Baker-Miller Pink
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Baker-Miller Pink
#FF91AF · click to copy
Warm
HEX
#FF91AF
RGB
255, 145, 175
CMYK
0%, 43%, 31%, 0%
Pigment
PR122, PW6
Lightfastness
Good (II)
Moods & Keywords
pink soft calm pastel psychological modern
Pigment & Material
PR122, PW6 Synthetic
A precise mixture of one gallon white indoor latex paint with one pint red trim semi-gloss paint. The exact formula matters.
⚠️ Toxicity: Low — standard pink pigments
☀️ Lightfastness: Good (II)
Origin & History
Developed in 1979 by researcher Alexander Schauss, who claimed the specific pink (#FF91AF) reduced aggressive behaviour in prison inmates. Named after the prison director (Baker) and the facility's commander (Miller). Studies showed initial reductions in aggression, though effects faded after 30 minutes. The colour became famous as "Drunk-Tank Pink" and was used in holding cells and psychiatric facilities.
Also Known As
Drunk-Tank Pink P-618 Cool-Down Pink Schauss Pink
Psychology
The most scientifically studied colour for psychological effect. Initial research suggested it reduced muscle strength and aggressive behaviour (though this is disputed). The effect, if real, is short-lived. It represents the intersection of colour psychology and institutional control — the attempt to use colour as a tool of behavioural management.
In Culture
Several sports teams have painted visitors' locker rooms Baker-Miller Pink to weaken opponents before games. The University of Iowa's football stadium has a pink visitors' locker room. The colour sparked a debate about whether this constitutes psychological manipulation in sports. Canadian researcher Adam Alter discusses it extensively in his book "Drunk Tank Pink" (2013).
Natural Sources
No historical natural source — this is a precisely calibrated synthetic pink developed in the late 20th century for specific psychological purposes.
Making It Yourself
Mix titanium white (PW6) with quinacridone magenta (PR122) in approximately 95:5 ratio.
The specific Baker-Miller Pink is: R=255, G=145, B=175 (#FF91AF)
For watercolour: use a very dilute permanent rose with a touch of white gouache.
Art Movements
Not an art movement colour — a psychological/institutional colour
Famous Works
Not associated with fine art
used in prison cells (Naval Correctional Institute Seattle, 1979)
Subject of numerous scientific studies on colour and behaviour
Used in some sports team locker rooms (opponents' rooms)
Available As
Mixed to specification rather than sold as a named paint.
Approximation: Winsor & Newton Permanent Rose (PV19) + white in very high ratio.
Colour data compiled with AI. Spot an error or have more to add? Leave a Note — ekphra reviews and updates.
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