Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project. It’s been a journey of discovery, especially when it comes to mixing my own colors. I started with a base from Earth Pigments, which I absolutely love for their purity and environmental ethos. My first attempt was a soft, earthy green using spirulina powder and a bit of turmeric for warmth. It turned out surprisingly vibrant and has held up beautifully on my living room walls.
I’m curious, has anyone else ventured into the DIY natural paint mixing world? What recipes have you tried? I’m particularly interested in how different natural pigments interact with various surfaces. For instance, I found that my green mix worked wonders on plaster but was a bit tricky on wood without a proper primer. Also, how do you balance the environmental impact of sourcing pigments with the desire for a wide color palette? Let’s share our experiences and maybe even some fails – because, let’s be honest, not every mix is a winner, but it’s all part of the learning process!
I’ve been experimenting with natural paint colors too! My go-to base is also from Earth Pigments. I recently mixed a beautiful deep blue using indigo powder and a touch of woad. It’s fascinating how these natural dyes can create such vibrant colors. However, I did notice that the color intensity can vary depending on the surface. On plaster, it’s stunning, but on wood, it requires a bit more work to get an even coat.
3 Likes
@GreenThumb99 That sounds amazing! I’ve been curious about using indigo. Did you find it difficult to work with? Also, did you use any specific primer for the wood surfaces?
1 Like
I tried making a warm terracotta color using red ochre and a bit of beetroot powder. It turned out quite well, but I learned the hard way that beetroot can fade over time, especially in direct sunlight. It’s a beautiful color, though, and I’m thinking of ways to make it more lightfast. Has anyone else used beetroot in their mixes?
2 Likes
@NatureLover23 That’s a great tip about the beetroot fading. I wonder if mixing it with a more stable pigment could help? I’m also curious about the red ochre. Did you find it easy to mix and apply?
1 Like
I’ve been down the rabbit hole of natural paint mixing for a while now. One thing I’ve learned is the importance of a good binder. I’ve had the best results with linseed oil as a binder for my pigments. It really helps with the durability and finish of the paint. For colors, I’ve been experimenting with a mix of clay pigments and natural dyes. The key is to test your mixes on small patches before committing to a whole wall. It’s a bit of trial and error, but so rewarding when you get it right!
4 Likes
@DIYMaster That’s some solid advice! I’ve been using a casein binder, but I’m intrigued by the idea of using linseed oil. Do you find it affects the drying time significantly? Also, any tips for mixing clay pigments? I’ve heard they can be a bit tricky to get a smooth consistency.
2 Likes
Just wanted to share a quick tip for those experimenting with natural paints: always wear gloves! Some of these natural pigments can stain your skin pretty badly. I learned this the hard way after a day of mixing paints left my hands looking like I had a bad fake tan. 
5 Likes
@SunnyDays Haha, that’s a great tip! I’ve had my share of stained hands too. It’s all part of the fun, though, right? Thanks for the laugh and the reminder to protect our hands!
3 Likes
That’s awesome you’re using indigo and woad for your blue! I’ve been curious about those but haven’t taken the plunge yet. I’ve mostly stuck to ochres and siennas for my projects. They’re super forgiving and give that classic earthy vibe. Have you tried any other natural dyes for different colors?
2 Likes
I’ve been mixing my own paints too, and it’s such a rewarding process. I found that adding a bit of casein to my mix helps with adhesion on wood surfaces. It’s a bit of a game-changer. Have you experimented with any binders or just sticking to pigments and water?
Your experience with the color intensity on different surfaces is spot on. I’ve noticed that too. It’s all about the prep work for me. I spend a lot of time sanding and priming, especially on wood. It’s a bit of extra effort, but the results are worth it. Do you have any tips for surface prep?
5 Likes
I love the idea of using natural pigments, but I’m always worried about the longevity of the colors. Have you noticed any fading over time with your mixes? I’m considering adding a natural sealant to help protect the colors but not sure where to start.
It’s fascinating how different natural pigments can be. I tried making a red with madder root, and it turned out more pink than I expected. It’s all part of the fun, though, experimenting and seeing what works. Have you had any unexpected color outcomes?
5 Likes
Balancing environmental impact with color variety is tricky. I try to source locally when I can and use plants from my garden for some pigments. It’s not always possible for every color, but it feels good to minimize the footprint. How do you approach sourcing your pigments?
3 Likes
I’ve experimented with beetroot powder too and faced the same fading issue. To combat this, I started mixing it with a mordant like alum before adding it to the paint base. It’s not a perfect solution, but it definitely helps with the lightfastness. Have you tried any mordants or fixatives in your mixes?
5 Likes
That’s interesting about the beetroot fading. I haven’t used it myself, but I’ve had success with madder root for a similar terracotta shade. It’s a bit more stable in sunlight. Maybe worth a try if you’re looking for alternatives that hold up better over time.
1 Like
I tried using beetroot in a mural once, and yeah, the sun just washed it out. I ended up going over it with a mix of red clay and iron oxide for a more permanent solution. It’s not as vibrant, but it doesn’t fade. Have you considered using more mineral-based pigments for areas that get a lot of sun?
3 Likes
Beetroot sounds like a cool idea for a temporary art project or something indoors. For my walls, I stick to ochres and oxides. They might not have the same pop, but they’re reliable. Have you thought about using beetroot for projects where fading isn’t as big of a deal?
1 Like
I love the idea of using natural ingredients like beetroot, but the fading is a bummer. I’ve been playing around with different binders to see if that helps. So far, a casein-based binder seems to offer a bit more resistance to fading. Maybe experimenting with different binders could help extend the life of your beetroot paint?
1 Like