How to mix paints and create something new!
Before you start making the most amazing color blends, it’s important to know the best practices for mixing your own paint shades.
Although we have dozens of options in ready-made shades, sometimes the available colors are not quite what you’re looking for. Or maybe you just want to create something truly unique and your own.
It’s not a problem. It is certainly possible to mix your own paint shades and create a unique and personal look with your own color.
Read more as we share best practices for mixing paints and some considerations to keep in mind when creating perfect shades...
Experimenting with proportions
At first, you can try a little on 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 mark the proportions on the paper plate with a pen.
Top tip - it’s worth waiting until the test paint has dried so you can check that the color is what you want.
If you want a larger amount, always make sure to mix very thoroughly. Again, you may need to experiment a little to get your test patch to match.
As mentioned above, you should check the accuracy of your shade mix when dry.
Mixing the right amount
If you keep a precise record of the amount used of each color (for example, by using measuring jugs or even syringes), you can create a very similar color.
However, it is quite unlikely that you will get a 100% identical color to the original mix.
Remember that mixing your own color is not an exact science. Paint colors made by professionals are produced under strictly controlled conditions and processes to ensure consistency.
Repeating this at home is almost impossible.
For this reason, it is good to mix a sufficient amount at once for each planned project.
Combining different Frenchic series
If you want to mix paints from different Frenchic series, it is possible as long as you consider other factors.
You reduce the special properties of each paint by mixing paints from different ranges.
For example, if you add our wall paint to Al Fresco paint to create a color from leftover paints, it’s best to use the mix only for indoor projects because Al Fresco’s weather resistance is reduced.
You also get the gloss level of the mixed paints. For example, if you mix a matte paint with a glossier paint, you get a result somewhere in between.
Looking for ideas on what paints to mix?
There are no strict rules about which colors go together. It’s simply a matter of personal preference.
Part of the fun is that you never know exactly what will come out when you mix colors.
Be sure to check out our FB group to see what mixes our customers have already made – search the group for the word COLOR RECIPE to get several popular mixes and their instructions.
Next, we’ll go through some different aspects and our own paint mixing tests.
Be creative and bold 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’re not just mixing simple, basic colors. You can choose from countless colors, each with its own properties and nuances.
For example, if you want to create the perfect shade of purple, red and blue are key ingredients.
What if you combine a vibrant pink like Raspberry Punch with the rich violet-blue Kiss Me Sloelyn?
The result is a deep purple full of character... Watch this stunning video made by Fifi Parsons from Fifi's Fancy Furniture and see for yourself...
Unlock new colors with white
Adding white makes the color lighter while preserving the color's hue characteristics.
This is an excellent alternative to a standalone color. Alternatively, you can create two complementary colors that work well together on site.
Tip!
For example, you can paint the outside of your furniture with the original color (or mix) and then add white paint to create a softer version of that color.
Use this mix inside boxes or cabinet doors. It shades beautifully with the main colors while adding a bit of variation.
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 in the Dive In! and Dazzle Me! combination below:
Add drama with black
Last but not least, you can make a color a darker shade without affecting its tones by adding black.
Like with white, this can be used for complementary colors – one regular and one a bit darker.
Or just create a single color with a moody base tone.
With black, it’s 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 really love dark colors but feel that pure black doesn’t suit you, you can create amazing colors by mainly using black and adding a strong jewel tone, like Victory Lane or Steel Teal.
Find the perfect color
If you’re looking for colors a bit out of the ordinary, Frenchic has dozens of stunning shades to choose from.
Each of our colors offers something a little different, with its own character and shade qualities.
From bold reds, blues, and greens to neutral shades full of personality.
If you decide to mix Frenchic paints yourself, we would love to see how you succeed.
Maybe you want to learn more and read how you can use the Color Wheel as your aid.
Post on Instagram or join the Frenchic fan forum on Facebook to share your creations and get inspiration from other painting enthusiasts - tag us along!
