Red is a primary color that can be made by mixing other colors together. The two main color combinations that create red are yellow and magenta, or yellow and blue. By understanding color theory and how colors mix, you can create the perfect shade of red for any project. Keep reading to learn what colors make red and how to mix them.
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors
There are three sets of colors based on how they are created:
Primary colors cannot be made from other colors. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue.
Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors together. The secondary colors are orange, green, and purple. For example, red and yellow make orange.
Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color next to it on the color wheel. Examples of tertiary colors are red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple, and red-purple.
Understanding these color relationships is helpful when learning how to mix colors to create the shade you want.
Mixing Red with Other Colors
Pure red is a primary color and cannot be created by mixing other colors. However, you can make different hues and shades of red by adding additional colors. Here are some examples:
- Red + Yellow = Scarlet, Vermilion
- Red + Blue = Maroon, Burgundy
- Red + White = Pink
- Red + Brown = Russet, Rust
- Red + Orange = Red-Orange, Flame
- Red + Purple = Ruby, Wine
- Red + Black = Dark Red
Adding white makes red lighter, while adding black makes it darker. Combining red with adjacent colors on the color wheel results in vibrant reddish hues. The more color you add, the further away you get from pure red.
Mixing Colors to Make Red
While pure red cannot be created by mixing colors, you can make rich reds by combining primary and secondary colors. Here are two main ways to mix colors to produce red:
Yellow + Magenta = Red
Magenta is a secondary color made from mixing red and blue. When you add yellow, which is a primary color, the resulting mix is red.
On the traditional RYB (red, yellow, blue) color wheel used by artists, red sits between yellow and magenta. Combining colors that are adjacent on a color wheel results in the color between them.
The exact shades of yellow and magenta affect the red color that results:
- Lemon yellow + magenta = Bright red
- Orange-yellow + magenta = Scarlet
- Greenish-yellow + magenta = Rust
Yellow + Blue = Red
You can also mix the primary colors yellow and blue together to create red. On the modern RGB (red, green, blue) color wheel, red sits between yellow and blue.
When blending yellow and blue:
- Bright yellow + bright blue = Bright red
- Greenish-yellow + purplish-blue = Maroon
- Greenish-yellow + blue = Muted rust red
The exact red shade depends on the types of yellow and blue used. Mixing a greenish yellow with a blue that leans towards purple makes a deeper, richer red.
Using Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel. They create maximum contrast and vibrancy.
The complementary color of red is green. Adding small amounts of green to different reds will intensify them. Be careful not to add too much green or the color will turn brown.
- Red + touch of green = Vibrant true red
- Maroon + touch of green = Deep intense red
- Pink + touch of green = Vibrant pinkish red
Using complementary colors helps reds “pop” and appear richer. Make sure to add just a small amount of the complementary color for best results.
Tips for Mixing Colors to Make Red
Follow these tips when combining colors to create the perfect red:
- Use the primary colors yellow and blue for a clean, vivid red.
- Add a complementary color like green to intensify reds.
- Mix in adjacent colors on the color wheel for reddish hues.
- Add white to lighten red and black to darken it.
- Use fluid paints like watercolor so colors blend easily.
- Mix a small amount first to test the color before painting or dyeing.
- Adjust the proportions of paints mixed until you get the desired red.
Using a Color Mixing Chart
A color mixing chart shows you the results of blending different color combinations. Here is an example of a chart showing mixtures that make red:
| Color 1 | Color 2 | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Yellow | Magenta | Bright Red |
| Cadmium Yellow | Ultramarine Blue | Scarlet |
| Cadmium Yellow | Cobalt Blue | Orangey Red |
| Cadmium Yellow | Phthalo Blue | Fire Engine Red |
Consulting a chart helps you predict color mixtures. You can refer to it when mixing paints to achieve the exact red hue needed.
Using Red in Design and Decor
Once you’ve created the perfect red, you can use it in any design or decor project:
- Painting – Add red accents or focal points to artwork. Vermilion and cadmium red are vivid pigments.
- Dyeing – Dye fabrics red using mixing dyes or fabrics pre-dyed crimson.
- Pottery – Tint clay pink or red before firing pottery or sculpture.
- Decorating – Use red sparingly to add visual interest as an accent wall or on trims.
- Graphic design – Employ red for emphasis. Dark red works well for branding.
Remember that red is a dominant color and can overwhelm if overused. Use it strategically in small doses for maximum impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two primary colors make red?
Yellow and blue are the two primary colors that can be mixed together to make red. Adding yellow to blue moves the color towards red.
What is scarlet red made from?
Scarlet is made by mixing an orange-yellow with magenta. It sits between red and orange on the color wheel.
What colors should you not mix with red?
Avoid mixing red with colors on the opposite side of the color wheel, like blue-greens and blue-violets. This will make the red become muddy.
What color results from mixing red, yellow, and blue?
Combining the three primary colors red, yellow, and blue makes brown. The three primaries mixed together cancel each other out.
What colors do you mix to get burgundy?
Burgundy is a dark red shade made by mixing red, purple, and brown. Adding a touch of blue to this mix can also deepen it.
Conclusion
Red can be created by blending the primary colors yellow and blue. Adding yellow to magenta or combining yellow with a violet-blue also produces rich reds. Adjust the yellow and blue shades to create vivid crimsons, rusty brick reds, pinkish corals, and deep burgundies. Use a color mixing chart and the principles of color theory to mix the exact red hue needed for any design or art project.
