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Metamerism is the phenomenon where two colors appear identical under one light source, but clearly differ under another light source. This is a common problem in supply chains where materials from different suppliers must match.
Metamerism occurs when two materials have different spectral reflectance curves, but under specific lighting conditions still produce the same color perception.
Two materials can have the same CIELAB values under D65 daylight, but completely different spectra:
Under TL84 retail lighting, these materials can suddenly clearly differ.
The most common type: colors match under daylight (D65) but not under artificial light (A, TL84, LED).
Example: Textile that perfectly matches in the factory (fluorescent lighting) but not in the store (LED lighting).
Colors that match for one observer but not for another due to individual differences in color perception.
Materials that only match under specific viewing angles (relevant for metallic and pearlescent effects).
Metamerism causes serious problems in production chains:
Consequences: costly rework, delays, complaints
Consequences: returns, brand damage, waste
Consequences: inconsistent shelf appearance, brand confusion
Modern spectrophotometers can quantify metamerism by comparing measurements under different light sources.
Metamerism Index:
UltraView and VeriVide light booths offer:
CIE Special Metamerism Index calculates the color difference between two light sources for a sample pair:
MI = ΔE (light source B) - ΔE (reference light source A)
Always define multiple light sources in color specifications:
Select suppliers based on:
In color formulation:
The shift to LED lighting in retail has exacerbated metamerism problems:
Products that perfectly matched under TL84 may differ under LED because:
SNKI offers services for metamerism issues:
Metamerism is an underestimated problem that causes significant costs in supply chains. With the right instrumentation, specifications, and workflows, metamerism can be detected and prevented early.
Invest in:
For advice on metamerism detection and prevention, please contact SNKI.
Netherlands Color Institute info@kleurinstituut.nl +31 (75) 6169977
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