Natural, eco friendly, organic, plant based. These are all terms you’ll see in relation to modern paints formulated to be kind to the environment.
But what are all the different types of natural paint, and how can paint made from plants and natural products do the same job as standard paints formulated with plastics, petrochemicals and harsh synthetic binders?
Pictured: Graphenstone Celadon.
Natural paint is available in many forms, from traditional limewash to modern lime paints, clay, silicate, and natural gloss and emulsion. Every type has a distinct set of ingredients, finish, and performance qualities.
The interesting part? Natural paints genuinely perform just as well or better than standard paints. Let’s take a look at the main types, and how and where they can be used.
Clay Paint
Clay paint is highly breathable paint made with clay, mineral fillers, plant based or mineral binders, and earth pigments.
On the wall, Clay Paint is valued for its unique natural textured finish. It tends to soften the way light falls in a room, with colours looking muted and slightly chalky rather than bright, vibrant, and shiny. This type of natural paint is popular for use in bedrooms, livingrooms, and in older properties.
Clay paint is a highly breathable paint, with SD values around 0.015 - 0.02m which means water vapour can pass through the coating easily. It’s not usually the toughest choice, and won’t withstand regular scrubbing or high splash areas well.
Limewash
Limewash is an ancient paint formulation that’s been in use since Roman times. It’s a traditional mineral wash formulated from slaked lime, water, and mineral pigments. Suitable for use on lime plaster, stone, brick, and traditional masonry.
This natural paint type is a bit tricky to apply, and needs regular maintenance. It is still a popular choice for heritage projects, but many decorators now opt for modern lime based paints which have similar characteristics, and are easier to maintain and apply.
It creates a chalky, breathable finish with gentle tonal variation. Limewash is especially useful on older buildings because it allows moisture to move through the wall rather than trapping it behind a sealed paint layer.
Lime Paint
Modern lime based paint is a breathable mineral paint which is more durable than traditional limewash. It was developed to give the character and breathability of limewash with better opacity and adhesion.
Lime paint is a thicker lime finish with a more paint-like finish. It is still based on lime and mineral ingredients. The finish is matt and softly textured, without the “thin” texture of limewash. It offers excellent coverage whilst still being a natural, highly breathable finish.
It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a durable paint for lime plaster or heritage properties. Its natural mould resistance makes it a solid choice for damp prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or cellars.
Silicate Paint
Silicate paint is a breathable mineral paint made with potassium silicate as a primary ingredient. It bonds with suitable mineral surfaces rather than simply sitting on top as a film. This is a chemical process known as Silicification.
It is one of the most durable natural paint types and is often used on render, masonry, concrete and mineral plaster. Once dried, it’s highly breathable, UV stable, and has a matt finish with a clean, even appearance.
Silicate paint is a good choice when you want a long lasting breathable mineral finish with a precise and architectural look. This paint works well on mineral walls and older buildings.
Distemper
Distemper is a traditional paint finish formulated from chalk, water and a natural binder like casein or oil.
This type of paint is a traditional breathable paint made from chalk, water and a natural binder such as glue or casein. It has a soft powdery, matt appearance and is often used in period interiors. It’s highly breathable and an authentic heritage finish.
Soft distemper is delicate and not very washable, but is still used by those who value traditional paint finishes and for conservation projects. Casein distemper and oil bound distemper paint are generally more durable, depending on the formulation.
Casein Paint or Milk Paint
Casein paint, also known as Milk Paint, is a traditional natural paint which uses milk protein as a natural binder, usually combined with lime, chalk and natural pigments. It is one of the oldest paint types in existence, with evidence of its use dating back 49,000 years. In more modern times it’s often used for furniture, heritage interiors and traditional decorative work. It’s often sold as a powder and mixed with water before use.
Milk paints usually create a matt, mineral looking finish with a traditional character.
Linseed Oil Paint
Linseed oil paint is a traditional oil based paint made with linseed oil, also known as flaxseed oil, and mineral pigments. It is especially valued for timber because it soaks into the surface in a way petrochemical based paints can’t, and weathers gradually.
It is commonly used on windows, doors, exterior joinery, cladding and traditional woodwork. Linseed oil paint dries slowly, but when applied correctly it can be extremely durable and easy to maintain over time.
Natural Emulsion Paint
Natural emulsion is a modern wall paint designed as a more natural alternative to conventional interior emulsion. It will contain ingredients such as chalk, clay, mineral fillers, plant-based binders or natural resins. It won’t contain petrochemicals, plastics, or harsh synthetic solvents. Many natural emulsion formulations are free of MI / MIT / BIT preservatives, which is an allergen for some sensitive individuals.
This type of paint performs just as effectively as conventional paints, with added performance such as mould resistance, breathability, and high flexibility. Specific paints will vary depending on the formulation.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint isn’t the famous paint beloved of upcyclers. Chalk is just another name for calcium carbonate - a common ingredient in natural paints. Known for its soft, chalky matt finish this paint type is closer to old fashioned distemper or lime based wall paint.
Not all chalk paint is natural. Some products contain chalk or calcium carbonate, but still use conventional synthetic binders. For a natural option, it is important to check the full ingredients rather than relying on the name alone.
Roman Clay
Roman clay is a thin decorative wall finish made with clay and mineral ingredients. It sits somewhere between paint and plaster.
It is applied by hand to create a smooth, matt, slightly tonal surface with more depth and movement than standard wall paint. Roman clay is usually chosen for feature walls and natural interiors rather than quick whole-house decorating.
Paint Certifications
Some natural paints carry certifications for emissions, sustainability or safety. These can be useful, especially when comparing indoor air quality or environmental claims. Understanding them can help avoid buying paints without decent eco creds, which can be marketed using greenwashing like claims of “low voc” and “breathable”on the tin. Always check the paint TDS and certifications.
Our FAQ page has detailed information on the types of paint certifications that demonstrate a natural paint has true eco credentials.
Choosing the Right Natural Paint
Ultimately, the best natural paint depends on the surface, the building and the finish you want.
If you need help choosing the right paint for your project, please contact us. One of our friendly team of natural paint experts will be happy to help!
