What Colors Make Blue? Mixing Guide + 18 Blue Shades

Can you actually mix blue? It’s one of the most asked questions by artists, students, and curious minds exploring the world of color. Traditional art teachers will tell you that blue is a primary color—you can’t create it by mixing others.

But once you start working in design, digital tools, or pigment experimentation, you’ll find the answer isn’t so black and white… or should we say, cyan and magenta?

This guide breaks it all down: from color theory and practical paint combos to digital RGB models and how to create 18+ stunning blue shades without pure blue paint. Whether you’re trying to understand what two colors make blue, or you’re wondering what colors make royal blue, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into the science and art of one of the most loved colors in the world.

Why Blue Is a Primary Color in Traditional Color Theory

In the world of traditional color mixing—especially what most of us learn in school—blue is one of the three primary colors, alongside red and yellow. This model is known as the RYB model (Red, Yellow, Blue), and it forms the basis of how we mix paints, dyes, and pigments in the physical world. According to this system, you can’t create blue by mixing other colors. It just exists, and from it, you can make purples, greens, and other secondary colors.

So, when people ask what colors make blue, the classic answer is: you can’t—it’s primary.

But this idea comes from an older, paint-based system. In modern color science, there are other models—like CMYK and RGB—that handle color mixing differently. And in those systems, yes, you can mix blue.

So is blue mixable or not? That depends on whether you’re working with pigment or light—and we’ll explore both next.

How Cyan and Magenta Make Blue…

If you’ve ever run out of blue paint or wondered what two colors make blue, you’re not alone.

Traditionally, blue is considered a primary color—something you can’t make by mixing other colors. But that depends on the system you’re using.

In modern pigment theory (like the CMY model used in printing), mixing cyan and magenta can give you a strong, believable blue. It may not be as bold as ultramarine or as vivid as phthalo blue, but it works—especially in layered or muted painting styles. In acrylic paint, try mixing cyan and magenta for a bold blue base.

So while blue can’t be mixed in the old-school RYB model, it definitely can be simulated in modern painting with the right tools—and it’s more common than you might think.

Let’s look at real-world examples artists use to create custom blue tones from scratch.

Artist-Discovered Color Combos That Mimic Blue

Attempted Blue Shade	What Colors Make It?
Muted Blue	Cyan + Purple
Deep Blue	Cyan + Magenta
Teal Blue	Blue + Green
Indigo-Like Blue	Blue + Purple
Sky-Like Blue	Cyan + White
Warm Blue	Cyan + Violet
Grayish Blue	Purple + Green
Cobalt Blue	Intense Blue + Tiny Bit of Black

What Does Cyan and Magenta Make?

Cyan and magenta are the stars of the CMY color model. When mixed in equal parts, they create a brilliant, clean blue—especially in printer inks, transparent watercolors, or digital simulation. This combo is the closest to “true” blue you can mix using pigments.

What Does Purple and Green Make?

Surprisingly, combining certain purples and greens (especially ones rich in blue undertones) can result in a soft, grayish blue. While not vibrant, it can be useful for moody or vintage art.

What Does Cyan and Violet Make?

This creates a cool-toned blue—often leaning toward periwinkle or light indigo. The result depends on the exact pigments, but it’s a great way to explore rich, shadowy blues in your painting.

When trying to mix blue, always test on a palette first. Pigments behave differently in watercolor, gouache, acrylics, and oils.

How to Mix 18+ Popular Shades of Blue (Chart Included)

Blue isn’t just one color—it’s a whole spectrum. From icy powder blue to deep midnight tones, each variation has a unique recipe. Whether you’re painting, designing, or experimenting with color digitally, knowing what colors make different shades of blue gives you more creative control.

Below is a detailed chart that shows you how to mix these popular blue shades using basic color combinations.

Dark Shades of Blue and What Colors Make Them

Here’s the detailed table on how to Mix Popular Dark Shades of Blue:

Shade of Blue	What Colors Make It?
Navy Blue	Blue + Small Amount of Black
Dark Blue	Blue + Black OR Blue + Complementary Color (Orange)
Midnight Blue	Blue + Black + Hint of Purple
Indigo	Blue + More Purple
Denim Blue	Blue + Gray + Touch of Black
Slate Blue	Blue + Gray + Violet
Steel Blue	Blue + Gray + Touch of Green
Royal Blue	Blue + Touch of Purple
Cobalt Blue	Intense Blue + Tiny Bit of Black
Ocean Blue	Blue + Teal + Black
Zaffre	Cobalt-like Blue + Tiny Black
Peacock Blue	Blue + Green + Violet

Light Blue Shades and What Colors Make Them

Here’s the detailed table on how to Mix Popular Light Shades of Blue:

Shade of Blue	What Colors Make It?
Sky Blue	Cyan + White OR Light Blue + More White
Baby Blue	Blue + White (more white)
Light Blue	Blue + White
Powder Blue	Blue + White + Tiny Bit of Cyan
Cerulean Blue	Cyan + White + Slight Green
Azure	Cyan + White (leaning greenish)
Turquoise Blue	Blue + Green + White
Cornflower Blue	Blue + White + Small Amount of Purple or Red
Dusty Blue	Cyan + Purple + White (balanced)
Periwinkle	Blue + Purple + White
Electric Blue	Bright Blue + White OR Cyan + White + Tiny Magenta

How to Make Navy Blue

Start with blue and add a small amount of black. Mix slowly until the color becomes deep and dark. If it turns too dark, you can fix it by adding a tiny bit of white to soften it. Navy blue is a classic color, often seen in formal outfits, uniforms, and clean interior styles.

How to Make Teal

To make teal, mix equal parts of blue and green. If you want it cooler, add more blue. If you want a warmer or brighter teal, use more green and a touch of white. Teal is great for water themes, modern decor, and graphic design.

How to Make Royal Blue

Mix blue with just a hint of purple. This makes a bold, bright, and rich shade of blue. Royal blue looks great on screens, in fashion, or when you want something that stands out more than basic blue.

How to Make Sky Blue

Use cyan and white to create a soft, light blue. You can also start with light blue and add more white. Sky blue feels calm, fresh, and is perfect for backgrounds, sky scenes, and relaxed designs.

How to Make Indigo (or Deep Blue-Violet)

Start with blue and slowly add more purple. To make it cooler, use ultramarine. For a warmer tone, add a bit of reddish violet. Indigo is deep and rich, ideal for shadows, moody artwork, and dramatic effects.

How to Make Periwinkle Blue

Periwinkle sits between blue and purple with a hint of gray. Begin with a base of blue, add a small amount of purple, and then mix in white to lighten the color. If it looks too red or warm, add more blue. Periwinkle is soft, dreamy, and perfect for spring art, flowers, or pastel designs.

How to Make Navy Blue, Teal, Royal Blue & More

Not all color mixing is about creating new base colors—sometimes, it’s about exploring what happens when blue interacts with other hues. These combos help artists, designers, and curious minds understand how colors behave when blended. Let’s look at the most searched pairs and what they produce.

What Does Red and Blue Make?

Mixing red and blue creates purple or violet, depending on the specific shades used. A cool red and a warm blue make a rich, royal purple, while warmer combinations (like cadmium red and ultramarine) might lean into maroon or burgundy. This combo is a classic primary mix that forms the base for many purple shades.

What Does Blue and Orange Make?

Since blue and orange are complementary colors, mixing them usually leads to brown, gray, or muddy neutral tones. However, if you use pastel versions or dilute them with white, you might get a muted slate blue or soft taupe. Great for earthy or desaturated palettes.

What Does Blue and Pink Make?

Blue and pink together create various shades of purple, lavender, or periwinkle. The final color depends on the warmth of the pink and depth of the blue. Light pink + sky blue might give you a pastel purple, while hot pink + navy could lean into mauve or magenta.

What Does Blue and Purple Make?

This combo makes indigo, deep violet, or blue-violet. The more blue you use, the cooler the result. Adding more purple brings warmth. This is a go-to mix for creating mystical, night-sky-inspired palettes.

What Does Blue and Brown Make?

Blue and brown often make a cool gray, slate, or even a muted green depending on pigment type. The result is usually earthy and subdued. If you’re painting denim, stone, or neutral backgrounds, this mix can come in handy.

What Does Blue and White Make

Blue and white give you light blue, baby blue, or sky blue, depending on the base tone. This is the most common tinting method in painting. The more white you add, the softer and more pastel the color becomes.

Does Blue and Green Make Teal?

Yes—blue and green make teal when mixed in nearly equal parts. Teal sits right between the two on the color wheel, combining the cool depth of blue with the vibrancy of green. To adjust the result:

• Add more blue for a cooler, oceanic teal.
• Add more green for a warmer, more tropical tone.
• Mix in a touch of white if you want a pastel teal.

This combo is commonly used in painting, home decor palettes, and even fashion where seafoam and teal tones are needed. It’s also a go-to in digital color selection when creating serene or aquatic themes.

Understanding Blue in Digital Models: RGB vs CMYK

Understanding blue goes beyond just mixing paint. There are technical, scientific, and psychological reasons why blue behaves differently from other colors. This section answers the most common questions while explaining how blue is perceived in both the physical world and digital environments.

Why Is It Hard to Mix a True Blue in Painting?

Many artists find it frustrating that blue seems resistant to mixing. That’s because in the RYB color model, blue is one of the three primary pigments—it doesn’t come from combining other colors. But even in the CMY model (used in printing), mixing cyan and magenta may yield blue, but never the pure ultramarine or phthalo blue found in paint tubes.

