Colour perception depends on the colour background ofthe sample. Also structure, gloss and metallic effects influence the perceivedcolour, asserts Vijaya Shanbhag.


Colour is something which makes the object more appealing,attractive and gives the pleasure of observation. The Committee on Colorimetryof Optical Society of America defines colour as visual sensation arising fromthe stimulation of retina of the eye. Thus it is defined as a psychophysical-psychologicalresponse to a physical stimulus.


Colour may have different meanings to different people. To achemist it may be a chemical compound, a dye or a pigment; to a physicist it isscattering and absorption of light or reflectance spectra of the object; to aphysiologist it is a measurable activity of nerves, to a psychologist it is acomplex process in brain of interpreting the nerve signal. To the artist andothers it is a means to create sensation in the mind of the observer. For e.g.,the colours as red and yellow create the sensation of warmth. Green and blueare associated with the feeling of coolness. Colour harmony in wall paints;curtains and furniture make room cheerful, and comfortable. Perception ofcolour includes source of light, object that is illuminated and eye and brainthat perceive the colour. A source of light is characterised by the energy thatis radiated at different wavelengths, i.e., by its spectral powerdistribution.


The modification of incident radiations depends on thenature of colourants in object. This is related to chemistry of dyes.


The radiant energy reflected is absorbed by photosensitivepigments in retina of the eye. The photosensitive detectors on retina arecalled as rods and cones from their shape. The rods detect the light but haveno ability to specify the colour. The colour is detected by cones.


The colourists in today's commercial environment has tochoose from a vast range of available colourants, the most effective recipe toachieve a commercially acceptable match with the correct physical qualities tosatisfy his customers requirements. He has also to ensure that subsequentbatches are within acceptable tolerances for depth, shade, and hue. Computercolour matching systems can be used to achieve success in all the above areasand will help increase productivity and reduce costs.



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About the Author


The author is a practicing Textile Consultant and Colour Matching expert.