Abstract: A computer implemented method includes: providing a database of digital images of colors and metadata related to the colors; using one or more search criteria to identify one or more of the digital image colors; displaying the digital images of the identified colors; selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors; using the metadata to identify additional information related to the color of interest; displaying the digital image of the selected color and the additional information; and using the displayed digital image of the selected color and the additional information to make a final color selection. An apparatus that can be used to implement the method is also provided.

Abstract: A computer implemented method that includes enabling, using a processor, a user to identify a first area of a digital image, wherein the first area will be colored with a first color. The method also includes segmenting, using the processor, the digital image into a first segment that represents the first area and a second segment that represents a second area of the digital image, wherein an original color of the second area will remain unchanged. The method further includes enabling, using the processor, the user to select the first color, wherein the first color corresponds a first coating color, and displaying, using the processor, the digital image with the first segment colored with the first color.

Abstract: A computer implemented method that includes enabling, using a processor, a user to identify a first area of a digital image, wherein the first area will be colored with a first color. The method also includes segmenting, using the processor, the digital image into a first segment that represents the first area and a second segment that represents a second area of the digital image, wherein an original color of the second area will remain unchanged. The method further includes enabling, using the processor, the user to select the first color, wherein the first color corresponds a first coating color, and displaying, using the processor, the digital image with the first segment colored with the first color.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes: providing a database of digital images of colors and metadata related to the colors; using one or more search criteria to identify one or more of the digital image colors; displaying the digital images of the identified colors; selecting a color of interest from the displayed colors; using the metadata to identify additional information related to the color of interest; displaying the digital image of the selected color and the additional information; and using the displayed digital image of the selected color and the additional information to make a final color selection. An apparatus that can be used to implement the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for selecting and purchasing a coating includes: selecting a desired color, comparing the desired color to a database of coating compositions to identify a coating composition having a color substantially matching the desired color, evaluating the suitability of the identified coating composition, and purchasing the identified coating composition. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.