Published on 23 April 2025 6 min read

Method One: Mixing Red, Blue, and Yellow Paint
Method Two: Blending Blue and Brown Paint
Method Three: Using Commercial Black Paint
Method Four: Combining all primary colors
Method Five: Using Charcoal or Graphite

Ever looked at a blank canvas and wondered, "How can I make black paint?" Well, you're not alone. Many artists, both budding and experienced, often ponder over this. Fret not, as this guide covers five effective methods to help you create black paint at home. So, let's dive in and explore the art of making black paint!

Method One: Mixing Red, Blue, and Yellow Paint

One of the most straightforward ways to make black paint is by mixing the three fundamental colors of the art world—red, blue, and yellow. Yes, it's as simple as that. Let's take a closer look at how this works.

What You'll Need

Red paint
Blue paint
Yellow paint
A palette or mixing surface
A palette knife or mixing tool

Process

First, squeeze equal amounts of red, blue, and yellow paint onto your palette. Make sure the quantities are more or less the same, but don't worry too much about precision—we're artists, not chemists.

Next, with your palette knife, blend the colors together. Mix until you achieve a dark, rich hue. While it may not be the pitch black you'd get in a store-bought tube, it's a fantastic homemade black paint option that can add depth and richness to your art pieces.

Tips for Perfecting the Blend

Here are a few pointers to help you make the most of this method:

Mix thoroughly: Make sure you blend the paints well until you see no streaks of individual colors.
Adjust as needed: If your black paint turns out too light, add a bit more blue. If it's too cool-toned, add some red. This way, you can customize your black paint to your liking.
Waste not: Keep leftover mixed paint in a closed container. You never know when it might come in handy.

So, there you have it—the first method on how you can make black paint at home. It's simple, fun, and allows you to make the most of the paints you already have. Plus, it's a great way to experiment with color mixing, which is a skill every artist should master. Now, go ahead and try it out!

Method Two: Blending Blue and Brown Paint

Another simple method you can use to make black paint is by blending blue and brown paint. This might seem a bit off-beat, but trust me, it works wonders. Let's see how you can achieve this.

What You'll Need

Blue paint
Brown paint
A palette or mixing surface
A palette knife or mixing tool

Process

Start off by squeezing roughly equal amounts of blue and brown paint onto your palette. Then, using your palette knife, mix the two colors together until you get a uniform dark hue. It might seem a bit strange at first, but continue blending and soon enough, you'll see a beautiful shade of black emerging from the blend of blue and brown.

Tips for Perfecting the Blend

Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:

Start small: It's easier to add more paint than it is to take away, so start with smaller quantities and add more if needed.
Adjust as needed: If your paint is more brown than black, add more blue. Conversely, if it's too blue, add more brown. This way, you can tweak the color until you get the perfect shade of black.
Save the leftovers: Store any extra paint in a closed container for future use. It's always good to have some black paint on hand!

So, with a few simple steps, you've learned another method of how to make black paint. This method is particularly useful when you're running low on primary colors. Give it a try and see how it works for you!

Method Three: Using Commercial Black Paint

"Can't I just buy black paint?" you might ask. Of course, you can! But where's the fun in that? Still, it's always good to have a backup plan, and using commercial black paint is a solid one.

Choosing the Right Paint

When it comes to commercial black paint, you're spoiled for choice. There's acrylic, oil, watercolor, and even spray paint. Each has its own unique properties and uses. It's important to consider what you'll be painting before you make your choice. For example, if you're painting a canvas, acrylic or oil paint would work well. If you're painting a wall, you might want to go for a can of black spray paint.

Applying Your Paint

How you apply your paint will depend on the type of paint you're using and the surface you're painting on. Always make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. And remember, it's often better to apply several thin coats than one thick one. This will give you a smoother, more professional finish.

Storage and Maintenance

Once you've finished using your commercial black paint, it's important to store it properly to ensure it lasts. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you're using paint from a tube, make sure the cap is on tight. If it's from a can, ensure the lid is securely fastened.

So there you have it: using commercial black paint is a practical, straightforward way to get black paint. It might not be as creative as mixing your own, but it's a great solution if you're short on time or materials.

Method Four: Combining all Primary Colors

For those of you who are thinking, "What if I mix all the primary colors, can I make black paint?" You're spot on! In fact, mixing all primary colors is one of the most popular methods to create black paint. Let's dive into it.

Choosing Your Primary Colors

Primary colors are the building blocks of all other colors. Red, blue, and yellow are the classic trio. But remember, the quality of your colors matters. Opt for high-quality paints to get a rich, deep black.

Getting the Ratios Right

Creating black paint isn't as simple as throwing all your primary colors together willy-nilly. It's a careful balancing act. Typically, you'll need equal parts of each color. However, depending on the specific paints you're using, you might need to adjust these ratios slightly.

Mixing Your Paint

When it comes to mixing, take your time. Start by adding your colors to a palette, then slowly blend them together. Don't rush this process — the slower you go, the smoother your paint will be.

Finally, remember to test your paint before you apply it. It might look black on your palette, but appear slightly off when it's on your intended surface. By testing your paint first, you can adjust your mixture as needed.

So, by combining all primary colors, you see how you can create your own black paint. It's a simple, yet effective method that gives you full control over the end result. And the best part? You can say you made it yourself!

Method Five: Using Charcoal or Graphite

Let's say you're the adventurous type, looking for something a little different. You're asking, "How can I make black paint in a more organic way?" Well, I've got good news for you. Using charcoal or graphite is a tried-and-true method that can yield a rich, deep black.

Choosing Your Material

Charcoal and graphite both have their own pros and cons. Charcoal, for instance, tends to create a deeper, darker black. Graphite, on the other hand, has a slightly lighter, more metallic sheen. Depending on your project and personal preference, you might lean towards one over the other.

Prepping Your Material

First things first, you'll need to grind your charcoal or graphite into a fine powder. You could use a mortar and pestle, or even an old coffee grinder. Just make sure it's as fine as possible, as this will make mixing easier and leave your paint smoother.

Mixing it Up

Next, you'll want to add a binding agent to your powder. Water can work, but a medium like linseed oil or acrylic medium will give you a more durable, long-lasting paint. Start with a little, then add more as needed until you reach your desired consistency.

And there you have it! With a bit of elbow grease and a dash of creativity, you now know how to make black paint using charcoal or graphite. It's a unique, hands-on approach that not only gets the job done but also gives you a greater appreciation for the process. So why not give it a try?

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 how to create various skin tones using paint, helping you achieve more realistic and diverse representations in your artwork.