Do you know that effect where the same color will look like two different colors when placed on different walls — even within the same room? Raise your hand if you know what I’m talking about. That effect is called Metamerism. Going even further, those two colors are called a Metameric Pair.
It actually comes about as to how your eyes sense the color rather than the properties of the original color. The human eye detects color through light sensitive cells called “cones”. Said cones have the ability to work together to detect over 7 million colors (some say beyond). The wavelength of light varies within any space and the cones will perceive those separately, producing the metamers.
We’re not the only industry it happens to — different dye lots can affect two pieces of clothing that matched perfectly in the store and separate wallpaper runs can change the final perception of the paper as well. After 11 years in the business (yup, this month!) I let the creativity flow during the sample-making phase and the actual finishing process — everything else follows a careful plan. Included in this plan is to leave sample boards with clients so that they can see the colorations during the day and at night. I also advise them to put them up on different walls so that they can see the color variations and be fine with them. This would be a good rule of thumb for anyone trying out finishes on their own as well.
The good news is — we can all place a name to that phenomena. (Heck, I once went through 13 colors to find the one that our client liked on all walls…phew!) I originally found out that there was actually a name for the effect during the PDRA Faux Finisher Certification course. Please feel free to click on the links below if you’d like to find out more about Metamerism. I do hope you’ve enjoyed our brief field trip today into the World of Science. Until next time!
Now this is an article I would like to point my clients to. We all relate to this. Regina, not only are you a lovely, artistic, painter and writer…. you’re smart! Who have guessed there is a name for this?
Thank you, Angela! Many times, I’ve walked into an initial consult where the person feels awful that they picked the “wrong” color since it looks different everywhere. I tell them that metamerism is actually a scientific process and no matter what color they went with, the alteration would still occur. The key is to find the color that works well for them with their lighting. Most clients find it intriguing to know there is a name for it, too!
Happy 11th Anniversary! I’m coming up on six Valentines day. :) I’ve got to get a move on to catch up with you sister.