Abstract This study aims to bridge the understanding between additive and subtractive colour mixing through a hands-on approach. By utilizing a custom-made experimental setup involving LED mini-torches and colour filters, we visually demonstrated the relationship between these two fundamental colour mixing processes. The experiments involved using both single-colour (CMY) and striped (R + G, G + B, B + R) filters to explore the interplay of light and colour. The results clearly illustrate the connection between additive and subtractive colour mixing, providing a valuable tool for teaching and learning colour theory.