What Colors Make Pink?
Red and white make pink. The more white you add, the softer and paler the pink becomes.
Red + White = Pink
Red
1 part
White
4 parts
Pink
Always add red into white a little at a time — red is far stronger and will overwhelm the mix.
Magenta + White = Pink
Magenta
1 part
White
4 parts
Pink
Gives a cooler, more vivid bubblegum pink than a warm red does.
Adjusting your pink
To lighten: Add more white for blush and baby pink.
To darken: Add a little more red, or a touch of black, for rose and dusty pink.
To mute or soften: Add a speck of green (its complement) for dusty rose and antique pink.
Mixing paint vs. mixing light
The recipes above describe subtractive mixing — how paint, ink and pigment behave. Each pigment absorbs part of the spectrum, so the more you add, the darker the mixture gets.
Screens work the opposite way, using additive mixing with red, green and blue light: the more you add, the brighter it gets. With light (RGB), pink is made from strong red light with substantial green and blue added, e.g. #F2A0B5.
Frequently asked about making pink
What colors make pink?
Red and white make pink. The more white you add, the softer and paler the pink becomes.
What two colors make pink?
Red + White makes pink. Always add red into white a little at a time — red is far stronger and will overwhelm the mix.
How do you make pink lighter or darker?
Add more white for blush and baby pink. Add a little more red, or a touch of black, for rose and dusty pink.
Is mixing pink paint the same as mixing pink light?
No. Paint mixes subtractively while light mixes additively. With light (RGB), pink is made from strong red light with substantial green and blue added, e.g. #F2A0B5.