Natural paints: what are the ways to make them

WHAT ARE NATURAL PAINTS? 

What makes them Eco-Friendly?

Natural paints, also known as eco-friendly paints or organic paints, are paints that are made from natural, non-toxic ingredients and do not contain harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which unlike conventional paints do not contain synthetic chemicals that can release harmful fumes, and contribute to indoor air pollution.

Benefits of natural paints include:

• Environmentally friendly: Natural paints are generally made from renewable resources, reducing the impact on the environment compared to conventional paints with high chemical content.
• Low VOC emissions: Since natural paints have little to no VOCs, they contribute to healthier indoor air quality and are less harmful to occupants, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.
• Biodegradable: Natural paints are often biodegradable and can break down more easily in the environment compared to synthetic paints.
• Aesthetic appeal: Natural pigments can provide unique and subtle colors, giving a natural and warm appearance to the painted surface.

Basics of Natural paints.

The primary components of natural paints typically include:

1. Pigments: Natural pigments are derived from minerals, plants, and other natural sources. They provide color and opacity to the paint.
   Binders: The binder is the adhesive component that holds the pigment particles together and helps them adhere to surfaces. In natural paints, binders are usually made from natural materials such as linseed oil, beeswax, plant oils, or casein (milk protein).
   Solvents: Natural paints often use water as the solvent, which means they are water-based and have low or no VOC content. This is in contrast to conventional paints that use chemical solvents which can release harmful fumes.

   Additives: Natural paints may include small amounts of natural additives like clay, chalk, or talcum for specific properties like texture, durability, or drying time.

What are some natural materials that we can create paints from?

Fruits: 

• Blueberries:  shades of blue and purple.
• Raspberries:  pink and red pigments.
• Strawberries: red and pink hues
• .Blackberries: purple and blue tones
• .Pomegranate:  brown and gray pigment
• Cherries:  red and pink pigments.
• Grapes:  purple pigments.
• Cranberries: f red and pink.
• Elderberries:  dark purple and black pigments.
• Oranges: orange pigments.
• Lemons: yellow pigments.
• Grapefruits: pink and yellow hues.
• Plums:  purple and pink pigments.
• Blackcurrants:  dark purple pigments
• Red currants: red pigments.

Vegetables:

• Beets: shades of pink and red.
• Carrots:  orange pigment.
• Spinach: green pigments.
• Red Cabbage: blue and purple pigments.
• Turmeric: vibrant yellow pigment.
• Onions: yellow and brown pigments.
• Pumpkins: orange and yellow hues.
• Sweet Potatoes:  earthy tones.
• Red Peppers:  red and orange pigments.
• Kale: green pigments.
• Tomatoes:  red and pink hues.
• Purple Potatoes:  purple pigments.
• Saffron: rich yellow pigment.
• Parsley: green pigments.
• Red Radishes: red and pink pigments.

Flowers:

• Marigold: yellow and orange pigments.
• Hibiscus:  vibrant red and pink hues.
• Lavender:  light purple and lavender pigments.
• Rose:  pink and red.
• Chrysanthemum:  yellow and green pigments.
• Sunflower:  yellow and brown pigments.
• Dahlia: reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks.
• Cornflower: Cornflowers can produce blue pigments.
• Lilac: Lilac flowers can yield light purple and lavender pigments.
• Pansy:  purple, blue, and yellow pigments.
• Safflower: yellow and orange pigments.
• Chamomile: light yellow pigments.
• Daisy:  white and yellow pigments.
• Nasturtium:  bright red and orange pigments.
• Butterfly Pea:  flowers can yield blue pigments that can change color depending on the pH of the solution.

The basic technique to extract colors from fruits, vegetables, and flowers is the same. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to extract pigments from vegetables:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the vegetables into small pieces to increase the surface area and facilitate color extraction.
2. Boiling or Simmering: Place the chopped vegetables in a pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the vegetables to simmer for an extended period to release their color into the water. The exact time required may vary depending on the vegetable and the desired intensity of the color.
3. Mash or Blend (Optional): To further enhance color extraction, you can mash or blend the vegetables after they have been simmered. This step is optional and can be skipped if the simmering process has already yielded the desired color.
4. Strain the liquid: Once the desired color is achieved, strain the liquid to separate the vegetable solids from the colored liquid. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for this purpose.
5. Adjust the pH (Optional): Depending on the vegetable used, you may choose to adjust the pH of the colored liquid to achieve different shades. For example, adding a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice can make the color more vibrant, while adding baking soda can make it more alkaline.
6. Use as a dye or paint: The extracted vegetable color can now be used as a natural dye for fabrics or other materials. It can also be mixed with a natural binder like water, linseed oil, or casein to create paint for artistic purposes.

 

In a different blog, we explore the existing traditional plasters practised in the different parts of India.