Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to repaint my living room using only natural and eco-friendly materials. I’ve settled on milk paint for its minimal environmental impact and the beautiful, matte finish it offers. But here’s where I need your collective wisdom: I’m looking to create a custom color by mixing natural pigments into the milk paint. I’ve heard that earth pigments can offer a wide range of hues, but I’m a bit nervous about getting the proportions right.
So far, I’ve experimented with a small batch using ochre pigment from Earth Pigments, and while the color is stunning, I’m curious about how different pigments might behave. Has anyone here tried mixing their own colors with milk paint? What brands of natural pigments have you found to be the most vibrant and easy to work with? Also, any tips on ensuring the pigment is evenly distributed without overworking the paint?
I’m particularly interested in hearing about your experiences with different surfaces. I’m working on both plaster walls and some reclaimed wood furniture, and I want to make sure the color turns out consistent across both. Plus, any advice on the environmental considerations of sourcing pigments would be greatly appreciated. Let’s share our knowledge and make our homes beautiful and sustainable together!
Hey EcoPainter88! 
I’ve been down this road before and it’s such a rewarding process. For vibrant colors, I highly recommend checking out Earth Pigments and Natural Pigments. Both brands offer a wide range of hues that blend beautifully with milk paint. A tip for even distribution: mix your pigment with a small amount of water first to create a slurry, then gradually add it to your milk paint. This helps prevent clumps and ensures a smooth, consistent color. Good luck with your project!
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I’ve used Earth Pigments with milk paint on reclaimed wood and the results were stunning! The key is to test your mix on a small area first, as the absorbency of the wood can affect the final color. Also, don’t forget to seal your work with a natural finish to protect it. Can’t wait to see how your project turns out!
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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for the tip about creating a slurry first! I’ll definitely try that with my next batch. Do you have any advice on how much pigment to start with for a medium shade?
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@EcoPainter88 For a medium shade, I usually start with a 1:10 ratio of pigment to paint and adjust from there. It’s easier to add more pigment than to lighten the color, so start small!
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Just a heads-up, mixing pigments can be a bit messy. Make sure to wear gloves and cover your workspace. Also, Natural Pigments has a great guide on their website about mixing ratios for different shades. It’s been a lifesaver for me!
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@LeafyLad Thanks for the tip! I’ll check out their guide. Do you have any favorite pigments from them?
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@EcoPainter88 I’m a big fan of their Terre Verte and Venetian Red. Both mix beautifully with milk paint and offer rich, deep colors.
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Has anyone tried using Blue Ochre from Earth Pigments? I’m curious about how it performs with milk paint.
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@OceanBreeze I’ve used Blue Ochre on a few projects. It gives a lovely, soft blue that’s perfect for a calming space. Just make sure to mix it well, as it can be a bit grainy.
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For those interested in the environmental aspect, it’s worth noting that some pigments are mined, which can have an impact. I try to source from companies that prioritize sustainable practices. Earth Pigments and Natural Pigments both have good reputations in this regard.
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@MossyMaven That’s a great point. I’ll definitely look into their sourcing practices. Thanks for bringing that up!
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I’ve had great luck with Earth Pigments too, especially on plaster. The trick is to mix the pigment with a bit of water first to make a paste, then blend it into the milk paint. It helps with even distribution. And yeah, sealing is a must, especially on furniture. I use beeswax for a natural finish.
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Mixing pigments can be a bit of trial and error, but it’s so rewarding when you get it right. I’ve found that adding a little bit of pigment at a time and mixing thoroughly before adding more helps prevent overworking the paint. Also, testing on a similar surface beforehand is a lifesaver.
I’m all about the eco-friendly approach, but have you considered the lightfastness of the pigments you’re using? Some natural pigments can fade over time, especially in sunny rooms. I always check the pigment’s lightfastness rating before committing to a color.
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For those diving into natural pigments, don’t forget about the mica powders for a bit of shimmer. They mix beautifully with milk paint and can add a unique touch to your project. Just a heads up, a little goes a long way with mica.
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I love the idea of custom colors with natural pigments. It’s such a creative process. One thing I’ve learned is to keep detailed notes on the proportions used for each color mix. It’s a game-changer when you need to replicate a color or adjust it slightly for consistency across different projects.
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Yeah, mixing pigments can definitely get messy. I always lay down some old newspapers or a drop cloth to catch any spills. As for the Natural Pigments guide, it’s super helpful for beginners. I found that starting with small amounts and gradually adding more pigment helps me get the exact shade I want without wasting materials.
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I’ve had good luck with Sinopia pigments for vibrant colors. They blend well with milk paint, and I’ve noticed they don’t clump as much as some other brands. For even distribution, I use a mini whisk or a small paint mixer attachment on my drill. It’s a game-changer for getting that smooth, consistent color, especially on larger projects like walls.
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I’ve actually used Blue Ochre from Earth Pigments with milk paint before. It’s a bit tricky because the color can vary depending on how much you mix in. I found that starting with a small amount and gradually adding more until you get the desired shade works best. The key is to mix thoroughly to avoid any streaks. It gave my project a really unique, earthy blue that I loved.
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