The limitation is physical. Pigments reflect light in complex ways, and most materials can’t reflect the full spectrum of wavelengths needed to produce a clean, strong blue. This is why most blues we try to mix tend to lean toward purple, gray, or teal unless we start with a true blue pigment.

What Colors Make Blue in RGB or Digital Screens?

In digital environments like TVs, phones, and LED lights, colors are created using additive color mixing—specifically the RGB model: Red, Green, and Blue. In this system, blue is a primary light color, not something that’s mixed.

However, if you blend red and green light (without blue), you get yellow. If you blend blue with red or green, you get magenta or cyan, respectively. And combining all three RGB lights at full intensity gives white.

So in RGB:

• Blue is not made by mixing other light colors.
• Instead, it is one of the three core channels used to mix all other colors.

This is a major reason people get confused. In paint mixing, you subtract wavelengths to get a result. In light mixing, you add them. The rules are reversed.

Can You Make Blue Without Blue Paint?

The short answer is: you can get close, but not exact. If you don’t have blue on your palette, you might try using cyan and magenta or purple and green. Some artists even experiment with ultramarine tints, layering with cool purples and whites.

These results may create a blue-like appearance, especially under certain lighting or layered transparencies. But they won’t replicate a vivid, saturated primary blue. It’s important to manage expectations. If you want a true blue, especially in traditional painting, you need to use a blue pigment.

That said, for design, decor, or stylistic purposes, mixing a substitute blue can be effective, especially if your palette is intentionally muted, vintage, or abstract.

Blue Myths Debunked: Purple + Green ≠ Blue

One of the most viral misconceptions is that combining purple and green makes blue. You may have seen this on TikTok or Reddit, often using colored lights or transparent overlays. While in some lighting conditions the overlap may visually appear blue, this isn’t true color mixing.

In pigment theory, purple and green are both secondary colors. Mixing them typically results in a desaturated, muddy tone—often a brownish gray. Why? Because both already contain red, yellow, or blue, and their mix tends to cancel out color purity.

In digital color spaces, overlapping purple and green light also won’t produce true blue. So no—you can’t make blue from purple and green in any accurate or reliable color system.

What Colors Make Blue Eyes Pop?

This is a popular design and fashion question. Blue eyes can appear brighter or more intense when paired with complementary and analogous shades.

Colors that make blue (complementary colors) eyes pop include:

• Orange tones (rust, copper, coral) – direct complement on the color wheel
• Warm browns – especially with gold flecks
• Teal, turquoise, and navy – deepen the natural blue
• Peach and bronze makeup tones – contrast and highlight

In graphic or interior design, surrounding blue elements with warm neutrals or burnt tones can also enhance contrast and make blue features stand out more vividly.

How to Make Blue Food Coloring Naturally

It’s tricky to make blue food coloring naturally, as very few edible ingredients produce a vibrant blue. The best known natural options include:

• Butterfly pea flower powder or tea – steeped or powdered, it gives a rich blue in neutral pH and turns purple in acidic environments like lemon juice.
• Red cabbage juice – when treated with baking soda (a base), it shifts from purple to a bluish tone.

But keep in mind: natural blue dyes are pH-sensitive and may not stay blue during baking or exposure to heat. They’re better suited for frostings, smoothies, and cold applications. You can’t truly mix two other natural colors to get blue in food—so direct sources like these are your best bet.

CONCLUSION: What Colors Make Blue?

After exploring every angle—from color theory to paint mixing, digital models, and even viral myths—one question remains:

Can you truly make the color blue?

In traditional pigment theory (RYB), blue is a primary color, meaning it cannot be made by mixing other pigments. Artists rely on pre-made blues like ultramarine, phthalo, or cobalt as their foundation. You can adjust blue—make it warmer, cooler, darker, or more muted—but you can’t start from scratch without using blue itself.

In modern color models like CMY (used in printing), you can create blue by mixing cyan and magenta, both considered modern primaries. And in digital screens (RGB), blue is one of the three additive primaries—so no mix required, it’s pure light.

So, the answer depends on the medium:

• Paint/Pigment? No, you can’t make blue from scratch.
• Print/Digital (CMY/RGB)? Yes, blue can be produced through cyan/magenta or red/green light interaction.

Still, in practical terms, most creators—painters, designers, crafters—start with a blue base, then blend to achieve stunning variations like teal, royal, or baby blue.

So, while the idea of “making blue” is intriguing, the reality is that blue remains one of the few colors we still rely on as-is—a rare constant in the creative color wheel.

Explore More Color Mixing Guides:

• What Colors Make Green?
• What Color Do Blue and Green Make?
• Complementary Colors Explained
• How to Make Purple, Pink & Brown

FAQS