Making Black Paint: 5 Easy Methods That Work

Published on 23 April 2025 6 min read

Using Primary Colors
Combining Complementary Colors
Mixing Brown and Blue
Adding Black to Other Colors
Using Commercial Black Paint

Have you ever had an art project or a room renovation require black paint, and you found yourself out of it? Well, you're not alone. In fact, one of the most common searches on the internet is "how do I make black paint". Yes, black—the color that's not actually a color, but an absence of light. But let's not dive into physics here. Instead, let's explore the delightful world of color mixing. Here are five easy methods to help you create black paint. Let's start with the first one, using primary colors.

Using Primary Colors

Remember in grade school when you learned about the primary colors—red, blue, and yellow? Well, as it turns out, they're not just for making pretty rainbows. You can use these three colors to whip up a batch of black paint.

The Basics of Color Mixing

When mixed together in equal parts, primary colors create a color called "neutral gray". It may look black, but hold on, we're not finished yet. Here's how to do it:

Get your red, blue, and yellow paint.
Mix equal parts of each color.

Now you have your neutral gray. But how do you make black paint from this gray mixture? That's where the next step comes in.

Darkening the Mixture

Once you've created your neutral gray, it's time to darken it to achieve a black hue. The key here is to add more blue to the mixture. Why blue? Because blue is a cool color, and cool colors recede, giving the illusion of darkness and depth. Here's how:

Add more blue paint to your gray mixture.
Stir until you get the desired black hue.
If it's not dark enough, add a bit more blue. You can also add a touch of red or yellow if necessary.

And voila! You now know how to make black paint using primary colors. Easy, right? This method is particularly handy when you're out of black paint and need a quick solution. But remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to test out different combinations until you find the black that suits your needs perfectly.

Combining Complementary Colors

Another great method to create black paint is by mixing complementary colors. You might be thinking, "Complementary colors? Aren't those just colors that look good together?" While that's true in a sense, in the world of color theory, complementary colors are pairs of colors that, when combined in equal parts, produce a grayscale color. Intriguing, isn't it?

Understanding Complementary Colors

Let's break it down. The complementary pairs are:

Red and green
Blue and orange
Yellow and purple

When mixed together in equal parts, each pair will give you a different shade of gray. The trick here is to mix these grays together to create black.

Making Black with Complementary Colors

So, now you're probably wondering, "how do I make black paint from these grays?" Well, let's get into it:

First, mix each pair of complementary colors to create three different grays.
Next, combine these grays together. You should start to see a black-ish color forming. Don't worry if it's not perfect yet.
Finally, adjust the mixture. If it's too light, add more of the darker gray. If it's too dark, add a bit of the lighter gray.

When you're finished, you should have a nice, rich black color. It might take a few tries to get it just right, but don't give up. Remember, the beauty of art lies in the process, not just the final product. So take your time, enjoy the process, and before you know it, you'll be creating black paint like a pro.

Mixing Brown and Blue

Another method to answer the question, "how do I make black paint?" is by mixing brown and blue. Now, before you raise an eyebrow, let me assure you, it's not as odd as it sounds. Let's dive in and see how this works.

The Science Behind Brown and Blue

First, let's clear up a common misconception: brown is not a primary, secondary, or even a tertiary color. It's actually a darker shade of orange, which is a blend of red and yellow. Blue, on the other hand, is a primary color. So when you mix brown (dark orange) and blue, you're essentially mixing all three primary colors. And what do you get when all primary colors are combined? That's right, black!

Making Black Using Brown and Blue

So if you're wondering "how do I make black paint using brown and blue?", here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Start with equal parts of brown and blue paint. It's important to use the same amount to ensure a balanced color.
Mix these colors together. At first, you might get a color that's more of a dark blue or brown rather than black. That's okay. We're not done yet.
Add a bit more brown to the mix. The orange in the brown will help darken the blue, pushing the color closer to black.
Keep adjusting the mixture until you have the black color you desire. Remember, patience is key here.

That's it! Now you know how to make black paint using brown and blue. This method might take a bit more trial and error, but the results can be stunning. Plus, it's always fun to experiment with different color combinations, and you never know — you might just stumble upon your own unique shade of black.

Adding Black to Other Colors

Well, if you're still pondering over "how do I make black paint?" and want to experiment a bit more, you're in luck. This method involves adding black to other colors. It might seem counterintuitive—after all, we're trying to make black, not start with it. But stay with me here. It's all about enhancing the richness and depth of the black.

The Art of Darkening Colors

Adding black to a color is a common technique used by artists to darken it. This is known as shading. When you add black paint to a color, you create a darker shade of that color. But what happens if we keep adding black? You guessed it—we end up with black.

Creating Rich Black Paint

So, how do we use this technique to create black paint? Here is a simple process:

Choose a color. Any color will do, but for the best results, start with a dark color like navy blue or deep red.
Add a small amount of black paint to your chosen color. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
Stir the paints together until they're fully mixed. Watch as the color deepens with each addition of black.
Keep adding black paint gradually until the color is as black as you want it to be. You've now got your homemade black paint!

By adding black to other colors, you're not just making black paint—you're creating a rich, deep black that can add a unique touch to your artwork. So next time you ask yourself "how do I make black paint?", remember that sometimes, starting with black is the answer.

Using Commercial Black Paint

If all else fails, or you're simply short on time, there's always the option of using commercial black paint. While mixing your own paint can be fun and creative, sometimes you just need a quick and straightforward solution. And you know what? That's perfectly okay!

Picking the Right Black Paint

When it comes to commercial black paint, not all options are created equal. You'll want to pick the one that best suits your needs. The main types you will come across include acrylic, oil, and watercolor paints. Take a moment to consider what you're painting and the look you're going for.

Benefits of Commercial Black Paint

Consistency: Commercial black paint offers a consistent color. No surprises or unexpected shades here!
Convenience: No need to mix or experiment. Just open the tube or jar, and you're good to go.
Durability: Commercial paints are designed to be long-lasting and resistant to fading.

So next time you wonder, "how do I make black paint?", remember that buying commercial black paint is a perfectly valid choice. After all, it's about the art you create, not how you got there.

If you enjoyed learning about making black paint and want to expand your knowledge on mixing colors, check out the workshop 'Making Skin Colours With Paint' by David Shepherd. This workshop will teach you the techniques and methods to create a variety of skin tones, further enhancing your skills in color mixing and painting.