IS 5 defines the standard colour range for paints and enamels in India. Each colour has an IS colour number used in government and industrial paint specifications. This is the reference when specifications state 'colour as per IS 5' with a specific shade number.
Standard colour range for ready-mixed paints and enamels used in building and industrial applications, with colour identification numbers and specifications.
Practical Notes
! Government PWD/CPWD specifications reference IS 5 shade numbers for all painting work.
! Always match paint colour against the IS 5 physical shade card, not on screen — monitors cannot accurately reproduce paint colours.
! Common IS 5 shades: 631 (Light Grey), 632 (French Grey), 101 (White), 356 (Middle Stone), 632 (Signal Red).
! For colour matching disputes, use spectrophotometer with CIE L*a*b* values as per IS 5 tolerances.