How to find a color or shade ? An insight to Indian color codes.

Pravin Jagtap
Sep 6
4 min read

Ever walked into a paint store, mesmerized by a wall of shade cards, and wondered how on earth they mix that exact shade of "Misty Morning" or "Desert Rose" every single time? You're not alone! While the vibrant names capture our imagination, there's a fascinating, precise system working behind the scenes in the Indian paint industry: proprietary color coding.

Choosing the perfect paint color can transform any space, reflecting personality, mood, and style. In India, the world of paint colors is vibrant and diverse, with each brand offering a unique palette and coding system. Understanding these color codes is essential for homeowners, designers, and anyone looking to bring their dream shade to life. This guide explores the fascinating world of Indian paint color codes, helping to decode the system and make informed choices.

The Importance of Paint Color Codes

Paint color codes are standardized identifiers assigned to specific shades by paint manufacturers. These codes ensure consistency, allowing the exact shade to be replicated across different batches and locations. In India, major paint brands like Asian Paints, Berger, Nerolac, and Dulux have their own coding systems, making it crucial to understand how to navigate them.

Unlike some international markets that might lean on global standards like Pantone or RAL, Indian paint giants like Asian Paints, Nerolac, and Berger have developed their own ingenious methods to categorize, identify, and reproduce thousands of unique hues.

Why Proprietary Systems?

You might ask, "Why not just use a universal system?"

The answer lies in several factors:

Vast Range of Shades: Indian homes and preferences boast an incredibly diverse palette. From traditional deep tones to contemporary pastels, companies offer an expansive range that often goes beyond the scope of a single, standardized global system.

Market Specifics: These systems are finely tuned to the specific raw materials, colorants, and manufacturing processes available within India, ensuring consistent results.

Brand Identity: A unique color system also becomes part of a brand's identity and intellectual property, offering a competitive edge.

The Magic Behind the Mix: How It Works

So, how does this local magic happen? It's a brilliant combination of intuitive naming and precise numbering:

The Shade Card: Your First Stop Your journey to a perfectly painted wall begins with the ubiquitous shade card.

This physical booklet (or digital display) showcases hundreds, if not thousands, of actual paint swatches. Each swatch is carefully named – think "Peach Blossom," "Aqua Marine," or "Forest Trail" – making it easy and enjoyable for you to visualize and choose.

The Alphanumeric Code: The DNA of Color But the name is just the tip of the iceberg. Crucially, next to each evocative name, you'll find a unique alphanumeric code. This isn't just a random number; it's the precise "DNA" of that color. For example, an Asian Paints shade might be "7550 Country Green" and a Nerolac shade could be "L164 White Butter."

The Tinting Machine: Where Science Meets Art Once you've made your selection, this code becomes the instruction manual for the paint store's computerized tinting machine.

The machine starts with a base white paint and then, based on the code, precisely dispenses specific quantities of concentrated colorants (tints) into the bucket. A quick shake, and voilà – your chosen "Country Green" is perfectly mixed!

The Power of Precision

This proprietary coding system is a marvel of consistency. It ensures that whether you buy a gallon of "White Butter" in Mumbai or renew it in Delhi five years later, you will get the exact same shade. This reliability is crucial for homeowners, designers, and contractors alike, guaranteeing uniform results across projects and over time.

So, the next time you pick up a shade card, take a moment to appreciate the intricate yet highly effective system that brings those beautiful colors to life on your walls. It's a testament to innovation, precision, and the vibrant spirit of the Indian paint industry!

Major Indian Paint Brands and Their Color Codes

1. Asian Paints

Color Code Format: Typically a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., 0959, L142, X104).
Color Name Example: Royale Aspira - Tranquil Blue (0959)
How to Use: The code can be used at any Asian Paints dealer to get the exact shade.

2. Berger Paints

Color Code Format: Usually a three or four-digit number, sometimes with a prefix (e.g., 4P0132, 1D0365).
Color Name Example: Silk Glamor - Peach Delight (4P0132)
How to Use: Provide the code at Berger outlets for precise color matching.

3. Nerolac Paints

Color Code Format: Alphanumeric, often starting with a letter (e.g., NPL 0077, 2217).
Color Name Example: Impressions Eco Clean - Misty Lake (NPL 0077)
How to Use: Reference the code for accurate mixing and application.

4. Dulux Paints

Color Code Format: Numeric or alphanumeric (e.g., 90YY 83/029, 30YY 56/060).
Color Name Example: Velvet Touch - Lemon Pie (90YY 83/029)
How to Use: Use the code at Dulux stores for the exact shade.

How to Read and Use Paint Color Codes

Identify the Brand: Each brand has a unique system; always note the brand along with the code.
Find the Code: Codes are available on color cards, brand websites, and in-store displays.
Communicate Clearly: When purchasing, specify both the color name and code to avoid confusion.
Consistency Across Locations: The same code will yield the same shade at any authorized dealer.

Tips for Choosing the Right Shade

Test Samples: Always try a sample patch on your wall to see how the color looks in different lighting.
Consider Finish: The same color can appear different in matte, satin, or gloss finishes.
Use Digital Tools: Many brands offer online visualizers to preview colors in virtual rooms.
Consult Experts: Store consultants can help interpret codes and suggest complementary shades.

Popular Indian Paint Color Codes

Asian Paints 0959: Tranquil Blue
Berger 4P0132: Peach Delight
Nerolac NPL 0077: Misty Lake
Dulux 90YY 83/029: Lemon Pie