Which colors to mix to get burgundy?
November 20, 2025 · caitlin
Burgundy is a rich, deep red color with purple undertones, often associated with elegance and sophistication. To create this luxurious hue, you need to mix specific colors in the right proportions. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect shade of burgundy.
What Colors Make Burgundy?
To mix burgundy, you will primarily need red, blue, and a touch of yellow. Start with a base of red and gradually add blue to create a purple tone. Then, add a small amount of yellow to deepen the shade, achieving the desired burgundy color. Adjust the proportions to match your preference.
How to Mix Paint to Get Burgundy?
Creating burgundy paint involves a careful blend of primary colors. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Start with Red: Use a deep red as your base color. This will be the dominant color in your mixture.
- Add Blue: Slowly mix in blue paint to your red base. This will create a purple hue.
- Incorporate Yellow: Add a tiny amount of yellow to the mixture. This will help achieve the rich depth characteristic of burgundy.
- Adjust as Needed: Continue adjusting the proportions until you reach the desired shade of burgundy.
Example Proportions
- Red: 60%
- Blue: 30%
- Yellow: 10%
These proportions can be adjusted based on the specific tones of your paints and personal preference.
How to Achieve Burgundy in Digital Design?
For digital design, achieving burgundy is a straightforward process using RGB or HEX codes. Here are the typical values used in digital platforms:
- RGB: (128, 0, 32)
- HEX: #800020
These codes ensure you achieve a consistent burgundy color across digital mediums.
Tips for Mixing Burgundy in Different Mediums
Mixing colors varies slightly depending on the medium, whether it’s paint, fabric dye, or digital design.
Paint
- Use Quality Paints: High-quality paints provide better pigmentation and blending capabilities.
- Test on Sample Surfaces: Before applying to your final piece, test on a scrap surface to ensure the color matches your vision.
Fabric Dye
- Pre-Mix Dyes: Mix small batches to test the color before applying it to the fabric.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to dye instructions for best results and color fastness.
Digital Design
- Use Color Pickers: Most design software includes color pickers to find the exact shade you need.
- Consistency Across Devices: Check how burgundy appears on different screens to ensure consistency.
People Also Ask
What Colors Can I Mix to Make Burgundy with Acrylic Paint?
To make burgundy with acrylics, start with a base of alizarin crimson or cadmium red. Add ultramarine blue in small amounts to achieve a purple hue, then incorporate a touch of cadmium yellow to deepen the color.
Can I Create Burgundy Using Watercolors?
Yes, you can create burgundy with watercolors by mixing a deep red with a small amount of blue. Adjust the saturation by adding water, and use a bit of yellow to adjust the tone.
How Do I Mix Burgundy with Oil Paints?
For oil paints, use a rich red like alizarin crimson as your base. Gradually add cobalt blue to achieve a purple tint, and a hint of yellow ochre to reach the burgundy shade.
What Is the Difference Between Burgundy and Maroon?
Burgundy and maroon are similar but distinct colors. Burgundy has more purple undertones, while maroon leans towards brown. Both are deep reds, but burgundy is often seen as more vibrant.
How Can I Adjust Burgundy to Be Darker or Lighter?
To darken burgundy, add more blue or a touch of black. To lighten it, incorporate white or a lighter red. Adjust gradually to maintain the balance of undertones.
Conclusion
Mixing the perfect shade of burgundy is an art that involves balancing red, blue, and yellow. Whether you’re working with paints, dyes, or digital design, understanding how these colors interact is key to achieving the desired hue. Experiment with different proportions and mediums to find the perfect burgundy for your project. For more color mixing tips, explore related topics on color theory and artistic techniques.
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