To make maroon, you primarily need red and blue, with a touch of yellow. Specifically, you darken red with blue, then add a tiny bit of yellow to give it a brownish tint.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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The Base: Red - Red is the foundation of maroon.
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Darkening with Blue: Add blue to the red to deepen the color. The ratio is approximately 5 parts red to 1 part blue. You need significantly more red than blue.
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Adding Yellow for Warmth: Introduce a very small amount of yellow. This is crucial for creating the brownish undertone that distinguishes maroon from other dark reds like burgundy.
Simplified Recipe:
- Start with red paint.
- Gradually add blue paint until the red darkens considerably.
- Add a tiny amount of yellow to achieve the desired brownish hue.
Important Considerations:
- Type of Red: The specific shade of red you start with will influence the final maroon color. A slightly orange-red will require less yellow.
- Type of Blue: Different blues (e.g., ultramarine, phthalo) can affect the resulting color differently. Experiment to find your preference.
- Yellow Amount: Be extremely cautious with the yellow; too much will make the maroon look muddy. Add it in very small increments.
