How to mix paint colors at home (and like the results)

Mixing your own paint at home is one of the most frugal and creative ways to makeover a space or piece of furniture. You don’t need to be a color theory expert to get beautiful results—just a few basic guidelines, a willingness to experiment, and a little common sense.

And let me say this: I’ve mixed some beautiful shades from random leftovers I probably should’ve tossed. It’s paint alchemy, and it’s part of the fun.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial and troubleshooting guide to help you mix paint confidently at home.

What Paints Mix Well?

• Latex (water-based) paints mix well with other latex paints.
• Acrylic craft paint (like the little bottles you find at craft stores) can be used to tint latex paint in small amounts, especially for craft projects or furniture.
• Chalk paint can often be mixed with latex, but test a small batch first—it may affect adhesion.
• Oil-based paints should not be mixed with water-based paints. They separate and won’t bond correctly.

Tip: Stick to mixing paints that are the same base type (water with water, oil with oil).

Basic Mixing Tips

Lightening a Color

• Add white paint to lighten any color.
• Warm whites will keep your color soft and creamy.
• Bright whites can result in a more pastel or modern shade.

Darkening a Color

• Add black paint carefully — a tiny bit goes a long way.
• You can also darken a color by adding its complementary color (e.g., adding green to red, blue to orange).
• Adding a bit of brown creates a muted, earthy tone.

Making It Chalky or Muted

• Add a bit of gray or cream to soften the saturation.
• If you want a chalky, vintage feel, try adding Plaster of Paris or baking soda for DIY chalk paint. (Great for furniture!)

Making a “Muddy” or Earthy Color

• Mix complementary colors (red + green, blue + orange, yellow + purple) in small amounts.
• You’ll get warm, desaturated tones that work beautifully in rustic or traditional spaces.

What Happens When You Add…

Additive	Result
White	Lightens and softens
Black	Deepens and cools
Gray	Mutes saturation, makes colors more sophisticated
Brown	Warms and earths the color
Complementary color	Mutes and neutralizes (great for subtle shades)
Acrylic craft paint	Slight tint, best for small batches or detail work
Baking soda or plaster	Creates chalky, textured paint (best for furniture, not walls)

How to Mix Paint at Home

Tools You’ll Need:

• Leftover latex paints or tints
• Stir sticks or paint mixer
• Measuring cup (for replicating recipes)
• Clean, empty paint can or container
• Labels and painter’s tape
• Gloves and drop cloth

Steps:

1. Start with a base color. Usually white or a neutral leftover paint.
2. Add small amounts of other colors. Use teaspoons or tablespoons to start.
3. Stir thoroughly between additions to fully blend the color.
4. Test your color on a scrap board or a piece of drywall.
5. Adjust as needed. Add white to lighten, gray to tone down, etc.
6. Once satisfied, label the container. Write the mix recipe on painter’s tape and stick it right to the lid.

Storing Mixed Paint

• Use clean, airtight containers (old paint cans, plastic containers with lids, or mason jars).
• Always label the mix recipe (e.g., “2 parts white, 1 part blue, ½ part gray”).
• Note the date and the type of surface it was intended for.
• Store in a cool, dry place—away from freezing temperatures.

Where It Works Best

Ideal surfaces:

• Furniture
• Accent walls
• Cabinetry (as long as paint quality is decent)
• Decor projects like lamps, planters, trays

Not ideal for:

• High-moisture areas like bathrooms (unless you know the original paint was made for that)
• Exterior projects (unless the paints are exterior-rated)
• Full rooms unless you’re sure you can replicate the shade

Troubleshooting

Color turned out too bright?
→ Add gray, brown, or a bit of the complementary color.

Too dull or muddy?
→ Add a drop or two of a primary color to bring it back to life.

Peeling or poor coverage?
→ Use a bonding primer and always clean the surface before painting.

Not enough for the full project?
→ Stretch it with white or a lighter tone, and use the original shade as an accent.

Final Thoughts

Mixing your own paint is part science, part art—and all thrift. Whether you’re creating a creamy sage for your cabinets or a chalky off-white for an old table, trust your eye and take notes as you go.

And when in doubt? Paint it anyway. The only way to get better is to experiment — and if you mess it up, you can always paint over it. 😉