How to mix paints and create something new!
Before you start making the most amazing color mixes, it's important to know the best practices for mixing your own paint shades.
How to mix paint & make unique colors
Although we also have dozens of options in ready-made shades, sometimes the available colors are not exactly what you are looking for. Or maybe you just want to create something truly unique and your own.
It is not a problem. Of course, it is possible to mix your own paint shades and create a unique and personal look with your own shade.
Read on as we cover best practices for mixing paint and a few things to consider when creating the perfect shades...
Experimenting with relationships
At first you can try a little with paper, use thick paper or a paper plate - add small amounts of each color and mix well. Try to keep in mind the rough proportions of each color you use so you can mix a larger amount. You can write down the ratios on a paper plate with a pen.
Top tip - you should wait until the trial paint has dried to check that the color is the one you want.
If you want a larger amount, always make sure you mix very thoroughly. Again, you may have to experiment a bit to get your test spot to match.
As above, you should check the correctness of your shade mix when dry.
Mixing the right amount
If you keep accurate records of the amount of each color used (for example, by using measuring jugs or even syringes), you can produce a very similar color.
However, it is quite unlikely that you will get a 100% identical color to the original mixture.
Remember that mixing your own color is not a 100% exact science. Paint colors made by professionals are manufactured under carefully regulated conditions and processes to ensure they are consistent.
Replicating this at home is almost impossible.
For this reason, it is good to mix enough at once for each planned project.
Combining different Frenchic sets
If you want to mix paints from different Frenchic series, it will work, as long as you take other things into account.
You reduce the special properties of each paint by adding paint from different series together.
For example, if you add our wall paint to Al Fresco paint to create a color from leftover paint, it would be best to use the mix for indoor projects only, as Al Fresco's weather resistance is reduced.
You also get a mix of gloss levels of mixed paints. For example, if you mix a matte paint with a glossier paint, the result will be something in between.
Looking for ideas on what paint to mix?
There are no hard and fast rules about what colors go together. It's simply a matter of personal preference.
Part of the fun is that you never know exactly what's coming when you mix colors.
Come and see what kind of mixes our customers have already made in our Facebook group - search the group with the word COLOR RECIPE and you will get several popular mixes and their instructions.
In the following, we go through some different aspects and our own paint mixing tests
Be creative with color combinations
Most people know the basics of color combinations. For example, red and yellow make orange, while yellow and blue make green.
But you don't just mix simple, basic colors. You can choose from countless colors, all of which have their own characteristics and nuances.
For example, if you want to create the perfect shade of purple, red and blue are key ingredients.
How about combining a vibrant pink color like Raspberry Punch with the rich purple blue of Kiss Me Sloely?
The result is a deep purple that's full of character... Check out this amazing video by Fifi Parsons of Fifi's Fancy Furniture and see for yourself...
Open new colors with white
Adding white makes the color lighter, but at the same time maintains the tonal properties of the color.
This is an excellent option for an independent color. Alternatively, you can create two complementary colors that work well together on site.
Tip!
For example, you can paint the exterior of your furniture with the original color (or mix) and then add white to the paint to create a softer version of that color.
Use this mixture on the inside of drawer or cabinet doors. It tones beautifully with the main colors and at the same time brings a little variety.
This is covered in the videos above as you can add white to an existing mix of two colors.
Alternatively, you can simply add white to one color - like the Dive In below! and Dazzle Me! - in combination:
Add drama with black
Last but not least, you can make a color a darker shade without affecting its tones by adding black.
Like white, this can be used for complementary colors - one plain and one slightly darker.
Or just create a single color with an atmospheric base color.
Regarding black, it is important to remember that it is much more dominant than most colors.
So you can start with even the smallest amount and see how it affects the color.
If you love really dark colors but feel like straight black isn't for you, you can create great colors by using mostly black and adding a strong jewel color like Victory Lane or Steel Teal.
Find the perfect color
If you're looking for colors that are a little out of the ordinary, Frenchic has dozens of gorgeous shades to choose from.
Each of our colors offers something a little different, with its own character and tonal characteristics.
From bold reds, blues and greens to neutral tones full of personality.
If you decide to mix Frenchic paints yourself, we'd love to see how you get on.
Maybe you want to learn more and read how you can use the Color Circle to help you.
