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This page covers the basics on natural paints. Most conventional paints are considered household hazardous waste and must be disposed of accordingly. One million tons of waste is produced annually from the manufacture of polyurethane varnish.[1] Natural Paint can be composted or thrown away and some are even edible!

Main ingredients[edit | edit source]

Binder[edit | edit source]

The binder is the main body of the paint, holds the paint together[2] and carries the pigment.[3] In other words, it acts as the glue for paint to stick together and maintain grip between the pigment and applied surface. Commercial paint binders are derived from

The choice of a binder depends on how much paint you need and the surface to be coated. Unlike commercial paint binders, which use byproducts of refined crude oil (such as acrylic or vinyl), natural binders that can be used are chalk, lime, casein (non-fat milk curds), animal or vegetable glues, and oil. Slaked chalk, also called whiting, makes a paint called distemper used for interior walls and ceilings. Lime has antibacterial qualities and is used for interior or exterior walls. Casein is the binder for milk paints; it is used for interior walls and for fine arts. Animal glues and vegetable glues make chalky paint and are usually used in fine arts. Oil is used for woodwork paint and fine art.[2] Other natural binders that can be used are linseed oil (compressed flax seeds), starch (flour) and animal or vegetable oil.

Pigment[edit | edit source]

The pigment is responsible for the color of the paint. Commercial paints use heavy metals and toxic compounds as pigments. Safe environmental alternative would be pigments that derive from plants, insects, iron oxides, minerals, clays, herbs, nuts, berries, barks, carbon, charcoal, and soot. They are ground down into powder and usually boiled several times in water to remove impurities.[3]

Solvent[edit | edit source]

Solvents, also called thinners, are the fluid component of the paint. They give it workable consistency until applied to a surface.[4]

Commercial solvents contain VOCs which volatilize upon application and emit hazardous chemicals and decrease indoor air quality. Natural solvents such as citrus thinners and natural turpentine are preferable as they produce low or no VOCs.

Solvents add transparency, extend drying time, and are used for cleaning and wiping away mistakes. Water is used as a solvent for distemper, lime wash, casein, and beer and vinegar glazes.[2] Natural turpentine (made from tree sap) and citrus peel are used as solvents with oil binders.[4]

Filler[edit | edit source]

Fillers reinforce the binder and give the paint texture and a thicker consistency. Whiting (powdered chalk), talcum, limestone, mica, silica, marble and clay are all common filler materials (Steen, 2006).

Clay is a popular filler to pair with flour, because it reinforces the binding ability of starch. Also, clay is abundant and potentially free if you have clay soil.

Extras / Additives[edit | edit source]

Other ingredients are often added to conventional paints to give them qualities such as fungicides and faster drying times. These added ingredients can increase the toxicity of the paint. Below is a table showing the biological effects of some main ingredients in conventional paints.

VOCs[edit | edit source]

All four main ingredients have synthetic counterparts. Most of the synthetic ingredients contain volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). A Johns Hopkins University study found that more than 300 toxic chemicals and 150 carcinogens may be present in paint. The USEPA has estimated that nationally, VOC emissions from architectural paints and coatings exceed 11 billion pounds each year. A safer choice is making your own paint at home from natural ingredients.[5]

Planning and Prep[edit | edit source]

When making your own paint, there are planning techniques and prep work that are essential to ensuring a good product and project. Allow plenty of time for experimenting. It takes time to get proportions and tones exactly right. Work out how much paint or glaze you will need because it is difficult to remix exact shades or consistencies. The amount of paint will depend on the surface area, absorbency of the surface and thickness of paint. Make sure to test paint. Write down recipes, ingredients, and proportions in a detailed record so you can replicate paints.[2] Follow recipes faithfully when starting out. Proportions of ingredients are the most important; an incorrect ratio may reduce the ability to adhere to a surface, durability, and quality.[3] Mixing order is also important.[2]

