The Science of Visible Light and Its Impact on Paint Specification

A foundational understanding of how artificial and natural lighting affect paint color
 
Sponsored by Benjamin Moore & Co.
By Juliet Grable
 
1 AIA LU/Elective; 1 IDCEC CEU; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 AIBD P-CE; AAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the AANB, as per their CE Guidelines; AAPEI 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the AIBC, as per their CE Guidelines.; MAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; This course can be self-reported to the NLAA.; This course can be self-reported to the NSAA; NWTAA 1 Structured Learning Hour; OAA 1 Learning Hour; SAA 1 Hour of Core Learning

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe the visible light spectrum, including how the human eye sees and how the brain interprets color.
  2. Explain how correlated color temperature (CCT), color rendering index (CRI), and spectral power distribution (SPD) impact the quality and color of light.
  3. Distinguish the CCT and CRI of different artificial light sources, and describe their affects on color.
  4. Discuss trends in lighting technology that allow users to choose and change color temperature and other lighting characteristics.
  5. Provide examples of how design professionals can use their knowledge of light to help specify paint color and sheen.

This course is part of the Interiors Academy

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Specifying Paint Color

There are four key factors to consider when specifying the color of paint: light source, LRV, sheen, and product.

As we have seen, artificial lighting sources vary in their ability to render color. It will be important to determine the CCT and CRI of the light source. Is the CRI adequate for the application? Remember, a CRI of 80 or above is acceptable for most spaces. A CRI of 90 or above will provide excellent color rendering. In many cases, artificial lighting can be supplemented by daylighting. Many if not most colors show well in natural light; however, keep in mind that light conditions change throughout the day and seasons, and the color will often be illuminated exclusively by artificial light. Light sources with CCT values around 3000 K will better mimic natural light. Also, keep in mind that higher LRV will increase the amount of light reflected in the room, whether the light source is natural or artificial.

The choice of sheen can make colors appear lighter or darker, so be sure to request a drawdown in the exact color and sheen specified for the job. Remember that sheen tends to impact darker colors more dramatically and glossier sheens can cause glare.

LRV and sheen will in part be determined by the building type and function. An industrial or health-care project will have different requirements for aesthetics, performance, and durability than a residential project.

Finally, the manufacturer’s paint formula will have an impact both on paint performance and on how the color is perceived in different lighting conditions.

Paint Schedules and Specifications

During the design process, much time and effort are spent selecting lighting and color for a space. All too often, however, contractors allow product and color substitutions on the job, often with disappointing results.

Design professionals can use schedules and architectural specifications to ensure the correct products are applied on the right surfaces.

A schedule is a list of materials, fixtures, finishes, building components, or equipment in table form. Schedules can be found on construction drawings or in the project manual. The purpose of schedules is to avoid cluttering a drawing with too much text and quickly clarify the size, quantities, location, finish, etc. of items.

A paint schedule provides an easy-to-understand materials list for all the paint finishes required for a job. It also helps the painters identify where each color should go. Paint schedules typically indicate a manufacturer, product name and number, a color name and number, and gloss or sheen.

Schedules are an important part of construction documentation. However, a specification is still required to control the quality of the supplied coatings and how they are to be applied. Division 01 defines if and how product substitutions are to be proposed, evaluated, and approved. This is particularly relevant to paint specifications, due to the practice of color matching.

The best way to completely avoid color discrepancies in critical installations is to use a proprietary spec to dictate the manufacturer’s name, product, color name, and number with instructions not to substitute product and no color matching.

Conclusion

Selecting paint is more than just choosing an appealing color. How a given paint color will actually appear in a space depends on a host of factors, including the lighting type, reflectance, finish, and formulation of the paint itself. Design professionals can use their knowledge of light and color to select the perfect paint for the given application, and then translate their selections into specifications and schedules that ensure the exact product is ultimately used on the job.

Juliet Grable is an independent writer and editor focused on building science, resilient design, and environmental sustainability. She contributes to continuing education courses and publications via Confluence Communications. www.confluence.com

Benjamin Moore & Co. Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. A leading manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®, Regal® Select, Ultra Spec®, ben®, Advance®, and more. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its expansive color collection of more than 3,500 colors, and its design tools for consumers and professionals alike, including the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio™ app. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from 7,500 locally owned and operated paint, decorating and hardware retailers throughout the United States and Canada as well as 75 countries globally.

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in June 2020


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