International orange is a distinctive color that has become iconic thanks to its use on landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. But where does this eye-catching shade of orange paint come from? In this article, we’ll explore the history of International Orange, examine major manufacturers of the color, and look at why it has remained so popular for major infrastructure projects.
The Origins of International Orange
Before diving into the companies that produce International Orange today, it’s helpful to understand the color’s origins. Back in the early 1900s, the first version of the orange hue was developed by the Brown & Bigelow printing company. They created a bright orange ink they called “chartreuse orange” or “orange vermilion.”
In the 1920s and 1930s, this shade began to be used on public construction projects in the western United States. The first notable example was the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Consulting architect Irving Morrow selected the color because it would provide enhanced visibility for passing ships in San Francisco’s famous foggy conditions. The bridge opened in 1937 painted in this vivid orange.
Around this same era, various public agencies standardized names and specifications for colors used on infrastructure projects. In these standards, the Brown & Bigelow orange was designated as “International Orange.” The name references how the color would improve visibility for international maritime traffic on bridges and marine buoys.
Major Manufacturers of International Orange
Today, a handful of major companies manufacture paints and coatings that meet the specifications for authentic International Orange:
| Company | Product Name |
|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams | Guardrail Post Orange |
| Benjamin Moore | 2015-10 Tangelo Orange |
| PPG | Highway Safety Orange |
These companies offer acrylic or alkyd enamel paints that closely match the original International Orange formulation. The Sherwin-Williams Guardrail Post Orange and Benjamin Moore 2015-10 Tangelo Orange are specifically marketed as accurate reproductions.
For large projects like bridges, industrial-grade coatings are also produced to meet specifications. Carboline’s Carbothane 134 HG and Tnemec’s Series 1028 Endura-Shield II are two-component coatings commonly used.
Matching the Signature International Orange
Matching the exact shade of iconic structures like the Golden Gate Bridge can be tricky. The original 1937 paint formula has likely faded and weathered over decades of exposure.
When the bridge was repainted in the 1990s, the management team worked closely with suppliers to carefully match the color. They looked at faded samples from the structure and did much testing to recreate the perfect hue.
For DIYers and smaller projects, the consumer-grade options from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore will come very close. Both brands recommend visiting the paint store in person and having their color matching systems analyze a paint chip sample to get an exact match.
Why International Orange Endures
The staying power of International Orange across nearly 100 years comes down to both functionality and aesthetics:
- High visibility – The bright, attention-grabbing tone is easily spotted by maritime vessels, motorists, and aircraft.
- Contrasts well – The orange stands out against sky, water, and other backgrounds.
- Distinctiveness – There are not many large landmarks painted entirely orange.
- Owning the color – Structures like the Golden Gate Bridge have made the color their brand.
While white and gray paint tend to dominate infrastructure projects, International Orange has retained an iconic status thanks to these advantageous characteristics. Any new major bridge, tower, or public structure that takes on this shade instantly inherits some of that legacy.
Famous Uses of International Orange
Beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, some other well-known examples of International Orange include:
| Structure | Location |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge | San Francisco, CA |
| Parker Truss Bridge | Butte, MT |
| Baltimore–Washington Parkway | Maryland |
| NASA Vehicle Assembly Building | Cape Canaveral, FL |
West Coast suspension bridges like the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge made the color famous, but it has spread across the country. These uses reinforce International Orange as a distinctive identity and brand for major American infrastructure.
Alternatives to International Orange
While this signature orange shade is irreplaceable on landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, some alternatives exist for other projects:
- Safety yellow – Brighter and even more visible than orange.
- White – More common for bridges and railings.
- Gray – Blends well into misty backgrounds.
- Blue – Distinctive alternative for metal infrastructure.
However, none of these colors can match the iconic status and name recognition of International Orange. It will likely remain popular and visually tied to bridges and public works for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
International Orange has become an instantly recognizable color thanks to landmark bridges like the Golden Gate. While a handful of companies manufacture paints and coatings that meet the specifications, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore are two accessible brands for consumers. This bright orange shade continues to be used for its high visibility, uniqueness, and nostalgic ties to 20th century infrastructure projects. So for any project where standing out is a must, International Orange remains an eye-catching and iconic choice.