Ever wondered how you can be sure the same object doesn’t have any color differences?
In this article, we take a closer look at the key tool for measuring color: the colorimeter.
You’ll learn how it works and can even see a video of it in action.
What is a colorimeter?
A colorimeter is an instrument that is used to compare colors and provides accurate measurements of the differences between all types of color in the same material, according to international standards.
The Color of Objects
Choosing the right color in design is crucial, even though it can be highly subjective.
Colors evoke emotions, and the feelings they trigger can vary from person to person.
Understanding how colors influence people has become a field of its own. Even a small change in hue or saturation can completely alter the emotional impact.
Cultural differences also play a role—what represents happiness in one culture might signify sadness in another.
Take our logo, for example: the colors red and blue carry different meanings in the East compared to the West.
Red:
- Western (European) culture: excitement, love, passion
- Eastern culture: wedding dress, joy
Blue:
- Western (European) culture: calm, trust
- Eastern culture: sadness, depression, wedding traditions, caution
Color Perception
For any producer, the most important thing is being able to reproduce the chosen color consistently, without risking visual errors.
Color perception depends on three key elements: the light, the object, and the observer. A change in any of these will inevitably alter how the color is perceived.
If the light and observer remain constant, it is the object that determines how the color is seen. This happens because the object’s reflective (or transmissive) surfaces modify the spectrum of the light that reaches the observer.
Each object has multiple reflective surfaces, and depending on how the light interacts with them, the perceived color can vary—even for the same observer.
This is where the colorimeter matters: it allows you to measure these subtle chromatic differences with precision and accuracy.
The Calibration Report for the Colorimeter
You can also request an optional calibration report with your colorimeter.
This document, which is issued by calibration centers, ensures that measurements are traceable to national standards.
The reliability of these reports depends on the laboratory’s qualifications, the operator’s expertise, and the metrological procedures used.
What materials can be tested with a colorimeter?
Colorimeters work on plastics, metals, printed materials, and painted surfaces. They’re mainly used for quality checks on both incoming and outgoing goods.
You can explore all our color measuring instruments, including colorimeters and spectrophotometers, in our color control section.
One common question is:
What’s the difference between the SA130 and SA230 colorimeters?
The SA130 is practical and reliable for quick comparisons and measurements with the D65 light source—perfect for checking color differences between samples.
The SA230 is more advanced. It includes a specular reflection filter, two aperture sizes, multiple color spaces, functions to evaluate whitening and yellowing, and supports multiple light sources (D65, A, F11, etc.).
How does a colorimeter work?
The colorimeter measures the chromatic properties of the light that reaches a surface, directly or indirectly.
In the video below, you can see how the most advanced SAMA Tools model works.
Key Features:
- Compact
- Portable
- Easy-to-use
Ideal for analyzing materials at intermediate stages of production, such as:
- Clothing
- Construction
- Interior design
- Plastics
- Paints
- Facings
- Porcelains
It’s perfect for field measurements.
It quickly and accurately checks color differences between samples of the same material.
What’s the difference between a colorimeter and a spectrophotometer?
Want to read about the differences between a colorimeter and a spectrophotometer? Check out our guide to spectrophotometers to find out which instrument is more suitable.
Need more information or assistance?
📞 Looking for help or more details about a specific colorimeter?
Our technical team is here to help you choose the instrument that best suits your needs.
Call us at 0584 392342 or 0584 392453, or fill out our contact form—we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
