Coloristic Properties by F. Glaser

The coloristic qualities of a pigment have to do, broadly, with the description of its color-imparting action, that is, the characterization of the color nuance produced through its use, as well as its effectiveness, covering power, and transparency. Obviously these are fundamental properties that govern the industrial use of a pigment and its economic value. 

The coloristic qualities of a pigment and of its color are not evaluated in the as-delivered condition but always after it has been processed in a way corresponding to the application. Information gained for one application cannot, however, be directly extended to other application processes. 

Because coloristic assessments are essentially judgments of color effects, coloristic practice long rested solely on the colorist s trained eye. Today, the measurement of color is a mature field of science, and colorists employ theories of the optical behavior of pigmented layers. 

This section will discuss some important concepts from coloristic practice and the optical properties of pigmented systems. Space considerations permit a treatment of only the most vital concepts. The reader must consult the literature for further details and accounts of special problems [1], A review on the effect of crystal structure on color application properties was published [2], 

The color of an object is a sensory impression received by the individual and triggered by a color stimulus. The color stimulus consists of light from the object incident on the eye, light denoting electromagnetic radiation in the range of wave- 

---