12 Jun Creating a Color Match for Terrazzo
Creating a Color Match for Terrazzo
Terrazzo color matching is the process of identifying or recreating the exact epoxy matrix colors and aggregate combination of an existing or desired terrazzo floor. TERRAZZCO’s lab team handles both types: matching a physical sample you provide, or building a new color from scratch using a color index or reference.
Architects, interior designers, and facilities managers rely on color matching for renovation projects, phased construction, restoration of historic floors, and new builds where terrazzo must coordinate with existing interiors. Terrazzo is a building material with endless design opportunities, capable of matching to any color. TERRAZZCO receives requests for custom terrazzo designs, so we’ll show you how a color match is made.
Why Color Matching Matters in Terrazzo Design
Once installed, terrazzo is a permanent flooring system that lasts for decades. Getting the color right before installation is important. Unlike other materials like carpet or vinyl, you cannot simply swap terrazzo out. It’s important to look at the design long-term and pick a color that is timeless and matches other interior elements. Color matching serves project scenarios, including:
- Renovation or expansion: new terrazzo must seamlessly blend with existing floors in an adjacent space
- Restoration: Patched sections require a mix that matches the original matrix and aggregate
- New design coordination: terrazzo color is specified to complement walls, furnishing, and brand palettes
Every terrazzo floor is custom. Starting the color match process early in the design development avoids project delays and ensures the design meets the client’s approval on overall aesthetic, aggregate sizing, and finishes.
What to Submit for a Terrazzo Color Match
To begin a color match, helpful items include the following:
| Submission Types | Best For |
|---|---|
| Control Sample | Replicating Design |
| Floor Sample | Matching Existing Floor |
| Paint Color/Color References | New color development |
| High-Resolution Photos | Prelimary Review Only |
A physical control sample provides the most accurate reference. We don’t recommend matching colors from photos, as colors may appear different under lighting conditions.
How Does Color Matching to an Existing Sample Work?
Matching an existing terrazzo sample uses a spectrophotometer (calibration device) to identify the exact pigment composition and measure color tolerance against TERRAZZCO’s database of thousands of hues.
Step-by-step process:
- Submit a physical sample to TERRAZZCO’s lab.
- Lab technician inspects the sample under natural daylight at an angle to identify visible pigments, aggregate types, and dispersion.
- Spectrophotometer scan: the sample runs through a calibration device that maps the color to the closest color match; this process takes approximately 15 minutes.
- Tolerance evaluation: The device returns a tolerance level (delta E) score. The lower the tolerance level, the closer the match. A pass indicates the database recipe is within acceptable tolerance.
- Mix Design: the lab retrieves the formula and passes it to the Mix Design producer, who combines TERRAZZCO epoxy resin and specified aggregates to create the sample.
- Grind and Polish: marble dust is added, and the sample is ground and polished to a smooth finish.
- Architect review and approval: the physical sample is reviewed among architects and clients for final sign-off; the sample is added to the specification.
How Does Creating a New Terrazzo Color Work?
Creating a new terrazzo color starts with a color index, Pantone reference, or designer-provided swatch, and results in a new formula added permanently to TERRAZZCO’s database. TERRAZZCO colors are referred as TRZ, which we present on the back of each sample.
Step-by-step process:
- Submit a color reference: Designers can provide a paint color number, chip, or material swatch to begin.
- Pigment selection: the lab technician identifies which pigments correspond to the target color.
- Base formulation: a resin base is poured into a container; dyes are added sequentially until the mixture approaches the target.
- Shade adjustment: black dye darkens the hue; white dye lightens it; this is an iterative process.
- Calibration test: the mixture runs through the spectrophotometer for a pass/fail result.
- Iteration until pass: the technician adjusts and retests until the formula meets the tolerance.
- Physical sample production: the approved formula moves to the Mix Design Producer for a poured, ground, and polished sample
- Database entry: the new recipe is saved for future use
- Sample Sent: Once the sample is made, TERRAZZCO sends over the sample for the architect’s approval.
Concord Terrazzo Company supplies aggregates, manufactures precast terrazzo products, and produces epoxy resins as well. Would you like a customized terrazzo sample? Fill out our sample request form or contact Concord Terrazzo Company today!