CSA Color Theory & Airbrush Techniques

Question 1

What are the three primary colors in traditional subtractive color theory used for pigment and dye mixing?

Accepted Answer

Red, Yellow, Blue

Answer

In traditional subtractive color theory, red, yellow, and blue are the primary colors that cannot be created by mixing other pigments together.

Question 2

What secondary color results from mixing equal parts of red and yellow food coloring?

Accepted Answer

Orange

Answer

Mixing equal parts of the primary colors red and yellow produces orange, a secondary color that sits between them on the color wheel.

Question 3

What term describes two colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel, creating maximum contrast?

Accepted Answer

Complementary

Answer

Complementary colors are positioned directly across from each other on the color wheel (such as red and green or blue and orange) and produce the strongest contrast when used together.

Question 4

Which airbrush feed system has a color cup mounted on top and is most commonly preferred in cake decorating for control and ease of cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Gravity-feed

Answer

Gravity-feed airbrushes use a top-mounted cup where color flows downward by gravity into the mechanism, offering precise control, minimal waste, and easy cleaning between colors.

Question 5

What is the generally recommended distance to hold an airbrush from a fondant cake surface when doing detailed decorative work?

Accepted Answer

3–6 inches

Answer

Holding the airbrush 3–6 inches from the fondant surface provides controlled color saturation and definition without causing pooling, oversaturation, or loss of detail.

(CSA) Certified Sugar Artist Practice Test

(CSA) Certified Sugar Artist Practice Test

CSA Color Theory & Airbrush Techniques