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Quick Tips: The Best Conditions for Accurate Color Data

Blog: 60-Second Measurement Tips: The Best Conditions for Accurate Color Data.

Don’t have much time, but want to learn about color management best practices? We created this series so you can refresh your color knowledge or learn something new in just a minute or so. 

Environmental factors affect the accuracy of spectrophotometers. While it’s difficult to maintain a consistent environment in the field, benchtop models give you greater control over color measurement conditions. Here are six things you should know about environmental conditions and accurate color data.

  1. Store and use your spectrophotometer between 21 and 25 degrees centigrade

The Best Conditions for Accurate Color Data

  1. Keep the instrument out of sunlight, since heat from sunlight will affect it even in a temperature-controlled room

The Best Conditions for Accurate Color Data

  1. Allow continuous power to the instrument if possible, to eliminate the thermal drift that can occur during warm-up

The Best Conditions for Accurate Color Data

  1. Maintain non-condensing, stable humidity of 20-85 percent

The Best Conditions for Accurate Color Data

  1. Ensure the air remains uncontaminated by chemical vapors including smoke

The Best Conditions for Accurate Color Data

  1. The color properties of nearly all pigments and dyes change with temperature fluctuations (thermochromism). This means that if there’s been a change in temperature, you should re-measure standards before measuring production samples.

The Best Conditions for Accurate Color Data

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