How to Mix Paint Colors Step by Step: Easy Guide for Kids and Beginners

What You’ll Need to Mix Colors Like a Pro

Before diving into color mixing, it’s best to have your materials ready. The right setup not only makes the process easier but also helps students focus on the fun of experimenting with paint. Here’s a simple list you can use in the studio—or adapt for at-home practice.

Paints

Start with the basics: red, blue, and yellow. These are your primaries, the building blocks of every other color. Add black and white so you can make tints (lighter colors), shades (darker colors), and tones (muted colors). For classroom use, tempera or acrylic works best—they’re bright, mixable, and easy to clean up.

Tools

You’ll need a palette (or just a paper plate if you’re keeping it simple) and something to mix with. A palette knife is ideal, but even a craft stick works in a pinch. Brushes should be a mix of flat and round, in small to medium sizes, so students can paint both wide swatches and fine details.

Surfaces

A sheet of mixed-media paper or a sturdy canvas board will give students a good surface for the project. To map out the 12-step color wheel, hand out pencils, erasers, and rulers—or even better, pre-draw a circle template for younger kids so they can jump straight into mixing.

Setup and Cleanup

Don’t forget the practical stuff: a cup of water for rinsing brushes, paper towels or rags for blotting, and an apron or old shirt to keep clothes safe from paint splatters. Keeping things clean between mixes is the secret to avoiding muddy colors.

Optional Extras

Want to make life easier? Provide scrap paper so students can test out their mixes before committing to the project. And if you’re planning to display the wheels, hand out labels or masking tape so each artist can tag their masterpiece.