The Process of Custom Color Matching
Custom color matching is an invaluable tool for architects and designers, enabling them to address a wide range of design challenges. Whether creating entirely unique color patterns or seamlessly coordinating various building products, custom color matching offers versatile solutions that enhance any project.
Custom color matching addresses the problem of inconsistency and limited color options that often plague standard finishing processes. It enables the creation of unique and precise finishes that align with our client’s vision, ensuring that every project is distinct and professionally executed. Our custom color matching finishing process ensures that architects and builders can meet their precise color specifications while adhering to sustainability and regional building standards.
Initial Consultation and Sample Submission
Custom color matching begins with a consultation with our client care team. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for understanding the client’s specific needs and expectations. Clients are required to submit at least two physical samples of the desired color. This ensures that the matching process has a clear reference and can be executed with precision.
Requirements
A non-refundable setup fee of $500 is charged before the matching process begins.
Custom Woodgrains
Minimum order requirement of 15,000 square feet of material. The lead time to have the color matched and receive sample chips is approximately 2-4 weeks.
Custom Solid Colors
Minimum order requirement is 1,000 square feet of material. The lead time to have the color matched and receive sample chips is approximately 4-6 weeks.
Once the samples are received, we collaborate with our industry-leading coating suppliers to develop a custom finish solution. This partnership leverages advanced technology and expertise to create finishes that not only match the desired color but also offer superior performance in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal.
Rigorous Testing for Quality and Durability
As a potential match is established, all custom finishes undergo rigorous testing for corrosion and weathering resistance. This is done to ensure that the finishes will withstand the elements and maintain their beauty over time.
We perform accelerated weathering testing in our onsite laboratory and review weathering results from natural Florida exposure testing in collaboration with coating suppliers. This disciplined approach to quality and process control distinguishes us as an industry-leading product manufacturer.
Final Sample Approval and Lead Times
In both cases (woodgrain or solid color finish), a sign-off is required on the match before proceeding with the order. This ensures that the client is satisfied with the color match before full-scale production begins. After the color match is approved, additional lead times are required to have the custom powder ordered and delivered to our facility. This can take up to 14 weeks. This timeline reflects the meticulous nature of the custom color matching process and ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality and durability. Speak your regional representative for specific timelines.
Example Projects
1 Wall Street, Burlington, MA
The office building at 1 Wall Street Burlington underwent an extensive modernization project, entirely transforming its appearance and functionality. The renovation encompassed a complete redesign of the entrance-facing façade, the installation of new cladding, updated soffits and column coverings, and a comprehensive interior overhaul.
A standout feature of the revamped building was the eye-catching three-tone pattern that adorned the main entrance area. This design element effectively disrupted the uniformity of the solid white cladding that surrounded the rest of the structure. To achieve this sophisticated look, the design team selected three custom metallic colors, meticulously matched to Sherwin-Williams shades. This thoughtful choice not only enhanced the building’s exterior but also seamlessly integrated the primary colors from the interior design, ensuring a cohesive and inviting experience for visitors from the moment they arrived.
Zips Car Wash
Zip’s Car Wash design teams approached Longboard seeking a complete rebrand of their stores, starting with their inaugural car wash prototype. The focus of the design was to strike a balance between car wash functionality and durability, ensuring a swift construction process while embodying a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that mirrors their brand identity and enhances employee satisfaction.
Longboard successfully fulfilled these criteria by delivering standard products with industry-leading delivery times. Moreover, incorporating “Zip’s Red” into the design was crucial for maintaining brand consistency. Utilizing our in-house manufacturing capabilities and collaborating with top-tier powder suppliers, we replicated the custom color across our Panelboard™ product line, thereby ensuring a unique and memorable customer experience.
The Alberni Tower by Kengo Kuma
The Alberni Tower, a 43-story residential skyscraper in downtown Vancouver, exemplifies the innovative design of renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Known for his use of natural materials and organic forms, Kuma’s vision for the tower included a precise and unique woodgrain finish.
Our custom color matching process perfectly replicated the desired natural wood appearance, achieving consistency and quality throughout over 26,000 linear feet of woodgrain-finished battens.
This project demonstrates how advanced color matching techniques can bring an architect’s unique vision to life, ensuring aesthetic and functional excellence.
Conclusion
Our custom color matching finishing process provides a comprehensive solution for achieving precise and unique finishes for architectural projects. By addressing the challenges of color inconsistency and limited options, this process empowers architects and builders to create visually cohesive and enduring structures. The combination of expert collaboration, rigorous testing, and disciplined process control ensures that our custom finishes deliver superior performance and long-lasting beauty.
FAQ
What is the process for ensuring color accuracy and consistency throughout the project?
From the initial receipt of raw aluminum logs to the final packaging and shipment of our finished aluminum planks, we implement thorough quality checks. These checks ensure not only precise color consistency but also robust mechanical properties that consistently surpass our clients’ expectations.
View our entire manufacturing process in our manufacturing process video.
What contingencies are in place if the initial color match samples do not meet the client's expectations?
If initial color match samples fall short, we’ll revise as needed. Each revision may add 2-6 weeks to the overall process, depending on the complexity of the finish. This ensures that the final product meets our high standards and fulfills client expectations.
