Critical DetailsBLOG 3

Measuring Color in Edgebands: Understanding SPIN vs. SPEX

In color production, especially for edgebands, ensuring precise and consistent color is essential. At Mobelkant, we use advanced spectrophotometry to measure and match colors with utmost accuracy. Two crucial settings, SPIN (Specular Included) and SPEX (Specular Excluded), affect how color and gloss are measured and perceived. Here’s what you need to know:

What Are SPIN and SPEX?

SPIN (Specular Included): SPIN captures the “true” color by measuring all reflected light, including gloss. This means that whether the surface is glossy, matte, or textured, the color reading remains consistent. SPIN is essential in the lab to create accurate color formulations without gloss influencing the measurement.

SPEX (Specular Excluded): SPEX reads color as the human eye sees it by excluding gloss. A matte surface appears lighter than a glossy one of the same color due to how gloss affects light perception. SPEX captures these differences, making it ideal for quality control.

In Lab Formulation:

Using SPIN ensures that gloss variations don’t impact the color measurements. By including gloss in the measurement, we achieve a standardized color base—perfect for repeatable formulas across products.

In Quality Control: Using SPEX gives us a true-to-eye measurement, essential for achieving consistent appearance across finishes. This is critical when customers compare colors on different surfaces, like matte and glossy, and expect visual consistency.

SPIN or SPEX: Which Method to Use?

When creating our edgebands, we apply both methods:

· SPIN for Accurate Formulas: Captures the true, unaltered color.

· SPEX for Consistent Visual Quality: Reflects how customers perceive the color.

At Mobelkant, we’re committed to ensuring precise color consistency, whether glossy or matte. Our advanced color-matching technology lets us deliver colors as you envision them, every time.