Mixing colors can result in new and interesting shades. When it comes to mixing orange and white paint or dye, the resulting color depends on the ratio of orange to white used. Generally, adding white to orange results in lighter, softer shades of orange.
Adding White to Orange Paint
If you add a small amount of white paint to orange paint, it will make the orange lighter and less saturated. The more white paint you add, the lighter the resulting color will become. Here’s a look at some of the colors that can result:
- Orange with a touch of white added becomes a soft peach shade.
- An equal mix of orange and white makes a pale cantaloupe color.
- Orange with a lot of white added results in a very light creamy orange.
The exact shades you get will vary depending on the original shade of orange paint used. A bright orange will need more white mixed in to lighten it compared to a burnt orange, for example.
Adding White Paint to Orange Dye
The same general principles apply when mixing white dye with orange dye. A small amount of white will mute the orange slightly, while larger amounts will make it progressively lighter.
Here is a table showing some example ratios of orange to white dye and the resulting colors:
| Orange Dye | White Dye | Resulting Color |
| 1 part | 1 part | Light orange |
| 1 part | 2 parts | Pale orange |
| 1 part | 3 parts | Peach |
| 1 part | 5 parts | Light peach |
The shade of orange dye used makes a difference in the end result. Mixing a bright orange dye with white will give different colors than mixing in white with a red-orange dye, for example.
Mixing Orange and White Paint
You can also mix orange and white paint together before applying it. If you mix equal parts orange and white paint, you’ll end up with a pale cantaloupe color. Mixing a small amount of orange into white paint will tint the white paint a soft peach shade.
Here are some examples of orange and white paint mixes:
- 10 parts white paint + 1 part orange paint = very pale peach
- 5 parts white paint + 1 part orange paint = light peach
- 3 parts white paint + 1 part orange paint = peach
- 1 part white paint + 1 part orange paint = light orange
The resulting color can be adjusted by changing the ratio of paints mixed together. More orange makes the color darker and more saturated, while more white muted it.
Mixing Orange and White Dye
As with paint, you can also premix orange and white dye before using it. The shade of orange makes a difference, but generally mixing white and orange dye will result in soft peachy shades.
Here is a table with some example mixes and colors:
| Orange Dye | White Dye | Resulting Color |
| 1 part | 1 part | Light orange |
| 1 part | 2 parts | Soft peach |
| 1 part | 3 parts | Pale peach |
| 1 part | 5 parts | Very light peach |
With more orange dye in the mix, the colors are darker and more saturated. The more white dye, the lighter and more muted the shades become.
Using Orange and White in Decorating
Mixing shades of orange and white together can create warm, inviting color schemes for decorating. Here are some tips for using these colors in your home:
- Paint walls a soft peach shade by mixing white and orange paint
- Use a pale cantaloupe color for accent walls or trims
- Choose a burnt orange and white geometric print for pillows or curtains
- Mix white and orange hues together when picking flowers for a centerpiece
- Tie in soft peach napkins and candles for a coordinating table setting
- Display orange and white photos or art together for a complementary look
The lighthearted feel of these colors works well for creating a bright, upbeat living space. The white helps tone down and mute the orange, making the combination soothing rather than harsh.
Mixing Dyes for Clothing
Orange and white dyes can be blended to create unique color combinations for dyeing clothing or other fabric items:
- Mix dyes ahead of time to dye fabrics in an ombre peach to orange look
- Use white dye on an orange garment to lighten and brighten the color
- Tie dye shirts combining orange and white dye for a psychedelic look
- Mix custom colored dyes to get just the right shade for a project
Having a range of colored dyes on hand, including orange and white, gives you many options for creating your own custom dyed apparel and accessories.
Mixing Orange and White Frosting
For baking or cake decorating, orange and white frostings can be swirled or mixed together for a creamsicle effect. A few techniques include:
- Marble orange and white frosting together on a cake for a striking look
- Pipe orange and white frosting stripes on cupcakes or cookies
- Mix the colors into a blended peach frosting to frost the entire cake
- Use a piping bag to draw orange and white patterns on fondant
The colors work perfectly for summer parties and events, with a bright yet refreshing vibe. Just a small amount of orange balances out the white frosting nicely.
Mixing Paint for Murals or Crafts
Hand mixing custom paint colors gives you endless options for painting murals, walls, or craft projects. Here are some ideas when working with orange and white paint:
- Blend white paint into orange to make peach accents for a mural
- Add a touch of orange to white paint for a vintage lace look on furniture
- Mix up shells of custom colors using various ratios of orange and white
- Create ombre paint effects going from white to light orange
Saving your color mixes for future touch ups allows you to recreate them precisely. Mixing orange and white paints together helps tone down the orange into soft, flexible hues.
Combining Orange and White Plastics
Orange and white plastics can be mixed together and melted down to form new plastic products in custom shades. Here are some examples:
- Recycle orange and white plastic items and melt them together into new beads
- Inject swirls of orange into clear recycled white plastic to make artisan vases
- Press strips of orange and white melted plastic together to create patterned skateboard decks
- Blend the plastics into a light peach color to make recycled tool handles
With some creativity, plastic trash and recycling can be given new life by mixing the orange and white colors to make unique items.
Combining Orange and White Paper
Paper crafters can mix media using orange and white paper stocks to create interesting effects. Some ideas include:
- Cut shapes from orange and white paper to form collages or decoupage art
- Make custom stationery with orange and white accents layered together
- Incorporate orange and white patterned scrapbook paper together in layouts
- Use white embossing powder on orange paper for a raised textured look
The colors work well together to add visual interest while remaining soft and easy on the eyes. Endless paper craft creations are possible with this color duo.
Conclusion
Mixing orange and white together can result in an array of softer, lighter orange shades ranging from peachy tones to very pale creams. The possibilities are endless for using these flexible colors together in arts, crafts, decorating, baking and more. Whether you’re mixing paints, dyes, frosting or paper, orange and white combine beautifully to create all new custom colors that allow orange to shine in any context.