Intro to Color Measurement: The First Step Toward Consistent Quality Control

Color plays a critical role in how products are perceived. Across industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and paint & coatings, color consistency is often associated with product quality, reliability, and brand trust.

However, many manufacturers still rely on visual inspection to judge color. While this method may seem practical, it often leads to inconsistent decisions, production rework, and customer complaints.

This article provides a clear introduction to color measurement and explains why visual judgment alone is no longer sufficient for modern quality control.

What Is Color Measurement?

Color measurement is the process of evaluating color objectively using standardized numerical values instead of relying on human perception.

Rather than describing color as “too dark” or “slightly different,” color measurement translates color into measurable data that can be:

• Compared across batches
• Reproduced consistently
• Evaluated using clear acceptance criteria

In manufacturing environments, color measurement transforms color from a subjective opinion into reliable, actionable data.

Why Visual Color Inspection Is Unreliable

The human eye is not a measuring instrument. Color perception can change depending on several factors, including:

• Lighting conditions (natural vs artificial light)
• Surrounding colors
• Operator experience and fatigue
• Environmental conditions

Because of this, two people may look at the same sample and reach different conclusions about whether the color is acceptable.

In quality control, this subjectivity often results in:

• Inconsistent approval decisions
• Misalignment between QC, R&D, and production
• Increased rework and rejection rates

Visual inspection alone cannot provide the consistency required for modern manufacturing.

The Role of Color Measurement Across Industries

Although applications differ, the importance of color measurement remains consistent across industries.

• Food & Beverage

Color measurement ensures consistent appearance of products such as powders, sauces, beverages, and packaging, helping maintain consumer trust.

• Pharmaceuticals

Uniform color in tablets, capsules, and liquid products supports quality perception and reduces subjectivity in visual inspection processes.

• Plastics

Color measurement helps control batch-to-batch variation in resins, pellets, films, and masterbatches, reducing scrap and rework.

• Paint & Coatings

Accurate color measurement supports shade matching, minimizes re-tinting, and improves efficiency in color approval processes.

Getting Started With Color Measurement

Understanding the basics of color measurement is the first step toward better quality control, reduced waste, and improved product consistency.

Relying on visual judgement is no longer enough. Understanding color measurement is the first step toward better quality control. Contact DASH now for more information!