METHOD FOR COLOR MATCHING

The invention relates to a method for color matching a reference color formulation to a defined color shade standard. The method comprises the steps 1. Measuring the reflectance spectrum RST of a color shade standard, 2. Mixing a paint according to a recipe for the color shade standard and applying the paint to a substrate, 3. Measuring the reflectance spectrum RPT of the applied paint, 4. Recalculating the theoretical reflectance spectrum RRPT for the recipe of the applied paint, 5. Calculating the difference spectrum .DELTA.R between the measured reflectance spectrum RPT of the applied paint and the recalculated reflectance spectrum RRPT, 6. Adjusting the reflectance spectrum RST of the color shade standard with the difference spectrum .DELTA.R, 7. Calculating a recipe on basis of the modified reflectance spectrum RSTM, 8. Mixing a aint accordin to the reci e and a l in the aint to a substrate.