Making Black Paint: 5 Easy Methods That Work
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 5 min read

Contents

  1. Using black acrylic or oil paint
  2. Mixing red, blue, and yellow paint
  3. Combining blue and brown paint
  4. Mixing Pthalo green and Alizarin crimson
  5. Using Indigo and Sepia ink

If you've ever found yourself in the middle of a project wondering, "How do you make black paint?" then you're in the right place. We've got you covered with five easy methods that work. From using black acrylic or oil paints to mixing various colors to achieve the desired result — we'll guide you through the process step by step. So, let's dive right in and start with the simplest and most straightforward method on the list.

Using Black Acrylic or Oil Paint

The simplest way to obtain black paint is by using pre-made black acrylic or oil paint. Here's how to go about it:

Choosing Your Black Paint

While this might seem like a no-brainer, there are a few things to consider when you're picking out your black paint. For instance:

  • Acrylic vs. Oil: Acrylic is water-based and dries quickly, making it a good choice for beginners or fast-paced projects. On the other hand, oil paint takes longer to dry and can create a more professional look.
  • Shade: Not all black paints are created equal. Some have a warmer tone, like Mars Black, while others, like Lamp Black, have a cooler tone.

Applying Your Black Paint

Once you've chosen your black paint, it's time to get painting. Here's how:

  1. Prepare your workspace: Make sure you have a clean, well-lit area to work in. Lay down a drop cloth to protect your surfaces from any accidental spills.
  2. Load your brush: Dip your paintbrush into the black paint, making sure the bristles are fully coated.
  3. Apply the paint: Start painting on your canvas or chosen surface. Remember, you can always add more layers if the first one isn't dark enough.

And just like that, you've made black paint using black acrylic or oil paint. Yes, it's as simple as it sounds. But if you're feeling adventurous and want to learn how to make black paint using other colors, stick around for the next method.

Mixing Red, Blue, and Yellow Paint

What if you don't have black paint on hand? No worries! You can mix your own using primary colors. And yes, you've guessed it — those are red, blue, and yellow. Here's how you can create your own black paint using these three colors.

Understanding the Color Wheel

Before we start mixing, it's important to understand the color wheel. It's not just a pretty circle of colors — it's a tool that can help you predict how colors will mix together. In the case of black, it's quite straightforward: when you mix all the primary colors together, they create a dark hue that's close to black.

Mixing Your Black Paint

Now that we know how colors interact, let's see how you can create black paint:

  1. Start with equal parts: Begin by mixing equal parts of red, blue, and yellow paint. This should give you a dark brown color.
  2. Adjust as needed: If your paint isn't dark enough, add a bit more blue. Blue is the darkest primary color and will help you achieve a deeper shade.
  3. Test your color: Before using your homemade black paint, test it on a scrap piece of paper to make sure it's the shade you want.

And there you have it! You've just learned how to make black paint from red, blue, and yellow. But don't stop here — there are still more methods to explore. Who knew there were so many ways to answer the question, "how do you make black paint?"

Combining Blue and Brown Paint

Blue and brown may not be the first colors that come to mind when you think about black, but they're actually a fantastic pair for creating a rich, dark shade. Here's how you can make black paint by combining blue and brown together.

Choosing the Right Blue and Brown

Not all blues and browns are created equal. For the best results, choose a dark blue like navy or ultramarine, and a deep brown like burnt umber. These rich, dark hues will give you the deepest black.

The Mixing Process

Now, let's get to the fun part — mixing the paint:

  1. Start with blue: Begin with a base of blue paint. This will be the primary color in your mix.
  2. Add brown: Gradually add brown paint to your blue, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Keep adding brown until you've achieved your desired shade of black.
  3. Test your mix: As always, it's a good idea to test your paint on a scrap piece of paper before applying it to your final project.

And voila! You've made your own black paint using blue and brown. It's as simple as that. So, the next time someone asks you, "how do you make black paint?", you'll have yet another method to share.

Mixing Pthalo Green and Alizarin Crimson

Another way to answer the question "how do you make black paint?" is by mixing Pthalo green and Alizarin crimson together. These two colors might seem like an unlikely duo, but they can create an impressive dark, black-like hue. So, let's explore this method.

Introduction to Pthalo Green and Alizarin Crimson

If you're unfamiliar with these colors, don't worry. Pthalo green is a vibrant, bluish-green, while Alizarin crimson is a deep, cool red. When mixed together, they create a color that's quite close to black. Now, let's break down the process of mixing these two colors.

Steps to Making Black Paint

  1. Start with Pthalo Green: Pour a dollop of Pthalo green onto your palette as your base color.
  2. Add Alizarin Crimson: Slowly add Alizarin crimson to your Pthalo green, little by little. Mix the two colors together thoroughly each time you add more Alizarin crimson.
  3. Test Your Color: Before you apply your homemade black paint to your masterpiece, make sure you test it out on a scrap piece of paper or canvas. This way, you can adjust the color as needed.

And there you have it! You've learned yet another way to make black paint. So, the next time you're asked, "how do you make black paint?", you can surprise them with this unique method involving Pthalo green and Alizarin crimson.

Using Indigo and Sepia Ink

Did you know that you can also make black paint by mixing Indigo and Sepia ink? This method might sound a bit unconventional, but it's quite effective. So, if you're wondering, "how do you make black paint using ink?"—here's the answer.

What's Indigo and Sepia Ink?

Indigo ink is a deep, rich blue, while Sepia is a dark brown. These two inks are often used in calligraphy and art for their vibrant colors. But, when mixed together, they can create a beautiful, deep black color.

How to Mix Indigo and Sepia Ink

  1. Start with Indigo Ink: Pour some Indigo ink onto your palette. This will be your base color.
  2. Add Sepia Ink: Gradually add Sepia ink to the Indigo. Mix well each time you add more Sepia. Don't rush—take your time to achieve the right color.
  3. Test your Mix: Before using your new black paint on your artwork, test it on a scrap piece of paper or canvas. This will allow you to see if you need to make any adjustments.

And there it is—another answer to the question, "how do you make black paint?". With these two inks in your artist's toolkit, you can create a rich, deep black that's perfect for adding depth and contrast to your work.

If you enjoyed learning about making black paint and want to expand your knowledge on color mixing, check out the workshop 'Making Skin Colours With Paint' by David Shepherd. This workshop will teach you the techniques and methods for creating various skin tones using paint, enhancing your skills as an artist and broadening your color palette.