diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/sanitize_values.dm b/code/__HELPERS/sanitize_values.dm
index 5f619e78985..32300cf7ff5 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/sanitize_values.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/sanitize_values.dm
@@ -87,9 +87,9 @@
 		return crunch + .
 	switch(format_input_ratio) //add or remove alpha channel depending on desired format.
 		if("3:8", "3:4", "6:4")
-			return copytext(., 1, desired_format+1)
+			return crunch + copytext(., 1, desired_format+1)
 		if("4:6", "4:3", "8:3")
-			return . + ((desired_format == 4) ? "f" : "ff")
+			return crunch + . + ((desired_format == 4) ? "f" : "ff")
 		else //not a supported hex color format.
 			return default ? default : crunch + repeat_string(desired_format, "0")