Seeking advice: How to achieve a specific color with natural paints?

Hey everyone! :herb: I’m in the middle of a home renovation project and have decided to go all-natural with my paint choices. I’ve been experimenting with Earthborn Paints and Auro Natural Paints, and I’m loving their eco-friendly credentials and the depth of color they offer. However, I’ve hit a bit of a snag. I’m trying to achieve a specific shade of sage green for my living room, but mixing natural pigments to get the exact hue is proving trickier than I thought.

I’ve previously used Ecos Paints for a smaller project and was impressed by their non-toxic formula and the ease of application on plaster walls. This time, though, I’m working with untreated wood, and I’m curious about how different natural paints perform on this surface. Has anyone else tried to match a specific color with natural paints? What brands or mixing techniques have worked for you?

Also, I’m keen to hear about your experiences with surface compatibility and any tips for ensuring the paint adheres well and lasts. Let’s share our stories and help each other out with our eco-friendly painting adventures! What’s your go-to natural paint brand for achieving those perfect shades, and how do you tackle the challenge of color matching?

Hey @EcoPainterJane, achieving that perfect sage green can indeed be a challenge with natural paints. I’ve had success with Earthborn Paints by mixing their ‘Claypaint’ range. Start with their ‘Eau de Nil’ as a base and gradually add ‘Sage Green’ pigment until you hit the right shade. Remember, natural pigments can look different once dried, so always do a test patch!

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I’ve been using Auro Natural Paints for my projects and found their color range quite versatile. For sage green, I mixed their ‘Plant-Based Paint’ with a bit of ‘Yellow Ochre’ and ‘Ultramarine Blue’. It took a few tries, but the result was worth it. Also, their paint adheres beautifully to untreated wood!

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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely try mixing ‘Eau de Nil’ with ‘Sage Green’. How many coats did you find necessary for full coverage on untreated wood?

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@NatureLover23 That’s interesting! I’ve been hesitant to try Auro Natural Paints on wood, fearing it might not adhere well. Did you use any primer or just applied the paint directly?

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I’m all about Ecos Paints for their ease of use and environmental credentials. For sage green, I mixed their ‘Linen White’ with a bit of ‘Olive Green’. It might take a bit of experimentation, but the key is to add the darker pigment gradually. Also, their paint works great on wood with proper preparation.

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@SunnyDays47 Thanks for sharing! I’ve had good experiences with Ecos Paints too. What kind of preparation did you do for the wood? Did you sand it or use a specific primer?

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@EcoPainterJane I found that two coats were sufficient for full coverage, but it might depend on the wood’s porosity. Light sanding before painting can help with adhesion and coverage.

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@DIYQueen I applied the paint directly after a light sanding. Auro Natural Paints are designed to adhere well to various surfaces, including untreated wood, without the need for a primer. However, for very porous surfaces, a natural primer might help.

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@EcoPainterJane I lightly sanded the wood and wiped it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust. I didn’t use a primer, but ensuring the surface is clean and slightly rough helps the paint adhere better.

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Hey, I’ve been down the natural paint road too and it’s a bit of a maze, isn’t it? For sage green, I found that layering works wonders. Start with a lighter base and then glaze over with a slightly darker shade. It gives depth and you can tweak the color as you go. Also, untreated wood can be tricky; make sure to prime it well to avoid blotchiness. I’ve had good luck with Auro Natural Paints for this. Their primer sticks like a dream and the topcoat goes on smooth.

Mixing natural pigments is an art form, honestly. I remember trying to get a specific shade of blue and it took me weeks! For sage green, I’d recommend starting with a base that’s a bit lighter than what you’re aiming for. Natural paints tend to dry darker. Also, consider the lighting in your room. What looks perfect in daylight might not hold up under artificial light. I’ve used Earthborn Paints with success, but it’s all about patience and testing. Don’t rush the process.

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I’ve had a similar experience with Auro Natural Paints. Their ‘Plant-Based Paint’ is a game-changer for me. Mixing colors can be a bit of a trial and error process, but once you get the hang of it, the results are stunning. For untreated wood, I found that applying a natural primer first really helps with adhesion and longevity. Have you tried any primers with your projects?

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Interesting approach with the ‘Yellow Ochre’ and ‘Ultramarine Blue’. I’ve been using Earthborn Paints and found their ‘Claypaint’ to be quite forgiving when it comes to mixing colors. It’s also great for breathability on untreated wood, which is a big plus for me. How do you find the drying time with Auro’s paints?

I’m all about Ecos Paints for their ease of use and the fact that they’re virtually odorless. I haven’t tried mixing colors extensively, but their pre-mixed sage green is pretty close to what you’re describing. For untreated wood, I recommend lightly sanding the surface first to ensure the paint adheres well. What’s your take on sanding before painting?

I’ve been experimenting with Biofa Paints and their natural pigments. They offer a wide range of colors, and I’ve managed to achieve a lovely sage green by mixing their green base with a touch of white and yellow. Their paint works well on untreated wood, especially if you apply it in thin layers. Do you have any tips for applying paint in thin layers without streaks?

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I’ve found that Aglaia Paints are fantastic for achieving deep, rich colors. They have a specific sage green that might be just what you’re looking for without the need for mixing. Their paint adheres well to untreated wood, and I’ve noticed it dries to a beautiful matte finish. How important is the finish to you when choosing a paint?

I’ve been using Livos Paints and love their eco-friendly approach. For sage green, I mixed their ‘Orgin’ with a bit of ‘Lemon’ and ‘Aqua’. It took a few attempts to get the shade right, but the paint’s natural ingredients made the process enjoyable. On untreated wood, I’ve found that applying a second coat after the first has fully dried really enhances the color depth. Have you experimented with multiple coats for a richer color?

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I’ve been down the natural paint road before, and it’s definitely a journey. For sage green, I found that Earthborn Paints have a great base color called ‘Claypaint in Sage’. It might not be the exact shade you’re after, but it’s a solid starting point. Mixing in a bit of their ‘Olive Grove’ can get you closer. On wood, make sure you sand it well and maybe even use a primer if the wood is really porous. It’s all about the prep work.

Mixing natural paints is like being a mad scientist, but in a good way. I’ve had success with Auro Natural Paints for achieving custom colors. They have a clear base that you can tint with their pigments. For sage green, I’d start with their ‘Plant-Based Paint’ and add ‘Green Pigment No. 320’ little by little. It’s a bit of trial and error, but the results are worth it. Just remember, natural paints can dry a bit darker, so test your mix on a sample board first.