Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’ve got to say, it’s been quite the adventure. I’ve experimented with a few brands, but I’m particularly intrigued by the idea of making my own natural paint additives at home. Has anyone else tried this? I’m curious about what materials you’ve used and how they’ve worked out for you.
So far, I’ve played around with adding natural pigments like turmeric and beetroot powder to a base of lime paint from EcoLimePaint. The colors are vibrant, and it feels great to use something so sustainable. But I’m wondering about other additives - maybe something to improve durability or texture? I’ve heard about using egg whites or milk casein, but I’m not sure how they’d hold up on different surfaces like plaster or wood.
I’d love to hear your experiences! What natural additives have you tried? Any tips on ratios or application techniques? And most importantly, how do you ensure the final product is as eco-friendly as possible? Let’s share our knowledge and maybe discover some new, sustainable painting hacks together!
Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve been experimenting with natural paint additives too! I’ve found that adding a bit of linseed oil to my paint mixture really helps with durability, especially on wood surfaces. It’s a bit tricky to get the ratio right, but I usually start with a 1:10 ratio of linseed oil to paint and adjust from there. Have you tried linseed oil in your mixtures?
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@GreenThumb99, I haven’t tried linseed oil yet, but that sounds like a great tip! I’ll definitely give it a go in my next batch. How do you find it affects the drying time? I’m a bit worried about extending the drying process too much.
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I love the idea of using natural pigments like turmeric and beetroot powder! I tried making a paint with spirulina powder for a beautiful green hue. It worked surprisingly well, but I noticed it faded a bit over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Does anyone have tips for making natural pigments more lightfast?
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@SunnyDays47, that’s a great question! I’ve heard that adding a mordant, like alum, can help fix natural dyes and pigments, making them more resistant to fading. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but it’s on my list of experiments. Let me know if you give it a try!
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I’ve been using milk paint for a while now and absolutely love the matte finish it gives. I’ve experimented with adding different natural thickeners like arrowroot powder to adjust the consistency. It’s a bit of trial and error, but the results are worth it. Has anyone else played around with natural thickeners?
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@CraftyMum, I’ve been curious about milk paint! How do you find it holds up on different surfaces? I’m particularly interested in using it on plaster walls. Also, do you have a preferred brand or do you make your own?
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@EcoPainter88, I’ve used milk paint on both wood and plaster with great results. It adheres really well, especially if you prep the surface properly. I usually make my own, but I’ve also had good experiences with Old Fashioned Milk Paint brand. They have a great range of colors and it’s super eco-friendly!
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Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve been experimenting with natural paint additives too! I’ve found that adding a bit of linseed oil to my paint mixture really helps with durability, especially on wood surfaces. It’s a bit tricky to get the ratio right, but I usually start with a 1:10 ratio of linseed oil to paint and adjust from there. Have you tried linseed oil in your mixtures?
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That’s interesting about the linseed oil! I’ve been using beeswax as a natural additive for my paints. It gives a nice texture and helps the paint adhere better to surfaces. I melt a small amount and mix it into the paint while it’s still warm. It’s been working great on both plaster and wood. Have you considered beeswax for your projects?
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Spirulina for paint sounds fascinating! I’ve been experimenting with charcoal powder for a deep black. It’s pretty stable, but like you mentioned, sunlight can be a challenge. I read somewhere that mixing a bit of linseed oil can help with the lightfastness of natural pigments. Maybe give that a try? Also, have you considered the pH of your additives? I noticed that some natural pigments change color if the base is too alkaline or acidic.
That’s interesting about spirulina fading. I’ve been using clay pigments and they seem to hold up pretty well against sunlight, especially when I mix them with a casein binder. It’s a bit of a process to make the binder, but it’s worth it for the durability. Have you thought about sealing your paint with a natural varnish? I’ve used beeswax with good results, though it does change the finish a bit.
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I’ve been experimenting with natural thickeners too! Arrowroot powder is great, but I’ve also had success with xanthan gum. It’s a bit more consistent in texture, and a little goes a long way. Just be careful not to overdo it, or your paint might end up too thick.
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Milk paint is awesome for that authentic, old-world look. I’ve tried adding a bit of natural beeswax to mine for extra durability, especially on wood surfaces. It gives a nice, subtle sheen and helps protect against moisture.
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I’m all about using what’s in my kitchen for paint additives. Egg whites have been a game-changer for me. They make the paint adhere better and dry to a hard, durable finish. Plus, it’s a great way to use up eggs that are close to their expiry date.
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Has anyone tried using natural clay as a thickener? I’ve been playing around with it, and it not only thickens the paint but also adds a beautiful, earthy texture. It’s perfect for creating a rustic look on walls or furniture.
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I’ve been curious about using natural oils, like linseed or walnut oil, as additives. They’re supposed to improve the paint’s flow and finish. Does anyone have experience with this? I’m wondering how it affects drying times and the overall eco-friendliness.
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For those interested in texture, adding fine sand or ground walnut shells can create interesting effects. It’s a bit unconventional, but it adds a unique tactile quality to the paint. Just make sure to sieve it finely to avoid clogging your brushes.
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