Colors can be fascinating to mix and blend together. When it comes to mixing colors, the possibilities are endless! However, some color combinations tend to naturally occur more often than others. One such combination is mixing orange and another color to make pink. So what color mixed with orange makes pink?
Understanding Color Mixing Basics
Before diving into the specifics of mixing orange and pink, it helps to understand some color mixing basics. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors together – for example, mixing red and yellow makes orange. Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color next to it on the color wheel. For instance, red mixed with orange makes red-orange.
When mixing colors, the concept of complementary colors is also important. Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel. They create a striking contrast when placed side-by-side. The complement of orange is blue. Adding small amounts of blue to orange makes brown. However, adding larger amounts of blue to orange leads towards a pinkish hue.
Mixing Orange and Red to Make Pink
Now that we’ve covered some key color mixing principles, we can look specifically at making pink. There are a few different color combinations that can yield a pink hue when mixed with orange.
The most common approach is to mix orange with its complementary color blue. However, blue and orange mixed together in equal parts will make brown. To get pink instead, you need a lot more orange than blue. The blue should only be added in very small quantities to gently tone down the orange.
Another way to mix a pink color is by combining orange with red. Red is located next to orange on the color wheel. When blended together, they create a vivid reddish-orange. By lightening up the orange with white paint or pigment, you can push the hue from reddish-orange towards a peach or pink instead.
| Color 1 | Color 2 | Resulting Color |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | Small amount of Blue | Pink |
| Orange | Red | Reddish-orange/Peach/Pink |
As you can see in the table above, both mixing blue and red with orange can result in shades of pink. The blue approach requires very precise mixing to avoid getting brown instead. Combining orange and red allows more flexibility in the mixing ratios.
Tinting Orange with White to Reach Pink
In addition to mixing complementary or adjacent colors with orange, another way to make pink is by tinting the orange with white. By adding white paint or pigment to pure orange, you reduce the saturation of the orange and lighten its hue. Once enough white is added, the resulting color becomes a pastel peach or light pink.
The benefit of tinting orange with white rather than mixing it with blue or red is that you don’t have to worry about the exact ratio of colors. The more white you add, the lighter and closer to pink the end result will become. This makes it easier to gradually adjust the tone as needed to achieve the perfect pale pink.
Ideal Color Ratios for Mixing an Orange and Pink Tone
If you want to intentionally mix a pink-orange tone, what are the ideal color ratios to use? Here are some recommended starting points:
- 80% orange + 20% red = Vibrant reddish peach
- 60% orange + 40% white = Soft peach
- 70% orange + 30% blue = Dusty pink
- 50% orange + 50% white = Light pink
The amounts can be adjusted based on how dark, light, muted, or saturated you want the final pink-orange color to be. But these ratios give you an initial baseline for mixing a pinkish tone when starting from a pure orange color.
Other Considerations When Mixing Orange and Pink
A few other important factors to keep in mind when attempting to mix orange with another color to create pink:
- Temperature – Is your starting orange a warm, fiery tone or a cooler peach orange? The undertones will impact the end result.
- Medium – Mixing colored pigments will differ slightly from mixing light colors like paint or digital colors on screen.
- Texture – Matte or glossy finishes can subtly influence color perception.
- Lighting – Colors may appear different in warm sunlight, cool shade, indoor lighting etc.
Test your mixed colors in the exact lighting and conditions they will be used. Subtle adjustments may be needed to get the desired pink depending on the factors above.
Mixing Pink and Orange for Vibrant Color Combinations
Once you’ve succeeded in mixing orange with red, blue, or white to produce a pink tone, you can then use the pink and original orange together in vivid color combinations. Contrasting orange and pink can create dynamic, eye-catching effects. You’ll often see this color scheme used in graphics, fashion, interior design, and more.
Some examples of incorporating orange and pink together include:
- A pink background with orange accents
- An orange and pink ombre effect
- A bold graphic print mixing orange and pink shapes
- A perfume bottle with orange lines and pink cap
- A platter with swirled orange and pink glaze
The complementary vibrancy of orange and pink can be striking and beautiful when skillfully combined. Mixing custom shades of pink by adding red, blue, or white to orange allows for endless possibilities.
Conclusion
Mixing the perfect pink hue starting from a pure orange color requires understanding basic color theory and some practice. By adding small amounts of orange’s complementary color blue, mixing in adjacent red on the color wheel, or lightening with white, various shades of peach, coral, and pink can be achieved. Adjust the ratios to fine tune the tone. Consider temperature, medium, texture, and lighting when mixing. Then use the custom orange-influenced pinks together with the original orange in any number of gorgeous, vibrant color combinations and effects.
