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Make Thinking Putty that Glows White

In "Color Mixing for Fun and Profit" we reviewed the basics of color theory and showed off some fun colors you could make by mixing different colors of Thinking Putty.

What we didn't really mention was that these rules only work for "subtractive color" -- that is, colors generated by light shining onto pigments and dyes. The color of light itself is governed by a different set of rules: those for "additive color." It's bizarre, I know.

With Glow in the Dark Thinking Putty, it is now possible to explore the world of additive color. It is interesting to compare this to the subtractive color experiences you'll find with regular colored Thinking Putty.

Take a look at this puzzle. Below we have mixed Lapis Thinking Putty and Orange Thinking Putty to make a dark Black/Brown color.

Now what happens if we mix Ion (Glow Blue) with Amber (Glow Orange)?

We mixed approximately the same "colors" but we clearly didn't get similar results. What's going on?

You're probably familiar with the idea that white light is "composed" of red, green, and blue. When you see them together, you perceive a white light. If you take a look at your TV or computer monitor with a magnifying glass, you'll see a pattern of red, green, and blue dots.

If you have a color printer you probably also know that your ink cartridges are cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. (The black can create a "blacker" black than the other inks mixed together. More importantly, it is a lot cheaper!) If you take a look at a newspaper or magazine with a magnifying glass, you'll see a pattern of cyan, magenta and yellow dots.

Ok, enough color theory. Let's get down to business. I've experimented quite a bit and the best results can be had by following this formula:

1 part Krypton
1 part Ion
2 parts Aura
3 parts Amber

If you look closely, you'll probably be able to see that the Glow White putty is composed of tiny dots, each glowing their own color -- just like your TV set.

Also, since each Glow in the Dark color decays at a unique rate, the color will shift over time from white to blue-green.

Give it a try and see what happens! You can use very small pieces of Thinking Putty to get started. You don't have to mix whole handfuls to see a cool effect!

Valentine's Day Color

Be My Valentine

Putty Creatures

Super Magnetic

Crystal Clears

Liquid Glass

Heat Sensitives

Glow in the Dark

Color Shifting Illusions

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