Muddy colors usually come from mixing too many colors together, or from colors blending when they're not meant to. The good news is that a few small habits keep your colors fresh and clear.
What makes colors turn muddy?
- Too many colors in one mix. Two colors tend to stay bright. A third color, especially an opposite one, often turns the mix brown or gray.
- A brush that isn't clean. A little leftover color on the tip changes the next color.
- An old mix in the mixing area. Leftover paint quietly tints your new mixes.
- Painting on a half-dry layer. Brushing into damp paint stirs up the color underneath.
- Too much brushing. Going over the same spot again and again blends everything together.
How do I keep my colors bright?
- Mix two colors at a time. Test the mix on a scrap page first.
- Clean your water brush between colors. Squeeze gently and wipe the tip on your wristband or a tissue until the water runs clear.
- Wipe your mixing area. Use a damp cloth between mixes, and never soak or rinse your wooden palette.
- Let each layer dry completely before painting over it.
- Paint it and leave it. Place your stroke, then let the water do the work.
- Keep each well clean. If a color has been tinted by another, see "How do I change the color in a well without the old color tinting the new one?"
Are your colors pale instead of muddy?
That's usually about the balance of water and paint. See our article "My paints look pale or aren't creamy like in the videos".
For bright mix ideas, try our color mixing chart: https://tobioskits.com/pages/watercolor-color-mixing-chart