Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of eco-friendly home renovations and recently experimented with making my own natural paint. I used a base of lime and chalk, which I’ve read is great for breathability and mold resistance. To this, I added some natural pigments I found online – think ochres and umbers – for color. But here’s where I’m curious: has anyone tried adding natural additives like casein or linseed oil to their homemade paints? I’ve heard they can improve durability and finish, but I’m not sure about the ratios or if they’re worth the extra effort.
I’ve previously used store-bought eco-friendly paints, like Earthborn and Auro, which were fantastic but a bit pricey for my current project. That’s why I’m exploring the DIY route. I painted a small section of my living room wall as a test, and while the color turned out beautifully, I’m concerned about how it’ll hold up over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
So, I’m turning to this knowledgeable community for advice. What natural additives have you tried in your homemade paints, and how did they affect the paint’s performance? Also, any tips on surface preparation for natural paints? I’m all ears and eager to learn from your experiences!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve experimented a bit with natural additives in my homemade paints. I found that adding a small amount of linseed oil really helped with the durability, especially in high-traffic areas. The key is not to overdo it; I usually go with a ratio of about 1 part linseed oil to 10 parts paint base. It gives the paint a nice sheen and makes it more resistant to wear and tear. As for surface prep, I always make sure to clean the walls thoroughly and apply a primer if necessary. It helps the paint adhere better and last longer.
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I’ve used casein in my homemade paints and it’s been a game-changer for me. It acts as a natural binder and gives the paint a smoother finish. I mix it with water first to create a paste before adding it to the paint base. The ratio I use is about 1:5 (casein to paint base). It does require a bit more effort, but the results are worth it. The paint adheres better and has a more professional look. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and non-toxic, which is a big win in my book.
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Thanks for the tip, @GreenThumb88! I’ll definitely give linseed oil a try. Do you think it would work well with a lime and chalk base? Also, how do you find the drying time is affected?
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@DIYQueen, I’m curious about using casein. Does it affect the paint’s breathability at all? I’m aiming for a finish that allows the walls to breathe, especially since I live in a humid climate.
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@EcoPainterJane, linseed oil works great with lime and chalk bases. It might slightly increase the drying time, but nothing too drastic. I usually allow an extra day for drying, just to be safe. It’s a small trade-off for the added durability, in my opinion.
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@NatureLover101, casein does maintain the paint’s breathability, which is one of the reasons I love using it. It’s perfect for humid climates because it allows moisture to pass through, reducing the risk of mold and mildew. Just make sure to apply it in thin layers for the best results.
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I’ve been using beeswax as a natural additive in my paints. It adds a protective layer that’s water-resistant and gives the paint a unique texture. I melt it down and mix it in while the paint is still warm. The ratio depends on the desired effect, but I usually start with 1 part beeswax to 15 parts paint base. It’s a bit unconventional, but the results are stunning, especially for decorative pieces.
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@ArtisanPete, beeswax sounds intriguing! How does it affect the paint’s application? Is it harder to work with?
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@EcoPainterJane, it does make the paint a bit thicker, so it requires a different technique. I find that using a palette knife or a stiff brush works best. It’s definitely a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the water resistance is a huge bonus for areas prone to splashes.
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I’ve been playing around with natural paints too and found that adding a bit of beeswax can really help with water resistance. It’s not as slippery as linseed oil, so it’s easier to control the amount you mix in. I usually melt a small chunk into the paint base while it’s warm, then let it cool before adding pigments. It’s been great for outdoor projects where the paint needs to withstand the elements.
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Interesting take on beeswax! I’ve never tried that. I went the casein route for my kitchen walls, aiming for that milk paint look. It was a bit tricky to get the consistency right, but once I did, the finish was amazing. Super matte and rich. I mixed it with lime and chalk like you did, @EcoPainterJane, and it’s holding up pretty well so far. Just make sure to mix it fresh if you go this way; it doesn’t keep long.
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I’m all about the clay paints for interior walls. They’re super easy to make, just mix clay powder with water and a bit of natural pigment. I’ve found they have a really nice texture and depth of color. Plus, they’re breathable, which is great for old houses. I haven’t experimented much with additives, but I’m curious if anyone’s tried adding anything to clay paint to improve durability without losing that matte finish.
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Has anyone tried using soap flakes as a binder? I read somewhere that it can help with the paint’s adhesion and durability. I’m thinking of giving it a go for my next project but would love to hear if anyone’s had success with it. Also, @EcoPainterJane, for surface prep, I’ve found that a light sanding and a vinegar wash can really help the paint stick better, especially on previously painted walls.
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I’ve been experimenting with linseed oil in my homemade paints and it’s been pretty interesting. It definitely adds a nice sheen and seems to make the paint more durable. I mix it in at about a 1:10 ratio with the base. The only downside is it takes longer to dry, but I think it’s worth the wait for the finish it gives.
That’s cool about the casein! I haven’t tried that yet, but I’ve used egg yolk as a binder in my paints. It’s a bit old school, but it works well for a matte finish. The key is to mix it thoroughly with the pigment before adding it to your base. It’s a bit of a process, but the paint goes on smooth and has good coverage.
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I’ve heard about using milk paint, which I think is similar to what you’re doing with casein. It’s supposed to be really durable and eco-friendly. I’m curious, though, how does it handle over time? Does it fade or chip easily? I’m thinking of trying it for some furniture I want to paint.
I tried adding a bit of beeswax to my paint mix once, aiming for a bit more water resistance. It was a bit tricky to get it to blend smoothly, but once I did, it added a nice protective layer. Not sure if it’s the best for walls, but for outdoor furniture, it’s been holding up pretty well against the elements.
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Interesting mix of additives everyone’s trying! I’ve been sticking to simple clay and chalk paints for walls, but I’m intrigued by the idea of adding oils or proteins for durability. Has anyone tried mixing different additives together? Like, could you use both casein and linseed oil in the same paint for double the benefits?
Beeswax sounds like a game-changer! I’ve been hesitant to try it because I wasn’t sure about the mixing process, but your ratio gives me a good starting point. I wonder, though, does the beeswax affect the drying time of the paint? I’m working on a project with a tight deadline and need something that dries relatively quickly.