Mixing colors can produce interesting and sometimes unexpected results. When it comes to mixing black and brown paints or dyes, the resulting color depends on the exact shades of black and brown used as well as the proportions in which they are mixed. However, in general terms, adding black to brown darkens the brown and mutes it to create an earthy, neutralized shade.
Understanding Color Mixing
Before looking specifically at black and brown, it’s helpful to understand some basics about how color mixing works. When paints, dyes, or other pigments are mixed, the resulting color is determined by the component colors and how much of each is used.
For example, mixing equal parts red and yellow paint will make orange paint. If more red is used than yellow, the mix will be a reddish orange. And if more yellow is used, it will be a yellowish orange. The proportions matter.
Some key principles of color mixing are:
- Mixing a color with white makes it lighter (a tint)
- Mixing a color with black makes it darker (a shade)
- Mixing a color with grey makes it duller and muted
- Mixing complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel) neutralizes them
These principles allow us to predict what will happen when mixing black and brown pigments.
What Happens When Black is Added to Brown
In general, adding black to brown will darken the brown and make it more neutral and muddy looking. How much the color changes depends on the starting shades of black and brown and the proportions used.
Here are some examples of black mixed with different browns:
| Original Brown | Brown Mixed with Black |
|---|---|
| Milk chocolate brown | Dark chocolate brown |
| Taupe | Dark taupe |
| Camel brown | Mocha |
As you can see, the brown takes on more grey undertones and becomes darker and less warm. Very bright or orangey browns will become significantly muted and muted when black is added.
The more black is added relative to the starting brown, the darker and more neutralized the resulting color will be. Eventually, if enough black is mixed in, the brown becomes so dark it appears black itself.
Why Black Darkens and Mutes Brown
There are a couple main reasons why adding black darkens and mutes brown:
- Black is a very dark pigment – Since black reflects very little light, mixing it with lighter browns causes them to reflect less light and appear darker.
- Black is neutral – Pure black contains no undertones. When mixed with warm, reddish-toned browns, the neutral black brings down the warmth and vibrance.
Brown contains some combination of primary colors red, yellow, and blue. The red and yellow mainly account for the warmth and vibrance of brown. Adding neutral black tones down the vivdness of the primary hues, causing browns to appear more muted.
Proportions Matter
As mentioned earlier, the exact proportions of black and brown have a big effect on the resulting color. Here are some examples:
- 10% black + 90% medium golden brown = slightly darker golden brown
- 25% black + 75% medium golden brown = medium neutral brown
- 60% black + 40% medium golden brown = dark charcoal brown
- 90% black + 10% medium golden brown = very dark brown/black
In very small amounts, black simply knocks down the brightness of brown a notch. But once you have more black than brown, the brown undertones start to disappear as the color becomes very dark.
Mixing Different Shades of Brown and Black
Not all browns and blacks are created equal. The specific shades used also affect the outcome:
- Warm, orangey browns will experience the most muting when mixed with black. They have the most vibrant undertones to lose.
- Cool, greyish browns don’t change as much, since their undertones are closer to neutral black already.
- Very dark blacks like carbon black have a stronger darkening effect than lighter greys with black pigment.
Here is a table showing examples of different brown + black mixes:
| Brown | Black | Mixed Color |
|---|---|---|
| Golden brown | Carbon black | Mocha |
| Chocolate brown | Charcoal grey | Dark chocolate |
| Taupe | Onyx black | Dark taupe |
The more vibrant the starting brown and the deeper the black, the murkier the resulting mixed shade will be.
Mixing Brown and Black Paint
Paint is one of the most common mediums for mixing colors. Here are some tips for mixing brown and black paint:
- Start with small amounts and add gradually
- Stir thoroughly to fully incorporate the colors
- Test swatches before mixing entire tubes of paint
- Consider artist quality paints which mix more smoothly than student grades
- Use a neutral base like white or grey for test swatches
Oil and acrylic artist paints are good options for mixing because they can be blended smoothly. Avoid mixing directly in the lids of paint tubes; use a palette.
