Hot pink is a bright, vibrant shade of pink that really pops. It’s bolder and more saturated than your average pink. There are a few different ways to make hot pink by mixing red and white paints together. The specific ratio of red to white will determine how light or dark the resulting hot pink will be. With some simple color theory and paint mixing, you can easily achieve that perfect hot pink for any project.
Complementary Colors
On the traditional color wheel, red and pink are located opposite of green. Red and green are considered complementary colors. This means they contrast strongly with each other. Mixing a color with its complement results in grayish, muted tones. However, we want a bright, intense pink.
White is not on the color wheel because it contains no hue. White contains all wavelengths of light. When mixed with pure hues, white lightens the color and decreases saturation. By mixing both white and red, which are pink’s complements, we neutralize the green tones and are left with a clean, vibrant pink.
Start with a Bright Red
Not all reds are created equal when it comes to mixing pink. The starting red paint should have a bluish undertone, sometimes labeled as a “raspberry red.” Red paints with orangey undertones will produce a peachier pink.
Look for a primary red with high intensity and low black content. Cadmium red is a excellent choice. Vermillion and ruby reds are also vivid options. Stay away from earth tones like burnt sienna which will dull the pink.
Add White Slowly
Start with a pea sized amount of red paint on your palette. Dip your brush in white and mix it slowly into the red. A little white goes a long way, so make sure to add it gradually.
Too much white will produce a pastel pink. Pastels by nature are low in saturation. Mix, then test the color on a scrap paper. If it’s still too bold, add a touch more white.
Achieving Different Shades of Hot Pink
The ratio of red to white will determine the lightness and saturation of the final hot pink. Here are some guidelines for achieving popular shades:
Fuchsia
– 2 parts red paint
– 1 part white paint
Fuchsia is the richest, boldest hot pink. It takes a high ratio of red to white, resulting in a low lightness. The high amount of red pigment gives it an intense, saturated hue.
Neon Pink
– 1 part red paint
– 1 part white paint
Neon pink strikes the balance between bold and bright. The even ratio of red to white yields a lighter, glowing pink. Neon pink works well for fun, youthful themes.
Baby Pink
– 1 part red paint
– 2 parts white paint
Baby pink is softer and more delicate. The higher amount of white lightens the hue into a pale, innocent pink. It can be used for nursery decor and feminine themes.
| Shade | Ratio of Red to White |
|---|---|
| Fuchsia | 2 parts red : 1 part white |
| Neon Pink | 1 part red : 1 part white |
| Baby Pink | 1 part red : 2 parts white |
Test Your Mix on Fabric
When mixing paint to use for a project, test the color on the actual fabric or surface before committing. Different materials absorb and reflect light differently, which can alter the final appearance of the paint color.
Test your homemade paint on a fabric scrap before using it on clothing, furniture upholstery or drapes. You may need to adjust the ratio to get the desired pink intensity against the fabric fibers.
Paint also tends to dry darker as the wet pigments saturate the material. Keep testing samples until the dried swatch matches your goals.
Work with Multiple Whites
Not all whites are created equal. The white used in mixing impacts the tone of the resulting pink. Here are some options:
– Titanium white – pure, clean white with brightness. Good for vivid pinks.
– Zinc white – slightly bluish white that yields a cooler pink.
– Lead white – warm, yellowish white that creates a peachy pink.
The most common white oil and acrylic paints contain titanium. But exploring different whites can help you fine tune the pink tone.
Add a Drop of Purple
For those obsessed with perfection, adding a tiny amount of purple can neutralize any subtle orange tones lingering in the red paint.
Too much purple will skew the color toward lavender. But a touch of violet, phthalo or dioxazine purple can perfect a raspberry hot pink.
Tint Hot Pink with Black or Brown
What if your homemade hot pink is a little too bold for your needs? You can subtly dull it down by adding a drop of black or brown paint.
Black will produce a faded, grayish antique hot pink. Brown will take it in more of a dusty rose direction.
Add dark tints very sparingly so you don’t lose the brightness completely. Test on a paint sample first to ensure you like the effect.
Boost Brightness with White Pigments
On the flip side, if your homemade hot pink seems a bit lackluster, try replacing the normal white paint with a more opaque pigment.
– Zinc white is very dense and packs a lot of brightness.
– Titanium white is also more opaque than normal white.
– Gouache contains white pigments that dry into a brighter matte finish.
These paint options make colors pop with their high hiding power. Just a touch can intensify homemade pinks.
Thin the Paint for Airbrush Use
Homemade oil or acrylic paint is fine for brush techniques, but too thick for airbrushing. Thin it out with an appropriate solvent so it flows easily through the sprayer.
– For oil paint – thin with linseed oil, turpentine or mineral spirits.
– For acrylics – thin with acrylic airbrush medium or water.
Test the consistency on paper. The thinned paint should be just opaque enough to cover in one layer. You may need multiple passes to build up even coverage on the final surface.
Powder Pigment Alternative
For the ultimate control over mixing custom colors, you can purchase powdered pigments instead of premade paints.
Powdered pigments are highly concentrated dry colorants sold as earth tones, oxides or lakes. To make paint, you mix the powders into a neutral binder. Common binders are:
– Oil paint binder
– Acrylic binder medium
– Lacquer thinner
– Enamel paint mediums
With powders, you can carefully weigh out exact ratios of red, white and purple pigments. Then test them in binder until achieving the perfect hot pink intensity and tone.
Apply a Clear Topcoat for Durability
Homemade paint colors are less durable than premixed professional paints. The pigments may fade quicker when exposed to sunlight and wear.
For improved longevity on furniture, outdoor murals or other surfaces prone to wear, apply a clear topcoat for protection. Consider options like:
– Clear acrylic sealer
– Water-based polyurethane
– Epoxy resin
– Automotive clear coat
This seals the homemade pink paint underneath a protective barrier that blocks UV rays and resists scratches. Your perfect custom pink will last much longer.
Paint Options for Different Surfaces
Not all paint types will adhere well to every surface. Consider the project materials before choosing products to make homemade hot pink:
– For metal – enamel, spray paint or oil paint works.
– For wood – acrylic or oil paints perform well.
– For concrete and masonry – heavy body acrylics and thicker emulsion paints are needed.
– For walls – go with standard interior latex wall paints.
– For outdoor murals – acrylics offer good adhesion and durability.
Test colors in paint made for the specific surface to be sure the homemade pigments stick and spread evenly during application.
Take Safety Precautions
When handling paints and solvents to mix custom colors, be sure to take precautions to avoid health hazards:
– Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
– Wear gloves and eye protection to keep pigments off skin and eyes.
– Clean up spills immediately to prevent slips.
– Store containers securely, especially those with flammable solvents.
– Dispose of waste properly according to local regulations.
– Keep homemade paints in labeled containers out of reach of children and pets.
Following basic studio safety helps keep the paint mixing process safe as well as consistent.
Conclusion
Mixing up the perfect hot pink color may take some trial and error, but it’s a fun and rewarding process. Start with a bluish red hue and add white a bit at a time until achieving the ideal pink intensity. Boost vibrancy with opaque whites or dull it down with brown and black if needed.
Test homemade paints before application to ensure the color works as desired on the end surface. Protecting the finish with a clear topcoat helps extend the life of custom mixed paint. With the right ratios and preparation, you can easily whip up gorgeous hot pink paint.
