What Colors Make Black? Guide On How To Make Black

Let’s be honest, black paint is one of those essentials we think we’ll never run out of… until we do. But here’s the good news: you can totally make your own black from other colors, and in many cases, it actually looks way better than the store-bought stuff.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what colors make black, how to mix lighter and darker versions of it, and even throw in a little bonus on how to create six other colors using just the basics. Let’s get into it!

What Colours Make Black?

So, what colors actually make black?

Here’s the fun part: black is usually made by mixing complementary colors, or by blending all three primary colors, red, blue, and yellow.

Here are a few go-to combos that work every time:

• Red + Blue + Yellow (equal parts for a classic dark black)
  

• Blue + Orange (deep and earthy)
  

• Green + Red (a little moodier)
  

• Purple + Yellow (great for muted blacks)
  

You can tweak each mix to lean warmer or cooler depending on your painting vibes. Want a cooler black? Add more blue. Something moodier? Try more red.

And if you’re using our Drawlish Acrylic Paints, the colors are vibrant and rich—so your black will come out strong and smooth, not muddy.

The Basics

Technically, black paint is just a super-dark pigment like carbon black or ivory black. But when you mix it yourself? You get depth, and that's what makes your work feel alive.

Start with bold, high-quality colors (like those in the Drawlish Acrylic Paint Set) so your black turns out deep, not dull. Use a clean, organized space like our Drawlish Paint Palette to get the perfect mix without making a mess.

Here's a great beginner formula to try:

• Ultramarine Blue + Burnt Umber
   This one gives you a rich, velvety black with a warm undertone, perfect for shadows or dramatic linework.

How to Make Light Shades of Black

Black doesn't always have to be pitch dark. Sometimes, you want a soft, smoky look, something more like charcoal or slate.

To create a lighter black:

• Start with your black mix
  

• Add a touch of white paint, little by little!
  

• Want it to look cooler? Add a hint of blue or purple
  

• Want a warmer shade? Try a tiny drop of burnt sienna
  

Light black works wonders in foggy landscapes, subtle shadows, or anywhere you want that almost-black-but-not-too-harsh vibe.

How to Make Dark Shades of Black

Now, let’s say you want your black even darker, like deep night sky vibes.

Here’s how to intensify your black:

• Mix in a bit of Phthalo Blue or Dioxazine Purple for a cool black
  

• Or add a tiny amount of Alizarin Crimson or Burnt Sienna for a warmer black
  

Layer it over lighter tones to add depth and contrast. Trust us—this kind of black gives your artwork so much mood.

Bonus: How to Create 6 Colors Using Just Primary Colors

If you’ve got red, blue, and yellow in your toolkit (like the ones in our Drawlish Acrylic Set), you’ve basically unlocked a rainbow. Here's how to mix your way to six go-to colors:

1. Orange = Red + Yellow
   

2. Green = Blue + Yellow
   

3. Purple = Red + Blue
   

4. Brown = Orange + Blue
   

5. Gray = Black + White
   

6. Pink = Red + White
   

Mixing colors yourself isn’t just fun, it also helps you understand color theory without even trying. And with creamy, pigmented acrylics like ours, you’ll get satisfying results every time.

Making your own black paint isn’t just a cool art hack, it’s a creative superpower. Once you know how to mix it yourself, you’ll start seeing color in a whole new way.

So next time you're in the studio, skip the tube and grab your Drawlish Acrylic Paints and Drawlish Paint Palette. Mix, play, explore, and create a black that’s anything but basic.

Quick Color FAQs You’ll Want to Know

Q: Is mixing black better than using pre-made black paint?

Totally. Mixed black often has more depth and character than the flat black from a tube.

Q: Can I save leftover mixed paint?

Yup! Store it in an airtight container or reuse it as an underpainting base.

Q: What if I accidentally made my black too cool or warm?

No stress, just balance it out. Add a bit of the opposite tone (warm or cool) until you get the shade you want.