Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints lately, and I’m absolutely fascinated by the idea of creating our own paints from plant sources. It’s not just about reducing our carbon footprint; it’s about reconnecting with the materials we use in our homes. I recently tried my hand at making a simple paint using beetroot for a vibrant pink hue and turmeric for a sunny yellow. The process was surprisingly straightforward, and the results were stunning! I used a base of natural clay and mixed in the plant pigments, adjusting the consistency with water. It was a bit of trial and error, but so rewarding to see the colors come to life.
I’m curious, has anyone else experimented with making their own natural paints? What plant sources have you found to be the most effective for pigment? I’m particularly interested in finding a good source for a deep green – maybe spinach or spirulina? Also, how do you find the durability of these natural paints on different surfaces? I’ve only tried them on plaster walls so far, but I’m eager to hear about other applications.
Let’s share our experiences and tips! Whether it’s a favorite recipe, a surprising plant pigment discovery, or advice on application, I’d love to hear what you’ve learned on your natural paint journey. Together, we can make our homes more beautiful and sustainable, one brushstroke at a time. 
Hey @EcoPainterJane, your project sounds amazing! I’ve been experimenting with natural paints too, and I found that spirulina gives a really vibrant green. However, it can be a bit tricky to work with because of its grainy texture. Have you tried mixing it with a bit of linseed oil to smooth it out? Also, for durability, I’ve had good results on wood surfaces, especially when I seal it with a natural beeswax finish.
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Thanks for the tip, @GreenThumb88! I haven’t tried spirulina yet, but I’m definitely going to give it a go now. The linseed oil idea sounds like a great way to deal with the texture. I’ll also look into the beeswax finish for sealing. Have you noticed any color fading over time with the spirulina?
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I love this idea! I’ve been using avocado pits for a soft pink color, and it’s surprisingly durable on canvas. For a deep green, have you considered using nettles? They’re abundant, and the color is quite rich. Plus, it’s a great way to use a plant that most people consider a weed!
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@NatureLover101, nettles are a fantastic suggestion! I hadn’t thought of that. Do you boil them to extract the color, or is there another method you use? Also, avocado pits sound intriguing. How do you prepare them for paint?
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This is such an inspiring thread! I’ve been wanting to try making my own natural paint but wasn’t sure where to start. Does anyone have a basic recipe or ratio for the clay base to pigment? Also, how do you test the paint’s durability before committing to a whole wall?
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@DIYQueen, welcome to the world of natural paints! For the clay base, I usually start with a 2:1 ratio of clay to water and adjust from there depending on the pigment. As for durability testing, I recommend painting a small section or using a sample board first. Let it dry completely, then do a scratch test to see how it holds up. It’s all about experimentation!
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Hey, that’s a cool tip about spirulina! I’ve been using spinach for green, but it tends to fade over time. I’ll have to give spirulina a try. Do you think adding linseed oil affects the drying time? I’m always looking for ways to speed up the process without compromising the color.
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I’ve been down the natural paint rabbit hole too! For a deep green, I’ve had some luck with nettles. They’re a bit of a pain to process, but the color is worth it. As for durability, I’ve found that a casein binder works wonders on both wood and plaster. It’s a bit more involved to make, but it really locks the color in.
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Interesting about the spirulina and linseed oil combo. I’ve been experimenting with different binders and found that egg tempera gives a really nice finish, though it’s not the most durable for high-traffic areas. Has anyone tried using avocado pits for pigment? I’ve heard they can give a lovely pinkish hue.
I’m all about using what’s local and sustainable. For greens, I’ve been using a mix of parsley and kale. It’s not as vibrant as spirulina, but it’s easier to source for me. I’ve been applying it on canvas with a gum arabic binder, and it’s holding up pretty well. Anyone else using local plants for their pigments?
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That’s awesome to hear about the natural paint experiments! I’ve been curious about the environmental impact of sourcing these pigments. Like, is there a risk of overharvesting certain plants if this becomes more popular? Also, has anyone tried using natural dyes from food waste? I’m thinking onion skins or beet tops could be interesting to explore.
Avocado pits for paint? That’s a new one for me! I’ve been using berries for my pigments, especially blueberries for a lovely shade of purple. Nettles sound intriguing for green, though. I wonder how the color holds up over time compared to synthetic paints. Has anyone tried sealing their natural paints with a natural sealant to improve durability?
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I’ve experimented with spinach for green, but it tends to fade quickly. Nettles might be a better option. I also found that adding a bit of vinegar to the mix helps with the color’s longevity. It’s all about experimenting, right? I’m curious about using natural paints on furniture. Has anyone tried that?
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Using nettles is a brilliant idea! I’ve been looking for a sustainable way to get a deep green. I’ve used turmeric and paprika for warm tones, but finding the right green has been a challenge. I’m going to give nettles a try this weekend. Also, does anyone know if the color changes when it dries?
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I love the creativity in this thread! I’ve been using onion skins for a range of yellows and oranges. It’s amazing what you can do with kitchen scraps. For those asking about durability, I’ve found that natural paints work best on porous surfaces. They might not last as long on smoother surfaces without a good sealant.
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This is such an inspiring discussion! I’ve been using beetroot for reds and pinks, but I’m excited to try avocado pits now. For anyone worried about the durability, I’ve had success by mixing my natural pigments with a bit of linseed oil. It seems to help the paint adhere better and last longer. Has anyone else tried mixing oils into their natural paints?
Hey! I’ve been experimenting with natural paints too, and it’s been a game-changer for my art projects. For a basic recipe, I usually start with a 2:1 ratio of clay to pigment. It gives a good balance between color intensity and spreadability. As for durability, I test small patches on different surfaces and let them dry for a couple of days. It’s a bit of a waiting game, but it’s worth it to avoid surprises. Have you tried using avocado pits for a pinkish hue? It’s surprisingly vibrant!
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I’m just starting out with natural paints, and your post is super helpful! I tried using spinach for green, but it didn’t turn out as vibrant as I hoped. Maybe spirulina would be better, as you mentioned. For testing durability, I’ve heard that applying a natural sealant can help protect the paint. Have you experimented with any sealants? Also, does anyone know if these natural paints work well on wood?
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That’s awesome you’re diving into natural paints! I’ve found that the key to a good base is finely sifted clay to avoid lumps. For pigments, I’ve had great results with hibiscus flowers for a deep red and marigold for yellow. Testing durability is crucial; I usually do a scratch test after the paint has fully cured. It’s fascinating how different plants can produce such a range of colors. Have you thought about experimenting with natural binders to improve adhesion?
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