Coral pink is a soft, muted shade of pink that got its name from the delicate color of coral reefs. It sits between light pink and peach on the color spectrum, often leaning slightly more towards salmon or peach tones. While there is no single definitive formula for mixing coral pink, it usually contains a blend of red, orange, white, and sometimes yellow or brown. There are a few main ways to mix up this pretty pink hue.
Using Red, White, and Orange
One of the most common ways to create coral pink is by mixing red, white, and orange. This combination produces a peachy pink that resembles the natural color of coral. The specific proportions will vary, but a general guideline is:
– 30-40% red
– 10-20% orange
– 40-60% white
Some examples would be:
– 40% red + 15% orange + 45% white
– 35% red + 10% orange + 55% white
– 30% red + 20% orange + 50% white
Adding more red shifts the color towards a warmer, reddish-pink. Increasing the white makes it a lighter, softer pink. Boosting the orange leans it towards more of a peach/salmon hue. Play around with the percentages to find your perfect coral pink.
Using Red, Yellow, and White
Another option is mixing red, yellow, and white. The yellow replaces the orange to give a warmer, more golden coral shade. The ratios can vary, but a general guide is:
– 30-40% red
– 5-15% yellow
– 45-60% white
Some potential combinations are:
– 35% red + 10% yellow + 55% white
– 40% red + 5% yellow + 55% white
– 30% red + 15% yellow + 55% white
The more red, the pinker and warmer the tone. Adding more yellow makes it more golden peach. Increasing white lightens it up. Find your ideal balance for a pretty coral.
Using Pink, Peach, and White
You can also mix pink, peach, and white to create a coral color. This gives you more control over the exact shade of pink and peachiness. A general ratio is:
– 30-40% pink
– 20-30% peach
– 30-40% white
Some examples would be:
– 30% pink + 30% peach + 40% white
– 35% pink + 25% peach + 40% white
– 40% pink + 20% peach + 40% white
The more pink, the brighter and cooler the tone. Adding more peach makes it more orangey-salmon. Boosting white lightens and softens the coral.
Using Red, Pink, and Yellow
For a super warm coral with a golden glow, mix together red, pink, and yellow. Approximate ratios are:
– 20-30% red
– 20-30% pink
– 30-40% yellow
Some combinations could be:
– 25% red + 25% pink + 40% yellow
– 20% red + 30% pink + 40% yellow
– 30% red + 20% pink + 40% yellow
The red and pink give it a rosy base, while the yellow creates golden peach tones. Adjust the amounts to make it more pink, red, or golden peach.
Using Food Coloring
An easy at-home way to mix coral pink is by using red, yellow, and pink food coloring. A couple great combos are:
– 3 drops red + 2 drops yellow + 5 drops pink
– 2 drops red + 3 drops yellow + 4 drops pink
Add more red and pink for brightness. Boost yellow for more golden peach vibes. Add white icing or frosting to lighten it up.
Using Paint
When painting, mix together red, orange/yellow, and white acrylic or poster paints. Try combinations like:
– 2 parts red + 1 part orange + 4 parts white
– 3 parts red + 1 part yellow + 5 parts white
Add more red, orange/yellow for vibrancy. Boost white to soften and lighten. Play with amounts to get your perfect coral paint color.
Using Makeup and Nail Polish
For DIY coral beauty looks, blend together red, orange/peach, pink, and white nail polishes or eyeshadows. Great combos include:
– Pale pink + peach + touch of red polish or shadow
– Pinky nude + copper shimmer + white polish or shadow
– Sheer red + pale orange + white eyeshadow
Layering sheer washes of color allows you to gradually build up to your ideal coral tone. Sweep them on nails or eyes for a pretty pop of color.
| Color Mix | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Red, white, orange | 30-40% red, 10-20% orange, 40-60% white |
| Red, yellow, white | 30-40% red, 5-15% yellow, 45-60% white |
| Pink, peach, white | 30-40% pink, 20-30% peach, 30-40% white |
| Red, pink, yellow | 20-30% red, 20-30% pink, 30-40% yellow |
| Food coloring | Red, yellow, pink |
| Paint | Red, orange/yellow, white |
| Makeup/Nail Polish | Red, orange/peach, pink, white |
Tips for Mixing Coral Pink
Here are some helpful tips when blending up coral pink:
– Adding white will lighten and soften the tone. The more white, the lighter the shade.
– Increasing red boosts the warmth, intensity, and pinkness. Use sparingly for a sheer coral.
– Mixing in orange leans the color towards peach and salmon tones. Add slowly until you achieve the desired orangeyness.
– Incorporating yellow creates golden undertones. Use a light hand for a sheer sunny glow.
– Start with a small amount of color and gradually add more until you get your perfect coral pink. It’s easier to lighten up than darken.
– Natural lighting is best when color mixing. The hue may dry slightly lighter or darker than it appears wet.
– Test your mixed color on a spare surface before applying it to your final project.
– Consider coordinating colors and undertones if using coral pink alongside other shades.
– Snap a photo of your winning coral combo to remember ratios for next time.
Typical Uses for Coral Pink
So you’ve mixed up the prettiest coral pink – now what do you do with it? Here are some typical uses for this soft rosy hue:
– Clothing – coral pink flatters many skin tones. It’s a beautiful color for dresses, tops, swimsuits, and accessories.
– Makeup – use coral shadow, blush, or lipstick to add warmth to your beauty look. It’s especially nice for summer.
– Nails – on both fingers and toes, coral pink polish has a pretty pop of color.
– Home decor – add lovely accents with coral pillows, rugs, blankets, curtains, and art.
– Weddings – coral is a super trendy color for modern weddings, bridesmaid dresses, and flowers.
– Bakery – tint frosting, macarons, cake pops, or cookies a cute coral color.
– Crafts – make coral embellishments for DIY papercrafts, scrapbooks, or mixed media art.
– Special events – use coral decorations for baby/bridal showers, Easter, spring parties, and more.
– Visual arts – paint canvas works featuring coral tones for a soft, romantic vibe.
So get creative and play with combining colors to form that perfect coral pink for any project or purpose! It’s such a lively, cheerful shade.
Conclusion
Coral pink is a blend of red, orange, yellow, white and sometimes pink. While ratios vary, some general guidelines are:
– Red, white, orange – 30-40% red, 10-20% orange, 40-60% white
– Red, yellow, white – 30-40% red, 5-15% yellow, 45-60% white
– Pink, peach, white – 30-40% pink, 20-30% peach, 30-40% white
– Red, pink, yellow – 20-30% red, 20-30% pink, 30-40% yellow
Home mixing options include food coloring, paint, makeup and nail polish. Gradually layering sheers of color allows you to build up that perfect coral. It’s important to add white to soften and lighten the tone. Test out different combos until you achieve your ideal coral pink for any project!
