What does saturation refer to?

Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color. In painting and color theory, it describes how vibrant and rich a color appears. A highly saturated color will look vivid and eye-catching, while a desaturated color will appear more muted or grayish. This concept directly corresponds with the second choice, which defines colorfulness in relation to brightness, emphasizing the idea that saturation is the measure of color intensity within a visual context.

Understanding saturation is critical for artists and paint technologists, as it influences the overall aesthetic and psychological impact of the paint on a surface. In practical applications, achieving the desired level of saturation in paint formulations can determine the effectiveness and appeal of the final product. Other options refer to different aspects of paint characteristics — imperfections, drying processes, and adhesion — which do not directly align with the definition of saturation.