Method and system for formulating a color match

A system for formulating a color match from a set of previously used color formulations, the system comprising:

• a spectrophotometer for reading the color spectrum of a standard;
• and
• a processor for formulating a color match from the set of previously used color formulations to the color spectrum of the standard read from the spectrophotometer, the processor including means for searching the set of previously used color formulations for a set of color formulas that approximates the color of the standard;
• means for determining from the set of color formulas a color formula that best matches the color of the standard;
• means for examining a test batch made from the color formula having the best match and determining the acceptability of the formula;
• means for adapting the color formula of the test batch to the color of the standard if the formula is unacceptable, the adapting including at least one of manual adjusting color loadings of the color formula, synthesizing a new match with the color standard by using new colorants and color loadings, or searching through the set of previously used color formulations until there is a more acceptable match;
• means for ascertaining if the adapted color formula matches the color of the standard;
• and means for adjusting the color formula further until there is an acceptable match with the color of the standard.