When mixing colors together, the resulting color can sometimes be unexpected. This is especially true when mixing a dark color like black with a bold color like dark red. Many people wonder, what color do you get when you mix black and dark red paint together? Understanding color theory and how colors interact can help predict what color combination black and dark red will make.
The Basics of Color Mixing
Before looking specifically at black and dark red, it helps to understand some basics about color mixing. When two colors are combined, they interact in different ways depending on the type of colors used.
Primary Colors
The primary colors are red, blue and yellow. These colors cannot be created by mixing other colors together. When combined, primary colors make the secondary colors:
– Red and blue make purple
– Red and yellow make orange
– Blue and yellow make green
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. Common complementary pairs include:
– Red and green
– Blue and orange
– Yellow and purple
When complementary colors are mixed together, they neutralize each other and create a muted brown or gray color.
Tertiary Colors
Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color next to it on the color wheel. For example:
– Red (primary) and purple (secondary) make red-violet
– Yellow (primary) and green (secondary) make chartreuse
The most vibrant tertiary colors have more of the primary color than the secondary color.
Understanding Black and Dark Red
Now that we’ve reviewed some color basics, let’s take a closer look at black and dark red to predict what color they will make when combined.
Black
Black is not technically a color, but rather a shade. Black is created when no light is reflected back for us to see. It absorbs all wavelengths of light which is why mixing black with another color creates a darker and muted version of that color. Adding black is a common way to create tints and shades of colors.
Dark Red
Red is a primary color and sits between magenta and orange on the color wheel. Dark red is a deeper, richer version of red created by adding black or brown to red. This makes the red darker but keeps its bold red undertones.
When evaluating what black and dark red make when combined, it’s important to consider that black is absorptive while dark red maintains strong, vivid pigment.
Mixing Black and Dark Red
When you mix black and dark red paint or pigment together, the resulting color is a very deep, dark red that approaches brown.
Here are some key things that happen when black and dark red are blended:
– Black darkens and mutes the red color.
– The red undertones are still visible but more subdued.
– The overall color becomes darker and less vibrant.
– The red undertones prevent it from becoming pure black or neutral brown.
There are a few other colors that black and dark red could be described as:
– Very dark burgundy
– Deep maroon
– Darkened oxblood
– Dried blood color
The exact shade will depend on the starting shades of black and red and the ratio used. More black will result in a darker, more neutral color. More red keeps the tone bold and vivid. Equal parts creates a rich deep red with just a hint of brown.
Examples of Black Mixed with Dark Red
Here are some examples of specific shades created by mixing black and dark red:
| Colors Used | Resulting Color |
| Lamp black + Crimson | Dark burgundy |
| Mars black + Maroon | Deep maroon |
| Ivory black + Oxblood | Very dark oxblood |
As you can see, the black darkens the red considerably while allowing the red tones to show through. The resulting colors are all rich, deep reds that are quite dark but not completely black.
Starting with a lighter black like ivory black will let more of the red stand out. Using a lighter red like crimson allows the black to darken it more. Darker shades of black and red will result in near-black tones.
Uses for Black Mixed with Dark Red
Blending black and dark red creates a versatile deep, dark red shade with many uses:
Painting
Artists mix black and red to paint rich shadows with red undertones or muted red tones. It’s ideal for painting dark reddish-brown colors like deep burgundy, dried roses, rusty metal, darker skin tones, and smokey blacks.
Dyeing Fabric
The deep red made by black and red dyes well on fabric. It creates a striking color for drapes, upholstery, rugs, and clothing in hues like merlot, plum, or mahogany.
Cosmetics
Cosmetic companies mix black and red pigments to create makeup like deep burgundy lipsticks, maroon nail polish, and warm dark blushes. This shade is flattering on many skin tones.
Printing
Printers combine black and red inks when printing dark red tones in products like wine labels, invitations, and graphic design materials. The black ink gives deepened red tones.
Combining Other Colors with Black
Black can be mixed with almost any color to create darkened hues and shades. Here are some examples of what black makes when combined with other colors:
– Black + Yellow = Dark olive green
– Black + Blue = Dark navy
– Black + Orange = Dark rust
– Black + White = Gray
The black will mute and darken the other color in each combination. But unlike mixing complements, the original color’s hue will still show through.
Conclusion
When combined, black and dark red make a very deep, dark red that retains clear red undertones while also being darkened considerably with black pigment. The resulting shade falls somewhere between black, brown, and red. Appropriate names for the color include deep burgundy, dried blood, very dark oxblood, or deep maroon. This versatile darkened red can be used in painting, fabrics, cosmetics, printing, and more. Now you know exactly what color you’ll get when mixing black and dark red!
