Petrol Blue – Learn All About the Petrol Blue Color

There are countless shades of blue, all ranging from darker to lighter shades and everything in between. So, there is bound to be a blue color you have not heard of before. We are sure that the petrol blue color is one of them. So, to discover a little bit more about this color, let us explain what it is and what colors go with petrol blue. We will also be considering the different petrol blue shades. Read on to find out all the information on this interesting color!

What Color Is Petrol Blue?

You may not know what petrol blue is since there is no actual reference to go by. The color is described as a grayish-blue color that has a green undertone and can be mistaken for teal. However, when looking at the color codes, which are used to see the proportions when working with graphics or when printing, there is only a slight variation in the amount of blue and green.

Petrol blue contains a little more blue and less green than teal. They remain separate colors, as each has its own identifying hex codes.

Petrol Color: A Brief History

The petrol blue color, as we have learned, contains blue and green. Both blue and green have an extensive history by themselves. However, when it comes to petrol blue, there is not much to say. Petrol is another word for gasoline, and this type of fuel is not either of these colors unless it is somehow altered to do so. It could be that it comes from petrol-derived compounds, such as paraffin, which can be blue. The fact is nobody is sure of the origins of the petrol blue color.

However, it has become a popular paint color, often referred to as Enamel Blue by Pantone.

Meaning of the Color Petrol Blue

Again, since petrol blue is a combination of blue and green, both these colors also transfer over into the meaning of petrol blue. Since it is so close to other colors like teal or other blue-green colors, it has a refreshing and calming effect. Petrol blue is also seen as a color for good luck, positive energy, as well as wisdom.

Petrol Blue Shades

Many refer to petrol blue as being a bluish-green, dark cyan, turquoise, or even aqua. You could also include aquamarine, robin egg blue, and the color known as celeste. All these colors are represented and identified by a hex code. You can also see in the table below the different color proportions in the color codes, for both graphics and printing purposes.

What Colors Go With Petrol Blue?

Being blue-green, the petrol blue color should be an easy color to work with. Many colors go with both these hues. Most colors, including petrol blue, work wonderfully with neutral colors such as white and gray. However, to figure out what colors go with petrol blue, you need to look at color theory. Here you will find various color combinations, which can be determined by a color wheel. You will find below examples of a few of these color combinations.

Complementary Petrol Blue Colors

When looking at a color wheel that represents all colors, you will be able to search for colors and then determine the best color combinations. You can easily find these combinations online. The first combination is known as complementary colors. These colors, when placed alongside one another, make each other stand out These contrasting colors are positioned on opposing sides of the color wheel.

When looking at petrol blue, which is described as a dark cyan, its complementary color is a very dark red.

The coolness in the petrol blue will help to soften warmer tones and create a beautiful color contrast. An example of a dark red is burgundy. You can also use lighter shades of petrol blue for even more contrast. For a fun combination, consider going for light pink and petrol blue.

Analogous Petrol Blue Colors

You have to work carefully with contrasting colors; however, analogous color combinations are a little easier to pair. These colors are all found in the same area or are next to each other when referring to a color wheel. These colors can include different shades and tones of green and blue.

For example, emerald green and navy blue will go well with petrol blue.

Monochromatic Petrol Blue Colors

Another color combination that is easy to work with, which you can use to create more depth to a design. This color combination originates from a single color, from which you get a variety of shades and tones. So, you can use any number of darker as well as lighter versions of petrol blue.

Triadic Petrol Blue Colors

Triadic colors are more challenging to work with, so choosing a base color and using the other colors as accents would create a more balanced look in any design. These colors on the color wheel form an even-sided triangle shape.

The triadic colors for petrol blue are dark yellow and magenta, however, you can try using mustard yellow or purple instead.

Petrol blue and yellow, particularly darker shades of yellow, go well when paired, and create an eye-catching combination. Purple is also a great choice, as jewel tones create a moody as well as lively combination. Try to layer or combine it with a gray or white base color scheme, so they do not dominate or overwhelm you.

What Colors Make Petrol Blue Acrylic Paint?

We have already determined that petrol blue is a combination of blue and green. The most straightforward way to make petrol blue is to get blue and green paint. You can try using a blue that has a green bias, such as phthalo blue, cobalt, ultramarine, or cerulean. Combine this with phthalo green. Petrol blue contains a little more blue than green, so start with a 2:1 ratio of blue to green paint. You can then experiment with the ratios until you reach the desired paint color.

You can also add white to lighten the color or add more blue to darken it.

Petrol Blue Interior Designs

First, you should decide on the impression you wish to create. Are you going for a welcoming and cozy look, consider pairing petrol blue with more rich, earthy tones like shades of brown, yellow ochre, or terra. You can also add wood elements, as well as gold or brass features. The petrol color is quite versatile and fun to work with as an interior design color scheme. You can use it as a wall color, combined with other neutrals like white and gray.

Green plants, natural wood elements, as well as metal brass fitting will look amazing against petrol blue.

You can also use the color to paint an accent wall if you think covering all the walls will be a bit too much. This also creates a nice focal point in a room. Patterned wallpaper is another idea that includes color but in a more subtle way. Petrol blue is also a great accent color in other areas, for example as a color for the sofa, and kitchen chairs, or include simple items like cushions or a throw. This is an easy way to add color that can easily be changed again if you want.

The petrol blue color works wonderfully in most rooms of the home, adding a calming effect. If you think petrol blue is too much for a space, you can also consider using different tones, or you can combine it with other shades of blue and green to create more depth and a layered look. Bring in different textures and patterns to make the design more interesting. In the bedroom, a simple way to bring in petrol blue is to include it as the color of the headboard.

You will not be alone if you have mistaken petrol blue for other similar colors, as it is not the most well-known color out there. So, we hope that you now have a clearer appreciation of what the petrol blue color is, so the next time you are out with your friends and the opportunity arises, you can show off your knowledge on the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Color Is Petrol Blue?

Petrol blue is a relatively new color that has become quite popular. What colors make petrol blue, though? The color can be described as blue-green and is often mistaken for other colors like teal. However, petrol blue contains more blue and is a little darker than teal.

What Colors Go With Petrol Blue?

Both green and blue are versatile colors, which makes petrol blue easy to work with. One of the best colors that pair well with petrol blue is white. However, many other colors, from darker shades of red and yellow to different shades of green and blue, also pair well with petrol blue.

Where Does the Petrol Blue Color Name Come From?

There are a few ideas on this, as the origins of the name are a little obscure. Some say that it has been misspelled and refers to the petrel bird that is a grayish-blue color. Others say it could come from a petrol-derived compound like paraffin.

Charlene Lewis( Content Creator and Creativity Writer )

In 2005, Charlene completed her Wellness Diplomas in Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Reflexology from the International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. She worked for a company offering corporate wellness programs for a couple of years, before opening up her own therapy practice. It was in 2015 that a friend, who was a digital marketer, asked her to join her company as a content creator, and this is where she found her excitement for writing.

Since joining the content writing world, she has gained a lot of experience over the years writing on a diverse selection of topics, from beauty, health, wellness, travel, and more. Due to various circumstances, she had to close her therapy practice and is now a full-time freelance writer. Being a creative person, she could not pass up the opportunity to contribute to the Art in Context team, where is was in her element, writing about a variety of art and craft topics. Contributing articles for over three years now, her knowledge in this area has grown, and she has gotten to explore her creativity and improve her research and writing skills.

Charlene Lewis has been working for artincontext.org since the relaunch in 2020. She is an experienced writer and mainly focuses on the topics of color theory, painting and drawing.

Learn more about Charlene Lewis and the Art in Context Team.