The following example shows how the Luminance Contrast Assessment Tool (LCAT) can be used to check two colours against each other to determine if a 30% luminance contrast will be achieved. In this case, the door and door frame will be Dulux Bilby, with the adjoining wall painted Dulux Sweet Nymph. The question is, does this combination provide a compliant luminance contrast as per Australian Standard AS 1428.1-2009, Clause 13.1?

Dulux Sweet Nymph, LRV 62

Luminance Contrast Example 1 Colour 1 Luminance Contrast Example 1 Colour 1 LRV

Dulux Bilby, LRV 20

Luminance Contrast Example 1 Colour 2 Luminance Contrast Example 1 Colour 2 LRV

Image Source: https://www.dulux.com.au/specifier/colour/colour-atlas

When the two LRV values, 62 and 20, are entered into the LCAT we get these results, which confirms the paint colour combination will achieve a 30% luminance contrast, in fact, it achieves a 49% luminance contrast.

Luminance Contrast Example 1 Screenshot

You can get a copy of the LCAT here or view other examples of the LCAT in use here: