When evaluating the color of a finish, under which type of light should it be viewed?

Viewing the color of a finish in sunlight is recommended because natural light provides the most balanced and accurate representation of colors. Sunlight contains the full spectrum of colors and offers consistent illumination that reveals the true hue and intensity of a finish. It allows for the detection of any underlying tones that might not be apparent under artificial lighting conditions, which can sometimes distort colors due to limited spectrum coverage or differing temperature ratings.

Comparatively, incandescent light tends to emphasize warmer tones, which can alter the appearance of a finish. Fluorescent light can create a cooler tone or cast a greenish hue, potentially misrepresenting the actual color. LED light, while it can be very bright and energy-efficient, may also vary in color temperature and spectral output, leading to potential inaccuracies in color evaluation. Thus, sunlight remains the ideal choice for accurately assessing the color of a finish.