What You Need to Know about Full Spectrum Paint and Color

Photo Credits: ©2007 Lori Sawaya

Full spectrum colors are mixed using an amount of colorant from each hue family in the visible spectrum and the intent is to mimic the full spectral qualities of natural daylight. Most important to note is the method of full spectrum color mixing means no black is used in the formulas.

Traditional color wheels incorrectly suggest that color is mixed 'around' the wheel on the outskirts. Color is actually mixed in chords using color relationships, like complements, to alter tone and create unmistakably unique nuance. Full spectrum color fully leverages the method of mixing in chords eliminating the need for black. Because black absorbs light wavelengths and does not contribute to reflecting light back into the space.

There is a unique bundle of wavelengths of natural light beaming in from windows and doors as well as light bouncing around the room from fixtures, the artificial light. Those sources of light, natural and artificial, define the amount and quality of light in interior rooms.

Full spectrum paint colors have a unique and varied bundle of wavelengths too but instead of beaming wavelengths, they are reflected wavelengths. Partnering the unique bundle of beaming light wavelengths with a robust bundle of reflected paint color wavelengths floods the space with a full, and subtly diverse range of color and light.

Plus, there is the holistic, New Age spin. Again, the intent of color mixed full spectrum is to mimic natural daylight. Applied to walls, full spectrum paint brings the energy of natural daylight and all the healing and nurturing benefits that are inherent of light.

Standard stock colors use an average of 3 to 4 colorants which means their reflective qualities and abilities are predictably less robust and full when compared to colors that use a balanced mix of more colorants. Stock colors are more constant and shift less as the light changes throughout the day. To date, colors that appear more constant have been the #1 goal of major paint manufacturers.

One purpose of color science and color labs is to find ways to plot and manage color so it is constant and predictable. Color constancy is the intent with which paint manufacturers create their stock colors. At the most basic level, constancy is achieved by using the fewest colorants necessary. That's why black is such a staple in all commercial tints.

Regular paint brands rely heavily on black colorant because it is the faster - and cheaper - way to change a color. Paint manufacturers choose to mix their colors with black colorant because it is inexpensive and adding even a small quantity of black aids with hiding ability and produces more consistent and constant wall color. Hiding ability is often mistakenly associated with quality paint ingredients. Black colorant is, again, cheaper and using it in their colors can create an illusion of higher quality, high-hiding paints.

In addition to the nurturing benefits of living in the GLOW of balanced wall color, full spectrum paint enables you to create atmospheres that will gracefully morph and adapt - like a chameleon.

Chameleon colors are an advantage because they offer flexibility - like when you are settling into a brand new home, or acquiring furnishings and decor as budget allows, or need the perfect *neutral* to sell a house, etc.