In the applications of computer graphics, bidirectional texture function (BTF) is used for realistic and predictive rendering. The goal of current research is to get a surface representation indistinguishable from the real world. We developed, built, and tested a portable instrument for BTF acquisition based on kaleidoscopic imaging. We discuss the color issues we experienced after the initial tests. We show that the same color balance cannot be applied to the whole image as the spectral response of the instrument varies depending on the position within the image. All optical elements were inspected for their contributions to the spectral behavior of the instrument. A software simulator of a mathematical model of the device was implemented. We found a way to implement all these contributions into the image processing pipeline. In this way, the correct white balance for each individual pixel in the image is found and applied, allowing for a more faithful color representation. Also proposed is an optimized dielectric protective layer for the kaleidoscope's mirrors causing the least possible color aberration. (C) 2016 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)