Which Two Colors to Make Pink?
At some point in the painting process, you may find yourself asking a simple yet crucial question: what colors make pink? Or more specifically, what colors create the exact shade of pink you need for your artwork? A closer look reveals countless variations—warm pink, hot pink, cool purplish pink, muted dusty pink, vibrant pink, and even neon pink. So, which red paint should you choose to achieve the perfect pink?
The simplest way to make pink is:
RED + WHITE = PINK
What 3 Colors Make Pink?
Pink is primarily made by mixing red and white, but a third color can be added to adjust the tone:
- Red + White = Standard pink
- Red + White + Yellow = Warm, peachy pink
- Red + White + Blue = Cooler, purple-toned pink
Which Red to Use to Make Pink?
Not all reds are equal when it comes to mixing pink. Some create duller, muted tones, while others effortlessly produce the vibrant, perfect pink you’re looking for:
- Quinacridone Red + White = Bright, soft pink
- Naphthol Red + White = Clean, vibrant, warm pink
- Alizarin Crimson + White = Deep, muted pink
- Cadmium Red + White = Warm, coral, salmon pink
- Magenta + White = Electric, neon (purplish) pink
How to Make Pink Without White?
If you want to create pink without white, you can try:
- Red + Light Yellow = Soft, warm pink
- Red + Pastel Orange = Coral pink
- Red + Light Gray = Muted, dusty pink
- Red + Very Light Blue = Lavender-pink
How to Make Hot Pink? (Maybe that’s the perfect pink you’re looking for?)
To make a bright, vibrant hot pink, use:
- Quinacridone Red + Titanium White
- Magenta + A Small Amount of White
- Cadmium Red + A Tiny Bit of Blue (for a neon effect)
- Fluorescent Pink + White
How to Adjust Your Pink: Quick Fixes
- Too bright? Add a tiny drop of gray or blue.
- Too warm? Use a cooler red like Alizarin Crimson.
- Too dark? Increase white or use a pastel base.
- Too dull? Mix in a touch of yellow or magenta.
- Too neon? Add a bit of black or complementary green.
Quick FAQ (Solving Common Mistakes)
- Why does my pink look dull? You might be using a red with brown undertones. Try Quinacridone Red instead.
- How do I make bubblegum pink? Use Cadmium Red + Titanium White.
- What’s the best pink for skin tones? Mix red, white, and a touch of yellow or brown.
- Can I make pink with watercolor or oil paint? Yes, follow the same mixing principles, but adjust for transparency or opacity.
This guide provides precise and practical color-mixing tips for creating different pinks, ensuring your final shade is exactly what you need.
