What colors make black?
No mix of other paints makes a true black, but all three primaries - red, yellow and blue - get close. In practice it lands on a very dark brown, which is darker still with deeper pigments like ultramarine and burnt umber.
No mix of other paints makes a true black, but all three primaries - red, yellow and blue - get close. In practice it lands on a very dark brown, which is darker still with deeper pigments like ultramarine and burnt umber.
Mixes that make black
red + yellow + blue · #593314
Lighter and darker
red + yellow + blue + white · #97806c
red + yellow + blue + black · #3e240e
Tips
Many painters mix their own near-black on purpose. It looks richer than tube black and sits better next to the other colours in a painting.
Frequently asked questions
What colors make black?
No mix of other paints makes a true black, but all three primaries - red, yellow and blue - get close. In practice it lands on a very dark brown, which is darker still with deeper pigments like ultramarine and burnt umber.
How do I make black lighter or darker?
Add white for a lighter tint (#97806c) and black for a darker shade (#3e240e). Add either a little at a time - both shift a mix faster than you expect.
Any tips for mixing black?
Many painters mix their own near-black on purpose. It looks richer than tube black and sits better next to the other colours in a painting.
Does this work the same way on a screen?
No. Screens mix light additively, so red and green light make yellow there. These results are for paint, ink and dye, which mix subtractively.