The device you are using is presumably (from the name) a colorimeter. In the industry we use spectrophotometers to analyse the full spectrum of reflected monochromatic light, allowing the reconstruction of the whole visible spectrum’s composition, rather than merely matching the overall average wavelength. For some surfaces (very glossy, metallic finish, & cetera) multi-axial spectrophotometers are advisable.
Source: family firm is in the paint industry, worked in it for close to fifteen years.
Probably a (mono-axial) spectrometer: the muti-axial devices are usually used for glossy varnishes or metallic finishes featuring either aluminium or mica inclusions. Multi-axial spectrometers are typically an order of magnitude more expensive and are usually limited to industrial (typically automotive) applications.
Comments
The device you are using is presumably (from the name) a colorimeter. In the industry we use spectrophotometers to analyse the full spectrum of reflected monochromatic light, allowing the reconstruction of the whole visible spectrum’s composition, rather than merely matching the overall average wavelength. For some surfaces (very glossy, metallic finish, & cetera) multi-axial spectrophotometers are advisable.
Source: family firm is in the paint industry, worked in it for close to fifteen years.
So is the thing used in paint stores a a multi-axial spectrophotometer?
Probably a (mono-axial) spectrometer: the muti-axial devices are usually used for glossy varnishes or metallic finishes featuring either aluminium or mica inclusions. Multi-axial spectrometers are typically an order of magnitude more expensive and are usually limited to industrial (typically automotive) applications.