Which colorimeter should be used to measure the surface color of textiles?

Textiles exhibit remarkable color diversity and require precise color control to meet aesthetic and functional demands. Color measurement instruments play a critical role in quantifying surface color characteristics objectively. This guide, based on China's GB/T 8424.1-2001 standard, outlines key considerations for selecting appropriate color measurement equipment.

Measurement Principles

Accurate color assessment requires representative sampling and consistent measurement protocols. Reflectance spectroscopy remains the primary method for textile color evaluation, utilizing instruments that quantify reflected radiant flux under standardized illumination. Key technical parameters include:

Illumination Type: White light sources (polychromatic) are generally preferred, though monochromatic illumination may be used for non-fluorescent samples

Material Opacity: Suitable for opaque or nearly opaque (non-translucent) substrates

Instrument Geometry: Critical for measurement reproducibility across different instrument designs

Instrument Classification

Spectrophotometers

Measure spectral reflectance factors at defined wavelength intervals (typically 5nm, 10nm, or 20nm)

Enable calculation of tristimulus values (X, Y, Z) for any illuminant/observer combination

Two primary configurations:

Diffuse/0° (d/0): Indirect illumination via integrating sphere, with 0° viewing angle

0°/Diffuse (0/d): Direct illumination at 0°-10° incidence, measuring reflected flux from sphere interior

Colorimeters

Directly measure tristimulus values or chromaticity coordinates

Employ broadband filters to simulate specific illuminant/observer conditions (e.g., CIE Standard Illuminant C with 2° observer)

Do not provide spectral reflectance data

Measurement Geometry Considerations

Integrating Sphere Configurations (d/0 and 0/d):

Collect total reflected light including diffuse and specular components

May incorporate specular exclusion components for gloss assessment

Ensure consistent sample positioning at the sphere port

45°/0° (or 0°/45°) Geometry:

Circumferential illumination/viewing at 45° incidence/0° reception (or vice versa)

Equivalent results for most textile applications

Particularly suitable for directional reflection analysis

Instrument Selection Criteria

Modern color measurement instruments vary in:

Aperture size

Illumination/viewing geometry

Spectral resolution

Measurement speed

Note: Data comparison across different instrument models requires caution, as variations in optical design may produce non-equivalent results even when following the same standard.

Application Workflow

Sample preparation per material type and instrument specifications

Calibration using reference standards

Measurement execution following instrument-specific protocols

Data analysis using included software or external packages

Compliance

This guide aligns with the technical requirements of GB/T 8424.1-2001 Textiles - Measurement of Surface Colour - Part 1: Spectrophotometry.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate color measurement instrument requires balancing technical requirements, material characteristics, and compliance needs. Regular calibration and adherence to standardized protocols ensure reliable, repeatable results across the textile supply chain.