How To Match SPC Flooring Colors

How to Match SPC Flooring Colors When Switching Suppliers

When a mature importer switches to a new factory, the first challenge is matching existing colors. The importer has established designs that sell well in their market. These colors need to be reproduced by the new factory as closely as possible. Here is how the color matching process works.

Step 1 Confirm the Decor Film Pattern

The first step is identifying which decor film the existing color uses. There are many decor film manufacturers in the market. Some specialize in copy film reproduction of existing designs. Others produce original designs with higher clarity and more detailed print.

Copy film manufacturers usually do not have their own design capability. Their strength is speed. They can put a film sample on the machine and adjust the color quickly. They are more flexible and responsive during the matching process. This makes them a practical choice for color matching projects.

Original film manufacturers produce sharper and more detailed prints. The color depth and grain clarity are superior. However, they are less flexible and take longer to produce matching samples.

The choice between copy film and original film depends on the customer's quality requirements and timeline.

Step 2 Produce Initial Samples

Once the decor film is selected, the factory produces samples based on the customer's specifications. A typical request is 4mm thickness with 0.3mm wear layer.

If the factory happens to have a production line running the same specification, the sample can be produced quickly. The factory simply inserts the new film into the existing production run.

If the line is not running that specification, the factory must wait. Setting up a production line for a few sample planks is not practical. It requires stopping production, changing the formula, adjusting temperature and pressure, and restarting. Factories do this between production runs, which means waiting for an available slot.

Step 3 Color Comparison and Adjustment

The first sample is produced based on the factory's initial color settings. It is compared against the customer's original sample under standard lighting.

If the color is not a close match, the factory takes a scan of the sample at the same print position as the original. This scan is sent to the film manufacturer for color adjustment. The film manufacturer adjusts the ink formula and produces a new film sample.

This process repeats. Each round takes several days. Most color matching projects require at least 2 to 3 rounds of adjustment before reaching a satisfactory match.

Step 4 Factors That Affect Final Color

Even when the customer provides the exact same decor film, the final product color can still differ. Several factors influence how the color appears on the finished plank:

- The PVC base formula affects color brightness and depth

- The wear layer formula has its own color tint

- Film stretch during lamination changes the print dimensions slightly

- UV coating color and thickness add a layer of tint over the print

Each factory has its own formula for the base material, wear layer, and UV coating. These differences mean the same film can produce slightly different colors at different factories.

Matching Acceptance

A 95 percent or higher color match is considered acceptable for production. The human eye cannot distinguish minor differences when the floor is installed. Walls, furniture, and lighting conditions also affect how the color is perceived.

For critical projects, the customer can request a production sample before full production begins. The factory produces a small run with the final decor film and settings. The customer approves the production sample, and the factory uses the same settings for the full order.

About PROLEADER

PROLEADER has a professional color matching team dedicated to fast sampling for importers switching suppliers. Our team coordinates decor film selection, sample production, and color adjustment to accelerate the matching process. Contact us for color matching assistance on your next order.