Acrylic Paint Color Mixing Calculator

Color Mixing Formula:

\[ Mixed\ Color = \frac{\sum(Color_i \times Proportion_i)}{\sum Proportion_i} \]

Color Type:

Color 1

Proportion:

Red:

Green:

Blue:

Color 2

Proportion:

Red:

Green:

Blue:

Mixed Color Result:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Acrylic Paint Color Mixing?

Acrylic paint color mixing involves combining different colors in specific proportions to create new colors. This calculator uses weighted averaging of RGB or CMYK values to predict the resulting mixed color based on the input proportions and color values.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the weighted average formula:

\[ Mixed\ Color = \frac{\sum(Color_i \times Proportion_i)}{\sum Proportion_i} \]

Where:

\( Color_i \) — Individual color component values (RGB or CMYK)
\( Proportion_i \) — Percentage proportion of each color
\( \sum \) — Summation across all input colors

Explanation: Each color component is multiplied by its proportion, summed with other colors, then divided by total proportion to get the weighted average.

3. Importance of Color Mixing

Details: Accurate color mixing is essential for artists, designers, and painters to achieve desired hues, maintain color consistency, and create custom color palettes for various artistic projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select color type (RGB or CMYK), enter proportions as percentages, input color values within valid ranges (0-255 for RGB, 0-100% for CMYK). Ensure total proportions equal 100% for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between RGB and CMYK color mixing?
A: RGB is additive color mixing used for digital displays, while CMYK is subtractive mixing used for printing and physical paints.

Q2: Why don't the mixed colors match exactly what I see in real life?
A: Physical paint mixing involves pigment interactions, opacity, and lighting conditions that mathematical models can't fully replicate.

Q3: Can I mix more than two colors?
A: This calculator handles two colors, but the same weighted average principle applies to multiple colors by extending the formula.

Q4: What are ideal proportions for color mixing?
A: Proportions depend on desired outcome. Equal parts create balanced mixes, while unequal parts create tints of the dominant color.

Q5: How accurate is this calculator for acrylic paints?
A: It provides good theoretical predictions, but actual results may vary due to pigment strength, brand differences, and application methods.