The TCS Color Matching System is a method of classifying and identifying a “specific” color name. The TCS # identifies Color family, Hue, Clarity and Value of a “specific” color. It then places it in relationship to other “specific” color names manufactured by different companies. By providing a mix with mixing ratios, color names can be duplicated using the brand which is available to the painter.

For instance: The color name Tangerine is marketed by three different acrylic brands. However, they are different colors.

Americana’s Tangerine is a yellow orange.....YO-5-1-4
Ceramcoat’s Tangerine is more red orange....RO-5-1-6
Folk Art’s Tangerine is a yellow-orange........YO-6-1-5

So, by understanding the TCS number, a painter can determine that Americana and Folk Art Tangerine are closer in hue than Ceramcoats Tangerine which is in the Red-Orange color family.

Our purpose is not to replace teaching of the Munsell Color Order System, rather our purpose is provide a system which allows the artist more color choices via matching colors or mixes available to them regardless of the brand or the color name. The TCS On-Line System even includes a Painters Inventory module so they can be notified when they have a target color in their personal invnetory. See GO TCS.NET