How Coatings Manufacturers Ensure Accurate Opaque & Non-Opaque Paint Color Formulation
In the paint and coatings industry, color accuracy is critical for both opaque and non-opaque formulations. Whether you’re working with solid colors or transparent/translucent finishes, achieving flawless color requires advanced measurement, intelligent software, and robust device management. This brief explores how X-Rite’s Ci7860 sphere benchtop spectrophotometer, Color iMatch formulation software, and NetProfiler device optimization software work together to deliver unmatched color precision, consistency, and efficiency for coatings manufacturers—regardless of opacity.
Challenges
- Manual color matching leads to subjective results and costly rework.
- Variability in raw materials and substrates impacts color consistency for both opaque and non-opaque coatings.
- Device drift and lack of calibration cause measurement errors.
- Distributed production sites struggle to maintain color standards.
- Audit preparation and compliance are time-consuming.
Solution
Integrated Color Formulation for Opaque & Non-Opaque Coatings
To overcome the challenges of accurate paint color formulation, coatings manufacturers need an integrated approach that combines precise measurement, intelligent formulation, and robust device management. The combination of X-Rite Ci7860, Color iMatch, and NetProfiler delivers this comprehensive solution:
- Ci7860 Benchtop Spectrophotometer: Delivers industry-leading inter-instrument agreement and repeatability, ensuring precise digital color standards for every stage—from formulation to final QC. Its multi-aperture flexibility and advanced optics support accurate measurement of both opaque and non-opaque samples.
- Color iMatch Formulation Software: Uses advanced algorithms to process color data for both opaque and non-opaque coatings, providing optimal initial matches and reducing correction steps. It streamlines workflows, leverages historical data, and supports batch recycling to minimize waste and accelerate approvals.
- NetProfiler: Cloud-based profiling software that aligns all color measurement devices, minimizing drift and ensuring consistency across the supply chain for all types of coatings.
Results
- Reduce setup time and material waste
- Improve color consistency and customer satisfaction for both opaque and non-opaque coatings
- Accelerate first-time match rates and approvals
- Empower teams with real-time feedback and audit trails
- Make proactive, data-driven decisions
How it Works
The Ci7860 benchtop spectrophotometer captures precise color data for both opaque and non-opaque samples, which is processed by Color iMatch to generate accurate paint formulations. NetProfiler ensures all devices are calibrated and aligned, so every measurement is reliable—no matter the location or type of coating.
- Receive the Request
A customer provides a sample or requests a bid for a paint color match. - Measure the Target Color
Use the Ci7860 to capture precise spectral data into Color iMatch, accounting for gloss and opacity. - Formulate with Color iMatch
Using the data in Color iMatch, which suggests optimal formulas using available pigments and binders. It can also reuse leftover materials to reduce waste. - Prepare the Sample
Prepare a sample of the formula and re-measure with the Ci7860 to confirm it meets color tolerance. - Perform a Correction to Recipe (If Color is Not Within Spec or Tolerance)
Utilize Color iMatch correction workflow to adjust the formula and prepare a new sample for testing. - Approve and Scale
Finalize the recipe and send it to production, ensuring consistency across batches and locations. - Maintain Ongoing Accuracy
Use NetProfiler monthly to monitor device performance and maintain reliable color measurement.
Featured Products
Ci7860 Benchtop Spectrophotometer
Precision measurement for both opaque and non-opaque coatings.
Advanced formulation engine for optimal matches and workflow efficiency.
Cloud-based device profiling for consistent color measurement across the supply chain.
Ready to Transform Your Paint Color Workflow?
Connect with X-Rite to see how Ci7860, Color iMatch, and NetProfiler can help you achieve flawless color accuracy, reduce waste, and streamline your coatings operations—whether you’re formulating opaque or non-opaque colors.
