How to Make Black Paint: Simple and Effective Methods

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 6 min read

Have you ever found yourself in need of black paint but didn't have any on hand? Fear not, because learning how to make black paint is easier than you might think. In this blog, we'll explore simple and effective methods to create black paint using primary colors, store-bought options, and even natural pigments. So, let's dive in and discover the perfect black paint for your next project!

Mixing Primary Colors

Mixing primary colors is a great way to learn how to make black paint without having to rely on store-bought supplies. By combining different pairs of primary colors, you can create various shades of black. Let's explore three common combinations:

Red and Blue

Combining red and blue paint can create a deep, dark shade of black. To do this, simply mix equal parts of red and blue paint together. You may need to adjust the proportions slightly to achieve the desired shade of black. Remember to mix the colors thoroughly for an even result.

Blue and Yellow

Another way to make black paint is by mixing blue and yellow paint together. Start by blending equal parts of blue and yellow, and then gradually add more blue until you reach the desired shade of black. This combination often results in a slightly greenish-black hue, which can add an interesting twist to your artwork.

Red and Green

Red and green are complementary colors, and when mixed together, they can create a rich, dark black paint. To achieve this, mix equal parts of red and green paint. As with the other combinations, you may need to adjust the proportions slightly to create the perfect shade of black for your project.

Experimenting with these primary color combinations will help you understand how to make black paint using basic art supplies. Keep in mind that different brands and types of paint may require different mixing ratios, so don't be afraid to adjust your recipe as needed.

Using Store-Bought Black Paint

While mixing primary colors is a fun and educational way to make black paint, sometimes you just need a quick and reliable option. That's where store-bought black paint comes in handy. There are various types of black paint available in stores, each with its own unique properties and uses. Let's take a closer look at three popular types:

Acrylic Black Paint

Acrylic black paint is a versatile and widely-used option for many artists. It dries quickly, is water-soluble, and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, and wood. Some popular acrylic black paint options include Mars Black and Ivory Black. When using acrylic black paint, make sure to clean your brushes with water immediately after use to prevent the paint from drying and damaging the bristles.

Oil Black Paint

Oil black paint is another common choice for artists, particularly those who prefer a slower drying time and the ability to create more intricate blending effects. Oil paint can be used on surfaces such as canvas and wood, but requires the use of a suitable primer to ensure proper adhesion. Lamp Black and Bone Black are popular options for oil-based black paint. Remember to clean your brushes with a solvent like turpentine or mineral spirits when using oil paint and always work in a well-ventilated area.

Watercolor Black Paint

For a more translucent and delicate effect, watercolor black paint is a great choice. Watercolor paint can be used on watercolor paper or other absorbent surfaces. Common black watercolor options include Payne's Gray and Neutral Tint. To use watercolor black paint, simply wet your brush and mix it with the paint on your palette. You can control the intensity of the color by adjusting the amount of water you use in your brush.

By exploring these store-bought black paint options, you'll be well-equipped to choose the right type of black paint for your specific project. Each type has its own unique properties and applications, so consider your desired outcome when making your selection.

Creating Black Paint from Natural Pigments

For those seeking a more traditional or eco-friendly approach to making black paint, creating paint from natural pigments is an excellent option. This method dates back to ancient times and can be a unique and rewarding experience. Let's take a look at three popular natural pigments you can use to make black paint:

Charcoal Pigment

Charcoal has been used as a black pigment for centuries. To make black paint with charcoal, follow these simple steps:

Collect some charcoal from a fire, or purchase artists' charcoal from an art supply store.
Grind the charcoal into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a dedicated grinder.
Mix the charcoal powder with a binder, such as egg yolk (for a tempera paint) or gum arabic (for watercolor).
Adjust the consistency of the paint by adding water as needed. The more water you add, the lighter the shade of black will be.

With your homemade charcoal black paint, you can create beautiful, natural artwork with a rich, deep black color.

Soot Pigment

Soot, also known as lamp black, is another traditional black pigment. To create black paint using soot, follow these steps:

Collect soot from a kerosene lamp, a candle, or a fire. Make sure to avoid any ash or debris that may mix with the soot.
Grind the collected soot into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a dedicated grinder.
Mix the soot powder with a binder, such as linseed oil (for oil paint) or acrylic medium (for acrylic paint).
Adjust the consistency of the paint by adding more binder or a solvent (like mineral spirits for oil paint) as needed.

Your homemade soot black paint will have a rich, velvety appearance that lends a unique depth to your artwork.

Bone Black Pigment

Bone black pigment, also known as ivory black or bone char, is made from charred animal bones. While it may not be as easy to make at home as charcoal or soot, bone black pigment can be purchased from art supply stores. To make black paint with bone black pigment, simply follow these steps:

Purchase bone black pigment from an art supply store or online retailer.
Mix the bone black pigment with a binder, such as linseed oil (for oil paint), egg yolk (for tempera paint), or gum arabic (for watercolor).
Adjust the consistency of the paint by adding more binder, a solvent, or water as needed.

With your homemade bone black paint, you can create stunning, deep black shades that have a rich history in the world of art.

By creating black paint from natural pigments, you can explore a more traditional and sustainable approach to art while still achieving beautiful and unique results. Whether you choose charcoal, soot, or bone black pigment, you'll be following in the footsteps of artists throughout history who have used these natural materials to bring depth and richness to their work.

Choosing the Right Black Paint for Your Project

Now that you know how to make black paint using a variety of methods, it's essential to consider which type of black paint is most suitable for your specific project. To make the best choice, let's look at some factors that can help you decide:

Considering the Paint Type

Think about the type of paint you prefer or need to work with for your project. For example:

Acrylic paint dries quickly, is water-soluble, and is easy to clean up. It works well on various surfaces, including canvas, paper, and wood.
Oil paint takes longer to dry, allowing for more extended periods of blending and workability. It works best on canvas or wooden panels.
Watercolor paint is transparent, water-soluble, and best suited for paper or other absorbent surfaces.

Considering the type of paint you need for your project will help you choose the right black paint for your artwork or DIY project.

Evaluating the Surface

Consider the surface you'll be painting on and how it might affect your choice of black paint. For example:

If you're painting on a non-absorbent surface like metal or plastic, acrylic black paint might be your best option.
For a porous surface like untreated wood or fabric, using a black paint made from natural pigments and an appropriate binder might be more suitable.
If you're working on a delicate surface like paper, a watercolor black paint might be the best choice to avoid damaging the material.

By evaluating the surface you'll be working on, you can select the most appropriate black paint to ensure a successful and long-lasting result.

Thinking About the Final Effect

Finally, consider the final effect you want to achieve with your black paint. Different types of black paint can create unique visual effects, such as:

Charcoal black paint can produce a rich, deep black with a matte finish.
Soot black paint can give your artwork a velvety, smooth appearance.
Bone black paint can create a deep, slightly warm-toned black that adds depth to your work.

By envisioning the final effect you want to achieve, you can select the perfect black paint to bring your artistic vision to life.

In conclusion, understanding how to make black paint and selecting the right type of black paint for your project are essential steps in creating a successful and visually striking piece of art or DIY project. By considering the paint type, surface, and desired final effect, you can choose the perfect black paint to suit your needs and bring your creative ideas to life.

If you're looking to improve your skills in painting realistic skin tones, don't miss the workshop 'Making Skin Colours With Paint' by David Shepherd. This workshop will provide you with valuable techniques and tips for creating lifelike skin colors, enabling you to elevate your artwork to new heights.