Transparent or opaque

For smooth color transition effect it's even better to use candy instead of transparent/opaque (great tip from Bloodshoot YT channel!), it performs better: less grainy pattern, better transition and saturation in mid area.
 
But how about mixing colors with opaque white? I undestand that white paint desaturates color. Is there a difference if I tint that white with transparent (dye based) color rather than opaque color? Do they fade in the same way?
 
But how about mixing colors with opaque white? I undestand that white paint desaturates color. Is there a difference if I tint that white with transparent (dye based) color rather than opaque color? Do they fade in the same way?

Holy smokes.. I was literally messing around with this yesterday and was contemplating asking this exact question.

I wanted to know if anyone had any data or thoughts about how a dye (candy2o) added to white would be different than a pigment based paint added to white. For certain you have to be aware that any colors added on top without a sealing layer will bleed the candy. Sometimes you can use this to your advantage.

As of right now my Candy kits sit, but I know I should be trying to incorporate them and see if they allow effects (beyond true fire) that normal pigments don't allow.



https://www.airbrushforum.org/threads/is-this-true-about-candy2o.19504/
 
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I use the candy 2O to tint (I guess that is the right term) my opaques and I have used it in white to make a really light blue on some sky I was working on . When you add candy 2O to either an opaque or a transparent that paint becomes it's carrier or binder, so the use of the 4040 is not needed.
I haven't notice any color bleed when I have done this.
Like many Pros have told me when talking to them just go for it , It will either work or be a flop.
 
I use the candy 2O to tint (I guess that is the right term) my opaques and I have used it in white to make a really light blue on some sky I was working on . When you add candy 2O to either an opaque or a transparent that paint becomes it's carrier or binder, so the use of the 4040 is not needed.
I haven't notice any color bleed when I have done this.
Like many Pros have told me when talking to them just go for it , It will either work or be a flop.

Did the candy tint have a different feel than if you had used a pigment?
Another "problem" seems to be that candy doesn't do it's thing till a clearcoat is added.
 
It is a softer tint , I do it so I do not go to dark when making a shadow color .
 
My question is: can I achieve brighter opaque color without significant loss of saturation by mixing dye based paint with white instead of mixing white and opaque color?
 
My question is: can I achieve brighter opaque color without significant loss of saturation by mixing dye based paint with white instead of mixing white and opaque color?
I have made a color richer by adding a candy to it. But I have never tried to make one brighter when adding to white.
 
I think i found the answer. My thinking was wrong. Seems to me that white paint doesn't change brightness, it changes lightness, and also hue towards blue. The white paint like every other color has a bias, pure titanium white has a blue bias. It seems to work fine with blue color (the same bias), but mixed with warm colors makes them dull. Pure conventional colors are theoretical, in real life they all have a bias.
After some research I came to this conclusion: brightness is a change of lightness without changing saturation, and may be considered only with transparent paints. That makes the choice between opaque/transparent extremely important.
Does it makes sense?
 
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Another "problem" seems to be that candy doesn't do it's thing till a clearcoat is added.
I can't agree, I think it does, it's still transparent. Just look at the thin candy film on a surface of an empty airbrush cup. It's sweet, no matter wet or dry, and no clear coat on it.
IMO in this case Clearcoat eliminates surface distraction only.
 
I just found great tip from G.Mendez: wipe your candy work with grease remover to get a better view of the effect.
 
it dont't simulates anything, just gives you wet "clear coat look" for a minute (until evaporates) and is neutral for your artwork, so you can see it clear. When you sand same hard surface by sandpaper, and then wipe it with grease remover - it becomes glossy for a moment. It fills all scratches, the same what clear coat does.
 
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Exactly the same in the context of refraction of light. And this is the only way that CC may "pop" the candy up ("non candy" too). CC doesn't boost the candy pigment or something, no magic here.
 
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Finally, all answers in one short and simple article. Modern Color Theory. I know there was something about MCT on the forum, but this one is "non-science":
http://www.wilsonstreetstudios.com/wilson-studio-blog/the-new-practical-artists-colour-theory

"The problem with the old theory when it comes to mixing paints in the real world, it doesn’t work. (Standard theory works with optics, just not with paint pigments.)". Also opaque vs transparent is mentioned and extreme important when mixing colors.

I was taught the old theory in the past. The old theory is still taught in art schools. It may work with fine arts, as long as you don't need fully saturated colors, but for more graphic purposes (like automotive painting) it will drive you crazy.
 
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