How do I darken the tone of red paint?

Question

I was given a 3/4 gallon of red paint. Latex, satin finish. Not fire engine red, but not far from it. I would like to make it very dark. I am not painting a room in my house, but furniture on my porch. It doesn't have to hide or "cover" much. I've tried working ideas from the color wheel, but I cannot remember the color wheel. I tried deepening a darker red that had alot of pink tones in it, and added a 1/2 cup of black, ended up with purple. The paint was free, no big loss but I'd like to get it close this time. It is red, with no obvious hints of other colors. And I would like it to be the tone of "primitive red." Or "rustic red" Thanks

Answer 1

Either #1 or # 2 offer the valid suggestion. The reason is in that the brown is an Earth tone and won't conflict with the Primary.
In theater I use what's known as "saturated" colors; which are essentially just Pigments. You can probably find a water based TINT color; even in tube form at any decent paint store,,,OR even better; take the paint to the paint store and let them help.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Generally, to darken a color you add black. But my wife, who is an artist, tells me that you have to play around with the colors a bit to get the tone you want.

Answer 3

Use "Raw Umber" - it will darken the tone appropriately. Good luck.

Answer 4

Never use black to darken a color. It makes the color muddy and dull. Learn and use the color wheel.
And in case you over darken do not use white it will only give u pink. :)

Answer 5

It my sound odd,but try adding light green in stages to achieve the shade of red you require but don t go too far or you will turn it to brown.

Answer 6

Carry the paint to a nearby Lowe's or Home Depot...Or even the local WalMart....The paint department can fix you up exactly.....

Answer 7

I would use 'raw umber' but not sure of the amount.
Good luck

Answer 8

avoid anything with white or blue (many blacks have a blue base)
try adding a dark brown

Answer 9

add brown.