We evaluated distinctions between visual perception of colour differences and numerically determined colour differences in terms of the CIELAB %E* values.12 pairs of different surface system samples were prepared; a sample of each pair was kept in a dark, dry place and the other one exposed to UV light to increase the difference between colours of both samples in a pair. The samples varied in texture, dimensions, coating, substrate type and application purpose. A class of students evaluated colour differences after every exposure to UV light. The colours of all the samples were measured also with a colorimeter. In general, the respondents noticed the colour difference at the values of %E* between 0.5 and 1.0. However, in some cases, the respondents only hardly noticed the colour difference at the %E* values even above 3.0. This indicates that the ability of visual perception of a colour difference and the %E* value determined with a colorimeter, are only weakly related. This is probably because the visual perception of difference between colours is influenced by various surface properties like ,for instance, gloss and texture
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