Tru-Color Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will there be upgrades as new colors are introduced?
A: Yes, upgrades are offered when it makes sense for us, as well as you, to update new colors and mixes. The paint companies generally introduce new colors during the first six months of the year.
Q: How much will these updates/upgrades cost?
A: We will include updated functions and new features in the software as we offer updates to you. You can expect these updates to be offered for $ 25.00 (incl. $5 s&h) to registered users. How often the updates will be depends upon the new colors which are presented.
Q: How many colors/matches can I ask for in a single Query?
A: You may match an entire paint line or over 200 colors, if you want. The software allows you to "Step Back" and ask for matches of up to five different brands from the original color selections. You can view and/or print all of the matches.
Q: Are "oil colors" matched with acrylics?
A: Yes, we provide cross matches between most popular oil brands and acrylics. Version 6.3 offers twenty-two (22) brands of both acrylics, traditional oils, Fabric paints and Genesis (Heat Set) Artist Colors.
TCS COLOR MATCH SOFTWARE: MAIN MENU HEADINGS
All colors are presented in alphabetic order by brand so you can choose the ones you want to find from any pattern.Your inventory (Yes or No) is displayed beside each color.You may print this information and/or return to select another brand to match with your original choices.Search by Color Name . . . Search on a single color name. You can identify the brand, your inventory and the color family . . . all by just typing the color name or a portion of the name.
Search by TCS Number . . . For instance, Type YG, and you find all yellow-greens in color sequence with brand and TCS Number.Search by Company or Brand . . . You can choose any family of colors. Example: list all "Browns" in the Delta Ceramcoat line.Browse Colors . . . Go directly to hundreds of color matches in alphabetic classifications . . . plus add your own notes to any single color or mix.View Company . . . Easy to find contact information.
My Inventory . . . Add to, remove, view or print your on-hand colors listed by brand and color
name.
A: We view this software as yet another "Tool" for the artist. The matches and comparisons are made for you and presented as a solution. Some painters want to make their own choices based on viewing the color swatches themselves. We understand, and offer this method for those who want the solution quickly.
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Q: How can I make a shopping list?
A: The system provides for you to record all of the information about each of the supplies you use and have on hand. For instance, you might use Brand X Varnish, and know that by buying an 8 ounce container you are getting a much better deal, so that along with any other comments can be entered. When you see you are getting low on that item simply bring up the inventory page and click on that or any other item you wish to move to your shopping list. That item and all of the information you recorded will move to your shopping list and may be printed out before the next visit to your favorite craft shop.
Q: If I need a new item listed in a project must I put it in inventory and move it over to the shopping list?
A: No, any new items may be entered direct onto your shopping list. After purchasing any of your items on your shopping list, you may easily return them to the inventory list with a simple click.
Q: Can I enter the name of a new pattern book instead of just individual projects included in the book?
A: It is really better to record individual projects which will give information on which publication, author, etc. In all books and magazines there are some projects that excite you and some you would not care to do. This way you enter the projects you like and can even rate them according you how much you like them. Example: The rating you might choose a 1 to be a "must paint" and a 5 something you might paint for someone else but not an item that would match the decor of your home. You can still sort by publication, giving you all of the projects available in any given book.
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Teaching Guide and Session Planner
Q: How can I best use the free Guide to Decorative Painting?
A: The Guide to Decorative Painting is a companion text for your students. It contains Terms, Tools and Techniques of painting . . . the same ones you use when you teach. It is designed to reinforce your teaching and save you precious time and effort. For instance, how many times do you repeat the steps for surface preparation? Now show them once then direct them to pages 1-2-3 and 4 for complete step-by-step instructions and future reference. The same for "Dictionary of Popular Decorative Painting Terms" . . . over forty meanings which they can find themselves. The "Glossary of Decorative Painting Tools" contains over eighty-five (85) definitions for the new painter. Under "Brushes" eighteen (18) different kinds are explained for the inquisitive mind.
Q: Why is this book presented in a 3-ring binder?
A: This three-ring binder/book is a living document which you may add your own ideas, patterns and instructions in the months and years to come. It becomes your own teaching tool.
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Q: What is a Tru-Color Comparison Disc?
A: It is a painting accessory which provides the capability of identifying, comparing, and matching colors between different paint brands. It is a "Tool" to deliver information about color choices. This enables painters to compare and select matching colors they may want to use. It removes the guesswork.
Q: Is the Tru Color Comparison Disc different than a color wheel?
A: The Tru-Color Comparison Disc is not a color wheel. A color wheel provides a method for illustrating the relationship of one color to another. It does not replicate exact tones of color. The Tru-Color Comparison Disc does show actual color tones because it carries handpainted swatches of the leading paint brands.
Q: Exactly how does the Tru-Color Comparison Disc work?
A: Each Tru-Color Comparison Disc consists of four (4) revolving Paint Charts which vary in size from six (6) to ten (10) inches. Platter "A: is the smallest, Platters "B" and "C" are the middle sizes and Platter "D" is the largest. Color swatches are handpainted on the outer edge of each Paint Chart. When the platters are stacked (smallest on top, largest on bottom) the paint swatches are easily visible as rings, each within inches of the other. Since the Paint Charts can be rotated independently, all colors can be placed virtually side by side. Paint Charts "B" and "C" have "white" space in one portion of the outer edge. When comparing colors on "A" and "D", this blank space can be aligned so that no colors are in the line of sight. Using this circular disc structure, any of the 100's of different swatches can be placed within two (2) inches of another. For multiple discs, the platters may be inter-leafed so that the colors are viewed side by side.
Q: Why should I buy a System 750 when I don't use some of the brands?
A: You need to be able to identify any color used in a pattern, even if you do not use that brand. Once you have identified this color, it is easy to match to colors you own.
Q: Will fingerprints blemish the swatches?
A: Each swatch is lightly sprayed with a protective coating used by the printing industry. It does not change the color and is used only to provide for longer life of the color comparison system.
Q: Which brands are offered with the System 750 ?
A: There are over 850 acrylic colors handpainted on the platters. We do not offer all brands, just the most requested.
Over 850 "Handpainted" Color Swatches
The TCS Color Numbering System
Q: Explain the TCS Color Classification System.
A: The TCS identifier divides the complete color spectrum into Fifteen (15) color
designations. All colors and mixes are identified by a two character alphabetic abbreviation and
a unique three (3) digit number. Each number is based on a scale of nine (9) segments. It is
helpful to familiarize yourself with the abbreviations and color class they represent.
TCS Color Family Identifiers
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