Primärfärbung

Primärfärbung refers to a specific color mixing model where certain colors are considered fundamental or primary because they cannot be created by mixing other colors. In additive color mixing, such as light projected onto a screen, the primary colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). When these colors are mixed in various proportions, they can create a wide spectrum of other colors, including white when all three are combined at full intensity. This system is used in displays for televisions, computer monitors, and mobile devices.

In subtractive color mixing, used when pigments or inks are applied to a surface, the primary colors are typically cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY). These colors are considered primary because when they are mixed, they absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. For instance, mixing cyan and magenta absorbs green and red light, resulting in blue. Mixing all three subtractive primaries theoretically produces black, though in practice, a separate black ink (K) is often added to achieve deeper blacks and reduce ink consumption, leading to the CMYK color model.

The choice of primary colors depends on the medium being used. The RGB model is additive because adding more light increases brightness and shifts towards white. The CMY model is subtractive because adding more pigment absorbs more light, leading towards black. Understanding these primary color systems is crucial in fields like graphic design, photography, and digital imaging to ensure accurate color reproduction.