Hue black is a dark, rich black color produced by mixing together complementary colors on the color wheel. When paints, dyes, or pigments of two complementary colors are combined, they essentially “cancel each other out” by absorbing all wavelengths of visible light. This results in the appearance of a very deep, neutral black.
Some examples of complementary color pairs that can make hue black are red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple. By mixing together paints, dyes, or pigments of these opposing colors, all the wavelengths of light get absorbed, rather than reflected back to our eyes. This creates the effect of black, even though true black pigments are not being used.
How to Make Hue Black
To make hue black yourself, you first need to determine which two complementary colors you want to mix. Referring to a color wheel, choose any two colors that are opposite each other. For example, red and green, blue and orange, or purple and yellow.
When working with paints, mix together equal parts of the two colors until you achieve a dark, rich black. The more saturated or pure the versions of the colors you choose, the better the black will be. Watercolors and acrylics work well for mixing hue black.
With dyes, simply add the two complementary colors to the dye bath in equal amounts. The material will take on a neutral black hue. Complementary dye pairs for hue black include red + green, orange + blue, or yellow + violet dyes.
For pigments, such as when mixing cosmetic powders or concrete/asphalt, combine equal measures of the complementary pigments. Grind them together thoroughly to evenly distribute the particles and create a consistent dark black shade.
Color Wheel Complementary Pairs
Here are some common complementary color pairs on the color wheel that can make hue black:
| Red | Green |
| Blue | Orange |
| Yellow | Purple |
As you can see, the complementary pairs are located opposite each other on the color wheel. Combining pigments, paints, or dyes of these opposing colors results in hue black.
Examples and Uses of Hue Black
Here are some examples of how hue black is created and used:
– Painters often mix complementary acrylic paint colors like red and green to make a deep black for shadows or outlines. This creates a richer, more nuanced black than using straight black paint.
– Theatre companies use hue black stage makeup, formed by mixing complementary colored pigments. It provides a soft, natural look under stage lighting compared to harsh true black makeup.
– Graphic designers use hue black in logos and print layouts. Combining 100% cyan and 100% yellow inks produces a black that is smooth, neutral, and free of blotchiness or halo effects.
– Tattoo artists sometimes use hue black ink for richer, deeper blackwork designs. Complementary cosmetic pigments are blended into a custom neutral black.
– Gardeners look for hue black mulch made from two complementary colored dyes. The black absorbs light and heat, while the dye components prevent fading over time compared to carbon-based black mulch.
– Cement and asphalt companies can add hue black powdered pigments to produce a dark charcoal concrete or pavement color. This provides an attractive alternative to standard light gray.
Benefits of Hue Black
Using complementary colors to create hue black has some unique benefits compared to pre-made black paints, dyes, and pigments:
– Hue black allows more control over the tone and depth of the black color. Pre-made black can sometimes look dull, muddy, or flat.
– With hue black, there is no risk of the color fading over time to reveal an unattractive undershade. The two complementaries stabilize each other.
– It provides richer shadows, textures, and dimension than pure black in art and design work.
– Complementary pigments and dyes are more stable when blended than carbon or iron oxide blacks, which degrade over time.
– No carbon-based materials are required, making hue black more sustainable and environmentally-friendly to produce.
– There is lower risk of blotchiness, uneven fading, or halo effects compared to pre-made black ink or paint.
Challenges of Hue Black
There are some potential challenges to keep in mind when mixing hue black:
– Achieving a neutral black requires carefully mixing the complementary colors in precise equal amounts. Uneven mixing can result in a muddy, grayish tone.
– Some color combinations create a better black than others. Red and green work well, while orange and blue can look dull or faded.
– Over time, hue black paints and dyes may start to reveal their component colors as the layers interact chemically. Remixing is required.
– If the complementary pigments are not ground finely and evenly enough, speckling may be visible in the final hue black mixture.
– Certain mediums limit which complementary colors can be mixed to make black. For example, the red and green available in watercolor may not neutralize to a true black.
Conclusion
In summary, hue black is a versatile, aesthetically-pleasing neutral black color created by combining complementary paints, dyes, and pigments. With the right color pair and mixing technique, hue black provides richer depth and dimension than pre-made black for many design and art applications. Paying attention to the color wheel,using high quality pigments, and mixing evenly are key to successfully achieving an intense true black. Hue black allows more control over tone and stability over time compared to carbon or iron oxide blacks. Next time you need a black color, try mixing it yourself with complementary colors to see if you can achieve better results!
