Seven Colour Types that Define Your Practice

For professionals, understanding different colour aspects forms the basis for effective colour application. Colour manifests itself in various forms, each with its own practical implications. This article explores seven fundamental colour types: conventional colours, substance colours, recipe colours, spectral-profile colours, psychophysical colours, perceptual colours and inherent colours [1]. Each type plays a specific role in professional colour workflows.

Conventional Colours The Basis of Colour Communication

Conventional colours are the nameable colours we recognise and communicate about every day. These colours are described using Grassmann's three dimensions: hue, saturation and lightness [2]. For professionals, conventional colours form the fundamental communication language between designer, client and supplier.

In practice, conventional colours determine first impressions and brand recognition. The fashion industry uses seasonal conventional colour palettes, while interior design employs conventional colours to create specific spatial effects. Graphic design uses conventional colours for hierarchy and information transfer in designs.

The success of conventional colours depends on shared reference points. Colour circles and systems such as Munsell and NCS make it possible to specify and reproduce conventional colours precisely across different media and locations.

Substance Colours: Material-Bound Colour Identity

Substance colours are intrinsically linked to specific materials and their chemical composition. These colours remain relatively stable under varying light conditions because they originate from the molecular structure of the material itself [3].

Natural substance colours occur in minerals, where different crystal structures produce specific colours. Marble displays red, green, white and black variants due to different mineral compositions [4]. Clay and loam have characteristic earthy colours directly related to their iron oxide content.

For professionals, substance colours are crucial in:

• Architecture: Natural stone and brick provide durable colour solutions without maintenance
• Textile industry: Natural fibres have inherent colours that form the basis for further colour treatment
• Ceramics: Clay types determine the base colour before glazes are applied

Modern materials science has developed artificial substance colours that combine the durability of natural colours with the flexibility of synthetic materials.

Recipe Colours or Formula Colours

Recipe colours, also known as formula colours, are colours obtained by mixing different pigments or colorants according to specific formulas. These colours are precisely reproduced by following standardised mixing instructions, making them consistent and reproducible. Recipe colours are widely used in the printing industry, where exact colour reproduction is essential for the quality of printed materials such as magazines, posters and packaging.

Recipe Colours: Precision through Formulation

Recipe colours arise from precisely controlled mixing of pigments according to standardised formulas. This systematic approach guarantees reproducibility and consistency across different production runs [5].