Abstract: The present invention is directed to a color selection method, which includes the steps of selecting colors in accordance with identification criteria supplied, for example, by a vehicle manufacturer; displaying the colors in the form of color reference chips on the screen of a display unit attached to a computer; selecting a desired color chip from the color reference chips on the screen; accessing and displaying color formulas; and then finally selecting a desired color formula that lists all the ingredients needed to prepare a coating composition, such as automotive refinish paint or architectural paint, from the color formulas displayed on the screen. The technician can then mix the ingredients, such as tints, in the proportions provided in the desired color formula to make the coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a color selection method, which includes the steps of selecting colors in accordance with identification criteria supplied, for example, by a vehicle manufacturer; displaying the colors in the form of color reference chips on the screen of a display unit attached to a computer; selecting a desired color chip from the color reference chips on the screen; accessing and displaying color formulas; and then finally selecting a desired color formula that lists all the ingredients needed to prepare a coating composition, such as automotive refinish paint or architectural paint, from the color formulas displayed on the screen. The technician can then mix the ingredients, such as tints, in the proportions provided in the desired color formula to make the coating composition.

Abstract: A formula retrieval and management system (200) for retrieving paint formulas, creating paint formulas, updating paint inventory, and providing miscellaneous reports. The system presents a ruled scale representation of actual sizes on a display, including a bar portion extendable along the ruled scale representation. User movement of the bar portion selects the desired paint size. Furthermore, multiple variants of a formula can be stored and selected from a special menu. When the system program is used for the first time in a given day, various types of reports of the previous day's paint usage are made available.