Deep maroon is a rich, dark reddish-brown color that can add elegance and sophistication to any space. But mixing the perfect deep maroon shade can be tricky. By understanding color theory and the basics of pigment mixing, you’ll be able to mix custom deep maroon tones for any project with confidence.
What is deep maroon?
Deep maroon sits between red and brown on the color wheel. It’s darker and slightly less vivid than true red. The addition of brown tones deepens the color and gives maroon an earthy, grounded feeling compared to bright red.
Some key characteristics of deep maroon:
– Darker and richer than red
– Slightly muted or dusty looking
– Refined and elegant
– Associated with autumn and winter
– Works as a neutral or accent color
Deep maroon can be a statement color when used in large amounts. But it also pairs beautifully with neutrals like gray, tan, and black. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for interior design, fashion, branding, events, and more.
How do you mix maroon?
Mixing a custom deep maroon requires blending two paint colors:
– A vivid red
– Brown or another dark color
The specific ratio will determine the depth of the maroon. More red yields a brighter, redder maroon. More brown gives you a very deep, almost blackish maroon.
Here are two simple formulas for mixing maroon:
Red + Brown:
– 2 parts bright red
– 1 part brown
Red + Black:
– 2 parts bright red
– 1 part black
You can tweak these base formulas to reach your perfect maroon tone by adjusting the ratios. Add more red for a lighter maroon, extra brown or black for a very dark maroon.
The red paint can be any primary red – cadmium red and napthol red are common pigments. For the brown, burnt umber and raw umber are classic artist’s browns. Ivory or mars black work for the blackened version.
Oil and acrylic paints are the most flexible for mixing custom colors. But you can also mix maroon using gouache, watercolor, chalk pastels, food coloring, fabric dye, and more. The same color theory applies across all mediums.
How dark is deep maroon?
Deep maroon sits near the darker end of the maroon spectrum. It’s a few shades darker than medium maroon. Here are rough guidelines for the depth of deep maroon:
– Noticeably darker than red
– Not as dark as burgundy
– Retains some rich red tones – doesn’t look fully brown or black
– Similar depth to dried blood, red wine, overripe cherries
There are no strict definitions for deep maroon. The depth comes down to your own preferences and needs. Mix colors in small batches until you achieve your desired look.
A quick way to make maroon deeper is by adding a neutral color like gray or brown. Even a small amount will mute the redness and create a deeper, darker maroon.
Tips for mixing the perfect deep maroon
Follow these tips to successfully mix custom deep maroon paint:
– Start with very small amounts of paint – you can always add more.
– Mixing on a palette makes it easy to tweak the color.
– Add brown or black slowly to prevent making the maroon too dark.
– Test your mixed color on a sample board before committing to a large project.
– Use pure hues rather than pre-mixed paints for the most control.
– Mix enough paint for the entire project to maintain color consistency.
– Store mixed paint properly so it doesn’t separate or dry out.
– Mixing complementaries like red and green can quickly make maroon.
Mixing paints relies on some trial and error. Don’t worry if your first few attempts don’t match your vision. Adjust the formula and keep trying until you land on your perfect deep maroon.
How do you mix deep maroon with acrylics?
Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile and forgiving mediums for mixing custom colors. Here’s a simple process for mixing deep maroon acrylic:
Supplies Needed:
– Cadmium red or other pure red acrylic paint
– Burnt umber or raw umber brown acrylic paint
– Palette and paintbrush
– Canvas, acrylic paper, or other surface to test
Steps:
1. Squeeze out a dollop of red acrylic paint onto your palette.
2. Add a smaller amount of brown acrylic paint.
3. Use a palette knife or brush to thoroughly mix the two colors.
4. Adjust the ratio by adding more red for a lighter maroon, or more brown for a deeper maroon.
5. Test the mixed color on your canvas or paper. Tweak and retest until you achieve your desired deep maroon tone.
6. Once you have the perfect mix, create a larger batch for your project.
7. Seal acrylic paint between sessions to keep your custom color consistent.
This same technique works for mixing deep maroon oil paints. Just allow more drying time between mixes. Matching acrylic to oil maroons may require some testing and adjusting.
Can you mix maroon with primary colors?
