Matching colors in a paint store requires a different approach if compared with labs or a paint factories applications.
From the beginning we have focused on specific color matching solutions for the retail market.

To serve our customers we have developed a unique matching technology based on a fuzzy logic search and correction engine.
After many years of in field experience we can cover all the color matching needs of the retail sector: from the entry level, low cost, requirements of small stores to the professional settings of large distribution chains.

Matching mode

Instrument

Cost

Database characteristics

Typical applications

Instrument-less
matching

Not required!

Very low

User’s and competitors colors must be read using the selected instrument

Small stores, low budget.
Search for closest competitors and standard color. The user must eventually manually correct the formula. Of course cannot measure samples!

Look-up

Chromameter or spectrophotometer

Low

User’s colors must be read using the selected instrument

Small stores, low budget.
Search for closest color. The user must eventually manually correct the formula. No metamerism info are available.

Look-up and
software matching

Spectrophotometer

Medium - high

User’s colors must be read using the selected instrument

Advanced retail locations.
Software optimized for first-shot matching. Provides information about metamerism.

Instrumental
matching

Spectrophotometer

Medium - high

Creation of colorant/paint draw-downs is required. Wet paint must be handled typically in a lab/production environment.

Paint production facilities or where no formulas are available.
Helps build a formula book.