Colour determination

With professional colour determination you measure and assess colours precisely, comparably and reproducibly. Our range includes spectrophotometers/ colour measurement devices, colour fans & charts, standard-light/visual assessment cabinets, test panels and comparison boards plus calibration and cleaning accessories. We advise on measurement geometry, gloss, ΔE evaluation, metamerism and formula matching – for standard-compliant results and reliable approvals.

Use & benefits

Whether in automotive, industry, plastics, wood or bodywork & paint – a robust colour check prevents deviations, reduces rework and speeds up approval processes. Standard light, calibrated instruments and documented ΔE tolerances ensure consistent colour repeatability across batches, sites and substrates.

Tasks & set configuration

We configure colour measurement devices, visual assessment cabinets, colour fans/charts and test panels according to material, gloss level and process. Defined measurement geometries (e.g. 45°/0°), standard light sources (e.g. D65/A) and ΔE limits (ΔE*ab/ΔE2000) support safe evaluation. Minimum stock levels for consumables, service/calibration kits and approved alternatives keep availability stable; measurement values and approvals are documented via PDF/CSV export and QR labels.

Product areas & integration

The range includes spectrophotometers/colour measurement devices, standard-light/visual assessment cabinets, colour fans & charts, test panels & comparison boards as well as calibration and cleaning accessories. All components are designed for measurement accuracy, compliance with standards and process reliability – including traceable calibration options.

For complete inspection stations we define colour inspection sets with harmonised light sources, measurement geometries, ΔE evaluation, gloss matching and documentation guidelines. We consolidate bills of materials, define minimum stock levels and integrate colour inspection into quality workflows and audit processes – for robust quality decisions along the value chain.

Benefits at a glance

Measure precisely – spectral colour measurement & ΔE evaluation for clear approvals.
Assess transparently – standard light, gloss matching & documented tolerances.
Decide with process reliability – standardised inspection procedures & traceable calibration.
Document for audits – measurement data, references & approvals as PDF/CSV and QR-labelled.

Top manufacturers – accessories & spare parts

X-Rite – spectrophotometers & colour reference solutions.
BYK-Gardner – colour measurement, gloss & visual assessment cabinets.
Datacolor – colour measurement devices & software for formula matching.
Colad – colour fans, test panels & workplace solutions.
3M – comparison boards & process accessories.
Finixa – test panels, spatulas & tools.
Mirka – accessories for surface preparation (scratch pattern for comparison).
beschicht. – sets, labels & QR codes for measurement documentation.

Go directly to colour determination – or to consulting & configuration.

Guides & resources

Colour deviations in powder coating: causes, effects and solutions

Find out more about the causes and solutions of colour deviations in powder coating.

Learn more

How OPTIFLEX® PRO Q makes frequent colour changes economical

Find out more about the advantages of OPTIFLEX® PRO Q for frequent colour changes.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions about colour determination

Which components are part of colour determination equipment?

The equipment includes spectrophotometers/colour measurement devices, colour fans & charts, standard-light/visual assessment cabinets, test panels and comparison boards as well as calibration and cleaning accessories.

How do I perform colour determination correctly?

Measure under standard light (e.g. D65/A) on a clean surface, calibrate the instrument (white tile), choose an appropriate measurement geometry (e.g. 45°/0°), average several measurement points, take gloss and substrate into account and evaluate deviation using ΔE*ab or ΔE2000.

How do I document and manage colours reliably?

Record L*a*b*, ΔE, light source, gloss level, substrate, date and reference standard. Export as PDF/CSV; labels/QR codes enable clear allocation and audit-proof traceability.

Customer feedback

Request colour determination now

We supply colour measurement devices, standard-light/visual assessment cabinets, colour fans & charts, test panels and comparison boards – including consulting on measurement geometry, gloss, ΔE tolerances, metamerism and documentation. From needs analysis to audit-proof documentation you get everything from a single source.