What colors make maroon?
Short answer
Maroon is created by mixing a primary red with a small amount of blue or violet to deepen the hue, followed by the addition of black or brown to darken it. This process shifts the vibrant red toward a rich, brownish-crimson shade, resulting in the deep, sophisticated color known as maroon.
On this page
How to mix maroon paint
To create maroon using standard acrylic or oil paints, begin with a base of bright, warm red. Because red is a primary color, it serves as the foundation for the deep, earthy undertones characteristic of maroon. Slowly incorporate a tiny amount of blue—specifically a cool-toned blue like ultramarine—to neutralize the intensity of the red. The blue acts as a darkening agent that pulls the red toward a violet spectrum.
Once you have achieved a dark, plum-like shade, introduce a touch of brown or black to finalize the color. It is essential to add these dark pigments in very small increments, as they can quickly overpower the mixture and turn your paint into a muddy, unrecognizable gray. If the mixture becomes too dark, add a small amount of red back into the palette to brighten it.
- Start with a generous dollop of cadmium red or a similar warm red.
- Add a small dot of ultramarine blue and mix thoroughly until the color shifts to a deep crimson.
- Gradually incorporate a tiny amount of burnt umber or black to reach the desired depth.
- Test the color on a scrap piece of paper, as paint often darkens slightly as it dries.
Why maroon is different from burgundy
Many people confuse maroon with burgundy, but they have distinct origins and color compositions. Maroon is technically a shade of red that has been darkened with brown, whereas burgundy is a mixture of red and purple. Because burgundy relies on purple, it often appears cooler and more vibrant than the earthy, muted tones found in maroon.
The difference is most apparent when viewing the colors side by side under natural light. Maroon carries a subtle warmth similar to clay or dark soil, while burgundy retains the sharp, jewel-toned brightness of a grape or wine. Understanding this distinction is vital for artists or designers who need to select the correct pigment for a specific visual effect or mood.
Best tools for color mixing
Achieving the perfect maroon requires high-quality pigments that do not separate or turn chalky when blended. Professional-grade paints typically offer better saturation, which allows for more control when adding small amounts of black or brown. If you are a beginner, look for "heavy body" acrylics, as they provide a thick consistency that is easier to manage on a palette.
When mixing, use a palette knife rather than a brush. A knife ensures that the pigments are fully integrated without trapping air bubbles or leaving streaks of unmixed color. Furthermore, a metal or plastic palette knife is much easier to clean, preventing color contamination when you move on to your next project.
- Use a white palette surface to see the true undertones of your red base.
- Keep a paper towel nearby to wipe the knife between additions of black or brown.
- Work in a well-lit area to ensure that the subtle shift from red to maroon is visible.
Common mistakes when mixing maroon
The most frequent error when attempting to create maroon is adding too much black at the beginning of the process. Black is an extremely powerful pigment that can easily dominate a small amount of red, resulting in a flat, muddy color that lacks the characteristic warmth of maroon. Always start with the smallest possible amount of dark pigment and adjust as necessary.
Another common mistake is neglecting the impact of the blue pigment. If you skip the blue and go straight from red to black, the resulting color will likely be a dull, dark gray-red rather than the rich, sophisticated maroon you desire. The blue is necessary to bridge the gap between the vibrancy of the red and the depth of the dark additives.
- Adding black before the blue, which prevents the color from achieving its proper depth.
- Using a brush that still contains residue from a previous color, which can shift the maroon toward green or yellow.
- Failing to mix the paint thoroughly, leading to uneven streaks of red and dark pigment.
How to use maroon in design
Maroon is a versatile color that functions exceptionally well as an accent in both interior design and digital graphics. Because it is a dark, grounded color, it provides a sense of stability and elegance. When paired with lighter neutrals like cream, beige, or soft gray, maroon stands out as a focal point without overwhelming the surrounding space.
In digital design, you can achieve maroon by using specific color codes. In the RGB color model, which is used for screens, maroon is represented by the values (128, 0, 0). This specific combination of light channels ensures that the color appears consistent across different devices. Whether you are painting a wall or designing a website, remember that maroon is a "heavy" color, so it is often best used in moderation to maintain a balanced and professional aesthetic.
Key facts
- Maroon is created by mixing a primary red with a small amount of blue or violet to darken the hue.
- Adding a touch of black is the most common professional method to deepen red into a rich maroon.
- Brown can be added to red to create an earthy, muted version of maroon often used in interior design.
- The name maroon is derived from the French word "marron," which translates to chestnut.
- To achieve a vibrant maroon, start with a bright red base and add dark pigments gradually to avoid turning the color muddy.
- Complementary colors like teal or gold are often paired with maroon to enhance its visual intensity in art and design.
The bottom line
Maroon is a sophisticated, deep shade of red achieved by darkening the primary hue with blue, black, or brown. To master this color, begin with a bold red base and introduce darker pigments sparingly. Avoiding an over-saturation of dark tones is essential to prevent the color from appearing muddy. With careful calibration, you can create a versatile, elegant shade suitable for everything from fine art to interior decor.
People also ask
Is maroon the same color as burgundy?
While often used interchangeably, burgundy typically contains more purple or violet undertones than maroon. Maroon is strictly a dark, brownish-red, whereas burgundy is a dark, purplish-red.
How do I make maroon paint lighter?
You can lighten maroon by adding a very small amount of white paint to create a dusty rose or mauve shade. Be careful, as adding too much white will quickly turn the deep maroon into a pastel pink.
Can I make maroon using only primary colors?
Yes, you can create a maroon-like shade by mixing red with a little bit of blue and a tiny drop of yellow. The yellow helps to neutralize the brightness, creating the necessary brownish undertone.
Why does my maroon look like mud?
Your mixture likely contains too much blue or black pigment, which can overpower the red base. Always add dark colors in tiny increments, stirring thoroughly between each addition to monitor the shift in tone.
What is the hex code for standard maroon?
In digital design, the standard hex code for maroon is #800000. This represents a specific dark red hue used across web and graphic design platforms.
Does maroon look different on screens versus paper?
Yes, digital screens use light-based RGB color models, while printed materials use ink-based CMYK models. Maroon often appears more vibrant on a monitor and may look slightly flatter or darker when printed on paper.
This answer was created with the help of AI research tools and reference sources. Spotted an error? Let us know — we correct mistakes quickly. See our editorial policy.