Brushes and Tools[edit | edit source]

The most important tool for painting are your brushes. A good brush is essential in application of paints. Also make sure to have the required brush for the kind of paint, surface, and application technique. A good brush is well worth the investment. Fitches are invaluable for mixing paints and glazes. Their densely packed heads of long stiff bristles are perfect for breaking up dry ingredients. Tools include jars, buckets, rags, containers, rollers, sponges, drop cloths, etc..[2]

Types[edit | edit source]

Water-Based Paint[edit | edit source]

Water based paints are the best natural and environmental choice for solvent. The two top water-based paints are distemper and lime wash. Distemper is made of chalk, rabbit-skin glue, water, and pigment. This paint is very dense, goes best with pastels, and has a powdery finish. Its disadvantage is that it is not washable. Lime wash on the other hand is washable. It is made from lime putty, water, and pigment. It has antibacterial properties, is durable, and ages well. Casein can also be added to increase durability. Both paints leave a chalky, matte finish and allow walls to breath.[2]

Oil-Based Paint[edit | edit source]

Oil paints are usually made of animal or vegetable oil, pigment, driers and/or resins, and white spirit solvent. It is suitable for exterior surfaces, and you can clean oil-painted surfaces regularly without damaging the paint.[4]

A variety of oils can be used but the most common is raw linseed oil from the seeds of the flax plant, natural solvent and pigment. Raw linseed oil heated to a high temperature (but not boiled!) ensures more durability. Oil paints can take a long time to dry, some will never completely harden, but this property gives the paint the advantage of remaining elastic as surfaces naturally swell and shrink.[4] Oil paints are often mixed with egg to decrease drying time.

Advantages of using oil paint include flexibility, durability, rich and velvet texture. Disadvantages are ingredients can be flammable or toxic, and the room must be well ventilated.[2]

Flour Paint[edit | edit source]

Flour paint is the simplest and most versatile paint type and can be used inside or outside, on wood, stone, drywall, wallpaper, earthen and gypsum plaster, masonry and to cover existing painted surfaces.

Clay filler is typically used with flour paint; however, chalk, mica, marble, limestone, or silica work as well. Flour paint typically consists of water, flour, colored and uncolored clay filler.[4] Many types of flour can be used for the binder, such as wheat or bleached flour.

If a textured surface is desired then more coarse materials can be used, but should be checked to see if it is still applicable with a brush. This type of paint is very thick and tends to be hard on brushes.

Egg Tempera[edit | edit source]

Egg Tempera can be used inside or outside and can last for over 20 years. This paint dries in about an hour to a glossy finish. It consists of egg (white and yolk), boiled linseed oil, water, and pigment (Homemade Paint).

Casein Paint[edit | edit source]

Casein paint is made from milk curds which can be purchased in powered form, but are also simple to make. The recipe is very specific but casein paint lasts a long time, is fungi resistant and compostable.

It can be used inside or outside, on wood, stone, drywall, wallpaper, earthen plaster, masonry and to cover existing painted surfaces.

Casein paint consists of nonfat milk, lime, water, filler and a pigment.[4] Lime is commonly used with casein because of its adhesiveness and its natural water resistivity. It must be mixed to specific proportions to prevent cracking, peeling and dusting off. It is important to allow each coat to dry completely, because the paint will become increasingly opaque as it dries.

Blood paint[edit | edit source]

These paints are mixed with dark pigmented pastes. They are weatherproof and are used indoors and outdoors on rough or planed wood. The drying time is approximately two hours and the lifespan can be up to 200 years.

Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

Cost[edit | edit source]

Natural Paint tends to be 20 to 80 percent more expensive than petroleum based paint. Whether purchased ready to use or made by the user, natural paints are less popular because they are more difficult to use. The demand for natural paint is lower so it is more expensive than less healthy alternatives.[6]

Availability[edit | edit source]

While the ingredients for making natural paints are easily accessible; many paint stores do not carry pre-made natural paint.[6] It is however possible to order pre-made natural paints over the internet.

