Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m super excited to share some of my experiments with you. Specifically, I’ve been playing around with mixing natural pigments into base paints to create colors that not only look stunning but also enhance the natural light in a room. It’s been a game-changer for my living space!
I started with a base of Earthborn Claypaint, which is a fantastic eco-friendly option, and mixed in some Natural Earth Pigments from Earth Pigments. The result? A beautiful, light-enhancing shade that changes subtly throughout the day. I’ve tried this on both plaster and wood surfaces, and the compatibility has been excellent. The environmental impact is minimal, which is a huge plus for me.
I’m curious, has anyone else tried mixing their own natural paints? What combinations have you found that work well for enhancing light? Also, any tips on achieving consistent color when mixing pigments would be greatly appreciated. Let’s share our experiences and help each other create more beautiful, eco-friendly spaces!
Hey EcoPainterJane! 
Your project sounds fascinating! I’ve been using Auro Natural Paints as my base and mixing in Kremer Pigments for a similar effect. I found that adding a bit of linseed oil helps with the consistency and makes the color pop more under natural light. Have you experimented with any binders or just straight pigments?
3 Likes
I love this idea! 
I’ve been looking for ways to make my small apartment feel brighter and more open. Do you think this technique would work well in a north-facing room that doesn’t get much direct sunlight? Also, any tips on choosing the right pigment colors for light enhancement?
2 Likes
@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip about linseed oil! I haven’t tried any binders yet, but I’m definitely going to give it a shot. I’m curious, do you find that the linseed oil changes the drying time significantly? I’m all for experimenting to get the perfect mix!
1 Like
@SunnyDaysAhead Absolutely! In fact, I think north-facing rooms can benefit the most from light-enhancing colors. I recommend starting with lighter pigments like ochre or sienna to maximize the light. It’s all about trial and error to see what works best in your space. Let me know how it goes!
4 Likes
This is such a cool thread! 
I’ve been using clay plaster with natural pigments for my walls, and the texture adds an amazing depth to the color. It’s a bit more labor-intensive, but the eco-friendly aspect and the unique finish are totally worth it. Has anyone else tried this combo?
5 Likes
@MudLover That sounds incredible! I’ve been wanting to try clay plaster for a while now. Do you have any tips for a beginner? Also, how do you find the durability of the finish over time?
2 Likes
I’m all about those vibrant colors! 
Has anyone tried mixing spirulina powder or other natural dyes into their paint? I’m curious about the color payoff and how it holds up over time. Also, any thoughts on the best base paints for vibrant natural colors?
3 Likes
@RainbowChaser Spirulina powder sounds like an interesting experiment! I haven’t tried it myself, but I’d be curious to see the results. For vibrant colors, I’ve had good luck with milk paint as a base. It’s eco-friendly and gives a really rich color. Let us know if you try the spirulina!
1 Like
Absolutely, it can work wonders in a north-facing room! The key is to choose pigments that reflect light well. I’ve had great success with lighter earth tones like ochres and siennas. They really help to bounce what little light there is around the room. Just make sure to test your mixes in small patches first to see how they react throughout the day.
5 Likes
I’ve been experimenting with this too! For north-facing rooms, I lean towards cooler pigments like certain blues and greens. They can make the space feel more open and airy, even without direct sunlight. It’s all about creating the illusion of light. And yeah, testing is crucial. The color can look totally different once it’s on the wall and dry.
2 Likes
Interesting approach! I haven’t tried natural pigments yet, but I’m curious about the durability. How do these mixes hold up over time, especially in areas with high traffic or moisture? Also, for light enhancement, have you considered adding a bit of mica powder to your mix? It can add a subtle shimmer that really catches the light.
2 Likes
That’s awesome! I’ve been experimenting with lime wash and natural pigments. It’s a bit tricky to get the mix right, but when you do, the colors are so vibrant and have this amazing matte finish. Plus, it’s super breathable, which is great for old houses. Have you tried lime wash with your pigments?
2 Likes
I love the idea of using clay plaster for texture! I’ve been using milk paint with natural pigments for furniture. It’s a bit different from wall paints but gives a really unique, vintage look. The key is to mix the pigments thoroughly to avoid streaks. Have you considered trying milk paint for smaller projects?
2 Likes
I’ve actually tried spirulina powder in a small test patch, and the color was surprisingly vibrant! It gave off this deep, rich green that really popped in sunlight. However, I did notice it faded a bit over time, especially in areas that got a lot of direct light. For base paints, I’ve had good luck with BioShield paints. They seem to hold the color well and are eco-friendly too. Just make sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any clumps.
Spirulina, huh? That’s a new one for me. I’ve been using turmeric and beetroot powder for yellows and reds. The colors are amazing, but like you said, they do fade. I’ve found that adding a mordant, like alum, helps a bit with the fading, but it’s not perfect. For bases, I stick to Auro natural paints. They’re a bit pricier, but the quality and color retention are top-notch.
4 Likes
Interesting ideas with the natural dyes! I haven’t tried spirulina yet, but I’m intrigued. I’ve been experimenting with madder root for reds and indigo for blues. The key I’ve found is to use a base paint that’s as neutral as possible to let the natural colors shine. Ecos Paints have been my go-to because they’re super low in VOCs and the colors stay true longer. Also, sealing the paint with a natural wax or oil can help protect the color from fading too quickly.
1 Like