Värimet

Värimet is a Finnish term used in color science and industry to refer to instruments and methods for measuring color. It covers devices such as colorimeters and spectrophotometers and the procedures used to quantify the color properties of liquids, solids, and surfaces. In Finnish technical literature the concept may appear in various forms, and while värimet can be encountered as a plural, the more common singular terms are värimetri or colorimeter, depending on the context.

Principles of color measurement involve controlled illumination and comparison against reference standards. Measurements are reported in standardized color spaces, most commonly CIE L*a*b* or CIE XYZ, providing values for lightness (L*), chroma, and hue. Devices differ in spectral sensitivity and geometry: colorimeters typically sample a narrow band of wavelengths for quick checks, whereas spectrophotometers collect full spectral data for more precise color characterization.

Equipment and methods used under the concept of värimet include handheld colorimeters for rapid on-site checks and benchtop spectrophotometers for detailed color matching and quality control. Results are often integrated with color databases and recipes to ensure consistency across batches and production lines. Calibration against reference standards and careful control of lighting conditions are essential for reliable results.

Applications of värimet span various fields, including manufacturing of paints, plastics, textiles, and printing, as well as food and beverage color evaluation, cosmetics, and art conservation. Standardization efforts by bodies such as ISO and CIE address light source, observer angle, measurement geometry, and sample preparation to ensure reproducible color measurements across instruments and settings.