VECTOR COLOR MATCHING
Now match white gelcoat in less the 20 min.
See our Instruction list Below
| Videos About the System | Program Access |
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Understanding C-Lab Color Space 3 Economics of On Site Matching 4 |
🎨 Gel Coat Color Matching Training Guide
Using the C LAB Color System
🧪 Overview
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for accurately matching gel coat color using the C LAB color system. The process involves two key stages: First take a reading for the sample to be matched using the Nix color meter.
- Whiteness (L number) Adjustment
- Hue and Shade Matching
1️⃣ Step One: Adjusting Whiteness (L Number)
- Start with a Base Gel Coat: Use a white base gel coat as the starting point.
- Understand the L Number: The L number represents the level of whiteness. White gel coats typically range from 94 to 96.
- Matching the Sample’s L Number:
- If the gelcoat to be matched called the sample. If the L number is around 96, use RAYPLEX # 317 Super White Gel Coat as your base.
- To lower the L number, incrementally add black pigment until the whiteness level closely matches.
- Tip: Always mix thoroughly and test small batches to monitor changes.
2️⃣ Step Two: Hue and Shade Matching
- Select Your Color Pigments: Use red, green, yellow, blue, or other pigments to adjust tint and saturation.
- Make Gradual Adjustments: Add pigments in small amounts and blend thoroughly. Compare your mixture against the sample under consistent lighting conditions.
- Visual Harmony: Ensure the final gel coat matches the sample not only in brightness but also in hue and shade overall.
Common Mistakes in Gel Coat Color Matching
- Skipping L Number Calibration First
- Jumping into tinting before matching the whiteness (L number) can throw off your final shade.
- Always start by adjusting the L value using white and black pigment before worrying about hue.
- Inconsistent Lighting Conditions
- Evaluating color under different light sources (sunlight vs. fluorescent) can cause inaccurate matches.
- Always use consistent lighting—preferably daylight-balanced—to assess color accuracy.
3. Light Leakage
Stray light can effect the readings. One low cost solution is to take a small cardboard box and spray
the inside with flat black paint. Place the sample inside the box and take the C Lab reading.
Area #1: Job Information
Enter the job details in Area #1. This information will be useful for future reference.
Area #2: Take Color Readings
- Use the Nix Meter to take a color reading from the freshly buffed surface.
- Take multiple readings and calculate the average for accuracy.
- Record the C LAB color data in the provided fields. Area #2
- After entering this data, the Area #3 screen will appear.
- An S will appear on the Color Screen in the center. This is color to Match.
- If you're working in direct sunlight, shade the surface to prevent light from interfering with the Nix Meter readings.
- In the NOTES section, record the location of the reading. From experience, boat surfaces often fade unevenly depending on their exposure.
Area #3: Starting Mix Reading
- After entering the LAB data, the Mx 1 entry screen will appear.
- Take a Nix Meter reading of your starting gelcoat mix (usually base white).
- Important: Always place the film over the wet gelcoat before taking a reading.
- Enter the reading in the MX 1 Line
- A M1 Dot will appear on the Palette Screen
- Next add small about of LDX gel to the mix and take another reading. Enter the LAB numbers in Mx2 input line This info will appear as M2.
- Keep repeating by adding the color to the mix till you get the M# in the 1 ring of the Color Palette.
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Film’s Own Color Influence The film itself has unique color characteristics.
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Take a reading from a white card.
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Take another reading with film placed over the white card.
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Enter these numbers in Film Offset in Reference #4.
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Adjustments for Cured Gelcoat As gelcoat cures, its color shifts slightly lighter.
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Take readings from the matched gelcoat and the cured sample using film.
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Enter these numbers in Cure Offset in Reference #4.
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Wet Film Number is the combination of the Film and Cure numbers applied to
the gelcoat. This takes into account the color shift of the film and the color shift of the gelcoat as it cures. As Example we found that the film has a LAB # of 3.10 -.02 -.15 -
Area #5 Cured Gelcoat Number
Adjustments for Cured Gelcoat As gelcoat cures, its color shifts slightly lighter.
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Take readings from the matched gelcoat and the cured sample using film.
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Enter these numbers in Cure Offset in Reference #4.
