Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’ve fallen in love with lime wash for its breathability and minimal environmental impact. I’ve been using Earthborn Lime Wash on my walls, and the results are stunning—it gives such a unique, soft matte finish that really brings out the texture of the walls. But here’s where I’m at: I’m itching to experiment with custom colors by mixing in some natural pigments. I’ve heard that ochres, umbers, and siennas can be great for this, but I’m curious about your experiences.
Have any of you tried mixing natural pigments into lime wash? I’m particularly interested in how different pigments affect the consistency and application of the lime wash. Also, any tips on ensuring the color stays true and doesn’t fade over time would be super helpful. I’m planning to test this out on a small section of my wall first, but I’d love to hear if you’ve had success (or challenges) with this method. Let’s share our stories and tips—I’m all ears for your eco-friendly painting adventures!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve had some experience with mixing natural pigments into lime wash. I used ochre for a warm, sunny yellow in my living room. The key is to mix the pigment with a bit of water first to create a slurry, then mix that into the lime wash. It helps distribute the color more evenly. Just be mindful of the amount; too much pigment can affect the lime wash’s properties.
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Thanks, @GreenThumb88! That’s super helpful. Did you notice any changes in the application or drying time with the added pigment?
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@EcoPainterJane, the application was pretty much the same, but I did notice a slightly longer drying time. Nothing drastic, just something to keep in mind if you’re working on a tight schedule.
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I experimented with sienna in my lime wash for a terracotta effect. It turned out beautifully, but I learned the hard way that natural light can fade the color over time. Maybe consider a UV-protective top coat if the area gets a lot of sunlight?
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@NatureLover23, that’s a great tip about the UV protection. I hadn’t thought about that. Did you use a specific product for the top coat, or do you have any recommendations?
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@EcoPainterJane, I used EcoShield for the top coat. It’s water-based and eco-friendly, plus it did a great job protecting the color. Just make sure to apply it after the lime wash has fully cured.
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Has anyone tried mixing multiple pigments to create custom colors? I’m thinking of combining umber and ochre for a unique shade but worried about the consistency.
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@DIYQueen, that sounds like a fascinating experiment! I haven’t tried mixing pigments yet, but I’d love to hear how it goes for you. Maybe start with small batches to test the consistency and color?
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That’s awesome you’re diving into natural pigments! I tried mixing in some sienna for a terracotta vibe in my kitchen. It turned out pretty well, but I noticed the color lightened a bit as it dried. Maybe a second coat could help with that? Also, stirring frequently while applying is a must to keep the color consistent.
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I’ve been curious about this too! Did you find that the texture of the lime wash changed at all with the pigment added? I’m worried about it becoming too thick or hard to apply smoothly. Also, how did you decide on the amount of pigment to use? It seems like it could be easy to overdo it.
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Mixing pigments into lime wash sounds like a fun experiment. I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve read that adding a bit of casein or milk protein can help the pigment bind better and reduce fading. Has anyone tried that? I’m also wondering if different pigments might have different effects on the lime wash’s breathability.
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I used umber for a deep brown accent wall, and it turned out amazing. The key for me was testing the color on a sample board first. It dried a bit lighter than expected, so I adjusted the pigment amount accordingly. Also, applying it in thin layers helped achieve a more even color. It’s been a few months, and the color is holding up well.
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Interesting approach with the slurry mix! I went straight in with dry pigment and it was a bit of a mess. The color was patchy, and I had to do multiple coats to even it out. Next time, I’ll definitely try your method. How do you deal with the cleanup? Natural pigments can be pretty stubborn.
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This is such a timely discussion for me. I’m about to start a project using lime wash and was considering adding pigments. I’m aiming for a soft green using malachite. Does anyone have experience with this pigment? Also, how do you ensure the color doesn’t fade over time, especially in areas that get a lot of sunlight?
That’s a great tip about the UV-protective top coat! I hadn’t thought about the fading issue with natural pigments. I’ve been using ochre in my lime wash for a warm, golden hue, and it’s been holding up pretty well so far. But my walls don’t get direct sunlight, so maybe I’ve just been lucky. I’ll definitely keep the UV protection in mind for future projects, especially for areas that are more exposed. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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I tried mixing umber into my lime wash for a deeper, earthy tone, and while the color was exactly what I wanted, I did notice it made the lime wash a bit thicker and harder to apply evenly. I ended up adding a bit more water to get the consistency right, but it was a bit of trial and error. Just something to keep in mind if you’re going for a darker shade. The color has stayed true so far, but I’ll be watching out for any fading now that you’ve mentioned it.
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Interesting point about the fading. I’ve been playing around with natural indigo for a cool, muted blue, and it’s been a bit unpredictable. Some areas seem to hold the color better than others, and I’m not sure if it’s the pigment itself or how I mixed it. I wonder if the type of lime wash or the base color of the wall affects how the pigment behaves. Has anyone else noticed differences based on these factors? It might be worth experimenting with different bases or pre-treating the wall to see if it helps with color consistency.
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I’ve actually mixed umber and ochre before for a project, and it turned out pretty well. The key is to add the pigments slowly and mix thoroughly to avoid clumps. The consistency was a bit thicker, but it still applied smoothly with a brush. Just make sure to do a patch test first to see how it dries.
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Mixing pigments can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable. I found that using a fine mesh sieve to add the pigments helps a lot with consistency. Also, keep in mind that natural pigments can change color slightly as they dry, so your final shade might be a bit different from what you expect.
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