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How to Mix Pink Oil Paint?

Published in Oil Painting 2 mins read

To mix pink oil paint, you primarily need red and white paints, with the option of using a tiny amount of black to adjust the shade.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Mix Pink Oil Paint:

  1. Start with White: Place a dollop of white oil paint on your palette. This will be the base of your pink.
  2. Add Red Gradually: Take a small amount of red oil paint and mix it into the white. Remember, red is a very strong color. Add it gradually until you achieve your desired pink shade.
  3. Adjust the Shade:
    • For Lighter Pinks: Add more white paint to lighten the shade of pink.
    • For Darker Pinks: As mentioned in the reference, "add a touch very small amount of black to darken". Start with the smallest amount possible as black is very dominant.
  4. Pre-Mix Shades (Recommended): The reference suggests, "I would pre mix 3 shades of the pink if I were you." This is a good practice, to ensure you have different variations of pink readily available. You can prepare a light pink, a medium pink and a darker pink, to give you flexibility during painting.

Tips for Mixing Pink Oil Paint:

  • Use a Palette Knife: A palette knife is ideal for mixing oil paints, helping to avoid contamination and allowing for smooth blending.
  • Work in Small Amounts: Start with small portions and adjust. It is easier to add more red/white than to try and correct an overly strong or light mixture.
  • Record Ratios: If you find a mix you love, take note of the ratio of red and white you used. This will help you replicate the shade.

Summary Table

Component Effect
White Oil Paint Base of the color, lightens it.
Red Oil Paint Adds the pink hue, darkens it.
Black Oil Paint Darkens the shade of pink

By using this method, you'll be able to create a beautiful range of pink hues.