When consistency and compliance matter, Federal Standard colors play a critical role in military and U.S. government applications. These standardized colors ensure that equipment, vehicles, aircraft, and infrastructure maintain a uniform appearance while meeting strict government specifications.
At Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc., we manufacture high-performance industrial coatings and inks for military in a variety of Federal Standard (FS) colors, helping OEMs, military contractors, and government agencies achieve precise color matching with exceptional durability.
What Are Federal Standard Colors?
Federal Standard colors are identified by a five-digit code which has the following code structure:
First Digit: Surface Sheen
The first digit identifies the finish or gloss level of the coating.
1 – Gloss (high shine)
2 – Semi-Gloss (medium shine)
3 – Matte or Low-Gloss (no shine/ non-reflective)
For military applications, matte finishes are commonly used because they reduce glare and improve camouflage effectiveness.
Second Digit: Color Family
The second digit identifies the general color category.
1 – Red
2 – Orange
3 – Yellow
4 – Green
5 – Blue
6 – Gray
7 – Other (Black, White, Metallic)
8 – Fluorescent
Digits 3-5: Shade Intensity
The final three digits define the specific shade within the color family.
- Lower numbers represent darker shades
- Higher numbers represent lighter shades
This systematic approach provides precise color identification and repeatability across manufacturing and procurement processes.
Popular Military Federal Standard Colors Offered by Boston Industrial Solutions
At Boston Industrial Solutions, we can color match every color code. We currently supply several of the most widely specified military colors for industrial coating applications.
FS 34079 – Olive Drab
FS 34079 Olive Drab is a dark matte green designed for tactical camouflage. Its non-reflective finish helps reduce visibility in wooded and natural environments. It is commonly used on:
- Tactical military vehicles
- Field equipment
- Protective enclosures
- Ground support equipment
- Military accessories
FS 36118 – Gunship Gray
FS 36118 Gunship Gray is a dark matte gray used extensively throughout military aviation and naval applications because of its subdued appearance. Its typical uses include:
- Military aircraft
- Naval vessels
- Ground support equipment
- Aerospace components
- Defense systems
FS 37038 – Black
FS 37038 Black has a matte black finish designed for low reflectivity and maximum concealment. Its non-glare surface makes it ideal for equipment requiring stealth characteristics. Common applications include:
- Tactical equipment
- Weapons accessories
- Military electronics
- Vehicle components
- Identification markings
FS 34092 – Field Drab Green
FS 34092 Field Drab Green is a widely recognized standard military camouflage color used for defense applications. The color blends effectively into natural terrain while meeting government color specifications. It is frequently used on:
- Combat equipment
- Utility vehicles
- Protective cases
- Outdoor military hardware
- Camouflage systems
Why Federal Standard Colors Matter
Using the correct Federal Standard color is more than achieving visual consistency. These standardized colors support:
- Consistent appearance across suppliers and production runs
- Accurate replacement and maintenance of equipment
- Simplified procurement and quality control
- Reliable color matching for long-term projects
For defense contractors and manufacturers, precise color reproduction helps ensure products meet contractual and operational requirements.
Boston Industrial Solutions: Your Source for Federal Standard Color Coatings
At Boston Industrial Solutions, we understand that industrial coatings used in military and government applications must deliver more than accurate color. They must also provide exceptional adhesion, chemical resistance, weatherability, abrasion resistance, and long-term durability.
Our Federal Standard color coatings are engineered to perform on a wide range of substrates while maintaining consistent color accuracy throughout production.
Partner with Boston Industrial Solutions
Boston Industrial Solutions is committed to supplying high-performance industrial coatings that meet the demanding requirements of military, aerospace, government, and industrial manufacturers. Our expertise in color matching and advanced coating technology ensures customers receive products that combine Federal Standard color accuracy with exceptional performance.
Contact Boston Industrial Solutions today to learn more about our Federal Standard color coatings and discover how we can support your next military or government manufacturing project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Standard Colors
What does the first digit in a Federal Standard color code mean?
The first digit indicates the coating’s sheen or finish: 1 for gloss, 2 for semi-gloss, and 3 for matte or no gloss.
What is FS 34079 used for?
FS 34079 Olive Drab is commonly used on military tactical vehicles, field equipment, protective enclosures, and camouflage applications.
Why is FS 36118 Gunship Gray popular?
FS 36118 is widely specified for military aircraft, naval equipment, and aerospace components because of its low-reflective matte finish and subdued appearance.
Does Boston Industrial Solutions offer custom Federal Standard color matching?
Yes. In addition to supplying commonly specified Federal Standard colors, Boston Industrial Solutions can provide precise color matching solutions for military, industrial, and government applications.
