Blue and black are both primary colors that can be combined to create new shades. When blended together at full saturation, blue and black make a dark, rich blue that is commonly referred to as navy blue. There are a few key factors that determine whether mixing blue and black will create a true navy blue versus a different blue-black shade.
The Color Wheel
On the standard color wheel, blue and black sit opposite from one another, with blue as a primary color and black as a neutral shade. When looking at the color wheel, colors that are directly across from each other are considered complementary colors. Complementary colors create a striking contrast when placed side-by-side. However, when blended together, they have the ability to mute each other into a more neutralized shade.
This is the case when mixing a true blue and true black. The vibrant blue loses some of its brightness, while the inky black loses some of its darkness. The result is a rich, darker blue that we call navy.
The Role of Pigments
When working with paints, dyes, or inks, the specific pigments used to create the blue and black shades play a major role in the outcome. Both blue and black can range hugely in their undertones and properties.
For blue, common pigments include:
- Ultramarine – A pure, slightly violet blue
- Phthalo blue – A bright, greenish-blue
- Prussian blue – A dark, slightly greyish blue
For black, common pigments include:
- Lamp black – A neutral black with a very slight warm undertone
- Ivory black – A cooler black with a slight blue undertone
- Mars black – A very warm-toned black
To create an authentic navy blue, you’ll want to use a midpoint-saturation blue with a relatively neutral black. An ultra-bright phthalo blue mixed with a warm mars black, for example, would create more of a charcoal shade rather than a true navy.
Proportions of Blue to Black
The proportions of blue to black pigment also affect the end result. Using more black than blue will lead to darker shades like charcoal or blackened midnight blue. Using more blue than black will create a brighter, periwinkle-tinged navy. Generally, a 60/40 or 50/50 ratio works best for an accurate navy blue.
Here is a table showing some common blue/black ratios and the resulting colors:
| Blue Pigment | Black Pigment | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | 80% | Charcoal grey with a very subtle blue tint |
| 40% | 60% | Dark blue-grey, slightly too dark to be considered true navy |
| 50% | 50% | Rich navy blue |
| 60% | 40% | Bright navy, bordering on periwinkle |
| 80% | 20% | Blue with a very subtle darkening from black |
As shown in the table, equal parts blue and black offer the truest navy blue result.
Lighting Conditions
The lighting under which the blended blue and black are viewed also affects the perceived color. Under warm, yellow incandescent light, the navy blue will appear to have a slight teal tint. Under cool, blue-hued fluorescent lights, the navy will take on a slightly purple tone. To best evaluate the true color that results from mixing blue and black, view under full spectrum natural daylight.
Digital Mixing vs. Pigment Mixing
When digitally mixing colors using design programs like Photoshop or Illustrator, the colors blend based on RGB or CMYK formulas. This can make it challenging to replicate the natural saturation and shading achieved by blending real paint pigments. If digitally mixing blue and black to create navy, take care to choose the appropriate RGB or CMYK values to avoid a flat, lifeless color result.
For example, in RGB, Navy blue is defined as RGB(0, 0, 128). This indicates no red or green light, but a fairly high amount of blue light. In CMYK, navy blue is approximately CMYK(100, 70, 0, 50) – high cyan and magenta ink levels, no yellow ink, and a medium amount of black ink.
Starting with these defined color values can help mix a more authentic digital navy blue versus simply selecting a random dark blue and black shade.
Common Uses of Navy Blue
Throughout design, fashion, and culture, navy blue is one of the most ubiquitous colors. Its versatility as a neutralized dark blue makes it useful across many contexts. Some common uses and associations with navy blue include:
- Nautical and maritime themes – Navy blue is linked to navy and sailor suits thanks to its resemblance to the deep ocean.
- Corporate branding – The color projects professionalism and trust.
- Formalwear – Dark suits and tuxedos traditionally come in navy blue.
- Uniforms – Navy is featured in many uniforms including police, flight attendants, janitors, and retail employees.
- Accessories – Belts, shoes, bags, and other accessories look sharp in navy.
Navy has maintained popularity for decades and continues to be a staple neutral color for all kinds of uses.
Navy Blue vs. Other Dark Blues
It’s important to note that navy blue, while sometimes used interchangeably with other dark blues, is definitively its own distinct shade. Here’s how it compares to some other deep blues:
- Indigo – More red-violet tint than navy.
- Cobalt blue – Brighter and more vivid than navy.
- Midnight blue – Much darker, closer to a true black.
- Egyptian blue – More green and teal undertones than navy.
- Sapphire blue – Deeper and more brilliant blue than navy.
Each of these blues has its own unique place, so it’s best to use “navy” to refer only to the specific blue-black shade achieved by mixing blue with black.
Conclusion
When blended in roughly equal amounts using the right pigment combinations, blue and black make navy blue. With its versatility as a darker neutral blue, navy has become ubiquitous across design and fashion. To achieve the perfect navy tone, keep blue and black levels balanced, choose pigments with neutral undertones, and view under full spectrum light. Use the tips in this article to mix and identify authentic navy blue hues.
