Red is a primary color that can be mixed with other colors to create different hues and shades. When mixed with yellow, red makes orange. When mixed with blue, it makes purple. By adding white or black to red, you can create lighter or darker shades of red. Let’s explore what colors can be combined with red to create different shades.
Adding white to red
One way to make a lighter red shade is by adding white to it. Here are some red shades created by mixing red with increasing amounts of white:
| Red shade | Red pigment | White pigment |
| Maroon | 100% | 0% |
| Crimson | 90% | 10% |
| Cherry red | 80% | 20% |
| Scarlet | 70% | 30% |
| Ruby red | 60% | 40% |
| Apple red | 50% | 50% |
As you increase the amount of white pigment, the red becomes lighter and pinker. A red with a lot of white added will start to become a pink or salmon color.
Adding black to red
Mixing black pigment into red creates darker shades of red:
| Red shade | Red pigment | Black pigment |
| Burgundy | 90% | 10% |
| Oxblood | 80% | 20% |
| Maroon | 70% | 30% |
| Cordovan | 60% | 40% |
| Brownish red | 50% | 50% |
Adding more black makes the red become very dark until it eventually becomes a brown or black shade.
Mixing red with yellow
Red and yellow are next to each other on the color wheel. When blended together, they make different shades of orange. Here are some examples:
| Shade | Red pigment | Yellow pigment |
| Vermilion | 90% | 10% |
| Scarlet | 80% | 20% |
| Chinese red | 70% | 30% |
| Orange-red | 60% | 40% |
| Red-orange | 50% | 50% |
With more yellow added, the red starts becoming more orange. When the amounts of red and yellow pigment are equal, the result is a vivid red-orange shade.
Combining red and blue
On the color wheel, red and blue are complementary colors opposite each other. Mixing them together makes shades of purple:
| Shade | Red pigment | Blue pigment |
| Raspberry | 90% | 10% |
| Ruby | 80% | 20% |
| Crimson | 70% | 30% |
| Magenta | 60% | 40% |
| Violet-red | 50% | 50% |
The more blue that gets added, the red transitions into shades of purple and violet. Equal amounts of blue and red make a vivid violet-red color.
Tinting red with other colors
You can create lighter shades of red by tinting it with any lighter color. Here are some examples:
| Tinted red | Red pigment | Tint color |
| Pink | 90% | White 10% |
| Salmon | 80% | Orange 20% |
| Coral | 70% | Peach 30% |
| Rose | 60% | Pink 40% |
Tinting with white makes a pink shade. Orange, peach, and pink tints create soft coral and rose shades.
Shading red with other colors
Shading red involves mixing it with darker colors like black, brown, blue, green, or purple. Here are some examples:
| Shaded red | Red pigment | Shade color |
| Maroon | 80% | Black 20% |
| Burgundy | 70% | Brown 30% |
| Mulberry | 60% | Purple 40% |
| Wine | 50% | Blue 50% |
Dark shades are created by adding black, brown, purple, or blue pigment to red.
Conclusion
In summary, many shades of red can be made by mixing it with other colors:
– Lighter reds are created by adding white or tinting with lighter colors like pink, peach, or orange.
– Darker reds are created by mixing in black or shading with darker colors like brown, purple, or blue.
– Yellow mixes with red make different orange shades.
– Blue and red combine to create purple shades.
So if you want to create a custom red, experiment by blending it with other colors to make new hues and shades. The possibilities are endless!
