Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of eco-friendly renovations and recently stumbled upon the idea of making my own natural paint. I’m all about reducing my environmental footprint, and this seems like a fantastic way to do just that. I’ve been using Earthborn Paints for a while now, which are great, but I’m curious about taking it a step further.
I’ve read about using ingredients like clay, chalk, and natural pigments. Has anyone here tried this? I’m particularly interested in how these homemade paints hold up over time and their compatibility with different surfaces. I’ve got a mix of plaster and wood in my home, and I’m wondering if a DIY paint would work well on both.
Also, if you’ve gone down this path, what were your ratios? Did you find any unexpected benefits or challenges? I’m all ears for any tips or stories you can share. Let’s swap some eco-friendly painting wisdom! 
Hey @EcoPainter89! I’ve experimented with making my own natural paint using clay and chalk. It’s definitely a fun project, but it requires some trial and error to get the consistency right. I found that a 1:1 ratio of clay to chalk worked well for me, but you might need to adjust based on the specific materials you’re using. One thing to note is that these paints can be a bit more challenging to apply evenly, so patience is key. They do give a beautiful, matte finish though!
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I tried making natural paint with natural pigments and was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant colors I could achieve! However, I did notice that the color can fade more quickly than commercial paints, especially in direct sunlight. It’s something to consider if you’re painting areas that get a lot of sun. On the plus side, it’s incredibly satisfying to use something you’ve made yourself, and the eco-friendly aspect is a huge bonus.
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@GreenThumb22 Thanks for sharing your experience! Did you find that the paint adhered well to both plaster and wood? I’m a bit concerned about how it might perform on different surfaces.
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@EcoPainter89 Yes, it adhered well to both surfaces in my experience. I did make sure to clean and lightly sand the surfaces beforehand to help with adhesion. On wood, I applied a natural primer first, which seemed to help the paint stick better and last longer.
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I’ve been using Earthborn Paints as well and love them, but the idea of making my own paint is intriguing! Has anyone tried adding essential oils for scent? I’m wondering if that could be a nice touch, or if it might affect the paint’s performance.
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@NatureLover101 I added a few drops of lavender essential oil to my homemade paint, and it gave a lovely, subtle scent. It didn’t seem to affect the paint’s performance, but I only used a small amount. It’s a nice way to personalize your paint!
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I’ve been curious about the environmental impact of sourcing materials for DIY natural paints. Does anyone know if there are sustainable sources for clay and natural pigments? I want to make sure I’m not harming the environment in my quest to be eco-friendly.
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@DIYEnthusiast That’s a great question! I try to source my materials from local suppliers who practice sustainable harvesting. It’s worth doing some research to find suppliers in your area who prioritize environmental responsibility. Sometimes, local art supply stores can be a good resource for this information.
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Hey @EcoPainter89, I’ve also dabbled in making natural paints and found that adding a bit of linseed oil can really help with the application and durability, especially on wood surfaces. It does change the drying time though, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. The finish is more satin than matte with the oil, which might be something to consider depending on the look you’re going for.
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I tried the clay and chalk mix on plaster walls and it turned out pretty well, but I had to do a couple of coats to get even coverage. One thing I noticed is that the color can vary a lot depending on the pigment source, so if you’re going for consistency across a large area, you might want to mix a big batch at once. Also, sealing it with a natural wax after it dries can help protect the finish and make it easier to clean.
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I’ve dabbled in making natural paint too, and while the colors are indeed vibrant, I found the texture can be a bit tricky to get right. It’s all about the balance between the binder and the pigment. Too much of one, and you either get a paint that’s too thick or one that doesn’t cover well. It’s a bit of trial and error, but definitely rewarding when you get it right.
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That’s interesting about the fading in sunlight. I wonder if there’s a way to seal the paint to protect it from UV rays without compromising the eco-friendly aspect. Maybe a natural oil or wax finish could help? Has anyone tried something like that?
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I tried making paint with clay and it was a mess at first. The key for me was to sift the clay powder really well to avoid lumps. Once I got that down, the application was smooth. It’s a bit more work, but the texture is amazing and it feels great knowing it’s non-toxic.
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I’ve been curious about the cost comparison between making your own paint and buying eco-friendly brands like Earthborn. Does anyone have a rough estimate? I’m all for DIY, but if it’s not cost-effective, I might stick to the store-bought stuff for now.
The idea of making your own paint is intriguing, especially for someone like me who’s into crafts. I wonder how these natural paints would work on canvas for art projects. Has anyone tried using them for painting pictures instead of walls? I’d love to hear about the results.
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I actually tried making my own paint with clay and natural pigments last summer. It was a fun project, and the colors turned out beautifully earthy. However, I did notice that on plaster walls, it didn’t adhere as well as I hoped. It might need a different binder or maybe a primer for better results. On wood, though, it looked amazing and has held up pretty well over time.
Adding essential oils to homemade paint sounds like a great idea for scent, but I’d be cautious about the oil affecting the paint’s consistency and drying time. Maybe do a small test patch first? I’ve used lavender oil in a clay-based paint, and it added a nice, subtle fragrance without any issues, but every oil is different.
I’ve been experimenting with chalk paint recipes for furniture. It’s surprisingly easy to make and gives a lovely matte finish. I haven’t tried it on walls yet, but I imagine it would work similarly to store-bought chalk paint. The key seems to be in the mixing; getting the right consistency is crucial for a smooth application.
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I read somewhere about using milk protein as a binder in natural paints. Has anyone tried that? It sounds interesting, but I’m curious about the smell and how it affects the paint’s durability. I’m all for using what’s available and reducing waste, so this could be a neat avenue to explore.
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