The aim of this work was to establish the effect of using different amounts of Sequoia sempervirens and Pinus taeda wood particles on the colorimetric properties of particleboard and to evaluate the color change after outdoor weathering for six months. The colorimetric properties were measure according to the CIE-L*a*b* 1976 system. The results indicated a direct relation between the proportion of Sequoia sempervirens wood particles used in the blend and the red pigment values (a*) and an indirect relation with the yellow pigment (b*). Thus the final color of a particleboard can be predicted by controlling the amount of particles from the different species used in particleboard production. However, natural weathering for 4 months is sufficient to decrease a* and b* values and eliminate the color difference between the particleboards.
colorimetric properties; particleboard; CIE-L* a* b*