COLOR MATCHING GUIDE
Choosing Color Masterbatch: RAL, Pantone, and Sample Matching
Choosing color masterbatch is more than providing a color code; the reference, polymer, surface, lighting, and production conditions must be matched in one controlled sample process.
Color Masterbatch Technical Team · 2026-08-12 · 9 min
RAL, Pantone, and Physical Samples
RAL and Pantone provide a clear starting language, while a physical sample carries the customer's real expectations for shade, gloss, texture, and opacity. If the code and sample differ, the approval standard must be agreed before development begins.
Projects that start with a code
A RAL or Pantone code accelerates communication, but a printed guide, a screen, and molded plastic do not look identical. The target is therefore verified on the actual polymer with a laboratory sample.
Matching a physical sample
A part, profile, film, or plaque provides information about surface and opacity as well as shade. A clean, unaged sample and a defined approval light source improve matching reliability.
How Resin and Surface Change Color
The same masterbatch can look different in clear, natural, white, or recycled resin. Wall thickness, texture, and mold finish also change how light reflects from the product and therefore influence color approval.
Natural resin undertone
Yellow, gray, or translucent undertones can shift the target color. Development should use the same resin and additive package planned for serial production whenever possible.
Gloss, texture, and lighting
Matte and glossy surfaces may be perceived differently even with similar instrument readings. Compare samples under controlled lighting and combine visual assessment with measurement where possible.
Building Repeatable Color Approval
Color matching should be a recorded quality process rather than a one-time visual decision. The approved sample, recipe, resin, tolerance, dosage, and process notes create one reference for future batches.
Laboratory to line trial
Once the laboratory plaque approaches the target, a small trial on the production machine confirms the real result. Customer approval then connects the recipe and dosage to controlled line conditions.
Confidence in repeat orders
Stored approval samples, measurement values, and lot records make deviations easier to diagnose. A resin or additive change may require a new verification even when the masterbatch recipe is unchanged.
Send your RAL, Pantone, or physical sample to start a color match for your production resin.
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