Coated Panel Colour Approval: Agree the Sample, Batch and Direction

Identify the finish before approving its appearance

Record the colour reference and its issuing system, the proposed coating system, surface finish and visible face. Ask the supplier to identify the sample against that combination. Keep this record beside the panel marks and drawing revision so that a later change of face material or coating triggers another review. A colour reference is one field in the approval record; ask what further acceptance conditions the supplier proposes.

Separate an illustration from an approval sample

The Perspectra Plus colour card describes its printed colours as approximations of the painted product. [1] For the proposed order, ask which physical sample will control approval, who retains the agreed reference, and how it is identified. A website image or printed chart can help start the enquiry; record separately whether a project sample has actually been supplied and approved.

Map staged orders and visible elevations

The same colour card notes variation between batches and production runs, and the effect of weathering on replacement panels. [1] Give each elevation or visible zone a panel schedule. Link staged purchases and replacements to the previous order and ask the supplier how the production plan addresses appearance continuity. Do not record a same-batch commitment until it is explicitly included in the offer.

Ask whether the proposed finish is directional

Dofasco's March 2023 Perspectra Metallics specification gives a product-specific example: its metallic finish is directional and its recommendations address production lots and rolling direction. [2] Ask whether the actual offered finish has a direction requirement, how it is marked, and who coordinates the panel layout. This example does not make every metallic or painted panel subject to the same instructions.

Agree an acceptance process without inventing a limit

Ask the project reviewer and supplier to define the reference, comparison conditions, visual assessment and any agreed measurement method or tolerance. Record the decision maker and the procedure when a delivery does not match the approved requirement. This worksheet sets no universal colour-difference limit and does not substitute for the supply agreement or installation instructions.

Compare two incomplete offers

Illustrative example, not a ZY quotation: offer A names a colour reference and price. Offer B also identifies the coating system, sample revision and planned allocation by elevation. This extra detail exposes questions for A; it does not prove B will match an existing building. For an extension, request the existing finish identification, a proposed comparison sample and a written review of the transition before ordering.

Keep colour review beside the remaining specification

Approve dimensions, metal faces, coating durability requirements, joints and applicable technical reports through their own checks. Colour approval alone does not establish fire, structural, thermal or corrosion performance. Record unresolved items rather than treating a colour sample as approval of the complete panel assembly.

Compare enquiry gaps

Enquiry checklist

1. Project, destination, building use and responsible appearance reviewer
2. Panel family, panel marks, visible face and drawing revision
3. New building, extension or replacement; affected elevations or visible zones
4. Requested colour reference and its issuing system
5. Proposed coating system, face material, surface finish and gloss requirement if specified
6. Supplier's physical sample identifier and revision; requested sample size and form
7. Approval status, approval date and person authorised to approve
8. Location and custodian of the retained controlling sample
9. Agreed visual comparison conditions and any measurement method
10. Agreed acceptance criteria or tolerance; mark unagreed items for confirmation
11. Quantities and planned deliveries grouped by elevation or visible zone
12. Prior order and production references for repeat purchases, if known
13. Requested production allocation and supplier's written batch commitment, if any
14. Finish direction requirement, identification marks and layout-review responsibility
15. Existing material identification and proposed transition review for replacements or extensions
16. Mismatch reporting, supplier review responsibility and outstanding technical requirements

Mark unknown information To confirm. This worksheet does not approve a colour, production lot or panel configuration.

Related products

Sources

Both references are from the ArcelorMittal group, not independent confirmation. The metallic specification is dated March 2023; the colour card publication date is not established. They illustrate procurement questions, not ZY product specifications or warranties.

[1] ArcelorMittal Dofasco — Perspectra Plus colour card

[2] ArcelorMittal Dofasco — Perspectra Metallics, March 2023