Charcoal grey is a classic, neutral paint color that can work in many rooms of the home. It provides a sophisticated, modern look that goes well with many decor styles from traditional to contemporary. Learning how to mix up this versatile grey paint color yourself allows you to achieve the exact shade you want while saving money over buying pre-mixed paint. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can easily make charcoal grey paint suited for any DIY home decor project.
What Makes Charcoal Grey Paint
Charcoal grey paint gets its color mainly from adding black paint, along with smaller amounts of white and sometimes blue paint. The specific recipe depends on the brand of paint you use and the particular charcoal tone you want to end up with. Here are the key ingredients that go into making charcoal grey paint at home:
| Base paint | A neutral base paint like white or light grey acts as the starting point before adding other paint colors. |
| Black paint | Pure black paint is essential for darkening the base to a charcoal grey. Black is the predominant color in charcoal paint. |
| White paint | A small amount of white paint helps lighten up the black slightly to achieve the grey tone. |
| Blue paint | Optional blue paint can add a slight cool undertone to the final charcoal color. |
The specific amount of each paint color to mix depends on the look you want and testing different ratios. But in general, charcoal grey contains mostly black paint, a smaller amount of white, and only a touch of blue if desired.
Choosing Paints
When making your own charcoal gray paint, be sure to choose high-quality paints for best results:
– Base paint: A neutral base like white, light grey, or dark grey works well. The lighter the base, the more black will need to be added to achieve a charcoal color.
– Black paint: Look for a rich black shade without hints of other colors. Stay away from blackened reds, blues, greens, or browns.
– White paint: Opt for a pure bright white without ivory, cream, or greige undertones.
– Blue paint: Pick a cool-toned mid-range blue without green or purple undertones.
Using the same brand for each paint color will help them blend together smoothly. High quality latex, acrylic, or enamel paints are best for mixing custom colors. Avoid cheaper paints which may not mix as evenly.
Mixing the Paint
Mixing up a custom charcoal grey paint color takes a bit of experimentation to find the right shade. Follow these key steps:
1. Start with a base paint. White and light grey bases need more black added to them to turn charcoal. Darker bases require less black.
2. Add black paint in small amounts at a time, mixing thoroughly. Continue adding black until the desired darkness is reached.
3. Add very small drizzles of white paint and mix well to lighten the black slightly towards a charcoal grey tone.
4. Optional – Add a tiny amount of blue paint if you want a slightly cool, intense charcoal. Mix thoroughly.
5. Test the mixed paint on a board or cardboard. Allow to dry fully to see the actual tone.
6. Adjust the paint recipe as needed by adding more black to darken, white to lighten, or blue to intensify the color.
Achieving Different Charcoal Grey Tones
Not all charcoal greys are the same. You can mix up custom versions ranging from light charcoal greys to deeper, darker charcoal shades.
| Light charcoal grey | Use a white base paint and add smaller amounts of black until light grey results. |
| Medium charcoal grey | Start with a medium grey base and add moderate amounts of black. |
| Dark charcoal grey | Use a dark grey or black base and add just a little white and/or blue. |
Add more black paint for darker charcoals. Increase white paint for lighter charcoal greys. Add a tiny bit of blue paint if you want a cooler, intense charcoal color.
Paint Sheen
Charcoal grey paint looks great in any sheen from flat to high-gloss. Consider where you are using the paint when choosing sheen:
– Flat – Hides surface flaws well and is ideal for walls/ceilings
– Eggshell – Provides subtle sheen good for walls in high traffic areas
– Satin – Has a smooth, velvety appearance perfect for doors, trim, and cabinets
– Semi-Gloss – Adds shine and is easy to clean making it ideal for kitchens/bathrooms
– Gloss – Very reflective for a bold look on accents like furniture or front doors
Mix charcoal grey paint in the sheen suited for your particular project.
Where to Use Charcoal Grey Paint
Now that you know how to mix up custom charcoal grey paint, here are some great ways to use it in your home:
– Walls – Use charcoal grey paint on accent walls or all over in contemporary rooms. Goes well with pops of color.
– Trims/Doors – Charcoal trim adds contrast and style against white walls or lighter grey walls. Make doors stand out.
– Furniture – Refresh wood, metal, or laminate furniture with charcoal paint. Also great for upcycling flea market finds.
– Kitchen Cabinets – For modern kitchens, paint lower or all cabinets in charcoal grey for dramatic contrast.
– Bathrooms – Use charcoal grey on vanities, mirrors, cabinets or an accent wall for an elegant, tranquil look.
– Outdoor Spaces – Charcoal works well on porches, shutters, front doors, and garage doors to add curb appeal.
Be adventurous with charcoal grey paint – it adds stylish contrast anywhere it’s used.
Conclusion
Mixing up the perfect charcoal grey paint color for your next project is simple with the right combination of black, white, and blue paints. Adjust the amounts to achieve light, medium or dark charcoal tones. Use high quality paints and test your custom mixed paint before committing to any large project. Charcoal grey has versatility to look great throughout interior and exterior spaces when applied in the appropriate paint sheen. With the right shade of charcoal grey paint, you can easily add modern, stylish contrast to your home.