CAT Light Reflective Values LRV's
LRV is a measurement that expresses the percentage of light reflected from a surface with lighter finishes at the upper end of the scale and darker finishes at the lower.
Light Reflectance Values (LRV)
LRV is a measurement that expresses the percentage of light that is reflected from a surface with lighter finishes at the upper end of the scale and darker finishes at the lower. Designers of buildings need to comply with the building regulations applicable to the structure under consideration. Since 2004 guidance has existed on access to and use of buildings. The guidance is particularly concerned with provisions to assist the disabled, including those who are visually impaired.
The guidance highlights the need for certain surfaces and features to “contrast visually” with their surroundings. This is relevant to a wide range of non-residential buildings including, hospitals, schools, hotels, theatres, etc.
Current Guidance
The current guidance in the regulations BS8300:2009 is that adequate visual contrast is provided if the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of the contrasting areas exceeds 30 points, “i.e., the contrast between the stair edging and the floor covering”. The testing equipment used to assess the LRV of C.A.T. product finishes is an integrated sphere spectrophotometer
Castellated & Textured
Black
Castellated: LRV 4.25
Textured: LRV 4.47
Granite
Castellated: LRV 7.02
Textured: LRV 7.14
Peat
Castellated: LRV 5.88
Textured: LRV 6.04
Spruce
Castellated: LRV 6.38
Textured: LRV 6.59
Claret
Castellated: LRV 5.83
Textured: LRV 6.09
White
Castellated: LRV 84.22
Textured: LRV 88.85
Regency
Castellated: LRV 5.16
Textured: LRV 5.37
Rustic
Castellated: LRV 5.52
Textured: LRV 5.79
Jade
Castellated: LRV 7.33
Textured: LRV 7.52
Porth Stone
Castellated: LRV 52.91
Textured: LRV 53.11
Light Grey
Castellated: LRV 12.33
Textured: LRV 12.74
Mid Blue
Castellated: LRV 6.53
Textured: LRV 6.71
Fawn
Castellated: LRV 11.27
Textured: LRV 11.53
Yellow
Castellated: LRV 54.91
Textured: LRV 55.11
Polar Grey
Castellated: LRV 42.53
Textured: LRV 42.73
Flint
Castellated: LRV 11.27
Textured: LRV 11.66
Nimbus
Castellated: LRV 4.77
Textured: LRV 4.95
Ivory
Castellated: LRV 37.42
Textured: LRV 37.65
Poppy
Castellated: LRV 10.01
Textured: LRV 10.24
Brass Finishes & Infill's

Polished Brass
Av. LRV 71.45

Satin Brass
Av. LRV 59.55

Antique Brass
Av. LRV 29.55

Antique Bronze
Av. LRV 9.15
Aluminium Finishes & Infill's

Mill Aluminium
Av. LRV 71.65

Polished Aluminium
Av. LRV 75.55

Satin Aluminium
Av. LRV 65.40
Black Anodised Alu
Av. LRV 4.80
Olympic Carborundum Infills

Black
LRV 4.76
Yellow
LRV 47.07
White
LRV 58.45
Olympic Grip Tape

Black
LRV: 4.85
Light Bronze & Bronze

Light Bronze
LRV 27.25

Bronze
LRV 10.10
Chrome & Stainless Finishes & Infill's

Chrome
Av. LRV 63.60

Satin Chrome
Av. LRV 44.85

Bright Stainless Steel
Av. LRV 62.00

Bright Stainless Steel
Av. LRV 62.00