Making brown paint by mixing colors is a simple process that involves blending primary colors together. The specific combination needed depends on the shade of brown you want to produce. With some basic color theory knowledge and a few supplies, you can easily mix custom brown paints.
Primary Color Basics
To understand brown paint mixing, it’s helpful to review primary colors. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. These colors can’t be created by mixing other shades – they are the base for all other colors. When you combine primary colors, they make secondary colors:
- Red + Yellow = Orange
- Yellow + Blue = Green
- Blue + Red = Purple
Further mixing primary and secondary colors produces tertiary colors like brown. With only three primary paint colors, you can make every color of the rainbow.
Making Brown Paint
Browns are considered tertiary colors because they require mixing three primary colors. The specific recipe depends on the brown tone you want. Here are some common combinations:
- Red + Yellow = Rust Brown
- Red + Yellow + Blue = Chestnut Brown
- Red + Blue = Mahogany Brown
- Yellow + Blue = Beige Brown
As you add more blue to brown paint mixes, the shade becomes cooler and muted. Adding more yellow produces warmer, earthy browns. The red brings in undertones ranging from orange to burgundy depending on the ratio used.
Choosing Paints to Mix
For the best results mixing brown, choose high quality primary paint colors. Look for these attributes:
- Pure Hues – Avoid pre-mixed paints like burnt sienna or ochre, which already contain brown pigments.
- Rich Pigments – Thick, creamy paints blend better than watery ones.
- Opaque Finish – Translucent paints won’t produce deep solid browns.
Good options are professional artist quality acrylics, oils, or gouache. Here are recommended primary colors from reputable brands:
| Brand | Red | Yellow | Blue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winsor & Newton | Cadmium Red | Cadmium Yellow | French Ultramarine |
| Liquitex | Cadmium Red Medium | Cadmium Yellow Medium | Phthalo Blue |
Mixing Techniques
Use these tips to mix smooth uniform brown paint:
- Start with a ratio – Count out equal drops or scoops of each color being blended.
- Mix on a palette – Glass, plastic, or disposable palettes allow even blending.
- Use a palette knife – Fold together rather than stirring to maintain color integrity.
- Add gradually – Lightly incorporate more of each primary until the desired brown is reached.
- Check consistency – Add mediums if needed to reach ideal viscosity and finish.
Mix a large enough quantity to complete your painting project so you don’t run out of custom mixed color. Store any extra in an airtight container.
Achieving Specific Brown Shades
With the primary color combinations above, you can mix an endless spectrum of brown tones. Here are formulas for some popular shades:
- Mocha: 2 parts red, 2 parts yellow, 1 part blue
- Hazelnut: 1 part red, 1 part yellow, 1/2 part blue
- Coffee: 2 parts red, 1 part yellow, 1 part blue
- Chocolate: 3 parts red, 1 part yellow, 1/2 part blue
- Sepia: 1 part red, 1 part yellow, 2 parts blue
- Umber: 1 part red, 2 parts yellow, 1 part blue
Adjust the proportions until you get the precise shade of brown you had in mind. Let your creative intuition guide you.
Tinting Brown Paint
For lighter brown hues, tint your mixed color with white paint. Titanium white is the best choice as it has excellent hiding power. Add white gradually until the brown achieves your desired value.
Start with a ratio of one part white to two parts brown. You can go up to a 1:1 ratio for very light tints nearing beige or tan. Make sure to thoroughly incorporate the white for an even finish.
Shading Brown Paint
To take brown paint mixes into darker values, add black paint. Ivory or Mars black provide intense shading. Use a starting ratio of one part black to two parts brown.
Slowly increase the black for richer dark brown tones. Aim for just enough to reach the targeted value so the color doesn’t become completely neutralized by too much black pigment.
Conclusion
Mixing the perfect brown paint color is made simple by blending primary paints. Follow basic color theory to combine red, yellow, and blue acrylics, oils or gouache. Adjust the ratios to create warm, cool, light, or dark browns. With a palette and palette knife, you can easily customize any brown hue for endless artistic possibilities.
