Mint is a pale, cool-toned pastel green that takes its name from the herb of the same color. There are a few different color combinations that can be used to create a mint green color.
Using Blue and White
One of the most common ways to make a mint color is by mixing a pale sky blue with white. The blue provides the greenish hue, while the white lightens and softens the color. Different ratios of blue to white will result in different minty shades.
Here is an example of a mint green made by combining blue and white paint:
| Blue Paint | White Paint | Resulting Mint Color |
|---|---|---|
| 2 parts | 1 part | A very pale, icy mint |
| 1 part | 2 parts | A light, whitish mint |
| 3 parts | 2 parts | A brighter, bolder mint |
As you can see, adjusting the ratio of blue to white paint results in mint greens of differing intensities. More blue makes the mint more saturated, while more white creates a softer, paler mint.
Combining Green and White
Another option is mixing a pale green with white paint or ink. The green provides the minty base hue, while the white Lightens the color.
Different shades of green will give different mint hues:
- A sage or seafoam green + white = a natural, earthy mint
- A bright lime green + white = a bold, vibrant mint
- A pale green-yellow + white = a creamy, faded mint
As with the blue and white combo, playing with the ratios of green to white will yield mints of varying intensities. More green makes for a bolder mint, while more white gives a softer, icier mint.
Mixing Blue, Green, and White
For even more options, you can mix blue, green, and white together. Combining all three colors allows you to get very customized and precise with your mint shade.
Try varying ratios of:
- Pale green + pale blue + white
- Lime green + sky blue + white
- Seafoam green + baby blue + white
Mixing all three colors gives you limitless possibilities for achieving that perfect minty hue. You can create mints that are bluer, greener, lighter, brighter, or more neutral.
Using Complementary Colors
The color wheel theory of complementary colors states that colors opposite each other on the color wheel can be mixed to create a neutral color. This principle can be used to make a mint green as well.
Try combining these complementary color pairs:
- Purple and yellow – a warm purple and lemony yellow mix to a soft mint hue
- Red and green – a pale red and light green make a natural mint
- Orange and blue – a coral orange and a pale blue blend to form mint
The ratios can be adjusted for lighter or more saturated mints. More of the first color makes the mint shift towards that hue, while more of the second color gives a mint with the opposite undertone.
Tinting with White or Black
Another simple option for making a mint color is by tinting or shading a pure green. Adding white will lighten the green to a softer mint shade. Adding black will create a deeper, cooler mint.
Some green hues to try tinting or shading:
- Mint green
- Seafoam green
- Light sage
- Pastel green
The more white is added, the lighter and more faded the mint color will be. The more black is added, the deeper and grayer the mint will get.
Using Analogous Colors
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel. Mixing adjacent colors is another way to achieve a minty hue.
Try combining:
- Blue and green
- Green and yellow-green
- Yellow-green and yellow
Varying the proportions shifts the mint shade towards one analogous color or the other. Equal parts keeps the color more neutral.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many color combinations that can be used to create that perfect mint green shade. Whether it’s mixing blue with white, green with white, using color theory with complements or analogous colors, or simply tinting a green, experimenting with different ratios is key.
Taking the time to play with varying mixtures allows you to really customize and fine-tune a mint color, lightening, darkening, brightening, or neutralizing it to get just the right look. So grab some paints or bust out your color wheel and start mixing!