6. Communication of colors and effects

Communication is among the most difficult there is. Even if you speak the same language and know each other well, there can be misunderstandings because you “speak past each other”. It becomes even more difficult to communicate sensory impressions. As difficult but imaginative as describing the aroma and taste of, for example, a wine, it can be to communicate a color.

AMB specializes in larger series in automated production where the result should be the same over time. Then it becomes even more important to do the right thing from the beginning.

Does AMB develop colors?

AMB does not produce any colors itself but cooperates with various suppliers. Nevertheless, it is usually we who first hear the customer’s ideas and thoughts or their concrete wishes. And it’s good because we can give some advice or ask questions based on our holistic view when it comes to plastic parts and surface treatments. AMB is responsible for the end result, which often combines both plastic material (and its color), injection molding, surface treatments and assembly.

Here are therefore some general advice that will improve the conditions for understanding each other better when it comes to color communication so that the end result is successful.

For this we have produced a checklist which we recommend that you go through.

In some cases, after discussion with the customer about other conditions and expectations, AMB can order paint based on a reference from a paint system.

Due to the complexity described, however, we try as much as possible to refer customers who are looking for a specific color or effect directly to one of our lacquer suppliers so that communication errors through three parties are minimized to two parties. The customer can then buy a color development in direct collaboration with the supplier. Depending on the requirements, there may be a number of turns with samples before both parties find each other.

Sometimes customers also choose to visit the supplier and develop the color together in their lab. It should then be remembered that what is possible to achieve in the lab can not always be realized in an industrial process. Therefore, AMB’s partners know what opportunities and limitations we have in our facilities and can take this into account in the development work.

How to describe a color?

Being able to use different colors and effects is a fantastic opportunity to refine and differentiate a product or to be able to express your individual style. But colors are generally difficult to communicate when it comes to being precise. On the one hand, each individual’s perception differs, and on the other hand, we use completely different ways of describing these impressions.

Therefore, it is almost given that there is a great risk that you do not understand each other, even if you may mean the same thing. There are many examples of this.

Do you and a friend or partner always have the same opinion about what is red or blue?

AMB’s customers often have a clear idea of ​​what color a plastic part should have; either already in the injection molding where the plastic is colored or after the surface treatment with some of our processes.

But sometimes there is only a vague idea to start from. Silver metallic is such a classic that is often desired. But there are basically an infinite number of variants of silver metallic. And what is azure blue really if it is not defined more precisely? For a good result, something more concrete is needed to go after.

Colors and color effects

But an imaginary color is not only just that, it must be seen in its context. So there are more factors to consider:

• the substrate material and its geometry as well as surface finish
• area of use (indoor/outdoor, laboratories, harsh environments, etc.)
• need for clearcoat (a fine silver metallic effect can be “killed” by a clearcoat)
• glossiness
• finish
• haptic
• opacity
• etc.

It is very important to understand the impact of these factors and that they are part of the communication. Experienced designers know this and understand that tests and trials are often needed to approach the intended end result.

I know what color effect I want

Good, but then you need a reference, either from a color system or an object that has that color. Plus information about other requirements for the product. It then remains to be discussed whether the same effect can be achieved on the object to be surface treated. Therefore, also read our checklist below.

I do not really know what color effect I want

For further inspiration, you can lean towards different trendsetters such as leading brands in automotive, fashion or sought-after consumer items, such as the latest Iphone and more.

There are also companies that specialize in finding the right color for a product. Then you have a starting point that we and a lacquer manufacturer can continue to work with.

Another way is to search for trend colors online. Every year, different paint and lacquer manufacturers and designers come up with suggestions for colors that are considered to reflect our time in different ways. Even if there is no coherence in the proposals, it is both quite fun and inspiring to look at the colors and read about what possible thoughts these are based on. Although these colors are usually not standardized or can be obtained as “recipes”, they can serve as models for the color communication.

If this has helped you, you can prepare for the communication by using the checklist below.

Helpful standards

Some believe that standards are restrictive, but they are primarily intended as an aid, not least in communication.

Historically, many attempts have been made to standardize colors (see our article You do not see what I see) based on different starting points and approaches and for different areas of use. Some of the more famous are:

• Pantone
• RAL
• NCS
• HKS
• Munsell

By entering the color designation from one of the systems, the lacquer manufacturer can usually use existing recipes to produce a lacquer or other paint material in the desired color.

There are also some conversion tables between some of the systems, although these (usually) do not give exactly the same color. Several of the paint systems provide catalogs with samples on matte and glossy paper or on other substrates. These sample catalogs can be an inspiration and guide or even render what you are looking for.

But – and this can not be stressed enough – since the substrates for a catalog color and the intended surface-treated part usually differ considerably, it is very important to take into account how the intended substrate is shaped, see the list below.

A short check list for color communication

To the best of your ability, prepare the dialogue with AMB or the lacquer supplier by working through the following issues:

• Try to formulate what you want to achieve in a context with the intended use of the product and its environment. What are the requirements for the end product? This defines, among other things, how many lacquer layers are needed, which can affect the color effect. The glossiness also has a big impact.
• Determine the material, its surface finish (“surface structure”) and the color effect of the substrate.
• The surface of plastics with a high fiber content may be affected by the fibers. Examine the risk of this.
• Is the material directly paintable or is a pre-treatment (primer, plasma, etc.) needed for adhesion? Check with your supplier or search for data sheets online. What color must a possible primer have to get the desired color?
• Get some form of physical model/sample, reference from a color system or something concrete that inspired you.
• In what way can a lab-developed sample differ from the industrial production (pigment orientation, layer thickness, etc.)?
• How should the tactile experience be and how is it affected by the paint?
• Visit a lacquer supplier and work out what you are looking for. Remember, however, that lab work always differs from reality in several respects and that the samples from there must be seen as the ideal to work towards achieving.
• Try to get as reality-based samples as possible before production begins. This may take a few laps.