Hey everyone! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with the walls. I decided to dive into the world of lime wash paints, specifically mixing them with natural pigments to get that perfect, earthy tone for my living room. I’ve been experimenting with Unearthed Paints for their lime wash base and Real Milk Paint Co. for their vibrant natural pigments. The process has been both exciting and a bit challenging, especially getting the consistency and color just right.
I’ve tried a couple of combinations so far, aiming for a soft terracotta hue. Mixing the lime wash with the pigments requires patience and a bit of trial and error. I’ve found that adding the pigment slowly and mixing thoroughly helps achieve a more uniform color. Also, testing the mix on a small section of the wall before committing has saved me from a couple of potential disasters. The lime wash from Unearthed Paints has excellent coverage and dries to a beautiful matte finish, while the pigments from Real Milk Paint Co. offer a depth of color that’s hard to beat with synthetic alternatives.
I’m curious to hear about your experiences with lime wash and natural pigments. Have you found a particular brand or technique that works best for you? How do you handle the mixing process to avoid clumps or uneven color? Also, any tips on achieving specific shades or finishes would be greatly appreciated. Let’s share our knowledge and make our homes not only beautiful but also kinder to the planet. 
Hey EcoPainterJane! 
Your project sounds amazing. I’ve been using Unearthed Paints for a while now, and I agree, their lime wash is top-notch. For pigments, I’ve had great success with Earth Pigments. They have a wide range of colors, and I find their pigments mix really well with lime wash. My tip is to always sift the pigment before adding it to the lime wash to avoid any clumps. Also, adding a bit of water to the pigment to make a paste before mixing it into the lime wash can help achieve a smoother consistency. Keep us updated on your progress!
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I’m just starting out with lime wash and natural pigments too! It’s a bit daunting, but your post gives me hope. I haven’t tried Real Milk Paint Co. yet, but I’ll definitely check them out. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip about sifting the pigment! I hadn’t thought of that, but it makes total sense. I’ll give Earth Pigments a try too. Do you have a favorite color from them?
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I’ve been experimenting with lime wash and natural pigments for a while now. One thing I’ve learned is the importance of the surface prep. Lime wash adheres best to porous surfaces, so if you’re working with a non-porous wall, you might need to apply a primer first. Also, the temperature and humidity can affect the drying time and finish, so keep that in mind!
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@MudLover That’s a great point about surface prep! I did notice that the lime wash dried faster on the parts of the wall that were more porous. I’ll definitely keep an eye on the weather conditions too. Thanks for the advice!
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For those interested in achieving specific shades, I recommend keeping a detailed journal of your pigment to lime wash ratios and the resulting colors. It’s a bit of extra work, but it’s incredibly helpful for consistency, especially if you’re planning to do multiple rooms or need to touch up later. Plus, it’s fun to see the evolution of your color experiments!
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@ColorMeHappy That’s such a smart idea! I’ve been taking photos, but a journal would definitely help keep track of the ratios. I’ll start one today. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Keeping a journal sounds like a solid plan. I’ve been doing something similar, but I also take photos of the swatches on the wall under different lighting conditions. It’s crazy how much the color can change from morning to evening light. This way, I can always refer back to what the color actually looks like throughout the day.
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I’ve had a bit of a nightmare with clumps in my mix. Found that sifting the pigment before adding it to the lime wash helps a ton. Also, using a drill with a mixing attachment gets everything super smooth. Just make sure to do it slowly to avoid splashing lime wash everywhere. Learned that the hard way!
For anyone struggling to get that perfect shade, don’t forget the power of layering. Sometimes, applying a lighter base coat and then adding a slightly darker or more pigmented layer on top can create a depth that’s just not possible with a single coat. It’s a bit more work, but the effect can be stunning.
I’m all about the eco-friendly aspect of this. Has anyone tried making their own pigments from natural sources? I’ve been experimenting with beetroot and turmeric, and while the colors are more muted, there’s something really satisfying about using something you’ve made yourself. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when people come over!
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