Painting. Not something that you generally put too much thought into, other than picking a color, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that you should put some thought into it. Color is important, yes. But there are other considerations, as well. If you have spent this much time and energy thus far in designing and building an off grid homestead that's truly green, then don't stop before planning your paint. The readily available paints that are currently on the market are loaded with chemicals. You know that classic "fresh paint smell"? Yeah, that's off-gassing. And that is also the reason why many people get headaches, nausea, and other issues when painting, especially in a non-ventilated area. Even the newer paints that are labeled as free of VOC's (volatile organic compounds), they still have other chemicals and artificial colorants in them. So what is a person to do? The good news is that you can easily buy or even make, your very own natural, environmentally friendly paints. The even better news? They are incredibly fast and easy to make. Primarily, all you need is pigment and a binder. The down side? Mix up only what you can use within a day or two (depending on what type of paint you're making). Some of these can go bad relatively quickly. So are you ready to learn more? Great! I'll include links at the end with recipes for the various paints, how-to's, and suppliers. But here are the basics.
Have you ever heard of milk paint? Often called casein paint, it's actually something found quite commonly on older/antique furniture. It's been around for a while. You can buy pre-made milk paint. If you'd rather do that, by all means go for it. Just make sure to thoroughly research the company that makes it. There are "milk paints" on the market that are not true milk paints. To make your own is really easy. The basic recipe is milk, white vinegar, pigment, and water. At room temperature, mix the milk and vinegar. The vinegar causes the milk to curdle. This usually doesn't take too long, maybe 20 - 30 minutes. Separate and rinse the curd to thoroughly remove they whey, add pigment and just enough water to make your paint. That's it. You're ready to go. It makes a beautiful and simple paint. You can also make a glaze by adding oil (like linseed oil) instead of the water. See? Easy. Now like I mentioned above, only make enough that you can use within a day, maybe two. You can store it in the refrigerator, but it doesn't take more than a couple of days for the milk to start to go bad, so use it quickly. You can also use powdered milk if you choose. It will drop the overall price of ingredients a little. Just take the powdered milk and add enough water to make the consistency of traditional pain. Then add your pigment. Paint away!
Next up is egg paint. If you're anything like me, the first thing to pop into your head maybe something along the lines of "won't that stink"? While some people have reported a smell, most people who use egg paints will tell you that so long as the eggs are fresh and the paint is thin and is used quickly, there shouldn't be much more than a slight scent that disappears within a few days. It is recommended that egg paints be used either on small projects or in small sections for a larger project. And be patient with it, using several thinner layers, rather than trying to get the job done in fewer, heavier coats. This should minimize any smell that may happen. This isn't really anything new, either. In fact, it was commonly used in renaissance painting until oil paints made their appearance on the scene in the latter renaissance. To make egg paint, again is very simple. What type of egg you use isn't really that important. Take the egg and separate the white from the yolk. Once the white has been removed, hold the egg over a cup or bowl and puncture the sac around the yolk. The yolk will pour out. To the yolk, add water to make a consistency of a thin cream. Add your pigment, and whola! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than a day or two. This paint tends to have a slightly more glossy appearance when it's dry.
There are also recipes for the vegan, or anyone who doesn't like the idea of using an animal-based product. And these are just as simple. Flour paint. Flour, water, pigment. That's it. This one can even be used out doors with great results, depending on climate. Chalk paint. Whereas the term "chalk paint" generally refers to a specific brand of store-bought paint, a similar paint can be made by adding pigment and water to sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), plaster of paris(may not be ideal for natural walls that need to breathe), borax, or calcium carbonate (think of those powdery tablets that treat gas and heartburn). Each of these creates a slightly different effect, so play around and experiment before going all in on your walls.
Finally, we come to tadelakt. This one is slightly more complex, but definitely has a place and a purpose. In simplest terms, tadelakt is a lime plaster (with or without pigment) that is sealed with a black olive oil soap. The olive oil soap is crucial in that it makes the plaster virtually waterproof, while still allowing walls to breathe. Tadelakt has a history that traces back hundreds of years in Morocco. Accordingly, true tadelakt can only be made with lime from that region. The effect, however can still be accomplished with any good lime plaster. It is time consuming. Two to three layers (minimum) of plaster should be applied, allowing ample drying time between, until you get to the last layer. While the last layer is still partially wet, you start applying the oil. Applied in small areas at a time, apply the oil/soap and buff with a stone made specifically for that purpose. This pushes the oil into the plaster and tightens it's "pores". The finished product is a beautiful, deep color with a shine. With minimal upkeep, this finish is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or any area that sees a lot of moisture.
As for pigments, well, you have a few options here, as well. You can easily purchase natural powdered pigments online (and occasionally in stores). As always, do some research on any company you are thinking of buying from. Make sure they are really using natural materials. Or.... you can make your own pigments. Traditionally, pigments can be made of ground up stones, minerals or plants. You can use the same materials to make your own. Some minerals may need a bit more work to get them into powdered form, depending on their hardness. But it can be done. Think of ancient Egypt. They would grind up malachite for green, lapis lazuli for blue, charcoal for black. If you can powder it, you can use it. Well, for the most part. Again, research. You don't want to go grinding up lead or some other toxic mineral. Even malachite is potentially toxic, and it is not recommended to breathe in the dust. So please be careful if you choose to do this. Plants, however can be used just as easily. This can be done in two ways. You can dry the plant in order to make a powder pigment. Or, you can use the juice from the plant itself, if possible. If there is no juice, like in onion skins, boil the plant/skins in water to release the pigment, and then use that water. Simple and inexpensive or even free if you take a nature walk or pull from your own garden.
Painting can be a fun and enjoyable experience that doesn't have to drive you crazy with smells and chemicals. This is a time to let out your inner child. Have some fun and experiment. You never know what you might come up with.
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