Best Practices for Measuring the Color of Vinyl Siding

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

Color Measurement of Vinyl Siding

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

• Agera: This model measures opaque plastics and vinyl siding. It measures color 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 color 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 color measurement and displays color and spectral data on a large LCD.

Ensure Your Vinyl Siding Meets Industry Color Standards

Spectrophotometers are the industry standard for precise color 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 color. Compared to visual methods, spectrophotometers offer:

• Objective measurement: Spectrophotometers end subjectivity in color assessment.
• Accuracy: They provide accurate and consistent color 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 color data allows for color matching existing siding and formulation of new color palettes.
• Standard compliance: HunterLab's spectrophotometers follow industry standards for color measurement, ensuring consistency across the supply chain.

Standardize Lighting Conditions

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

The numerical data generated by the spectrophotometer provides a reliable way to document the color of your vinyl siding. This data can be communicated to contractors, manufacturers, or future replacements, ensuring color 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 color measurement solutions influence ESG metrics by reducing scrap and energy wastage. Our customers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability with accurate color measurement practices.

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

Let HunterLab Enhance Your Color Measurement Processes

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