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5 Basic Acrylic Colors to Start Mixing Like a Pro

What are the 5 basic acrylic colors?

The five basic acrylic colors are typically considered the core set you can mix from to create a wide range of hues: titanium white, primary yellow, primary red, primary blue, and black (often mars black). This lineup gives you control over value (lightness/darkness) and lets you mix most everyday colors for painting, crafting, or DIY projects.

1) Titanium White

White lightens any mixture and helps create tints like pastel blues, pinks, and greens. Titanium white is also opaque, so it’s useful for coverage and layering.

2) Primary Yellow

Yellow mixes with blue to create greens and with red to create oranges. A “primary” or “lemon” yellow usually makes cleaner, brighter mixes than warmer golden yellows.

3) Primary Red

Red combines with yellow for oranges and with blue for purples. If you’re buying a single red, a neutral primary red is a versatile middle ground for both warm and cool mixes.

4) Primary Blue

Blue mixes with yellow for greens and with red for purples. A primary blue is a reliable anchor color for landscapes, skies, shadows, and deepening other colors.

5) Black (Mars Black)

Black darkens mixtures and can help quickly create muted tones. Many painters use it sparingly because it can overpower mixes, but it’s handy for strong contrast, grayscale underpainting, and fast value studies.

Want more ready-to-use color options beyond the basics? A multi-color set can speed up painting and reduce mixing time while still letting you layer and blend. See the full guide here: 24 Color 12ml Acrylic Paint Set Guide.

For 5 Basic Acrylic Colors to Start Mixing Like a Pro, the best answer depends on fit, material, care instructions, and how the product will be used day to day.

FAQ

What colors should I buy first for acrylic painting?

Start with titanium white, primary yellow, primary red, primary blue, and black, then add a brown (like burnt umber) if you paint a lot of skin tones, wood, or landscapes. This setup covers most mixing needs without buying dozens of tubes.