the physics of color

[gnahc79]

I did a search and came up with nothing regarding the physics of color, specifically why certain colors/shades can or cannot have the deep and wet look.



Here is what I know:

Color is hue, saturation, and intensity

-hue is the wavelength, red the longest and violet the shortest

-saturation is how "pure" the color is. Pink is red with white light, whereas monochromatic red has no white light.

-intensity: brightness of the color, highly dependent on the environment (sun, lights, etc)



black absorbs all the wavelengths, so it`s easy for a deep and wet look.



darker colors absorb a smaller range in the spectrum, but behave similar to black in regards to the deep and wet look.



monochromatic yellow and pink can`t do it as well because even if fully saturated, it appears that white light is present.



silver doesn`t absorb wavelengths like black and colors. It reflects most of the wavelengths, like a mirror. You can`t make a mirror have a "wet" or "deep" look. Silver is gray with metal flakes, right? So it`s kind of a less saturated black, even though saturation is for colors and not shades.



my deduction: the autopian result we all want, the deep and wet look, is saturation. That`s why white can never have the "look" since white = 0 saturation.



um, lemme know if my logic is wrong. Now where is my physics prof when I need him?

[gnahc79]

so is everyone in agreement?:dance

[Patrick]

Homer, I think you just floored everyone.................

[ByndCln]

I second that kinda

[gnahc79]

oh. Well, here`s another color explanation (Jngr`s truck reminded me):



Red shows oxidation more because it has the longest wavelength and therefore is furthest from the UV wavelenth in the visible spectrum. This I`m not so sure, but since blue/violet (475nm, 400nm) is closer to UV (10-100nm), it won`t show the effects of UV light as much as a red/orange (650nm,590nm).



as always, I could just be blowing hot air

[70fastback]

After reading all that, I look like your avatar

[DaGonz]

So why are non clearcoated reds and silvers the most photochemically reactive paint colors?



I know that they are both the most expensive paints to buy!

[gnahc79]

Originally posted by Gonzo0903

So why are non clearcoated reds and silvers the most photochemically reactive paint colors?



I know that they are both the most expensive paints to buy!

My guess is that since red does show oxidation the most, the non clearcoated red probably has more chemicals in it to slow oxidation than other colors.

For silver, no idea. Does non clearcoated silver have metal flakes in it?