Modern natural paints have evolved significantly from their historical counterparts, combining ancient wisdom with contemporary technology to create environmentally friendly and health-conscious alternatives to conventional paints. This article will explore the key ingredients commonly found in modern natural paints and their role in creating sustainable, high-performing products.

What are the ingredients in natural paint?

Key Ingredients in Modern Natural Paints

Binders

Binders are responsible for providing adhesion, durability, and cohesion in paint. In natural paints, plant-based oils and resins are typically used as binders.

Common examples include:

  • Linseed oil: Extracted from flax seeds, linseed oil is a popular binder due to its excellent drying and film-forming properties.
  • Soya oil: Derived from soybeans, soya oil is another plant-based binder option that offers good adhesion and drying characteristics.
  • Natural resins: Resins such as dammar, rosin, or pine resin can be used as binders, providing a flexible and durable finish

Pigments

Pigments are responsible for the colour of the paint. Natural paints utilise non-toxic pigments from various sources:

  • Mineral pigments: Naturally occurring minerals like ochre, sienna, and umber provide a range of earthy colours. These pigments are ground into a fine powder and mixed with binders.
  • Plant-based pigments: Extracts from plants, such as indigo, madder, or beetroot, can be used to create a variety of colours. These pigments are typically more sustainable and have a lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives.

Fillers

Fillers help provide body, texture, and opacity to the paint. In natural paints, fillers are typically derived from abundant, low-impact sources:

  • Chalk: Chalk is a common filler in natural paints due to its availability, low cost, and excellent opacity.
  • Clay: Various types of clay, such as kaolin or bentonite, can be used as fillers to provide texture and body to the paint.
  • Talc: Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, is sometimes used as a filler to improve the paint’s coverage and smoothness.

Solvents

Solvents are used to adjust the paint’s viscosity, making it easier to apply. Natural paints often use water or plant-derived solvents:

  • Water: Water is the most common solvent in natural paints, offering a low-impact and non-toxic option for thinning the paint.
  • Plant-derived solvents: Some natural paints use solvents derived from plants, such as citrus or pine-based terpenes, as an alternative to petrochemical solvents. These solvents typically have a lower volatile organic compound (VOC) content, contributing to better indoor air quality.

Additives

Natural paint formulations may also include a range of additives to enhance specific properties or characteristics:

  • Preservatives: Natural preservatives, such as essential oils or plant extracts, can be added to prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria in the paint.
  • Thickeners: Plant-based thickeners like cellulose or xanthan gum can be used to adjust the paint’s consistency.
  • Stabilisers: Natural stabilisers, such as casein or beeswax, can be added to improve the paint’s shelf life and performance.

Conclusion

The ingredients in modern natural paints reflect a commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and human health. By using renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials, natural paints offer a viable alternative to conventional paints for those seeking to reduce their ecological footprint and improve indoor air quality. As consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly products continue to grow, we can expect further advancements in natural paint technology, leading to even more sustainable and high-performing options for homes and businesses alike. By embracing natural paints, we not only contribute to a greener future but also create healthier, more comfortable spaces to live and work in.

Modern manufacturers of natural paints

Companies like Auro, Graphenstone, and Earthborn are at the forefront of the natural paint industry, offering environmentally friendly and sustainable paint options that are healthier for both the environment and indoor spaces. Each company has its unique formulations and approaches to creating natural paints. In this article, we will explore some of the key ingredients used by these companies in their paint products.

Auro natural paints

Auro is a German company that produces eco-friendly and organic paints using natural, renewable, and biodegradable ingredients. Some of the main components in Auro’s paint products include:

  1. Binders: Auro primarily uses plant-based binders, such as linseed oil, castor oil, and their own mixtures, which are sourced from renewable resources.
  2. Pigments: Auro’s paint colours are derived from natural mineral pigments
  3. Fillers: The company uses natural fillers, such as chalk, clay, and other minerals, to provide texture and opacity to their paint products.
  4. Solvents: Auro opts for water and plant-based solvents, like orange oil, to reduce VOC emissions and improve indoor air quality.
  5. Additives: Auro incorporates natural additives, like essential oils and plant extracts, as preservatives and to enhance the paint’s properties.

Graphenstone Paints

Graphenstone is a Spanish company that produces sustainable, eco-friendly paints by combining natural ingredients with innovative graphene technology. Some key ingredients in Graphenstone’s paint products include:

  1. Binders: Graphenstone uses lime as the primary binder in their paint formulations, which contributes to the paint’s breathability, durability, and natural antimicrobial properties.
  2. Pigments: The company uses mineral-based pigments to create a wide range of colours that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
  3. Fillers: Graphenstone incorporates natural fillers like chalk and clay in their paint products, adding texture and opacity.
  4. Solvents: Water is the primary solvent used in Graphenstone’s paint formulations, making them low in VOCs and better for indoor air quality.
  5. Additives: Graphenstone’s innovative use of graphene as an additive in their paints enhances the paint’s strength, flexibility, and thermal properties without compromising environmental sustainability.

Earthborn Paints

Earthborn is a UK-based company that produces eco-friendly, breathable, and high-performing paint products. Some of the primary ingredients in Earthborn’s paint formulations include:

  1. Binders: Earthborn uses a combination of plant-based binders, such as linseed oil, and natural clays to provide adhesion and durability.
  2. Pigments: The company uses natural, mineral-based pigments to create a wide range of colours that are safe and environmentally friendly.
  3. Fillers: Earthborn’s paint products include natural fillers like chalk, clay, and talc to provide body, texture, and opacity.
  4. Solvents: Water is the primary solvent used in Earthborn’s paint formulations, ensuring low VOC content and improved indoor air quality.
  5. Additives: Earthborn incorporates a range of natural additives, such as essential oils and plant extracts, to enhance the paint’s properties, including breathability and resistance to mould and mildew.

Conclusion

Auro, Graphenstone, and Earthborn are leading the way in the natural paint industry by offering eco-friendly, sustainable, and healthier alternatives to conventional paints. Each company uses a unique combination of natural ingredients to create high-quality paint products that are better for the environment, indoor air quality, and human health. By supporting these companies and choosing natural paints, consumers can contribute to a greener