Define the sample purpose
A small finish chip cannot prove construction, and a structural mock-up cannot automatically approve colour.
- Appearance sample, material panel, hardware trial or complete first article.
- Drawing revision and product or room reference.
- Items intentionally excluded from the sample.
Review the complete standard
Review the sample under agreed lighting and use conditions when appearance is commercially important.
- Dimensions, level, alignment and operation.
- Materials, finish, sheen, grain and colour tolerance.
- Hardware, interfaces, cleanability and service access.
Document every accepted change
Verbal acceptance is difficult to use during inspection. The approval record should travel with the production documentation.
- Photograph the approved reference.
- Record comments, deviations and replacement samples.
- Identify the approving company and date.
Carry approval into the batch
The sample becomes useful when inspectors and production teams can apply it consistently.
- Link the sample to the drawing and QC checklist.
- Protect and retain the control sample.
- Define what happens if production falls outside the agreed tolerance.
Use this guide in the project file
Attach the relevant checklist to the current drawing, quotation or approval record. Record project-specific decisions in writing and confirm destination requirements with the responsible professional or authority. We record project-specific decisions clearly and confirm destination requirements before production.
Sample approval record
A retained sample becomes the production reference for appearance, construction, and accepted variation.
| Record area | What to retain |
|---|---|
| Reference | Material, finish, sheen, grain direction, hardware, and visible detail. |
| Acceptance | What may vary and what must match the approved reference. |
| Retention | Named owner, storage location, and link to the production order. |