[dayglored]

> LOL...probably too much info above and perhaps NOT the answer you were looking for. But it's the best I can do.

Thank you for your thoughtful reply.

White pigment paint absorbs no visible wavelengths which is why it not only appears "white", but also why surfaces painted white don't get hot in the sun, whereas surfaces painted black absorb all the visible wavelengths which is why they get hot in the sun.

That is the very definition of "reflective color".

[nopardons]

Oh I DO know about why people aren't supposed to wear dark colors and black in the hot sun! That used to to be just plain old common knowledge and I've know that since I was a child. But thanks for the info anyway, even IF I knew and understand it.

Re painting...Except for a certain era and school of art, re Dutch painters, black has not generally used in oil or watercolor painting for centuries. Shadows are usually some form of grey or a much darker color than the subject.

There are exceptions and the granulating blacks, in watercolor, when used very sparingly ( usually added to another color ) is due to granulation. LOL...just some useless but I think interesting info.

[TexasGator]

“White pigment paint absorbs no visible wavelengths “

Since we are nit-picking ...

The photon excites electrons (is absorbed) and if not in resonance another photon is emitted.

OTOH, no pigment is a perfect reflector.