Pastel colors are easily created at home by adding white to existing colors. This simple technique works across various mediums, from paints to icing.
Making Pastel Colors with Paint
The easiest method for creating pastel paints, like acrylics, is by mixing a small amount of your desired color with a larger quantity of white paint. The ratio of color to white determines the pastel shade's intensity; a higher proportion of white creates a lighter, more muted pastel. For example, a tiny amount of vibrant blue mixed with a generous amount of white will yield a delicate pastel blue. This technique is confirmed by many online tutorials, such as the one titled "Making & Mixing Pastel Colors" found on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hls7Jsdenhw
- Example: To make a pastel purple, start with a small amount of purple paint and gradually add white, mixing thoroughly until you achieve the desired lightness.
Creating Pastels from Scratch
Making pastels from scratch involves more steps. One method, detailed on websites like Art is Fun, uses gum tragacanth as a binder. https://www.art-is-fun.com/how-to-make-your-own-soft-pastels-from-scratch This involves mixing powdered pigments with a gum tragacanth solution and shaping the mixture into sticks. This process requires more specialized materials and a greater understanding of art material properties.
- Key Ingredient: Gum tragacanth acts as a binder, holding the pigment particles together to form a cohesive pastel stick.
Pastel Icing
Creating pastel-colored icing, as shown on websites like Lila Loa, follows a similar principle. Start with a white base icing and add small amounts of food coloring until you reach your desired pastel shade. https://www.lilaloa.com/2017/03/how-to-make-perfect-pastel-icing-every.html
- Tip: Adding color gradually allows for better control and prevents the icing from becoming too dark.
Remember, the key to achieving beautiful pastel shades lies in the careful addition of white to your chosen base color. Experiment with different ratios to find your perfect pastel hues. Many YouTube tutorials demonstrate these techniques visually, offering helpful guidance.
