Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home as green as possible, starting with the walls. I’ve tried a few eco-friendly paints from brands like Earthborn and Auro, which were great, but I wanted to dive deeper into the DIY aspect. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of mixing my own natural paint. It sounded daunting at first, but after some research and a bit of trial and error, I’ve managed to create a simple, beginner-friendly guide that I’m excited to share with you all.
I started with a base of lime and chalk, which are fantastic for breathability and have a lovely matte finish. I mixed these with natural pigments from Earth Pigments to get the exact shade I wanted. The process was surprisingly straightforward, and the result was a beautiful, eco-friendly paint that I’m proud to have made myself. I used it on my living room walls, and it adhered beautifully to the plaster, giving a soft, natural look that’s exactly what I was going for.
But here’s where I need your input: Have any of you tried mixing your own natural paint? What recipes or ingredients have worked best for you? I’m particularly curious about different surfaces – has anyone tried this on wood or metal with success? Let’s share our experiences and tips to help each other out in our eco-friendly home projects. Can’t wait to hear your stories and advice!
This is such an inspiring post, @EcoPainter88! I’ve been curious about making my own paint but didn’t know where to start. Your guide sounds like a great foundation. I’m particularly interested in the natural pigments you mentioned. Did you find any challenges in getting consistent colors? Also, how does the paint hold up over time?
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I’ve experimented with mixing my own paint using clay as a base. It’s been a fun journey! The key for me was finding the right balance between the clay and the binder to avoid cracking. I used linseed oil as a binder, which worked well. Has anyone else tried clay-based paints? Would love to hear your experiences!
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@GreenThumb99, thanks for your kind words! Getting consistent colors was a bit tricky at first, but I found that measuring the pigments by weight rather than volume made a big difference. As for durability, it’s been about six months, and the paint still looks great. I did apply a natural wax finish over it, which I think helped protect it.
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Has anyone tried using milk paint? I’ve heard it’s another great natural option, especially for furniture. I’m considering it for a table I’m refinishing but would love to hear if anyone has tips or warnings before I dive in.
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@SunnyDaysAhead, I’ve also been experimenting with clay-based paints! I found that adding a bit of casein (milk protein) as a binder helps with adhesion and reduces cracking. Have you tried any additives to improve the texture or durability?
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@NatureLover23, I’ve used milk paint on several pieces of furniture, and it’s fantastic for achieving that vintage, matte look. The key is to properly prepare the surface by sanding and cleaning it. Also, mixing the paint to the right consistency is crucial. Too thick, and it can crack; too thin, and it won’t cover well. Good luck with your table!
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Hey @EcoPainter88, your journey into making natural paint is fascinating! I’ve dabbled a bit with natural pigments too, and consistency can be a bit tricky. I found that grinding the pigments to a fine powder before mixing helps a lot. As for durability, my experience has been mixed. On plaster, it’s held up well, but on wood, it tends to fade faster. Maybe a different binder could help with that?
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I’m just starting to explore natural paints, and your post is super helpful! I’m curious, have you tried adding any natural preservatives to extend the paint’s shelf life? I’ve heard that clove oil can be effective, but I’m not sure how it affects the paint’s consistency or color.
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This is awesome! I’ve been using store-bought eco-friendly paints, but making my own sounds like a fun project. How do you handle the texture? I imagine getting it smooth enough for a nice finish could be challenging without the chemicals in conventional paints.
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I love the idea of DIY natural paint! I’ve been experimenting with different binders like casein and egg tempera for my art projects. They give a really unique finish and are surprisingly durable. Have you considered trying these for your wall paints? They might offer some interesting textures and finishes.
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Your post has inspired me to give natural paint mixing a try! I’m a bit worried about the cost though. Natural pigments can be pricey. Do you have any tips for sourcing affordable materials without compromising on quality?
I’ve been using natural paints for a while now, and I’ve found that the key to vibrant colors is in the preparation of the pigments. Soaking them in water for a few days before mixing can really enhance the color. Also, have you experimented with different types of lime? I’ve heard that hydraulic lime offers better durability, especially in damp conditions.
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Clay-based paints sound intriguing! I’ve been curious about them but haven’t taken the plunge yet. How does the finish compare to traditional paints? I’m all for eco-friendly options, but I also want something that looks good and lasts. Did you find the linseed oil affected the drying time much?
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I tried a clay paint once, but it didn’t go so well. It ended up cracking and peeling after a few weeks. Maybe I didn’t get the binder ratio right. Your success with linseed oil gives me hope to try again though. Do you have any tips for first-timers to avoid the mistakes I made?
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That’s awesome you’re experimenting with clay paints! I’ve been using milk paint for my projects, which is another natural option. It’s great for furniture and gives a really unique finish. Have you ever mixed clay and milk paint? I wonder how that would turn out.
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I’ve been on the lookout for more sustainable paint options, and clay paint sounds like a great alternative. How does it handle on different surfaces? I’m particularly interested in using it for outdoor projects. Do you think it would hold up well against the elements?
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I’ve actually used milk paint on a few pieces of furniture, and it’s been a game-changer for me. The finish is so unique and has this vintage vibe that’s hard to get with other paints. Just a heads up, though, it dries super fast, so you have to work quickly. Also, make sure to seal it properly afterward, or it might not hold up as well over time. For my table, I used a beeswax finish, and it’s held up beautifully.
Milk paint is fantastic, especially for that authentic, old-world look. I used it on a bookshelf, and the results were stunning. One thing I learned the hard way is that the color can vary a lot depending on the surface you’re painting over. So, doing a test patch is a must. Also, if you’re going for a more opaque finish, you might need to apply several coats. It’s a bit of work, but totally worth it in the end.
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I tried milk paint on a metal chair once, and it was a bit of a mixed bag. The paint adhered well, but I noticed it chipped more easily than I expected. Maybe I didn’t prep the surface properly, though. I’ve heard that adding a bonding agent can help with adhesion on slick surfaces like metal. If you’re going to try it on your table, maybe look into that. Otherwise, for wood, it’s been great in my experience.
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