Mixing red and white paint is a common way to make various shades of pink. The exact ratio of red to white depends on the desired shade of pink. Generally, more red makes a darker, more saturated pink, while more white makes a lighter, pastel pink. Finding the right balance is a matter of experimentation.
Quick Answer
As a general guideline, use:
- 1 part red paint to 5-10 parts white paint for a light pastel pink
- 1 part red paint to 3-5 parts white paint for a soft baby pink
- 1 part red paint to 2 parts white paint for a brighter pink
- 2 parts red paint to 3 parts white paint for a hot pink
The exact ratio depends on the starting shades of red and white. Darker reds and brighter whites will produce more vibrant pinks. Mix small test batches to find your perfect pink.
Factors That Affect Pink Shade
Several factors influence the resulting shade of pink when mixing red and white paint:
- Red paint shade – A bright red will make a more vibrant pink than a dark burgundy red.
- White paint shade – A bright, cool white will give a crisper, cooler pink than a warm antique white.
- Paint brand – Different brands have their own pigments and color mixes.
- Paint finish – Matte, satin, semi-gloss and gloss finishes reflect light differently.
- Ratio of red to white – More red makes a bolder, darker pink. More white makes a softer, lighter pink.
Test mixes on a sample board before committing to a large project. Adjust the ratios as needed to get your perfect pink.
Starting Ratio Guidelines
Here are some starting point ratios for mixing red and white paint:
| Desired Pink Shade | Starting Red to White Ratio |
|---|---|
| Pastel pink | 1 part red to 8-10 parts white |
| Blush pink | 1 part red to 5-7 parts white |
| Ballet pink | 1 part red to 4-6 parts white |
| Baby pink | 1 part red to 3-5 parts white |
| Bubblegum pink | 1 part red to 2-4 parts white |
| Cotton candy pink | 1 part red to 1-3 parts white |
| Hot pink | 2 parts red to 3 parts white |
These starting ratios are just guidelines. The actual amount of red and white needed varies based on the specific paint shades used. Mix small test batches first to dial in the perfect ratio of red to white for your project.
Tinting Strength of Red Pigments
Reds have very high tinting strength compared to other colors. A little bit of red pigment goes a long way when tinting a can of white paint. Here are some examples of just how powerful red pigment can be:
- 1 fluid ounce of deep red tint can tint up to 5 gallons of white paint pink
- 1 teaspoon of red colorant can tint 1 quart of white paint pink
- 5-10 drops of red food coloring can tint 1 cup of white paint pink
Always start by adding just a small amount of red tint to white paint. Mix thoroughly and check the color before adding more. Too much red can quickly overpower the white and result in a deep red-violet rather than pink.
Mixing Tips for Red and White Paint
Follow these tips when mixing red and white paint to create custom pink shades:
- Stir paint thoroughly before mixing colors to ensure even pigment dispersion.
- Use a wooden paint paddle for mixing – avoid metal stir sticks.
- Add red to white gradually and mix completely after each addition.
- Mix a larger volume than needed – at least 1 pint or quart.
- Tint the entire volume of white paint needed before painting – don’t try to touch up later.
- Check color accuracy on a sample board before painting the final surface.
- Remix before use each day to ensure color remains consistent.
- Box and label leftover mixed paint for touch ups later.
Properly mixing and testing batches will help achieve color accuracy and consistency across large painting projects.
Shade Card Method
For large painting projects, create a custom pink shade card to help accurately match colors across multiple paint batches:
- Tint a 1 quart or 1 gallon can of white base paint with small measured amounts of red colorant.
- Stir thoroughly and allow to sit overnight before assessing the color.
- Paint measured swatches of each shade onto a board and label with the ratio.
- Select your perfect pink swatch.
- Use the labeled ratios to recreate the shade in larger mixing volumes.
This shade card method helps remove guesswork and inconsistencies when matching custom mixed colors across multiple cans or painting days.
Common Red Pigment Sources
Here are some common sources of red pigment that can be added to white paint:
| Red Pigment Source | Color Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Liquid paint tint | Highly concentrated, mixes evenly, wider color selection |
| Red artist paint | Very pigmented, may introduce undertones |
| Food coloring gel | Convenient, limited red shades |
| Spices and extracts | Natural source, some add earthy undertones |
| Dye powder or ink | Very concentrated, needs thorough dispersal |
| Cosmetic blush or rouge | Wide color variety, may skew glossy |
Liquid paint tints provide the most flexibility for fine tuning pink shades. Other DIY pigment sources work but may introduce unintended undertones.
Complementary Colors
Certain colors look especially striking against pink backdrops. These complementary colors enhance pink’s reddish-orange undertones:
- Rich greens – emerald, forest, lime
- Radiant oranges – peach, coral, terra cotta
- Energizing yellows – lemon, saffron, gold
- Regal purples – lilac, lavender, plum
- Cool blues – periwinkle, cobalt, teal
Pair pink walls and decor with these vivacious hues for lively, youthful color schemes. Avoid combining pink and red, as they may bleed into each other.
Pink Color Psychology
Different shades of pink subtly evoke different moods and reactions:
| Pink Shade | Mood & Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pastel pink | Sweet, innocent, feminine, optimistic |
| Blush pink | Romantic, graceful, elegant |
| Bubblegum pink | Playful, whimsical, high energy |
| Hot pink | Fun, theatrical, bold, sensual |
| Dusty pink | Wistful, gentle, nostalgic |
| Millennial pink | Trendy, modern, minimalist |
Leverage pink’s positive, feel-good attributes in children’s spaces, bedrooms, and creative workspaces.
Popular Pink Paint Colors
Here are some top-selling pre-mixed pink paint colors from major brands:
- Behr – Pale Piacenza, Blush Petal, Flamingo Wings
- Benjamin Moore – Pink Bliss, Breath of Fresh Air, Strawberry Kiwi
- Sherwin Williams – Tradewind, Rosy Outlook, Passionate Pink
- Valspar – Blushing Bride, Primrose Petals, Fancy Nancy Pink
- Glidden – Ballet Slippers, Tickled Pink, Flamingo Feather
Browse paint chips and samples to find your perfect ready-made pink. Or use them as inspiration to mix a custom red-and-white pink shade.
Conclusion
Red and white paints blend beautifully to create versatile pink tones. Follow general starting ratio guidelines of 1 part red to 3-10 parts white. Adjust ratios based on the pigments and intensity of the starting shades. Mix small test batches to dial in your perfect pink. Pair pinks with vibrant complementary colors and leverage the positive mood associations of pink in playful, feminine and creative spaces.