Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m absolutely fascinated by the idea of creating custom colors using natural pigments. I’ve been using Earthborn Paints for a while now, and I love their eco-friendly approach, but I’m itching to get a bit more creative.
I’ve experimented with a few natural pigments like ochre and ultramarine from The Real Milk Paint Co., and the results have been pretty stunning on my test patches. However, I’m curious about the best practices for mixing these pigments to achieve the perfect shade. I’ve tried mixing them directly into a base of clay paint, and while it worked, I’m not sure if that’s the most effective method.
Here’s where I need your help:
- What’s your go-to method for mixing natural pigments to create custom paint colors?
- Have you found any particular brands or types of pigments that blend especially well?
- Any tips on ensuring the color stays vibrant and true over time, especially on different surfaces like wood or plaster?
I’m all ears for your experiences and advice. Let’s share our knowledge and make our homes not just beautiful, but sustainably so! 
Hey @EcoPainter89! 
I’ve been on a similar journey with natural pigments. I found that mulling the pigments with a bit of water before adding them to your base paint can really help with achieving a uniform color. For the base, I’ve had great success with lime wash as it allows the pigments to really shine through. Have you tried that? Also, Kremer Pigments have a fantastic range of natural pigments that blend beautifully.
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I love this topic! One thing I’ve learned is the importance of the binder in your paint. It can really affect how the pigment behaves. I use linseed oil as a binder for my pigments when I’m working on wood. It gives a rich, deep color and seems to hold up well over time. Does anyone else have experience with different binders?
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@GreenThumb77 Thanks for the tip on mulling! I haven’t tried lime wash yet, but I’m definitely going to give it a go. I’ve heard of Kremer Pigments but haven’t used them. Do you find their colors stay vibrant over time?
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@ColorMeHappy I’ve experimented with casein as a binder and found it works really well for plaster surfaces. It’s a bit more finicky to work with, but the finish is amazing. Have you tried it on wood?
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Just a quick tip from my experience - always do a test patch! Natural pigments can look very different once they dry, and it’s a bummer to realize too late. Also, sealing your work with a natural beeswax finish can help preserve the color and add a lovely sheen.
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@NatureLover23 Great advice! I’ve been doing test patches, but I hadn’t thought about sealing with beeswax. Does it alter the color much?
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@EcoPainter89 It can slightly deepen the color, but in a good way! It gives it a more saturated look. Just make sure to apply it thinly and evenly.
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I’ve been using natural dyes from plants in my paints, and it’s been a game-changer for achieving unique colors. Madder root gives a beautiful red, and indigo for blues. It’s a bit more work, but the results are worth it. Plus, it’s as eco-friendly as it gets!
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@ArtisanCrafts That sounds amazing! Do you have any resources or guides you’d recommend for someone just starting with natural dyes?
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@EcoPainter89 Absolutely! ‘The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes’ by Sasha Duerr is a fantastic resource. It covers everything from sourcing to application. Happy dyeing!
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Hey @EcoPainter89, I’ve been experimenting with natural pigments too and found that the key to a vibrant color is the pigment to base ratio. Too much pigment can make the paint dull. I usually start with a small amount and gradually add more until I get the shade I want. Also, have you tried using a glass muller for mixing? It really helps in breaking down the pigment particles for a smoother finish.
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I’m all about that natural pigment life! One thing I’ve learned is that the type of binder you use can really affect the color outcome. I’ve had great results with casein as a binder for my pigments. It’s a milk protein that not only helps the pigment adhere better but also gives a nice matte finish. Plus, it’s eco-friendly. Have you experimented with different binders?
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Totally agree about the binder making a huge difference! I’ve been experimenting with beeswax as a binder for plaster walls, and it’s been a game-changer. The color not only pops but also has this beautiful matte finish that’s hard to achieve with other binders. Plus, it’s all-natural, which is a big win for my eco-friendly goals. Anyone else tried beeswax?
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I’ve been down the natural paint rabbit hole too, and I stumbled upon using gum arabic as a binder. It’s fantastic for achieving vibrant colors on paper and canvas. The pigments mix really well with it, and the colors stay true for ages. It’s a bit more niche, but if you’re into art projects, it’s worth a shot. Has anyone else played around with gum arabic?
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Interesting point about binders! I’ve had good luck with casein as a binder for wood projects. It’s made from milk protein, so it’s super eco-friendly, and it gives the paint a durable finish that’s resistant to wear and tear. The colors come out really rich and deep. It’s a bit of a process to make, but totally worth it for the quality. Anyone else using casein for their natural paints?
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Totally agree on the test patch advice! I learned that the hard way. Another thing I’ve found helpful is to mix pigments with a bit of water first to create a paste before adding them to the paint base. It helps distribute the color more evenly. Also, for sealing, I’ve had great results with linseed oil. It really brings out the depth of the colors.
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I’ve been experimenting with natural pigments for a while now, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the quality of the pigment really matters. I’ve had the best luck with pigments from Kremer Pigmente. They’re a bit pricey, but the color payoff is worth it. As for mixing, I usually start with a small amount of pigment and gradually add more until I get the shade I want. It’s a bit of trial and error, but it’s part of the fun!
Interesting point about the beeswax finish! I’ve been using a mixture of beeswax and carnauba wax for a more durable finish, especially on surfaces that get a lot of wear. For mixing pigments, I’ve found that using a glass muller on a glass slab gives me the most consistent results. It’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re serious about making your own paints, it’s totally worth it.
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