Casein paint is a traditional paint made entirely from natural ingredients, primarily milk protein. It’s a breathable paint with amazing environmental credentials and provides a unique, soft matte finish.
Casein is suitable for use on lime plaster and similar porous substrates. It’s ideal for older homes or eco builds, and will be of interest to anyone seeking a healthy plastic free alternative to fume laden standard emulsion paints.
What is Casein Paint?
Casein paint is made from casein, a protein found in milk, combined with natural binders like lime.
This type of paint can be coloured with mineral pigments. It’s one of the oldest known paint types and was traditionally used in both wall decoration and art. It’s supplied as a powder and needs to be mixed with water before being applied.
Key Properties of Casein Paint:-
- Highly breathable, allowing moisture vapour to pass through.
- Smooth, matte finish with a soft texture.
- Strong adhesion to porous, mineral surfaces.
- Low odour and non-toxic.
- Very low or no VOCs.
Where Can Casein Paint Be Used?
Casein paint is suitable for interior walls and ceilings, especially in older homes with lime plaster, solid walls, or breathable substrates.
It’s a good choice for:-
- Heritage home renovations.
- Eco homes.
- Bedrooms and living spaces with minimal moisture exposure.
It’s not recommended for:-
- Bathrooms with heavy condensation.
- Cellars or basements with damp issues.
- Exterior use unless the formulation specifies outdoor durability.
See Also: Best breathable paint for cellar walls | Which breathable paint for damp walls?
How to Apply Casein Paint
The best technique to apply casein paint is in thin, even layers. Applying thick coats can lead to issues with finish quality.
Paints such as Auro Casein paint come in powder form. It can be prepared and applied using the following steps:-
- Surfaces should be clean, dry, and flat.
- Mix 1kg paint powder to 1 litre of water.
- Leave to swell for 30 minutes, then stir thoroughly.
- Two to three coats should be applied, with 24 hours drying time between each coat.
- All surrounding areas should be protected due to the very thin, runny consistency of casein paint.
- Casein paint is translucent when first applied, but dries to a slightly cloudy white surface.
Want to add colour? You can add a tinting base to achieve your desired shade.
Casein paint application techniques and characteristics are similar to limewash, another traditional finish that’s been in use for centuries.
What Does Casein Paint Look Like on Walls?
Although it’s translucent when applied, casein paint dries to a beautifully soft, flat finish with a natural depth and richness. It has a slightly powdery look similar to limewash or chalk paint.
Colour tends to appear muted and earthy, making it ideal for calm, heritage inspired interiors. Many brands offer a curated range of mineral based hues for a timeless feel.
Our Casein Paints
If you're looking for a natural casein paint, we recommend checking out our options, which can be found in our lime paint collection. These are ideal paints for lime plaster, heritage restorations, or simply reducing chemical exposure in your home.
See Also: Breathable paint for old houses | Limewash for period properties | Clay paint and heritage homes
Casein Paint - Ancient But Still Relevant to Modern Homes
Casein paint is a beautiful and practical choice for natural, healthy interiors. It offers breathability, style, and heritage friendly credentials, without the plastic or VOCs of conventional paints. Ideal for eco conscious decorating, it’s particularly well suited to older properties, lime walls, and anyone looking to create a calmer, healthier home environment.
Contact Us with any queries about the suitability of Casein Paints for your home. Our knowledgeable team will be pleased to help!
