Mixing colors can create new and interesting shades. When pink and black are combined, the resulting color depends on the exact shades of pink and black used and the proportions they are mixed in. Generally speaking, mixing pink and black creates a dark muted pink or purple tone.
Understanding Color Mixing
Before looking specifically at pink and black, it helps to understand some color theory basics around mixing colors. When two colors are mixed, they interact with each other in different ways.
Primary Colors
The primary colors are red, yellow and blue. These are pure base pigment colors that can’t be created by mixing other colors. When combined, primary colors make secondary colors:
| Red + Yellow | = | Orange |
| Red + Blue | = | Purple |
| Yellow + Blue | = | Green |
Tertiary Colors
Mixing a primary and secondary color makes a tertiary color, like red-orange or yellow-green. There are 6 tertiary colors.
Color Opposites
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, like red and green or blue and orange. When complementary colors are mixed, they neutralize each other.
Color Undertones
Most colors have warm or cool undertones. Warm colors like red, orange and yellow contain hints of those warmer hues. Cool colors like blue, green and purple contain cool undertones. This affects how colors interact when mixed.
How Pink and Black Interact
Now that color basics are covered, how do pink and black specifically mix together?
The Color Pink
Pink is a light red tone made by combining red and white. There are many shades of pink ranging from soft baby pink to bright fuchsia. All pinks contain red undertones.
The Color Black
Black is the darkest color, created by the absence of light. It absorbs all wavelengths of light and contains no undertones.
Mixing Pink and Black
When any version of pink is mixed with black, the black deepens and darkens the pink considerably. The red undertones of pink combine with the deep black to create a darkened muted purple or maroon shade. The exact resulting color depends on the original shades of pink and black used and the ratio they are mixed in.
Factors Affecting the Mixed Color
There are a few key factors that affect what color you get when you mix pink and black.
Shade of Pink
A brighter, more vibrant pink will result in a lighter mixed color. A pastel or baby pink will create a very dark muted mix.
Shade of Black
A charcoal grey black will mix a little lighter than a pure jet black. However, all blacks will darken and mute the pink.
Mixing Ratios
The more black added, the darker the mixed color will be. A 50/50 ratio of pink to black will be a dark muted purple. Adding less black keeps it more of a pink tone.
| 75% Pink + 25% Black | = | Dark Muted Pink |
| 50% Pink + 50% Black | = | Dark Muted Purple |
| 25% Pink + 75% Black | = | Very Dark Purple |
Tones Created by Mixing Pink and Black
Here are some examples of colors that can be created by mixing various pink and black shades:
Muted Plum
A medium fuchsia pink and dark black in a 60/40 ratio makes a nice muted plum color.
Eggplant
Mixing a pastel pink with pure black at 50/50 creates an eggplant purple shade.
Dusty Rose
Combining a baby pink with a soft charcoal black in a 70/30 ratio makes a muted dusty rose color.
Mulberry
A bright pink and a jet black black at 25/75 mixes into a deep mulberry purple.
Mixing Methods
There are a couple different ways to physically mix pink and black pigments.
Paint Mixing
Using acrylic or oil paints, mix the colors directly on a palette. Use a brush or knife to blend the paints thoroughly before applying to the canvas.
Dyeing
When dyeing fabric or clothing, separately dye portions of the material pink and black. Heat set the dyes, then wash the fabrics together to let the colors blend.
Crayon Blending
Young artists can practice color mixing by shaving pink and black crayons into a pile then melting the shavings together in the oven or with a heat tool. The melted wax blends the colors.
Digital Editing
Using photo editing software, layer a pink image over a black background and play with transparency and blend effects to mix the colors digitally.
Using Pink and Black Mixes
The muted dark purple tones created by pink and black work well in many contexts.
Gothic Decor
In home decor, these colors give a nice gothic vibe when used in wall paints, textiles and furniture accents. The muted tones aren’t too overwhelming.
Dark Floral Prints
Fabric and clothing designers can use the mixed colors to create beautiful dark floral prints. The pink accents keep the patterns from being too somber.
Edgy Fashion
Pink and black mixtures like plum, mulberry and dusty rose work wonderfully in edgy fashion styles. They provide a punky vibe to clothing and accessories.
Product Branding
Using these colors strategically in product packaging, branding and marketing materials can help companies target certain demographics and stand out. The colors are youthful yet sophisticated.
Conclusion
When combined, the vibrant pinks and deep blacks create a fun palette of fresh, muted purple tones. The exact shade depends on the original pink and black hues and the ratio they are mixed in. These colors are versatile and work well in projects ranging from interior design to product branding. Mix up some pinks and blacks today to see what new shades you can invent!