Be conservative adding black to brown paint, as it doesn’t take much to make a big difference in the color. You can always continue to darken if needed.
Mixing Black and Brown Dye
For coloring fabric, mixing black and brown dyes is a way to create custom earthy hues. Options include:
- Liquid dye for hand-dyeing
- All-purpose dye for washing machine dyeing
- Fiber reactive dyes for natural fibers like cotton and linen
- Acid dyes for protein fibers like wool and silk
Make sure to use dyes formulated for the specific fiber you are coloring. As with paint, blend small test batches first before coloring a whole garment.
For tie-dye or batik, you can paint black dye onto brown fabric for hand-mixed colors. Using thickened dye allows for more control of the patterning.
Mixing Black and Brown Ink and Pigment
Inks and pigments like those used in drawing, painting, and printing can also be blended to produce custom blacks and browns. Options include:
- Liquid inks, like India ink or acrylic ink
- Pigment-based artist colors used in painting or printmaking
- Colored pencils, powdered pigments, or oil pastels
- Digital mixing using photo editing software
On paper, mix ink or paint on a palette before applying with a brush. For digital mixing, layer filled shapes on separate layers and adjust opacity.
With pencils or pastels, color a brown base first then layer black lightly over the top, blending with a stump or tissue. This allows the brown base to show through for a blended effect.
Mixing Black and Brown Hair Dye
For changing your hair color, mixing black semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye into brown dye is an option. Be very cautious with permanent hair color.
Here are some mixing tips for brown and black hair dye:
- Use a ratio of at least 2 parts brown to 1 part black
- Perform a strand test first to check the color result
- Apply petroleum jelly around hairline to avoid skin staining
- Mix in a non-metal bowl and apply immediately after mixing
- Process according to the timing guidelines on the dyes
It’s best to have your mixture formulated by a professional at a salon. But if you’re dyeing hair at home, mix small test batches first. Remember that color results will be darker on unbleached hair compared to lightened hair.
Mixing Food Coloring
Brown and black food dye can be combined to tint foods and frostings dark earthy colors. Useful tips:
- Liquid food coloring mixes better than gel
- Start with twice as much brown as black
- Add drops gradually until desired color is reached
- Mix into a few tablespoons of frosting or water first
- Avoid letting dyed foods touch cookware, utensils or surfaces
Extracting some frosting or batter first gives you something neutral to mix the dyes in. Adding too much black can turn foods greyish. Go slowly, test mixes before adding to entire batter.
Combining Brown and Black Clothing
Mixing black and brown works well in clothing and fashion. Some examples include:
- Wearing brown pants with a black top or jacket
- Pairing a black skirt with brown leather boots
- Having brown accessories like belt or handbag with black dress
- Layering a black cardigan over an earth-toned dress
- Wearing black tights with a brown suede mini skirt
The richness of brown complements the depth of black. Both are neutral, versatile shades. Just avoid mixing black tops with black bottoms, which looks very harsh.
Mixing Brown and Black Furniture
In home decor, brown and black blend nicely as accents. Ideas include:
- Black coffee table and brown leather sofa
- Chocolate colored walls with black shelves or trim
- Dark wood table paired with black dining chairs
- Espresso flooring with black area rugs
- Brown leather headboard on a black framed bed
The warmth of the brown offsets the coolness of the black for a cozy, welcoming look. Just don’t overdo both shades in equal amounts, which can look dreary.
Conclusion
Mixing black into brown generally produces a darker, more neutral and muted earth tone. The specific amount of black, the shades of the starting colors, and the medium used all determine the final result. While too much black can make brown look flat and dull, just a small amount can beautifully enhance brown, making it richer and more sophisticated. With some careful testing and a little creativity, black and brown can be combined in both stunning and subtle ways across many artistic, decorative and everyday applications.