Preview guide
The quality of a custom match is often decided before the sample reaches the instrument. A disciplined intake gives the matcher better material and gives the customer a realistic definition of success.
Ask where the color will live
Interior wall, exterior siding, cabinet, touch-up, and full repaint are different jobs. Record substrate, sheen, age, lighting, and whether the new coating must disappear into an existing field.
Inspect the sample
Use the cleanest, flattest, most representative area available. Avoid edges, sun-faded sections, dirty surfaces, texture shadows, and samples too small for the instrument aperture.
Set the comparison method
Agree on the product, sheen, number of coats, dry time, and light source. Wet color is not the final standard. A drawdown with full cure time gives both the store and customer something objective to review.
Write down the exceptions
If the sample is compromised or touch-up is unlikely to disappear, say it plainly and record it. Good expectation-setting is part of the match.