How do you make a darker color with acrylic paint?

You can make acrylic paint darker by adding a darker color to it, such as black, brown, or a darker shade of the existing color.

Methods to Darken Acrylic Paint

Here are several approaches to darkening your acrylic paint, drawing from common techniques:

• Adding Black:
  • This is the most direct way to darken a color, but use it sparingly. A small amount of black can quickly overpower the original color, making it dull and muddy. As shown in the provided video snippet, even small amounts of a dark color can significantly alter the result.
  • Start with the tiniest amount possible, adding more slowly until you achieve the desired shade.
• Adding Brown:
  • Using brown is another method for darkening colors. It is not as strong as black and offers a more natural, less harsh effect, while still deepening the hue.
  • As with black, it is better to start with a small amount and increase gradually.
• Adding a Darker Shade of the Base Color:
  • If you’re working with red, you could add a darker red, like a burgundy. This is less likely to muddy the color than using black and will maintain the color's original vibrancy.
  • This will darken the existing color while keeping within the same color family.

Example

Let's say you have a bright yellow acrylic paint. According to the reference, if you add a "teeny tiny bit of orange," you can start to darken the yellow, even though it will not become a darker shade of yellow. Therefore, the best way to darken yellow, would be to add brown slowly.

Additional Tips

• Start Small: Add the darkening color in small increments. It's easier to add more than to remove too much.
• Mix Thoroughly: Ensure the colors are completely blended to achieve a uniform shade.
• Test on a Separate Surface: Before applying it to your artwork, test the mixed color on a scrap of paper to make sure you've achieved the desired shade.
• Consider the Undertones: Be mindful of the undertones of the colors you’re mixing. For example, adding a cool black to a warm yellow could give unwanted green tones.

Summary Table