A colour mixing system is a method of combining colours to create a desired range of hues. It typically involves a defined set of primary colours which, when mixed in varying proportions, produce a wider spectrum of colours. There are two primary colour mixing systems: additive and subtractive.
Additive Colour Mixing
Additive colour mixing starts with darkness and adds light to create colours. This system is used with light sources, such as computer screens, televisions, and stage lighting.
- Primary Colours: Red, Green, and Blue (RGB)
- Process: When red, green, and blue light are combined in equal amounts, white light is produced. Different combinations of these primaries create other colours. For instance, red and green light make yellow; red and blue make magenta; and green and blue make cyan.
- Application: Primarily used in electronic displays and lighting applications.
Subtractive Colour Mixing
Subtractive colour mixing starts with white light and subtracts certain wavelengths to create colours. This system is used with pigments, such as paints, inks, and dyes.
- Primary Colours: Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow (CMY), often with the addition of Black (CMYK)
- Process: Pigments absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. For example, a cyan pigment absorbs red light and reflects green and blue light, making it appear cyan. When cyan, magenta, and yellow pigments are combined, they absorb most of the light, resulting in black.
- Application: Primarily used in printing, painting, and other applications involving physical pigments.
Key Differences
| Feature | Additive Colour Mixing | Subtractive Colour Mixing |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Point | Darkness | White Light |
| Primary Colours | Red, Green, Blue (RGB) | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (CMY/CMYK) |
| Colour Creation | Adding Light | Subtracting Light |
| Result of Mixing All Primaries | White | Black |
| Typical Use | Screens, Lighting | Printing, Painting |
In summary, a colour mixing system is a defined set of rules and primaries used to generate a broader range of colours through either the addition of light (additive) or the subtraction of light (subtractive).
