Abstract: A method for simulating the final finish of a multi-component finish material comprises submitting or receiving a request describing a desired single or multicolor surface appearance in a finish simulator to generate one or more simulated appearance samples, obtaining feedback on said simulated appearance sample and, if necessary, modifying said sample to simulate said desired surface appearance. The finish simulator comprises a library of finish templates that have been produced and software or processing means to apply rules to adjust the simulated finish for known changes in chemistry, composition, and application conditions.