*** Please note, each row and course# listed below is a separate, complete course. ***

Principles and Practices of Setting Color Specification

Course# Date Time Location
210-1352 01/24/2025 - 01/24/2025 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Campus classes located at 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325 Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center)
210-1353 02/20/2025 - 02/20/2025 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Microsoft Teams
210-1354 05/23/2025 - 05/23/2025 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Campus classes located at 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325 Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center)
210-1355 06/19/2025 - 06/19/2025 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Microsoft Teams
210-1356 09/26/2025 - 09/26/2025 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Campus classes located at 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325 Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center)
210-1357 10/16/2025 - 10/16/2025 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Microsoft Teams
Cost: $1,000.00 USD
Online Registration
CEU's: 0.8
Instructor: Rick Mathew

Course Overview

This class on setting color specifications involves teaching how to define, document, and manage color requirements for products and processes. This includes understanding color theory, measurement techniques, standards, and practical applications.

Online Course Requirements

We want you to have a great experience participating in our remote (online) courses, and for that, you’ll need the right equipment and internet connection.

Minimum needs are:

  • A broadband internet connection that has at least a 2 Mbps upload and download speed.
  • A computer (PC or Mac) that can support the latest web browser versions.
  • At least 4 GB of RAM and adequate hard drive space.
  • A microphone and a speaker.
  • International Students: For virtual (online) courses, an additional fee will be assessed to cover the cost of shipping the professional binder (presentation slides), to your address. The cost of international shipping can be significant.

For more information, visit our Online Course Requirements webpage.

Instructor Biography:

mathew-headshotRick graduated from Kent State University with a BS in mathematics and a minor in Geology. In addition he completed graduate level classes in mathematics before serving in the military from 1970 to 1977 in the Ohio National Guard 107th Armored Cav.

Rick Mathew was a C.O.O. at Americhem Inc. and retired in 2007. He has over 40 years of hands on experience as well as educational experience in technology and business leadership. There are two areas he specializes in. In the technology area he has lead teams to develop and implement color technology for varies industries (paint, plastics and others). This would include the selection of colorants to perform in the selected systems as well as setting up computer aided color matching systems. He is the author of several book chapters on the subject (“Coloring of Plastic Materials”, “Handbook for PVC” John Wiley and “Thermoplastic & Polymer Additives” Marcel Deker Inc.) In Addition he has conducted extensive training in leadership development for managers and executives, as well as training in other technical areas concerning colorants and polymers. He regularly conducts a 3 day color class, including labs at The University of Akron Polymer Training Center.  His experience as VP of Research & Development provided a broad base of skills and experiences, from design of experiments to leadership skills for a technical organization.

Currently he is an active consultant to the polymer industry in such areas as, Color Science, Color Measurement, Product Design and Technical Business Leadership.

Rick has been married for over 40 years to his wife Rachel. They have two sons. Rick is a person of many interests, from furniture building to underwater cave diving. He is a certified SCUBA Instructor and enjoys reef aquarium keeping. He has a video production business, Perfect Image Video, that he integrates with his diving activities to produce underwater video productions.

  1. Introduction to Color Specifications
    • Definition and Importance
    • What are color specifications?
    • Applications in Various Industries
  2. Quick Review of Fundamentals of Color Theory
    • Basic Concepts
    • Color Models and Spaces
    • Understanding gamut and color spaces
  3. Quick Review of Color Measuring and Describing Color
    • Color Measurement Tools
    • Color Difference Metrics
  4. Creating Color Specifications
    • Components of a Color Specification Document
    • Detailed color descriptions (including color codes and swatches)
    • Acceptance criteria and tolerances
    • Best Practices for Writing Specifications
    • Consistency and standardization
  5. Quality Control and Testing
    • Establishing Color Quality Criteria
    • Defining acceptable color ranges and tolerances
    • Types of tests (visual, instrumental)
    • Sampling methods and statistical quality control
    • Documenting Test Results
  6. Implementing Color Specifications in Production
    • Production Processes
    • Integrating color specifications into production workflows
    • Adjusting and maintaining color consistency
    • Troubleshooting and Problem Solving
    • Common issues and solutions in maintaining color accuracy
  7. Case Studies and Practical Exercises
    • Real-World Examples
    • Analysis of successful color specification documents
    • Lessons learned from industry case studies
  8. Review and Q&A

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions or need more information about this course, please contact:

Penelope Pinkston
330-972-8303
penelo1@uakron.edu


TO REGISTER

Online Registration

OR

Registration Form

Registration information: Registration shall remain open until posted as closed on the course listing on this site.

Registrations must be guaranteed by check, a purchase order number or a credit card, otherwise the registration will not be processed. Checks should be made payable to "The Akron Polymer Technology Services Training Center" and must include a copy of your completed registration form. Course fees are due before attending.

All registrations—whether by online, phone, fax or mail—will be confirmed and considered binding and subject to all cancellation policies. If you do not receive a confirmation prior to the class, please call The Akron Polymer Technology Services Training Center to verify your registration.

Course fee includes classroom instruction, instructional materials, parking permits, continental breakfast, lunch, beverages and refreshment breaks. Travel and hotel accommodations are not included.

ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED AND ON A FIRST-COME BASIS. EARLY REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Visit our registration webpage to view our cancellation/withdrawal policy.