Moss green is a beautiful soft shade of green that evokes images of lush mossy forests and rolling green hills. It’s an earthy, natural color that can add a sense of harmony and tranquility to any space. Mixing the perfect moss green color can be tricky though. Unlike primary colors, green has many subtle variations and mixing a true moss green requires some know-how. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know to mix up the ideal moss green color.
Understanding Color Theory
First, it helps to understand some basic color theory. Colors on the color wheel are made up of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Primary colors are red, blue, and yellow—these can’t be created by mixing other colors. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors, such as purple (red + blue), green (blue + yellow), and orange (red + yellow). Finally, tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color next to it on the color wheel.
This is important because mixing moss green requires layering multiple paint colors together. Moss green is considered a tertiary color. It sits between green and yellow on the color wheel. So by mixing blue, yellow, with a smaller amount of red or orange, you can create an earthy, moss green color.
Choosing Paints
When selecting paint colors to mix moss green, it’s best to stick with high-quality professional grade paints. Student grade paints have less pigment, meaning colors mix together into muddier shades. Here are some good paints to use:
– Cadmium yellow (or cadmium yellow light)
– Phthalo or thalo blue
– Cadmium red or napthol red
A semi-gloss or satin acrylic paint works best for mixing. Avoid matte paints since they won’t blend together as smoothly.
You’ll also need a palette for mixing. A plastic palette or white porcelain plate works well. You’ll need a palette knife too.
Mixing Steps
Here is a step-by-step guide to mixing moss green paint:
1. Squeeze out a dime-sized amount of cadmium yellow onto your palette.
2. Add a pea-sized amount of phthalo blue.
3. Use your palette knife to thoroughly mix the blue and yellow together. Blend until you have an even green color.
4. Add a small dab of cadmium red, no bigger than the size of a pencil eraser. Mix it in thoroughly.
5. At this point you should have a green paint color. Now add white paint in small amounts, mixing thoroughly between each addition. Add white until you get your desired moss green shade.
6. Test your mixed paint on a sample card or spare canvas to ensure you have the right color before adding it to your main piece.
The exact recipe will vary depending on the paint brands used. Going slow and adding colors gradually gives you the most control over the shade.
Achieving Different Moss Green Hues
Once you understand the basic mixing process, you can tweak your moss green color in different ways:
– **More yellow** – For a brighter, lime-tinged moss green, use more cadmium yellow in your starting mix.
– **More blue** – To mute it down into a darker forest green, add more blue pigment.
– **More red** – For an earthier, olive toned green, use more red pigment.
– **Add black** – Adding just a touch of black will tone it down into a deeper hunter green.
– **Add white** – Extra white makes it softer and pale, like seafoam.
Test out different color variations on your palette until you find your perfect moss green shade.
Using Complimentary Colors
Moss green looks beautiful alongside its color wheel complements. These are colors opposite each other on the color wheel. To make moss green really pop:
– Pair it with red-orange colors like rust, terra cotta, or copper
– Try deep plummy purples and mauves
– Accent with bright corals and salmon pinks
Avoid pairing it with colors too close to it on the color wheel, like yellow-greens and teal blues. This creates a vibrating, jarring look. The most harmonious color schemes use colors spaced evenly around the color wheel.
Comparing Moss Greens
Still unsure of your perfect moss green shade? Here’s a handy reference chart of common green paint colors and how they compare to true moss green:
| Paint Color | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Moss Green | Earthy, muted green with subtle yellow/olive undertones |
| Forest Green | Very deep green, may appear almost black |
| Lime Green | Vibrant yellow-green, like lime fruit |
| Seafoam Green | Light green with strong blue tones |
| Olive Green | Drab green with brown/grey undertones |
As you can see, moss green sits in the middle—not too bright lime green, not too dark forest green. Finding the right balance is key.
Using Moss Green in Your Home
Once mixed, there are endless ways to decorate with moss green:
– **Walls** – Use it on an accent wall in a bedroom or living room. The soft hue is soothing.
– **Furniture** – Try moss green on any wood furniture like chairs, tables, cabinets or bookshelves.
– **Textiles** – Upholster furniture or sew throw pillows out of moss green fabric. Use it in blankets or area rugs.
– **Accessories** – Vases, candles, decorative bowls—all kinds of accessories pop in moss green.
Since it’s an earthy neutral, moss green works in many design aesthetics. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone. Incorporate lots of plants and greenery to complement the green walls.
Use it in cozier spaces rather than open concept rooms. The dark shade can make large spaces feel closed in if used too liberally.
Alternatives to Mixing Moss Green Paint
If going through the whole mixing process sounds too messy, there are a couple shortcuts:
– **Buy premixed paint** – Many paint brands sell moss green so you can skip mixing. Be sure to test swatches first to ensure the tone is right.
– **Use green glaze** – Glazing liquid over a yellow base coat tints it green. This takes less precision than mixing.
– **Sponge paint green** – Sponging dark green paint over a yellow base creates a mottled moss effect.
– **Use green dye** – For fabrics, use an avocado or moss green dye instead of paint.
These time-saving options sacrifice some of the control you get from mixing, but can still produce a nice moss green color.
Conclusion
Mixing moss green is all about balancing blue, yellow, and small amounts of red into an earthy, muted shade. Start with strong primary paints and mix slowly for the best results. Vary the ratio of paints to create lighter or darker variations. Pair with oranges, pinks, and purples bring out moss green’s natural beauty. With some practice mixing those colors, you’ll have endless decorating possibilities with this versatile green.