Color-Matching Systems
A manufactured mix-and-match color system can help you learn the principles of color theory. October 25, 2006
Question
I am in the furniture touchup and repair business, and the matching of final colors/shades is a hassle for me and many others, I'm sure. I noticed the Mohawk Match-All System, where, I believe, they have color chips that you match to the surface color, then it tells you what combination of color drops you need to achieve that shade. It sounds great! Have any of you had real experience with this system?
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor M:
It's a great idea, if you want to really learn about colors. I would suggest that you first learn the colors by their standard names, and not just by the numbers. I certainly think it is worth buying, but you're going to have to practice; it will be worth your time.
From contributor I:
I am not about to compare myself to many of the great finishers on this forum but I and my customers have been very happy with the results I started getting once I understood the whole color thing. I keep a set of pigments and dyes in the universal colors handy and augment with whatever I need until I can put a small drop on the target and it disappears... then I know I have a close match.
From contributor M:
The mentioned touchup kit uses the same principal as my color technique. Although the kit has the color booklet, and the measuring loop, the technique was based on my way of teaching color. I think it's a good way to start to learn how colors are made for furniture, as it is the same colors if you wanted to learn how to mix wood stains.
From contributor D:
You might want to consider the Mohawk Blendall Stick assortment. There are 24 colors and they are a lot faster to learn. They kind of look like the Fill Sticks but they are not for filling holes with, just adding color. All you do is apply a little color and blend them out with your finger. You can mix colors together to fine tune the final color. The best part is that if you don't like the color, just wipe it off and start over. If the color is good, then topcoat it with an aerosol to lock it in. It is just like the powders except in a solid form. They are just great.
From contributor M:
It makes no difference to me. If you want to learn how to mix and match colors, then get the match all kit. If want to be a "rub in and run out" service man, then get the color wax sticks. Once you learn about colors, then you can get the colors sticks. Learn your colors, as it is the most important part of repairs, restorations, and finishing.
