Best Practices for Measuring the Colour of Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is popular among property owners due to its longevity, low cost, and low maintenance needs. The perfect colour can significantly impact a property's aesthetics and curb appeal. Consistent and accurate colour measurement during production is crucial to the quality of the final product.

Colour Measurement of Vinyl Siding

HunterLab offers the right colour measuring solutions to fit your needs. Spectrophotometers used for vinyl siding include: 

• Agera: This model measures opaque plastics and vinyl siding. It measures colour across a specific wavelength range and includes functionalities like gloss measurement and image capture for improved sample positioning.
• SpectraTrend HT: This in-process device measures products in real-time, providing early warning of colour drift that can be corrected before a fail condition. It is designed for harsh conditions and can integrate with your current network.
• MiniScan EZ 4500L: This portable machine enables accurate colour measurement and displays colour and spectral data on a large LCD.

Ensure Your Vinyl Siding Meets Industry Colour Standards

Spectrophotometers are the industry standard for precise colour measurement. They analyze reflected light across the visible spectrum and generate numerical data for various properties. This data allows for accurate comparison and communication of colour. Compared to visual methods, spectrophotometers offer:

• Objective measurement: Spectrophotometers end subjectivity in colour assessment.
• Accuracy: They provide accurate and consistent colour data throughout the project.
• Repeatability: Standardized measurement procedures minimize human error and ensure consistent results.
• Data-driven control: Numerical values enable accurate communication and control throughout production. Precise colour data allows for colour matching existing siding and formulation of new colour palettes.
• Standard compliance: HunterLab's spectrophotometers follow industry standards for colour measurement, ensuring consistency across the supply chain.

Standardize Lighting Conditions

Measure colour under controlled lighting conditions, preferably indoors with neutral, diffused light. Avoid direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting, which can alter colour perception.

Account for Texture

Vinyl siding often has a textured surface that can affect how light interacts with the material. Spectrophotometers have features that account for surface texture to enable accurate readings despite the siding's textured surface.

Document and Communicate Colour Data

The numerical data generated by the spectrophotometer provides a reliable way to document the colour of your vinyl siding. This data can be communicated to contractors, manufacturers, or future replacements, ensuring colour consistency in the future.

HunterLab's Spectrophotometers Promote Sustainability

Government regulations require companies to be accountable for their environmental impact through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. Our colour measurement solutions influence ESG metrics by reducing scrap and energy wastage. Our customers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability with accurate colour measurement practices.

The circular economy in the plastics industry emphasizes minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization. HunterLab's colour measurement solutions align with this approach by ensuring that raw materials are used effectively and that colour is accurately controlled. This holistic view considers the entire product lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal. 

Let HunterLab Enhance Your Colour Measurement Processes

Consult our qualified colour measurement professionals for clarification on colour measurement techniques or expert advice. They will guide you in selecting the right equipment to meet your colour measurement needs. Contact us to get a quote or for more information on our products.