Inspiring editorial from MIX Magazine
Colour matching is an important stage in design and production, vital for ensuring consistency and quality, but there are challenges. As designer and colour expert Hella Jongerius explains:
“Metamerism is a phenomenon in colorimetry that makes two colours appear to match even though they might not actually do so. This can happen especially when viewed in different lighting conditions. I think everyone has once bought a piece of furniture or clothing in a certain colour, and experienced a shock, when unpacking it at home. A colour might look great under fluorescent lighting in a shop, but it might look very different in plain daylight. Some colours look dull in the morning but come to life at dusk.”
Quote courtesy of Hella Jongerius and London Design Museum
The most common and noticeable metamerism occurs when comparing colours under natural daylight versus artificial indoor lighting. Natural daylight has a full spectrum of colours and is often considered the standard for colour matching. However, it can vary throughout the day and with weather conditions. Different types of artificial lighting can also affect colour perception. Various materials reflect light in unique ways. Designers select pigments, materials, or screens based on how they will behave in a target environment. The challenges arise when spaces have a combination of natural and artificial light, or different types of artificial light, creating complex metamerism issues.
Colours most likely to exhibit significant metameric effects tend to be near-neutral, muted, or dark tones. They often comprise multiple pigments, which increases the likelihood of metameric effects when viewed under different light sources. This is especially critical in textile manufacturing, where fibre structure and dye composition can significantly affect perceived colour. To ensure colour precision, proofing in multiple lighting environments can reveal any metameric variations. This helps designers and printers adjust the ink combinations to minimise visible shifts under various lighting. Ensuring fabrics, paints and finishes match as expected under several lighting conditions maintains the intended aesthetic.
Spectrophotometers can be used to analyse how materials absorb and reflect different wavelengths. These measurements can detect subtle differences in spectral reflectance that might lead to metamerism. Choosing materials with similar spectral properties will reduce metameric effects. Inks are made of various pigments, each with unique light absorption and reflection characteristics. Two inks mixed to create a specific colour may look the same under daylight but appear differently under fluorescent lighting. This discrepancy is particularly relevant in colour-critical printing.
Colours that look the same on a monitor may not match a printed version, so designers often use colour profiles to standardise appearances. Colour matching systems like Pantone or RAL provide standard formulas to support clear communication about colour requirements between designers, manufacturers and suppliers. These reference points include data for multiple light sources to help identify potential metameric issues early in the production process. Yet even with these standards, slight metameric differences can still occur due to paper stock, coating and type of ink.
Using colour standards during product development helps ensure that different components or materials will match under various lighting conditions. We see this in industries like automotive, where interior components need to match across different materials and lighting environments.
Designers and printers need to discuss metamerism with clients to set expectations about how colours will appear in different settings. Additionally, designers and manufacturers must consider observer metamerism, where two colours appear to match for one observer but not for another, due to variations in individual colour perception.
While metamerism can be challenging, understanding its effects allows designers to create more consistent and visually appealing products. By employing the right tools and strategies, creatives can turn this phenomenon from a potential problem into an opportunity for more adaptable design.
MIX Magazine is a print and digital publication by our creative agency, Colour Hive and is available as part of the PIONEER subscription of In Colour.
Duha Group is a global, industry leading manufacturer of innovative colour marketing tools. We specialise in colour matching, colour mass reproduction and colour system management.
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