The color formulation software Datacolor Match Pigment significantly reduces the time, cost and resources needed for the development of color stains and varnishes
“We not only strive to meet our customers’ expectations, but to exceed them.” This is the credo for both Datacolor and Hesse-Lignal, and also a key objective and driving force in everything they do.
Both companies look to be the best possible business partners for their customers and to provide solutions rather than just products. With the color mixing system for wood stains and varnishes, consisting of a spectrophotometer from Datacolor and the color formulation software Datacolor Match Pigment, the partners have developed a system with which the formulation and correction of stains and varnishes can be completed quickly and easily. This solution is currently the only one of its kind worldwide.
Wood, a material that provides a comfortable, cozy feeling in the home, is becoming more and more popular, and colored woods are increasingly being used in living areas. Architects, interior designers and furniture designers are increasingly using color and the natural appearance of woods in combination with other materials. What’s more, customers as well as designers want to have total freedom in terms of color selection, in order to allow their creativity free rein. In line with this trend, colorful stained woods have become highly popular as design elements, for both interior and exterior areas. Up until now, however, the development of colored wood stains involved an enormous amount of time and high material costs.
The different types of wood, with their own specific characteristics such as age, density and tannin content, pose a challenge for all colorists. The tight cell structure of latewood can, for example, store more tannic acid and is therefore stain more intensely than earlywood. The varying levels of penetration depth of the color pigments with their differing thickness, as well as numerous other factors, also have an effect on the staining result. The technological requirements for the dyeing of wood 1 thus do not apply for wood 2. As a result of this, individual concentration series are required for each surface (with its specific properties) when calculating the stain color recipes, meaning the colorist must generate a large number of samples and possess a great deal of expertise. In addition, for each new wood that appears on the market, the color development process must be repeated, as it is not possible to use existing calibration series.
With Datacolor’s color formulation software, Match Pigment, this process is simplified and shortened considerably. Production processes can be optimized quickly and easily. Well-arranged buttons and a user-friendly interface make the system easy to use for all users. Within seconds, the perfect recipe can be generated for colored wood stains or glazes. This saves an enormous amount of time, money and resources.
“To be successful in the market over the long run, it is absolutely necessary to develop products and services that focus on customers’ needs.”
of physical samples required eliminated
Hesse-Lignal is convinced about the capabilities of this color formulation system. “We develop all of our recipes with Match Pigment,” confirmed Beate Hesse. “The software is even used in our depots. We developed a simplified SHOP version for this purpose together with Datacolor.”
“The installation of the system in stores did not pose any problems, and our dealers now have far more options in relation to the provision of advice and the sale of wood stains and varnishes.”
As a manufacturer, Hesse-Lignal – as well as their dealers in depots – can respond to individual customer needs and provide any desired color tone in the required quantity. Even repairs or additions are possible later on. The existing sample is measured using a mobile measuring device – this is completed directly on site for large or non-transportable items, such as cabinets or doorframes. Changes to the hue, which may arise due to different wood batches or aging, are taken into account during measurement. Afterwards, the measuring device is simply connected to a PC and the measurement is transferred with the click of a button. The desired hues can then be formulated and corrected. By directly controlling the paste mixing system, the stored hue cards can be dosed and corrected directly. The appropriate hue is then provided in the desired amount, with little effort. This is a service that customers value highly!
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