The color of chemical products is measured by using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. The instruments measure the amount of light that gets absorbed or reflected by a substance. It may be used to determine concentration, purity, or compliance with product standards.

Since part of the light will pass through the light-transmitting materials, the colorimeter is not suitable for color measurement of such kinds of materials; however, when place a pure color material with uniform texture under the light-transmitting material, we can measure the color difference between the standard and the sample. 

Standard light sources make sure that the results of color evaluations are comparable and consistent, no matter when and where the assessments are made, or the varying production runs.

To use a haze meter, the device must first be calibrated and then it will display the haziness and transmittance values.

Different types of substrates require different kinds of digital gauges. Magnetic gauges are for ferrous metals, eddy current gauges are for non-ferrous metals and ultrasonic gauges are for any non-metal composites like plastics. Careful selection of a gauge is the most important factor for obtaining accurate measurements.  

A colorimeter is sufficient for basic, routine color checks, while a spectrophotometer is needed for precise, comprehensive color analysis—here’s the clear breakdown:

When a Colorimeter is Sufficient

1. Simple color matching needs: Ideal for checking if a sample matches a predefined standard (e.g., basic paint batches, plastic parts with solid colors).

2. Consistent lighting conditions: Works well when measurements are done under fixed, standard light sources (no need to account for varied light effects).

3. Cost-sensitive, high-volume tasks: Perfect for production lines requiring fast, low-cost color checks without advanced data analysis.

When to Use a Spectrophotometer

1. Precise color quantification: Necessary for measuring Lab values (lightness, red-green, yellow-blue axes) or detecting subtle color deviations (critical for automotive coatings, high-end textiles).

2. Complex color analysis: Required for metallic/pearlescent finishes, transparent materials, or samples with gloss/texture variations.

3. Compliance and documentation: Essential when precise color data (spectral curves) is needed for quality audits, regulatory compliance, or brand color standardization.

 A gloss meter measures the amount of light reflected from a surface at a specific angle. It's commonly used to assess surface finishes such as paint, coatings, plastics, and paper for consistency, quality control, and visual appearance evaluation.

An 80 gloss surface will reflect less light as compared to a 100 gloss surface. Both are said to be high gloss, although 100 GU (or higher) reflects almost as much as a mirror. The distinction can be slight in graphic terms, but major in specific uses.

Use our 3nh company approved light. Replace all of the same type together and recalibrate to keep consistent color rendering. We usually do not recommend customers to modify it themselves, as this can affect the accuracy of the color and cause unnecessary losses

A CAC is a professional light booth designed to provide standardized lighting conditions for visual color assessment. It includes multiple light sources like D65, TL84, and UV.