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Palette

Oxidized Steel Decay

Explores the rich, textured hues of old, corroding metal and forgotten industrial structures.

DarkDark5 colors
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Built with Oxidized Steel Decay.

A bolder treatment that stretches the primary and secondary colors across a full gradient banner.

Data visualization

#4A2B2B#7E4B3E#B46C57#E98F78#D3D3D3

Palette guide

How to use Oxidized Steel Decay

Overview

The Oxidized Steel Decay palette explores the rich, textured hues of old, corroding metal and forgotten industrial structures. Featuring deep, moody shades like `#4A2B2B` (Dark Brown) and `#7E4B3E` (Rusty Brown), complemented by the warm, coppery tones of `#B46C57` (Copper) and `#E98F78` (Light Salmon). The neutral `#D3D3D3` (Light Gray) provides a necessary contrast, reminiscent of aged concrete or un-rusted metal. This collection is perfect for designers aiming to evoke a sense of history, rawness, and industrial elegance, ideal for vintage, moody, or post-apocalyptic aesthetics.

Best used for

  • Industrial and vintage brand identity
  • Post-apocalyptic or dystopian game design
  • Moody photography and cinematic visuals
  • Urban art and graphic novel aesthetics
  • Rustic and reclaimed material interior design
  • Websites and apps with a grunge or aged feel

Suggested color roles

primary

Use `#7E4B3E` (Rusty Brown) as a dominant color for large sections, headings, or key brand elements, conveying a weathered yet robust character.

secondary

Employ `#B46C57` (Copper) for supporting graphics, sub-sections, or to add a hint of metallic warmth and texture.

accent

Apply `#4A2B2B` (Dark Brown) for deep accents, shadows, or as a grounding dark background, providing intense depth. `#E98F78` (Light Salmon) can be a highlight.

background

A deep, moody background can be created with `#4A2B2B`. For a lighter, aged concrete feel, `#D3D3D3` (Light Gray) is ideal, allowing the rust tones to stand out.

text

For text on darker backgrounds, use white or a very light gray like `#D3D3D3` for optimal readability. On lighter backgrounds like `#D3D3D3`, `#4A2B2B` or a deep charcoal works best.

Accessibility notes

  • Ensure white or `#D3D3D3` text on `#4A2B2B` and `#7E4B3E` for WCAG AA contrast compliance.
  • Avoid using dark text on `#B46C57` or `#E98F78` without careful contrast checking, as they may not be dark enough.
  • When using `#D3D3D3` as a background, ensure text is significantly darker, e.g., `#4A2B2B`.
  • Textures can impact readability; ensure text is clear and distinct from any background patterns.

Recommended combinations

Rust Progression

Illustrates the natural progression of rust, perfect for textured backgrounds or visual storytelling.

#4A2B2B · #7E4B3E · #B46C57

Aged Contrast

Provides a strong, clear contrast between light and dark, ideal for clean layouts with an industrial edge.

#D3D3D3 · #4A2B2B · #7E4B3E

Corrosion Glow

Highlights the warmer, glowing aspects of oxidized metal, suitable for vibrant accents or focal points.

#7E4B3E · #E98F78 · #B46C57

CSS variables

:root {
  --oxidized-steel-decay-1: #4A2B2B;
  --oxidized-steel-decay-2: #7E4B3E;
  --oxidized-steel-decay-3: #B46C57;
  --oxidized-steel-decay-4: #E98F78;
  --oxidized-steel-decay-5: #D3D3D3;
}

Tailwind config

theme: {
  extend: {
    colors: {
      "oxidized-steel-decay": {
        1: "#4A2B2B",
        2: "#7E4B3E",
        3: "#B46C57",
        4: "#E98F78",
        5: "#D3D3D3",
      }
    }
  }
}

Related searches

industrial rust color paletteaged metal design schememoody decay color trendsvintage industrial brandingweathered steel hues

Palette colors

Hex values

Color 1#4A2B2B
·
Color 2#7E4B3E
·
Color 3#B46C57
·
Color 4#E98F78
·
Color 5#D3D3D3
·

Accessibility

Contrast checker

1
2
3
4
5
1
1.8:1Fail
3.1:1AA18
5.2:1AA
8.4:1AAA
2
1.8:1Fail
1.8:1Fail
2.9:1Fail
4.7:1AA
3
3.1:1AA18
1.8:1Fail
1.7:1Fail
2.7:1Fail
4
5.2:1AA
2.9:1Fail
1.7:1Fail
1.6:1Fail
5
8.4:1AAA
4.7:1AA
2.7:1Fail
1.6:1Fail

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