Time[edit | edit source]

Some natural paints that are sold ready to use actually require some "assembly" in that the pigments may need to be added and homemade paint can take more than two days to make. The consistency of the paint can affect the amount of time required to apply it to a surface.[4] Some natural paints will need to be applied in multiple coats to achieve the correct color; 24-48 hours is required to allow previous coats to dry before a new coat is applied.[7][4] Natural paints take longer to dry than petroleum based paints.[7]

Color and Consistency[edit | edit source]

Consistency is especially difficult to achieve when using homemade natural paints. It is advisable to make a large batch of paint in order to keep color and texture uniform (Steen, 2006). The color possibilities are limited unless synthetic pigments are added.[7]

Advantages[edit | edit source]

Non-toxic[edit | edit source]

Natural paints are derived from organic materials and contain no synthetic ingredients. Due to their organic nature they are compostable and some are edible. Natural paints also contain low or no VOCs so they are healthier (Pennock, 2005).

Breathable Paints[edit | edit source]

A good paint breathes and allows the wall to breath. Breathable paint allows the wall to let moisture evaporate out. The great advantage of breathable paint is that it reduces the build up of moisture in a room that can be a major source of health problems. Many modern acrylic paints trap moisture in the walls and also impede the movement of heat between the room air and the wall.[8]

Variety[edit | edit source]

Homemade paint is one way to achieve a specific color or texture (Pennock, 2005). By using pigments from local surroundings one can create colors that match the immediate environment. Also many colors that are not sold in the stores can be made at home. Many different textures can be achieved by adding sand, mica, straw, etc.[7]

Sustainability[edit | edit source]

Natural paints can be made from renewable, abundant resources. They also require less energy to produce.[7]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Going Solar (2009). Conventional Paint Information. http://web.archive.org/web/20120322001558/http://www.goingsolar.com.au/pdf/catalogue/gs_bio_about_paint.pdf [accessed 11/22/2010]
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Innes, Jocaste. Around the House Paint Recipes. Boston: Bulfinch P, 1997.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bacon, Richard M. The Forgotten Arts: Book Two. Dublin, NH: Yankee Inc., 1975.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Steen, B., (2006). "Make Safe, Natural Paint." Mother Earth News (218), http://www.motherearthnews.com/DIY/2006-10-01/Make_Safe_Natural_Paint.aspx [accessed 2/3/2007].
  5. Dadd, Debra Lynn. Home Safe Home. New York: Putnam, 1997. "Homemade Paint." The Raadvad Centre. http://www.ibiblio.org/london/rural-skills/homemade/homemade-paint [accessed 1/31/2007].
  6. 6.0 6.1 Pennock, A., (2005). "Selecting Healthy and Environmentally Sound Paints." Green Home Guide, 8/9/2005 http://web.archive.org/web/20090409061755/http://southatlantic.greenhomeguide.com:80/index.php/knowhow/entry/750/ [accessed 2/2/2007].
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Abdalla, M., (2005). "Natural house paints…good enough to eat." Ecologist Online, 1/5/2005 http://web.archive.org/web/20080505025030/http://www.theecologist.org:80/archive_detail.asp?content_id=562 [accessed 2/3/2007].
  8. Roaf, Sue. Ecohouse: A Design Guide. Woburn, MA: Architectural Press, 2001.
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Part of Natural Paint
Keywords basics, paint, building elements, built environment, indoor air pollution, natural paint, hbcsl, natural building, earthen construction, green living
SDG SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities
Authors Lonny Grafman
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Translations Spanish
Related 1 subpages, 9 pages link here
Aliases Samoa Hostel natural paints, Samoa hostel natural paints
Impact 10,423 page views
Created May 7, 2007 by Lonny Grafman
Modified October 23, 2023 by Maintenance script
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