Turquoise and teal are often thought of as being the same color, but there are some subtle differences between them. Both sit between green and blue on the color wheel, lending them an aquatic, tropical vibe. However, turquoise leans more toward the green side, while teal is closer to blue. This gives turquoise a slightly brighter, more vibrant look.
When it comes to mixing paint colors to achieve these sea-inspired hues, there are many possibilities. By blending varying ratios of blues, greens, and sometimes yellows or white, you can create an array of shades ranging from greenish turquoise to bluish teal. Understanding color theory is key to selecting the right pigments and effectively mixing them to match the exact turquoise or teal tone you desire.
In this article, we’ll explore the basics of color mixing and examine specific paint colors that can be combined to produce beautiful turquoise and teal shades. Whether you’re a painter looking to expand your palette, or simply want to liven up your home with an oceanic color scheme, read on to uncover the secrets of mixing the perfect turquoise or teal.
Primary Colors for Mixing Turquoise and Teal
All colors originate from the three primary colors – red, yellow, and blue. By mixing primary colors together in different combinations and ratios, you can create secondary and tertiary colors. Turquoise and teal are considered tertiary colors, meaning they are created by blending two secondary colors.
The two key secondary colors used to mix turquoise and teal are green and blue.
To make green: Mix yellow and blue primary colors.
To make blue: Mix red and blue primary colors.
So by mixing blue and green secondary colors, you can achieve turquoise and teal shades. The more green you add, the more turquoise the color becomes. The more blue you include, the more teal the hue.
While you can mix turquoise and teal using only the primary colors, it is easier when starting with pre-made blue and green paints or inks. This saves you time and helps you avoid creating muddy, dull colors by accident.
Best Blue Paint Colors for Teal and Turquoise
These blue paints work well as base colors when mixing teal and turquoise:
| Blue Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Ultramarine Blue | Vivid medium blue with red undertones |
| Cobalt Blue | Rich blue with hints of violet |
| Cerulean Blue | Bright sky blue with green undertones |
| Phthalo Blue | Deep blue with green/turquoise tint |
Ultramarine produces clearest teals and turquoises as it contains no opaque white pigment. Cobalt blue is also very pure and mixes well. Cerulean blue adds vibrancy, while phthalo blue quickly shifts the color toward greenish turquoise tones.
Avoid mixing turquoise or teal from navy blues, as they will make the color too dark. Prussian blue and Payne’s gray also have too much black pigment and will cause muddiness.
Best Green Paint Colors for Teal and Turquoise
These green paints work well when blended with blues to create teal and turquoise:
| Green Paint Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Viridian Green | Bluish-green hue |
| Sap Green | Yellow-based green |
| Hooker’s Green | Muted blue-green |
| Permanent Green | Neutral green |
Viridian produces clear teals, while sap green lends a bright turquoise. Hooker’s green mutes the color slightly for an aged, sea glass appearance. Permanent green mixes well with all blues.
Avoid emerald greens with too much yellow, as they make muddier turquoise tones. Also steer clear of black-based greens like forest, as they will darken the mixture.
Best Yellow, White, and Black Paints for Tinting
Adding small amounts of yellow, white, or black paint can fine-tune turquoise and teal shades:
| Color | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Lemon Yellow | Brightens and intensifies turquoise |
| Titanium or Zinc White | Lightens and cools teal |
| Ivory or Mars Black | Subdues brightness and deepens teal |
Lemon yellow brings out turquoise vibrancy but use a light touch as it overpowers easily. White makes teal cooler and more pastel. Adding black deepens teal for richer jewel tones.
Be wary of other warm yellows making turquoise mustardy. Avoid dingy white paints like zinc that will dull the color. Limit black pigment to retain brightness.
Mixing Paint to Create Turquoise
Turquoise is vibrant and leans toward the green side of the color spectrum. Here are some recommended color mixes for achieving the perfect turquoise paint:
– 2 parts phthalo or cerulean blue
– 1 part viridian or sap green
– Touch of lemon yellow (optional)
The high ratio of green shifts the color balance toward a brighter, greener turquoise. Viridian and phthalo blue are especially compatible. Adding a spritz of lemon brightens the turquoise beautifully.
– 1 part ultramarine blue
– 1 part permanent green
– Touch of lemon yellow
This combination mutes the turquoise slightly with ultramarine’s mellow blue tones. Permanent green with ultramarine creates a workable balance. Lemon yellow boosts vibrancy.
– 2 parts sap or phthalo green
– 1 part cobalt blue
– Touch of white
Extra green intensity comes from sap or phthalo green. Cobalt blue adds depth without muddiness. A touch of white lightens the tone.
Mixing Paint to Create Teal
Teal sits closer to blue on the color line. Here are useful mixtures for mixing rich teal tones:
– 2 parts ultramarine blue
– 1 part viridian green
– Touch of black
The higher blue ratio gives this a strong teal color. Viridian adds vibrancy while ultramarine prevents the color from looking too green. Black deepens the shade subtly.
– 1 part cobalt blue
– 1 part permanent green
– Touch of white
Cobalt’s richness comes through in this even blue-green balance. Permanent green provides a neutral mixing agent. White lightens the teal delicately.
– 3 parts cerulean blue
– 1 part sap green
– Squeeze of lemon yellow
Cerulean creates a bright, airy teal. Sap green adds a subtle earthiness. Lemon yellow warms the tone and enhances brightness.
Tips for Mixing the Perfect Turquoise or Teal
Follow these tips when blending paints to create custom turquoise and teal colors:
– Use high-quality paints with pure, intense pigments
– Mix a small test batch first to preview the color
– Add more green for turquoise, more blue for teal
– Use lemon yellow sparingly to maintain brightness
– Add white and black slowly to lightly tint
– Avoid opaque paints like zinc white that can cause muddiness
– Don’t overmix or the color may become lifeless
– Adjust in small increments for precise color control
– Remix new batches if the color fades as you paint
With the right color combinations and a delicate mixing approach, you can find your perfect turquoise or teal for any painting project. Experiment and have fun immortalizing these beautiful aquatic hues on canvas!
Conclusion
Turquoise and teal derive their stunning watercolor beauty from expert mixing of green and blue pigments. Following basic color theory principles allows you to blend the ideal ratios of blues, greens, and yellows to achieve any turquoise or teal tone you desire.
Focus on pure, intense paints like phthalo blue, viridian, and lemon yellow as mixing components. Adjust ratios to control the greenness or blueness of the color. Add tints of white, black, or lemon to customize the shade. With practice, you can learn to mix turquoise and teal paints that are vivid, balanced, and exactly the right color.
So grab your primary paints and start blending. Let turquoise and teal transform your artistic palette with the allure of tropical seas. Just a few stroked of the brush can create a cool aquatic oasis.