It’s possible to mix a version of maroon using only the primary colors red, yellow, and blue. Here is one way to mix maroon with primary paints:
Supplies:
– Red, yellow, and blue paint – any medium
– Palette and brushes
Steps:
1. Start with a base of red paint
2. Add a small amount of blue paint
3. Then add a tiny touch of yellow paint
4. Mix thoroughly
5. The blue paint will dull and darken the red into maroon. The yellow offsets the blue tones.
6. Adjust paint ratios as needed to get your desired maroon shade.
Mixing primaries requires extra care because it’s easy to make the color muddy. Start with very small amounts of blue and yellow. Test the mixed color and slowly tweak the formula.
While you can mix some version of maroon from primaries, it’s harder to control the tone and depth. For best results, use pre-mixed red and brown paints.
How do you darken maroon?
There are a few simple ways to make mixed maroon paint darker and deeper:
– Add more brown – Raw umber, burnt umber, or sepia work well
– Add a neutral black or gray paint
– Mix in a tiny bit of complementary green paint
– Include less red paint in the original mix
– Add a touch of blue paint to the maroon
Avoid going overboard with browns and blacks, which can make the maroon look dull or muddy. Mix in small increments and check the color after each addition of dark paint.
For a quick dark maroon glaze over existing paint, thin down burnt umber or black acrylic paint with water. Apply a light wash of the glaze over the maroon and let it dry. This deepens the tone without completely obscuring the original color.
How do you lighten maroon?
To lighten up a maroon paint mixture that’s too dark, try these fixes:
– Add more red paint
– Include less brown or black in the mix
– Stir in a small amount of white or yellow paint
– Mix the maroon with a lighter color like pink or orange
– Thin with water or medium to reduce the concentration
Avoid over-lightening maroon too much, as it can start to look more pink or purple. Make adjustments in small increments for the best control.
Pre-mixed maroon paint can also be lightened by extending it with a paint medium or glaze. This dilutes the pigment concentration without fundamentally changing the hue.
How do you mix maroon hair dye?
Maroon hair dye gives a dramatic, bold look. You can mix custom maroon shades at home with semi-permanent hair color:
Supplies:
– Semi-permanent red hair dye
– Brown hair dye or additive
– Non-metal bowl and brush
Steps:
1. Add 2-3 ounces of red hair dye to the bowl.
2. Mix in 1 ounce of brown hair dye. Adjust ratios to control depth.
3. Apply petroleum jelly around hairline to avoid staining skin.
4. Paint prepared maroon dye mixture onto pre-lightened hair.
5. Let maroon hair dye soak for 20-30 minutes.
6. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
7. Style as desired and flaunt your custom maroon locks!
Doing a test strand first is recommended to ensure you love the mixed maroon tone. Play with different red and brown ratios until you land on your perfect custom maroon hair color.
How do you decorate with deep maroon?
From dramatic accent walls to moody tablescapes, deep maroon adds stylish flair. Here are tips for decorating with deep maroon colors:
– Paint one focal wall in a room in a rich maroon. Coordinate with black and white accents.
– Use maroon fabric like velvet on upholstered furniture or drapes for lush elegance.
– Mix patterns like florals and geometrics in shades of red, maroon, and burgundy.
– Choose maroon carpeting to make a bold statement in a home office or library.
– Set a holiday table with maroon linens and white or silver dishware for festive flair.
– Display deep red flowers like roses, dahlias, or ranunculus in maroon vases.
– Add pops of maroon with throw pillows, area rugs, and decorative objects like vases.
– Pair metallic finishes like bronze, copper, and gold with deep maroon for an elegant, glamorous look.
Whatever your style, a touch of moody maroon makes a gorgeous addition to any room.
Conclusion
With its sophisticated, bold color, deep maroon can elevate both casual and formal spaces. Mixing the perfect custom maroon requires blending red and brown paints in the right balance. Aim for a rich, intense reddish-brown hue that retains plenty of depth while avoiding black or muddy undertones. Test your homemade paint mixes on sample surfaces until you achieve exactly the deep maroon look you crave. With the right formula and a little practice, you’ll be able to integrate this versatile, dramatic color into any decor or design project.