Five criteria that separate a good sample evaluation from a guess.
The Five Criteria
- Color truth — view in north-facing daylight
- Grain pattern — straight vs interlocked, tight vs open
- Profile fidelity — sharp edges, no fuzz
- Weight — denser samples last longer
- Weathering preview — ask for an aged sample if available
Common Mistakes
- Evaluating samples indoors only
- Skipping the wet-half test (previews oiled look)
- Ignoring the profile and comparing flat chips
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