Target selection color matching

Let us consider color match quality. The color formulator should ask the customer if the closeness of a match to the color target is the highest priority. Since there are hundreds of colorants available for the color formulator to select from, more than one possible combination of colorants may produce an acceptable match. Is the best, nonmetameric match of most importance to the customer and application If a perfect, nonmetameric match is not possible, which is often the case when trying to match plastic colorant systems to color targets in paint, ink, ceramic systems, or plastic media, will the customer accept some metamerism Also what light source will be the customer s preference when judging a slightly metameric match ... 

Blend the selected colorants to match the color target... 

The easiest part of the color-matching process is blending the various colors and additives to make the match. The selected colorants and additives should (1) match the hue of the target (watching for metamerism), (2) match the color saturation (chroma value), (3) match the lightness/darkness value, and (4) match the desired level of transparency or opacity. The colorist should consider and allow for the effect of any required additives on the color and evaluate the finished formulation for cost. 

The color lab is usually divided into two parts color development and quality control. The color development group works closely with the sales and marketing departments. Anything, from a competitive color concentrate to bottles, films, or injection-molded parts, can be submitted to the lab for color-matching. Pantone books or chips and other color standards are also used to specify or select targets. Specifications regarding resin, letdown ratios, weatherfastness, and price are typically submitted with the target. 

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