What the Colour Index identifies
The C.I. Generic Name combines a usage class, a colour and a registration number. It identifies and groups the essential colourant. The number is neither a quality score nor an indication of concentration. See the official Colour Index definition.
The same index does not mean the same result
Colour Index explains that commercial products with the same generic name may differ in application properties, fastness or environmental characteristics. A matching C.I. therefore helps guide the search, but does not prove that two products are interchangeable. See the Colour Index explanation of commercial products.
How to prepare a comparison
Identify the full commercial reference you use, the substrate and the process. Add a sample of the desired result and explain what you want to retain or improve. Request documentation for the proposed alternatives and only compare data stated under compatible conditions.
- Specify the substrate and incorporation method.
- Describe the shade, finish and expected visual effect.
- State the manufacturing and use conditions that need to be reviewed.
- Agree on a trial in your formulation and the acceptance criteria.
From catalogue to enquiry
In the Synthesia catalogue you can start by application or Colour Index. Keep the commercial name of the selected product when requesting information. If you do not know the C.I., start with the substrate and your objective: a clear enquiry is more useful than choosing an index by guesswork.