How Does Color Matching Work?
Inspiration for that perfect color can come from any source: through fan decks, fabrics, or images. We can match and formulate that color for the exterior building market. Color matching is the process of reproducing a source color by mixing pigments that equal the same color space. That is, the matched color duplicates the hue, saturation and brightness of the source color through a process that measures the intensity of light as it passes through a sample solution.
The Process of Color Matching
While the steps for color matching may vary across the industry, Sherwin-Williams color matching is a four-step process:
- Our laboratories use a spectrophotometer to read and measure the color sample.
- We compare the machine’s readings against more than 50,000 color formulas in our database.
- Based on our findings and existing information, we generate a formula and measure out tints for mixing.
- We spray or drawdown, depending on the application, and cure the coating to the substrate to compare to the original sample.
In this article, we’ll answer your frequently asked questions surrounding color matching and our specialty Sherwin-Williams coil and extrusion coating solutions.
Technology and Science Behind Paint Color Matching
There are many comprehensive tools and forms of technology – both high-tech and low-tech – that contribute to the color matching process. A great way to color match is to take a paint sample – about the size of a quarter – from an inconspicuous place in its current application for analysis in a spectrophotometer.
What Is a Spectrophotometer?
A spectrophotometer is a machine that measures color electronically. It shines a beam of light onto the color sample and takes a reading of each wavelength of light reflected off the sample. The spectrophotometer then matches the reading to an existing color formula or analyzes the reading to create a new color formula that can be used to mix a coating in a matching color.
Our spectrophotometers use a formulation software to predict and generate a formula for color based on your color sample. Then, a chemist takes the formula and measures out each ingredient from resin, pigments, solvents and additives to create the color sample, while also making sure we meet all coating requirements.
What Is Used to Match Paint Color?
We use the L*a*b* method to quantify color, rather than the well-known RGB for digital and CMYK for printing. L*a*b* is a formulating system that relies on choosing tints in the ranges of white/black, light/dark (L axis), red/green (A axis), blue/yellow (B axis) and an optional fifth measurement to account for metamerism.
Color chips or fandecks can be used to match colors as well, however, lighting and other conditions may affect the outcome of the color match. Our online color library provides just a sample of more than 50,000 colors available to you. Order as color sample today or contact us to create a custom color for your project.
How Accurate Is Color Matching?
Color matching begins around 90% accuracy, when using a spectrophotometer and a sample of the original color. Color matches attempt to fall within a minute range of proximity – or within a color space – so close to the original that the human eye cannot detect a difference.
Why Is Color Matching Important?
For architects, product manufacturers and designers, color is critical to design. We deliver coatings in desired colors to help develop, protect and advance the design and heritage of building products, components and manufactured products.
Sherwin-Williams Color Capabilities
While color matching is the process of replicating the color in our coil and extrusion coating technology from a sample, color styling interprets a color in a medium different from the original use. Sherwin-Williams can assist architects in this two-fold process. By identifying and achieving color match, our laboratories produce durable coatings in repeatable colors.
Sherwin-Williams color matching provide tools that streamline the color selection process. We are continually providing inspiration through our color tools to start the conversation of color to help our customers find the perfect color that works for their product or project. From color chips and fandecks to professional color experts, Sherwin-Williams offers an array of tools that accurately help you match the colors that mean the most to you.
