Globalization – The Key Driver for Color and Appearance Evaluation Market

By Cynthia Challener

Paint and coatings manufacturers rely on the fact that their products enable .their customers to differentiate themselves from competitors. Color is a critical aspect of the paint or coating that is providing the differentiation. Accurate and consistent color measurement at facilities located around the globe is necessary to achieve the level of quality demanded by consumers. Advances in software, combined with Internet access, are making it possible for international companies to meet local market needs while retaining central control of materials and data.

The overall result is improved service at reduced cost. Paints and coatings serve both protective and decorative  functions.To the consumer, the immediate impact of a coating is its appearance. “Color is used to transform a sometimes ‘colorless’ object into something that is more aesthetically and visually pleasing. The color and surface effects enhance the shape and/or texture of objects to be more pleasing to the consumer, architect, or designer,” explains Norm Demers, applications support manager with Konica Minolta Sensing.

“Humans are heavily influenced by our eyeballs and because of this paints and coatings have become the most efficient way of improving product aesthetics,” adds Brian Failor, director of sales, North America, Automotive & Industrial, or X-Rite, Inc. “The coloration of a product is the most value-adding step typically done to a product and can greatly influence the perception of a product.”