The Solar Simulator is the STANDARD when it comes to using a light source for color matching automotive paints. Recommended by a number of leading paint companies including Dupont, BASF, Valspar, and Sherwin Williams. The Solar Simulator's ability to match daylight is unequalled and our commitment to quality and customer service is unparalleled. Buy on line or learn more about the D50 10 lamp fixture.
In a recent I-CAR article entitled
"Overlooked
items that may lead to a color match problem.:" I-CAR writes:
"The color match of the refinished panels is one of the first inspections a
vehicle owner makes following collision repairs. Achieving an acceptable color
match has become more difficult over the years. This is due to the increased
complexity of basecoat/clearcoat and multi-stage finishes. Adding to the
challenge of an acceptable color match is increased customer expectations...For
more reasons than ever before, the definition of a "correct color
match" depends on the light source that is used during the refinishing
process...The majority of the time, the vehicle will be outside under natural
light when viewed by the vehicle owner. Therefore it makes perfect sense to
compare the color under the light in which it will be seen most of the time.
Since it may be impractical to check a color match outdoors due to weather or
other factors, it may be necessary to simulate the sun as close as possible
indoors...One of the best steps is verifying the color under simulated sunlight before
the vehicle is in the spraybooth. One of the methods of doing this is using a
portable light source that simulates the sun.
Photo of Solar Simulator with Specifications below.
Distance | Illuminance | ||
Feet | Meters | foot-candle | Lux |
2.0 | 0.6 | 275.8 | 2968.8 |
4.0 | 1.2 | 69.0 | 742.2 |
6.0 | 1.8 | 30.6 | 329.9 |
8.0 | 2.4 | 17.2 | 185.6 |
10.0 | 3.0 | 11.0 | 118.8 |
Refering to the Solar Simulator pictured above, I-CAR also wrote...
" These work well when comparing variant decks and sprayout panels in the
repair facility while the vehicle is being repaired, enabling the refinisher to
be confident that the color will be blendable when it is in the spraybooth.
Verifying that the color will match while the vehicle is in the metal shop can
increase painter confidence in the match while in the spraybooth."
The Solar Simulator recommended by Dupont
to all of their paint jobbers
.