Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more sustainable, starting with the walls around me. After some research, I stumbled upon the world of DIY natural paints. I was intrigued by the idea of using simple, earth-friendly ingredients to create something both beautiful and kind to our planet. My first attempt was a milk paint recipe I found online, using milk protein, lime, and natural pigments. The result? A surprisingly durable and vibrant finish on my living room walls! 
However, I’m curious about your experiences. Have any of you tried making your own eco-friendly paints? What recipes have you used, and how did they hold up over time? I’m particularly interested in hearing about different surfaces you’ve applied them to. For instance, did you find certain recipes better suited for wood versus plaster? Also, how do you source your ingredients? I’ve been trying to find local suppliers for lime and natural pigments to reduce my carbon footprint even further.
Let’s share our stories, tips, and maybe even some fails (because, let’s face it, not every DIY project goes as planned). What’s your go-to natural paint recipe, and what have you learned from your DIY painting adventures? Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and maybe pick up a few new ideas for my next project! 
Hey @EcoPainterJane, your project sounds amazing! I’ve been experimenting with a clay-based paint recipe that uses kaolin clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s been fantastic for plaster walls, giving a really smooth, matte finish. However, I found it doesn’t adhere as well to wood. Have you tried any recipes that work well on wooden surfaces?
3 Likes
@GreenThumb88, thanks for sharing! I haven’t tried clay-based paints yet, but they sound intriguing. For wood, I’ve had success with a linseed oil-based paint. It penetrates the wood well and offers a durable finish. I mixed it with some natural pigments for color. Maybe combining your clay recipe with a bit of linseed oil could improve adhesion on wood?
4 Likes
I love the idea of DIY natural paints! I tried making a casein paint using milk and lime, similar to your first attempt, @EcoPainterJane. It worked great on my kitchen walls, but I noticed it can develop a slight odor in humid conditions. Does anyone have tips for reducing this?
2 Likes
@SandyShore, I’ve heard adding a small amount of borax to the mix can help with odor issues in humid environments. It acts as a natural preservative. Also, ensuring good ventilation during application and drying can make a big difference.
3 Likes
Has anyone tried using natural dyes from plants for pigments? I’m curious about the colorfastness and how they compare to mineral pigments. I’m planning a project and want to use as many local, sustainable resources as possible.
1 Like
@MossyRock, I’ve experimented with beetroot and turmeric for pigments. The colors are vibrant initially, but I found they fade over time, especially in direct sunlight. Mineral pigments seem to be more durable, but I love the idea of using plant-based dyes for their sustainability. Maybe a mix of both could be a good compromise?
5 Likes
I’m just starting out with DIY natural paints and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options. Does anyone have a simple, foolproof recipe for a beginner? Preferably something that’s easy to source ingredients for and works on multiple surfaces.
2 Likes
@LeafyCanopy, welcome to the world of natural paints! A great starting point is a simple flour paint. It’s just flour, water, and natural pigments. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are readily available. Plus, it works well on both walls and wood. Here’s a quick recipe:
- Mix 1 part flour with 2 parts water and cook until thickened.
- Add natural pigments for color.
- Apply with a brush or roller.
It’s a forgiving recipe, perfect for beginners!
4 Likes
Hey @EcoPainterJane, your project sounds amazing! I’ve been experimenting with a clay-based paint recipe that uses kaolin clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s been fantastic for plaster walls, giving a really smooth, matte finish. However, I found it doesn’t adhere as well to wood. Have you tried any recipes that work well on wooden surfaces?
I’ve had some luck with a linseed oil-based paint for wood. It takes a bit longer to dry, but the finish is durable and really brings out the grain. I mix it with a bit of beeswax for extra protection. For pigments, I’ve been using ground spices like turmeric and paprika for warm tones. It’s a bit of an experiment, but the results are surprisingly vibrant!
2 Likes
I’ve had a similar experience with casein paint in my bathroom. The humidity definitely brings out a bit of a smell. What I found helps is adding a few drops of essential oils to the mix. Lavender or eucalyptus not only masks the odor but also adds a nice, subtle scent to the room. Just make sure to test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the paint’s consistency or color.
4 Likes
That’s interesting about the essential oils! I tried a different approach by mixing in a bit of vinegar to my casein paint recipe. It seemed to help with the odor issue, and I read somewhere that vinegar can also act as a natural preservative for the paint. Has anyone else tried this or have thoughts on how vinegar might affect the paint’s longevity?
Hey there! I totally get where you’re coming from. Starting out can be super overwhelming. My go-to beginner recipe is a simple clay paint. You just need clay powder, water, and a natural pigment of your choice. Mix the clay powder with water until you get a creamy consistency, then add your pigment. It works great on walls and even wood. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find online or at a local art supply store. Give it a try and see how you like it!
5 Likes
I remember feeling the same way when I first started. A recipe that worked well for me was a lime wash. It’s just slaked lime and water, and you can add natural pigments if you want some color. It’s super forgiving and gives a beautiful, matte finish. I’ve used it on plaster walls and it held up really well. Just make sure to wear gloves and goggles because lime can be caustic. It’s a bit more work to source slaked lime, but totally worth it for the finish.