Color measurement is one of the most vital tools for maintaining the overall quality of building materials. Because buyers pay top dollar for building services and approve color tones and patterns in advance, each material must meet the highest precision standards. Additionally, colors can often indicate the age and strength of a specific material, like bricks and grout.
One of the primary reasons that color is critical for building materials is consistency inside and outside a structure. If a contractor uses a particular type of shingle for a roof, the surface must be uniform in quality and color, or it will severely jeopardize the building’s aesthetics. The same concept applies to vinyl siding or paint.
Color is a stimulant that can affect human perception both unconsciously and consciously. Just like specific colors can dictate a space’s ambiance or mood, inconsistencies within a particular area can create a sense of disarray or chaos. Using the appropriate color measurement instruments during the building process ensures consistent control and monitoring across all products, from ceramic tiles to concrete blocks to coated glass.
Spectrophotometers are perfect for ensuring color consistency in an extensive range of building products. These devices measure color by reflecting controlled light rays off sample materials and analyzing the wavelengths of the reflected light against existing color standards.
Many spectrophotometers can factor in a material’s texture during measurement, a significant consideration for materials with varying degrees of roughness. Spectrophotometers are better options than color charts or human observation for bricks, siding, shingles and other materials due to the high precision of their measurements. They can create accurate numerical standards for color, increasing reliability, repeatability and consistency.
At HunterLab, we develop our color measurement instruments for building materials to meet specific characteristics, including product texture, opacity and thickness. Doing so delivers the highest consistency and accuracy levels while saving you valuable time and money. Our tools allow manufacturers to modernize their color matching process and let contractors ensure consistency during construction.
Since 1952, HunterLab has been on the cutting edge of color measurement technology regarding accuracy, speed and reliability. We pride ourselves on superior technical knowledge and world-class customer service to address your application’s unique needs.
To request a quote for any of our measurement tools or obtain additional product information, contact us online today. You can also explore our comprehensive blog for more informative posts about color measurement.
Mr. Philips has spent the last 30 years in product development and management, technical sales, marketing, and business development in several industries. Today, he is the global market development manager for HunterLab, focused on understanding customer needs, providing appropriate solutions and education, and helping to solve customer color challenges across these industries and cultures.LinkedIn