Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to repaint my living room using only natural and sustainable materials. After some research, I settled on clay paint from EarthHues for its breathability and minimal environmental impact. But here’s where I hit a snag – I’m dreaming of a custom, earthy terracotta shade that I can’t seem to find ready-made.
I’ve read that mixing natural pigments directly into clay paint can achieve this, but I’m a bit nervous about the process. Has anyone here tried this before? I’m particularly curious about the ratio of pigment to paint and any tips for ensuring an even color. I’ve previously used EcoColors for a smaller project and loved the results, but I’m eager to dive deeper into DIY solutions this time around.
Also, I’m wondering about the compatibility of natural pigments with different surfaces. My walls are a mix of plaster and drywall – should I expect any issues? And from an environmental standpoint, are there any pigments that are more sustainable than others? I’ve heard good things about ochres and siennas, but I’m open to all suggestions.
Looking forward to hearing your experiences and advice! Let’s make our homes beautiful and kind to the planet. 
Hey @EcoPainter88! 
Mixing natural pigments with clay paint is such a rewarding process. I’ve used EarthHues clay paint before and found that a good starting ratio is about 1 part pigment to 10 parts paint. But, it really depends on the pigment’s strength and the depth of color you’re aiming for. I recommend doing small test batches first. For an even color, make sure to mix thoroughly and maybe even sieve the pigment beforehand to avoid clumps. As for surfaces, I’ve applied it on both plaster and drywall without issues, but always do a patch test! Ochres and siennas are fantastic choices for sustainability and give that beautiful earthy tone you’re after.
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Thanks @GreenThumb99! That’s super helpful. I’ll definitely start with small batches and do a patch test. Do you have any tips on where to source high-quality ochres and siennas?
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Absolutely, @EcoPainter88! I’ve had great experiences with NaturalEarthPaints and EcoPigments. Both offer a wide range of natural pigments and are very transparent about their sourcing and sustainability practices. Plus, their customer service is fantastic if you have any specific questions about their products.
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I’m also in the middle of a similar project and was wondering about the drying time. Does adding natural pigments affect how long the clay paint takes to dry?
Great question, @DIYDreamer! From my experience, adding natural pigments doesn’t significantly affect the drying time of clay paint. However, factors like humidity and temperature in your environment will play a bigger role. Just make sure to give it enough time to fully cure before deciding if you need another coat.
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I love the idea of customizing your paint with natural pigments! Has anyone tried using beetroot powder or turmeric as pigments? I’m curious about how they hold up over time.
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@NatureLover23, that’s an interesting idea! I’ve heard of using turmeric for a vibrant yellow, but I’m not sure about its lightfastness. Beetroot powder sounds intriguing for a pinkish hue. If anyone has tried these, I’d love to hear about the results and longevity.
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Just wanted to say, this thread is a goldmine of information! I’m planning to repaint my kitchen with natural paints and was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Thanks, everyone, for sharing your experiences and tips. 
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Hey! I’ve actually tried mixing natural pigments with clay paint before, aiming for a similar terracotta shade. The key is to start small with the pigment and gradually add more until you hit the desired color. I used about a teaspoon of pigment per liter of paint as a starting point. Mixing thoroughly is crucial to avoid any streaks. As for drying time, I didn’t notice a significant difference, but it might slightly increase depending on the pigment’s absorbency. Just make sure to test on a small area first!
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I’m curious about the type of natural pigments you’re considering. I’ve had great results with ochres and siennas, as they blend well with clay paint and offer a range of earthy tones. Regarding surfaces, I’ve applied this mix on both plaster and drywall without issues, but always recommend a primer for better adhesion. Sustainability-wise, these pigments are mined, so it’s worth looking into their sourcing to ensure they’re as eco-friendly as possible. Have you thought about using any plant-based pigments?
Drying time can be a bit of a puzzle with DIY mixes. From my experience, adding natural pigments can extend the drying time slightly, especially if you’re using a lot to achieve a deep color. It’s all about the balance between pigment and paint. I’d suggest doing a patch test and timing it to get a better idea. Also, consider the room’s ventilation and humidity, as these factors play a big role in drying times. Have you experimented with any natural additives to speed up the drying process?
I’ve actually tried using turmeric in my clay paint before, and while the initial color was vibrant and beautiful, it did fade over time, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight. Beetroot powder might hold up a bit better, but I’d recommend doing a small test patch first to see how it ages.
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Mixing natural pigments into clay paint is such a fun project! I used ochre for a similar earthy tone and found that starting with a small amount of pigment and gradually adding more until you reach the desired shade works best. Just make sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any streaks or uneven color.
Regarding surface compatibility, I’ve used clay paint with natural pigments on both plaster and drywall without any issues. The key is to ensure the surface is properly prepared and primed if necessary. This helps the paint adhere better and can also affect how the color looks once it’s dry.
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From an environmental standpoint, ochres and siennas are great choices because they’re naturally occurring and don’t require much processing. I’ve also heard that some people use spirulina powder for green tones, but I haven’t tried that myself. It’s all about experimenting and seeing what works best for your project.
I love the idea of using natural pigments! It’s a great way to customize your space while being eco-friendly. Just a tip, when mixing, make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Some pigments can be messy and you don’t want to inhale any fine particles.
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Has anyone tried sealing their painted walls with a natural sealant after using pigments like turmeric or beetroot? I’m curious if that would help preserve the color longer, especially in high-traffic areas or places exposed to sunlight.
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Mixing natural pigments with clay paint can be a bit tricky at first, but it’s definitely doable. I’ve had success with a ratio of about 1 part pigment to 10 parts paint, but it really depends on the intensity of color you’re aiming for. Start with less pigment and gradually add more until you hit your desired shade. For an even color, make sure to mix thoroughly and maybe even sieve the pigment first to avoid clumps. As for surfaces, I’ve used this mix on both plaster and drywall without issues, but always do a patch test first. Ochres and siennas are great choices for sustainability and they give such warm, earthy tones. Good luck with your project!
I love that you’re going the DIY route with natural pigments! It’s such a rewarding process. One tip I have is to mix your pigment with a small amount of water first to create a paste, then blend that into your clay paint. This helps prevent the pigment from clumping and ensures a smoother, more even color. Also, don’t forget to wear gloves and maybe even a mask, especially if you’re working with powdered pigments. They can get everywhere! As for sustainability, I’ve found that locally sourced pigments have a smaller environmental footprint, so maybe check out what’s available in your area. Can’t wait to see how your terracotta shade turns out!