Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Using color theory
• Necessities
• Gray paint
• Gray glaze
• Gray polymer clay

Most people probably think of gray as a combination of black and white, but you can also create a gray color by mixing complementary and primary colors. Once you understand the basics of color theory you should be able to apply the same principles to different artistic media.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Using color theory

1. Choose what type of gray you want to make. You can easily create neutral gray, complementary gray, and primary gray with paint, but the best option depends on the paint colors you have and what you want to use the gray for.
   • Neutral gray can be a good way to tone down other colors without changing the actual color tone. This generally works best when you need the purest gray color.
   • Complementary gray works best if you want to give the gray color a cool or warm tone.
   • Primary gray works well if you want to create shadows or if you want to use the gray color next to a brighter color. Since primary gray contains the three primary colors, this type of gray can brighten any nearby secondary colors.
2. Choose the right type of gray. Neutral gray is easiest to make when it comes to icing, but you can still make complementary gray and primary gray.
   • It's best to stick to neutral gray if you want a pure color tone, but you can consider going with the other two if you want gray with a particular shade.
   • Packets of liquid food coloring are available in red, yellow, green and blue, so you will need to make primary gray (with red, yellow and blue) or complementary gray (with red and green) if you plan to use regular liquid food coloring . However, if you choose gel or paste food coloring, you can make all three types gray because these food coloring comes in more colors.
3. Choose what type of gray you want to make. With polymer clay you can make neutral, complementary and primary gray. Choose the option that you like best.
   • It is best to make a neutral gray if you want pure gray without a tint.
   • If you do want to have gray with a tint, you can make the process easier with primary or complementary gray. You therefore need less materials.
4. Consider tinting the clay. When you are satisfied with the saturation of the color and the color nuance, see if you want to give the clay a shade.
   • Give the clay a tint by adding a small amount of a specific color.
   • You should be able to use almost any color to tone neutral gray. In the case of complementary gray and primary gray, you can use only one of the original colors.

Necessities

Gray paint

• Paint (black, white, red, blue, yellow, green, orange and purple)
• Stir stick
• Plate or palette to mix the paint on

Gray glaze

• White icing
• Food coloring (liquid, gel or paste) in the colors black, red, blue, yellow, green and orange
• Glass bowl
• Spoon
• Toothpicks

Gray polymer clay

• Polymer clay (black, white, red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple and clear)