01-07-2026, 06:23 PM
Many owners of older Case construction and industrial equipment face the challenge of matching original paint colors when restoring or touching up machines. One color that often causes confusion is Case Industrial Brown, referenced by paint code B17675 (also seen in color matches such as B17523, B17524, and B17525 in paint swatches). This brown hue was used on smaller pieces of equipment like trenchers, older skid loaders, and sometimes specialty implements. The difficulty lies in finding a readily available off‑the‑shelf substitute from consumer brands without spending on expensive OEM paint, while still achieving a close visual match that weathers well outdoors. Understanding what the original color represents and how to match it with common products can make restoration more affordable and aesthetically pleasing.
What Case Industrial Brown Is
Case Industrial Brown isn’t a generic brown; it’s a specific enamel used on some older Case equipment to differentiate industrial models from the more common “Case Construction Yellow.” According to paint match data, the matched RGB values for Case Power Brown (codes including B17675) are roughly 78, 48, 38 — a deep, earthy brown with low light reflectance. This gives it a rich, factory look distinct from common tan or buff colors.
Why Brown Was Used
In the mid‑20th century, color schemes on construction and industrial machines became important for visual branding and jobsite identification. Case used yellow prominently on heavy construction gear, while industrial implements or smaller tractors often wore brown or “Power Brown” to distinguish them. This was similar to how Deere’s green or Caterpillar’s trademark yellows became brand signatures. Such choices also served a practical role: darker colors hide dirt and grease better in industrial work.
Terminology and Paint Fundamentals
To discuss paint substitutions effectively, it’s useful to know a few terms:
Because OEM Case brown paint isn’t always sold in local hardware stores, many equipment owners look for alternatives from general industrial or hobby paint brands that approximate the original brown. The following approaches have been used successfully:
When matching or substituting paint on industrial equipment:
One equipment owner tackling a 1980s Case trencher restoration noted that a local Rust‑Oleum brown enamel initially appeared too light but looked much closer after two coats over primer and followed by clear. Another owner found that OEM Case paint orders could cost two to three times as much as substitute enamel and often required ordering from a dealer with hazmat shipping fees, making off‑brand enamel more economical for small jobs.
Safety and Application Notes
Industrial paints should be applied in well‑ventilated areas and with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves, and eye protection. Enamel paints often contain solvents that can cause irritation without proper safeguards. Follow manufacturer instructions for dry times and recoating intervals to ensure a durable finish.
Conclusion
For those restoring or touching up older Case equipment with Industrial Brown B17675, finding an exact OEM equivalent can be challenging and expensive. Practical substitutes include brown industrial enamels or farm‑equipment paint that approximate the deep brown tone, especially when paired with quality primer and clear coat. Given the original brown’s RGB profile and low reflectance, it’s worth testing samples to ensure the substitute fits the project’s aesthetic. For many owners, using readily available enamels yields a durable, visually pleasing finish without the cost and logistical complexities of ordering original factory paint.
What Case Industrial Brown Is
Case Industrial Brown isn’t a generic brown; it’s a specific enamel used on some older Case equipment to differentiate industrial models from the more common “Case Construction Yellow.” According to paint match data, the matched RGB values for Case Power Brown (codes including B17675) are roughly 78, 48, 38 — a deep, earthy brown with low light reflectance. This gives it a rich, factory look distinct from common tan or buff colors.
Why Brown Was Used
In the mid‑20th century, color schemes on construction and industrial machines became important for visual branding and jobsite identification. Case used yellow prominently on heavy construction gear, while industrial implements or smaller tractors often wore brown or “Power Brown” to distinguish them. This was similar to how Deere’s green or Caterpillar’s trademark yellows became brand signatures. Such choices also served a practical role: darker colors hide dirt and grease better in industrial work.
Terminology and Paint Fundamentals
To discuss paint substitutions effectively, it’s useful to know a few terms:
- Enamel — A hard, glossy paint finish often used on machinery for weather resistance.
- OEM match — A paint formulation designed to replicate a manufacturer’s original color.
- Color code — A manufacturer‑assigned identifier (such as B17675) that corresponds to specific pigment formulas.
- RGB/HEX — Digital representations of color used for matching (e.g., RGB 78/48/38, HEX #4E3026).
Because OEM Case brown paint isn’t always sold in local hardware stores, many equipment owners look for alternatives from general industrial or hobby paint brands that approximate the original brown. The following approaches have been used successfully:
- Rust‑Oleum or Farm & Industry Enamel – Industrial enamel lines often include brown shades that, when layered with primer and clear coat, can visually approximate Case Industrial Brown.
- Custom matched mixes – Paint suppliers that offer match‑to‑sample services can create a spray or brush enamel based on a swatch or photo of the original.
- Red oxide primer + clear coat – For machines that won’t be viewed closely, a well‑applied red oxide primer sealed with a clear coat has been recommended by some users as a functional, inexpensive option that gives an earthy tone without needing exact color matching.
- Brown enamel from industrial paint catalogs with high solids content for machinery use.
- Tractors/implement enamel lines that include earth/brown tones (e.g., from farm equipment paint selections).
When matching or substituting paint on industrial equipment:
- Always prepare the surface — Sandblast or thoroughly remove rust and old paint before applying primer. This ensures adhesion and uniform color appearance.
- Use quality primer — A good rust‑inhibiting primer prevents corrosion under the topcoat, especially in outdoor environments.
- Test small areas — Before painting entire panels, spray a sample on scrap metal or cardboard to compare under sunlight. Color can look different in shade versus direct sun.
- Seal with clear — A clear topcoat not only improves gloss but also protects the brown enamel from UV fade and abrasion.
One equipment owner tackling a 1980s Case trencher restoration noted that a local Rust‑Oleum brown enamel initially appeared too light but looked much closer after two coats over primer and followed by clear. Another owner found that OEM Case paint orders could cost two to three times as much as substitute enamel and often required ordering from a dealer with hazmat shipping fees, making off‑brand enamel more economical for small jobs.
Safety and Application Notes
Industrial paints should be applied in well‑ventilated areas and with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves, and eye protection. Enamel paints often contain solvents that can cause irritation without proper safeguards. Follow manufacturer instructions for dry times and recoating intervals to ensure a durable finish.
Conclusion
For those restoring or touching up older Case equipment with Industrial Brown B17675, finding an exact OEM equivalent can be challenging and expensive. Practical substitutes include brown industrial enamels or farm‑equipment paint that approximate the deep brown tone, especially when paired with quality primer and clear coat. Given the original brown’s RGB profile and low reflectance, it’s worth testing samples to ensure the substitute fits the project’s aesthetic. For many owners, using readily available enamels yields a durable, visually pleasing finish without the cost and logistical complexities of ordering original factory paint.