- This number will vary depending on the type of gelcoat used and the manufacturer.
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How the Vector Color Matching System Works
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Take a Color Reading Begin by taking a reading from the gelcoat you want to match. Enter these numbers into the Rayplex Reference Program. A dot will appear near the closest LDX Gel number, indicating the starting color. Sometimes, two colors may be close—choose the closest one.
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Pigments Used in Matching The Vector Color Matching program is specifically designed for white or off-white gelcoat. Through experience, we’ve found that most white gelcoats are best matched using one or a combination of the following pigments: Chrome Yellow, Iron Oxide, Oxide Tan, Deep Green, and Black (which adjusts luminosity or L#).
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Why "Vector"? The name "Vector" was chosen because pigments are added in a straight-line directional manner, resembling a vector path.
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Color Shift in Curing Process Taking a C-LAB color reading from both liquid and cured gelcoat from the same batch will reveal a slight color shift.
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Using a Nix Meter with Film Readings are taken using a Nix Meter, either with a piece of film over the gelcoat or directly without film. The film introduces a slight color shift due to its subtle color cast: L3.2, A -0.04, B 0.82, referred to as a film offset.
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Recording Readings
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Take a color reading from the gelcoat using the Nix Meter (refer to Video #6).
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Enter the C-LAB color numbers into Reference #2 and #3.
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Film’s Own Color Influence The film itself has unique color characteristics.
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Take a reading from a white card.
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Take another reading with film placed over the white card.
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Enter these numbers in Film Offset in Reference #4.
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Adjustments for Cured Gelcoat As gelcoat cures, its color shifts slightly lighter.
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Take readings from the matched gelcoat and the cured sample using film.
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Enter these numbers in Cure Offset in Reference #4.
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Patent Pending
This is a complete kit for advanced color matching. See the Demo Program on using the VECTOR Color Matching System. Link to Follow
Minor Gel coat repairs are easy to do allowing you to achieve professional Color Matched results the first time.
KIT Includes:
- 3.78L White Brushing Gelcoat c/w Catalyst.
- 237ml Wax Solution
- 1 NIX Mini 3 Meter
- 10 237ML LDX Gelcoats:
- 1 Super Black
- 1 Super White
- 1 Chrome Yellow
- 1 Iron Oxide
- 1 Dark Brown
- 1 Tan
- 1 Red Brown
- 1 Chrome Yellow
- 1 Deep Green
- 1 Red
- 10 pair of Latex Gloves
- 40 6" Mixing sticks
- 20 100ML Mixing cups
- 10 500ML Mixing Cups
- 1 Sample Mixing Pack
- 40 Mix Sheets White
- 40 Film Sheets
- 2 Gray Match Cards
- 1 Sanding Kit C/W Compound
- 1 Access Key emailed - valid for 3 Months
A complete instruction guide to take you through the process 4 grades of sandpaper A course & fine buffing compound. Features are: Can be used for repairs above and below the waterline 10 LDX Gelcoats included in kit but various colors available Can be used to repair Fibreglass such as hot tubs, shower stalls, boats and recreational vehicles. 6lbs / 2.72kg
Product Key that allows the use of the Rayplex Vector Match Program & Rayplex Color Reference Program
The reference programs helps to determine the pigment color required to create the color match.
Watch the fallowing Video
Finding Reference Color Shade 5
The product key you purchase will be valid for the month you purchased it in, plus 3 months.
eg. Purchasing anytime in April, will give you access to both programs until the end of July.
Want to test out the application before you purchase?
Register for a 3 day trial with this form: https://forms.office.com/r/r7T4UintxY
Product Key that allows the use of the Rayplex Vector Match Program
Designed to work with the RAYPLEX VECTOR COLOR MATCHING SYSTEM
Enhance your gelcoat Matching with our Free Nix Toolkit App
Effortlessly obtain essential color codes such as RGB HEX CYMK and C Lab
Obtain Accurate color measurements in any lighting conditions
Built in Calibrated Led Light Source
IPX 4 rating means the meter is water resistance rating that indicates a product is splashproof and can withstand water splashes from any direction.
Included is a 1 Free 3 Day Key for use with the Rayplex Vector Color Matching Program
