ST. LOUIS - Large swatches of solid wood cabinetry (for kitchens, closets, home offices), countertops and hardwood flooring can be realistically simulated for client proposals using a recently patented process.

Branded Mega Swatch, the large format swatches are printed using high tech reproduction methods, to provide samples for clients during the home remodeling process. Developer Dave Bender says the large format reproductions of cabinetry finishes, wood flooring, and granite countertops provide a better basis for comparison than typical 3” x 3” samples.

“We put a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that these samples were accurate representations of the various materials,” says Mega Swatch developer Dave Bender.

A wide variety of granite countertops, cabinets and wood flooring have been reproduced in sizes up to 20 x 27 inches. The paper samples, which sell for $2.99, are big enough to cover the area to be remodeled and provide a realistic glimpse of how the finished project will look. Paper samples of both cabinetry and hardwood flooring at 24 x 37 inches are $1.99.

“The idea for MEGA Swatch was born when my brother was remodeling his kitchen,” says  Bender, who runs a printing company in St. Louis. “Before ordering thousands of dollars worth of granite countertops, he and his wife wanted to make sure they were actually going to like how it looked.”

Using a patent-pending process, samples comes directly from scans of actual material. Using a proprietary, light-controlled production, color correction and printing process, each MEGA Swatch is created to simulate various lighting conditions.

“We put a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that these samples were accurate representations of the various materials,” says Bender. "It’s difficult to tell the samples from the real thing.”