Why do red and green light make yellow, but red and green paint make brown? Get link Facebook X Pinterest Email Other Apps Don't miss out! Share your answer in the box below for a chance to win a data recharge on any network of your choice! Get link Facebook X Pinterest Email Other Apps Comments Frances NoahJune 9, 2025 at 5:45 PMThe difference comes down to how colors mix in light vs. paint:Mixing Red + Green Light = YellowLight mixes additively — you’re combining wavelengths of light.Red light + Green light = your eyes see both colors at once, which the brain interprets as yellow.This is called additive color mixing (used in screens, stage lights).Mixing Red + Green Paint = BrownPaint mixes subtractive-ly — pigments absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths and reflect others.Red paint absorbs (subtracts) some colors, green paint absorbs others; together they absorb a lot, leaving a dull mix like brown.This is called subtractive color mixing (used with paints, inks).So:Light = Additive mixing → brighter colors (red + green = yellow)Paint = Subtractive mixing → muddier colors (red + green = brown).ReplyDeleteRepliesReplyAdd commentLoad more... Post a Comment
The difference comes down to how colors mix in light vs. paint:
ReplyDeleteMixing Red + Green Light = Yellow
Light mixes additively — you’re combining wavelengths of light.
Red light + Green light = your eyes see both colors at once, which the brain interprets as yellow.
This is called additive color mixing (used in screens, stage lights).
Mixing Red + Green Paint = Brown
Paint mixes subtractive-ly — pigments absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths and reflect others.
Red paint absorbs (subtracts) some colors, green paint absorbs others; together they absorb a lot, leaving a dull mix like brown.
This is called subtractive color mixing (used with paints, inks).
So:
Light = Additive mixing → brighter colors (red + green = yellow)
Paint = Subtractive mixing → muddier colors (red + green = brown).