Phenolic Label Color Chart
Material & Color Selection Guide
Standard, Safety, and Architectural Finishes for Engraving
At Custom Phenolic Labels, we stock a wide variety of 2-ply rigid laminates designed to meet industrial, safety, and aesthetic requirements across electrical, mechanical, automation, and architectural applications.
When selecting a phenolic label color, you are choosing two colors:
The Cap (Surface)
The background color of the tag or plate.
The Core (Text)
The contrasting color revealed when the material is engraved.
Below are our standard stock color combinations. If you require a specific brand color or custom match, please contact us. We can source hundreds of additional combinations beyond standard inventory.
Industry Standard & Safety Colors
These combinations are widely used in electrical, mechanical, and industrial environments. They are selected for high contrast, fast readability, and durability, and many align with ANSI/ASME A13.1 conventions for pipe marking and hazard identification.
| Surface Color | Text (Core) Color | Common Application |
| Black | White | General purpose, electrical panels, normal power |
| Red | White | Danger, fire protection, rapid shutdown (solar), 24V DC |
| Yellow | Black | Caution, warning, natural gas, hazardous materials |
| White | Black | General identification, clean rooms, retrofits |
| Green | White | Liquid water (domestic or chilled), safety equipment |
| Blue | White | Compressed air, data/comms, A/B power feeds |
| Orange | White | High voltage (480V), waste systems |
| Brown | White | Combustible fluids |
Implementation note: Visual color swatches should be displayed alongside each row for quick reference.
Architectural & Metallic Finishes
These microsurfaced laminates replicate the appearance of metal while remaining non-conductive and corrosion-free. Ideal for executive offices, donor plaques, high-end equipment nameplates, and lobby signage.
| Surface Color | Text (Core) Color | Appearance |
| Brushed Silver | Black | Aluminum / stainless steel look |
| Brushed Gold | Black | Brass look |
| Smooth Silver | Black | Matte aluminum finish |
| Smooth Gold | Black | Satin brass finish |
| Copper | Black | Aged metal appearance |
Vintage & “Bakelite” Style Finishes
Designed to match legacy equipment, restoration projects, or mid-century industrial aesthetics. These finishes feature low glare and matte textures.
| Surface Color | Text (Core) Color | Finish Style |
| Matte Black | White | Non-glare, chalkboard-style |
| Walnut | White | Woodgrain texture |
| Dark Brown | White | Vintage electrical appearance |
| Industrial Grey | Black | Classic machine-tool grey |
| Navy Blue | White | Retro machinery style |
Material Specifications & Durability
Indoor vs. Outdoor (UV-Stable)
Not all engraving plastics are suitable for outdoor exposure. Always specify where your labels will be installed.
Standard (Indoor Use)
ABS or acrylic-based materials intended for electrical rooms, warehouses, and office environments.
Note: If used outdoors, these materials may fade, warp, or crack over time.
UV-Stable (Outdoor Use)
Impact-modified acrylic with a UV-resistant cap layer. Designed for prolonged exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature extremes. Required for solar installations, rooftop equipment, and exterior safety signage.
Tested for [YEARS OF RATING] years of outdoor durability.
Texture Options
Matte
Standard finish. Non-glare and highly legible.
Satin
Smooth with a subtle sheen. Common for architectural signage.
Textured
Pebble-style surface that resists fingerprints, grease, and scratches. Ideal for industrial environments.
Gloss
High-shine finish. Best for decorative use, may cause glare in bright areas.
Technical Data
- Standard Thickness: 1/16″ (1.6 mm)
- Heavy-Duty Thickness: 1/8″ (3.2 mm), recommended for large signs or Bakelite-style replicas
- Thin / Flexible: 1/32″ (0.8 mm), suitable for curved surfaces
- Temperature Rating: Standard materials rated up to [TEMP RATING NEEDED]
High-heat phenolic options available upon request
Need a Custom Color?
If your project requires a specific brand color, facility standard, or non-stock combination, we can source and match custom laminates.