfaces
• Coated components

In automotive manufacturing, even minor color discrepancies between parts can lead to customer complaints and rejection.

This method relies not only on instrumental measurement but also on human visual assessment. Samples are compared side-by-side in a standardized light booth. The assessment includes:

• Color tone differences
• Brightness changes
• Surface appearance (matte or glossy)

This visual comparison complements instrumental methods such as spectrophotometry (e.g., PSA D15 5084 standard).

The test conditions were defined as follows:

• Light cabinet (critical element): Provides a controlled lighting environment. Typically simulates daylight (D65 approximately 6500K). Eliminates external light interference. This standard specifically defines light cabinet conditions to ensure repeatability.
• Observation conditions:
  • Specific point of view
  • Constant distance between observer and samples.
  • Neutral background (usually gray)
• Human assessment: Performed by trained operators, and may utilize grayscale and reference panels. Results are typically rated (acceptable/unacceptable or scale-based).

The PSA D15 1343 standard is used in many automotive verification steps:

• Interior materials:
  • Dashboard plastics
  • Upholstery fabrics
  • Carpets
• External components:
  • Painted body parts
  • Trim elements
• Endurance test:
  • After exposure to heat
  • After exposure to UV rays
  • After exposure to heat to chemicals

This standard is frequently referenced in other PSA tests to assess changes in appearance after aging.

The PSA D15 1343 standard is commonly used with the following:

• PSA D15 5084: Instrumental color measurement (CIE LAB)
• ISO 3668 and DIN EN ISO 3668: Visual color comparison.
• ISO 105-A02: Gray scale for color variation.

Human color perception is subjective and influenced by lighting. The PSA D15 1343 standard standardizes the process to ensure color decisions are consistent across suppliers, laboratories, and manufacturing. It helps prevent visible discrepancies in vehicles (e.g., between adjacent parts) and ensures long-term color fastness.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced team, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the PSA D15 1343 standard.