Three key components are required to see or measure color: a light source, an object and a receiver. Removing or altering any of these three items will significantly impact how we perceive color.
For example, it’s fairly obvious that if we look at two different objects such as an apple and a banana, the color we perceive will change from red to yellow. However, different receivers will also impact how we perceive color. The receiver could be the eye of someone with superior color vision, the eye of someone that is color blind, or a spectrophotometer. Because of these variables, it’s important for printers and their customers to be on the same page regarding the way light affects the perceived color of a printed graphic.
The impact that light will have on the perception of color is very important and commonly overlooked. A light source works by emitting (or outputting) various visible wavelengths of light. They are then absorbed or reflected by an object. The reflected wavelengths result in the perception of color. However, not all light sources are the same. The wavelengths emitted from the light source can vary significantly, thus changing how the color is perceived. The output of a light source is measured in degrees Kelvin and relates to the color temperature or color. Give us a call at 888.467.7696 to discuss how the Kelvin color of lights used on your trade show graphics can have a huge effect on how your graphics are viewed.
