Subjective Sensation of Color Differences – Determination of Thresholds Depending on Color Tones and Resolution

Abstract Colors are frequently defined by three points on the L*a*b* coordinates of the CIELAB color space, and the distance between two colors can be expressed as the total color difference ΔE. In particular with respect to reproducibility of print media color differences are an important parameter, as well as for car finishes and textile dyes. Color changes are also the result of ageing and weathering which is an issue for art objects and in the building and restoration sector. However, the subjective perceptibility of color differences depends on numerous factors and general thresholds are difficult to define. This study aimed therefore on defining tolerance levels for color changes in dependence of color tones and color tone combinations as well as their resolution. In total 30 test persons evaluated samples, which had been painted with acrylic artist colors with defined color differences (ΔE = 0–7). The test subjects realized color differences already at ΔE = 1–4 for the highest resolution. Threshold values have been identified for different tones as well as the effect of interdependencies between tones and the level of color heterogeneity between adjacent areas.