Väripäävärit

Väripäävärit, a Finnish term, translates to "color primary colors" or "color primaries." This concept refers to a set of basic colors from which other colors can be mixed. The specific set of primary colors used depends on the color model being discussed.

In subtractive color mixing, used for pigments and printing, the primary colors are typically cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY). When these colors of ink or paint are combined, they absorb certain wavelengths of light, and the resulting color is what is perceived. For example, mixing cyan and yellow absorbs blue and red light, respectively, leaving green to be reflected. Black (K) is often added to CMY to form the CMYK model, improving the richness of dark tones and the efficiency of printing.

In additive color mixing, used for light sources like computer monitors and televisions, the primary colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). When these colors of light are combined, they add their wavelengths together. For instance, mixing red and green light produces yellow light. Combining all three additive primaries at full intensity results in white light.

The choice of primary colors is fundamental to understanding how colors are perceived and reproduced across different media. The concept of primary colors is a cornerstone of color theory and has practical applications in art, design, and technology.