How Can We Algorithmize Paint Color Interpolation to Mimic Physical Mixing?

Algorithm for Interpolating Colors in Paint Mixing

When blending colors in paint, the resultant hue differs from the mixing of colors in digital displays due to the absorptive nature of paint. Unlike RGB colors, which are emissive and produce white light when combined, paint pigments absorb specific wavelengths of light.

Mixing two absorptive colors, such as blue and yellow paint, results in a darker, less saturated color due to the absorption of more wavelengths. This is in contrast to the additive nature of RGB colors, where blending blue and yellow produces a brighter green.

However, when the goal is to interpolate colors as if mixing paint, rather than replicating the exact behavior of pigments, an algorithm can be employed. One such algorithm utilizes the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) color space:

1. Convert the RGB colors to HSL:

   • Extract hue, saturation, and lightness values from each RGB color.

2. Average the Hues:

   • Calculate the average of the two hue values.

3. Average the Saturation and Lightness:

   • Calculate the average of the two saturation and lightness values, resulting in an average saturation and lightness.

4. Convert the Average Values to RGB:

   • Use the average hue, saturation, and lightness values to convert back to an RGB color.

This algorithm provides a perceptual average of the two colors, mimicking the intuitive blending of paint colors. Note that this approach does not account for the non-linear nature of paint mixing, but it produces satisfactory results in many cases.

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