VW PV 3965 Decorative Surfaces - Visual Color Comparison According to DIN EN ISO 3668

The standard "VW PV 3965 Decorative surfaces on and inside vehicles - Visual color comparison according to DIN EN ISO 3668," developed by the Volkswagen automobile company, describes additional specifications that must be adhered to when performing visual color comparisons according to the standard "DIN EN ISO 3668 Paints and varnishes - Visual color comparison of paint colors." This standard applies to all decorative surfaces on and inside vehicles, regardless of whether they are evaluated according to Volkswagen standards VW 50190, VW 50195, or VW 50196.

The purpose of this standard is to provide better agreement between assessments using visual inspections and those using measurement-based testing. For this purpose, the relevant test setup for visual comparison should be based on the instrument setup used for measurement-based colour assessment.

The surface color is visually matched according to DIN EN ISO 3668. The following specifications must also be adhered to.

• Lighting conditions: Testing of light types for indoor and outdoor use is performed using test light types D65 (average artificial daylight) and TL84 or F11 (artificial warm white light). The quality of the test light types must have a color rendering index of at least 95 for D65 and at least 80 for TL84 or F11 according to DIN 6169-2. If the specified test light types are not sufficient for color comparison, other test light types may be used for evaluation after prior agreement between the relevant testing organizations.
• Comparison of external surfaces: The reference is the standard specified by the purchaser. Pairs of samples being evaluated should be arranged plane-parallel to each other. Angular deviations between sample surfaces will result in incorrect illumination/reflectance characteristics relative to each other and, therefore, an incorrect evaluation. To avoid evaluation errors in decorative materials with preferential orientation or azimuth, for example, in the case of paint structures and film systems, or even samples from weathering tests, sample pairs should be evaluated using a standard orientation.

Under laboratory conditions, visual impressions that may occur as metallic effects, direction-independent effects or direction-dependent effects for individual parts and test panels should be evaluated:

• Comparison of metallic and non-metallic effects: Samples and decorative materials that resemble stainless steel or have a chrome appearance should be evaluated according to the test setup specified in this standard. The method used in the case of a gloss effect and the method used in the absence of a gloss effect are shown in the figures provided in the standard.
• Comparison of solid colours independent of direction: Samples and decorative materials that give the general impression of being the same colour, for example black gloss interior column cladding or matt black cladding panels, shall be compared according to the test setup specified in this standard.
• Comparison of direction-dependent special effect colours: According to this standard, a test setup with adaptable lighting or observation direction is required for samples and decorative materials where the visual impression changes when the lighting or observation direction changes, for example for parts coated with special effect paint or samples from weathering tests.

To achieve the most uniform possible full-vehicle illumination for color comparison of solid colors, the test setup described in this standard should be used. For comparison of special-effect colors across the entire vehicle or larger components, reproducible lighting and observation setups are required.

• Comparison of internal surfaces: The reference is a sample standard specified by the buyer's appropriate development department. This defines the desired color, desired texture, desired gloss, and desired tactile characteristics. This should be obtained from the buyer's appropriate internal parts procurement department, development department, or purchasing parts quality assurance laboratory.

Under laboratory conditions, visual impressions, which may be metallic effects, direction-independent effects, or direction-dependent effects, should be evaluated for individual parts and test panels. The evaluation of metallic and metallic effects resembling stainless steel or having a chrome appearance should be carried out in accordance with the test setup specified in this standard. The method used in the case of a gloss effect and the method used in the absence of a gloss effect are illustrated in the figures provided in this standard. The evaluation of direction-independent solid colors should be carried out in accordance with the test setup specified in this standard. Additional observations or illumination directions may be used to evaluate directionally specific color effects. In these cases, the test setup described in this standard is recommended.

To achieve the most uniform possible overall vehicle illumination for color comparison, this standard must be adhered to. The assessment can be performed with or without the influence of vehicle glass. Preferably, the assessment should be conducted through the glass (customer's case). If a test setup with defined illumination and observation direction is required for the vehicle interior, this should be agreed upon between the relevant testing organizations, as necessary.

In short, the VW PV 3965 standard ensures that components such as interior trim, dashboard elements, and exterior parts such as mirrors and bumpers exhibit uniform color and appearance. The evaluation process under this standard is conducted in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3668, which specifies conditions for visually comparing color differences. This includes standardized lighting conditions, viewing angles, and background settings to ensure consistent and accurate assessments of color matching between different parts and materials.

Compliance with the VW PV 3965 standard is crucial to maintaining the aesthetic quality and brand consistency of Volkswagen vehicles. By ensuring all visible components comply with the company's stringent visual standards, it contributes to the overall perception of quality and attention to detail in its vehicles.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, boasts a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "VW PV 3965 Decorative surfaces on and inside vehicles - Visual color comparison according to DIN EN ISO 3668" standard.