How do you make clay paint?

The first step to making clay paint it to make a flour paste by mixing 2 cups of cold water with 1 cup flour and then adding it to 6 cups boiling water, stirring until it thickens. Then mix 1 part flour paste with 1 part natural earth pigment of your choice. Using a paint mixer drill attachment, mix until desired consistency, adding water if needed. Add borax to the mixture (2 to 3 tablespoons per gallon) to avoid mold. Lastly, test your paint on a portion of your wall for desired consistency.

Is clay paint breathable?

Yes, clay paint is breathable, low-odor, non-toxic, and is a low VOC paint.

Can a wall painted with clay paint be cleaned?

Contaminants can become embedded in the paint, and abrasion can occur if it is cleaned too often.

Can clay paint be used in bathrooms?

Clay paints have moisture regulating properties but shouldn’t be applied in areas frequently exposed to water.

Is clay paint durable?

Clay paint is long-lasting when applied appropriately. Avoid painting in areas prone to water exposure, and cleaning painted surfaces too often as abrasion can occur.

Are clay paints toxic?

Clay paint has odor regulating properties, is non-toxic and low VOC.

How much can a gallon of clay paint cover?

300 - 400 square feet per gallon, depending on the surface and painting method.

Learn about Clay Paint

Clay paints are made by mixing clay and pigments to create a beautiful interior surface that can simulate the look of plaster or stucco. Sometimes other materials such as cellulose, alcohol or oils are also included in the recipe to enhance the strength or other properties of the clay paint.

Clay paints can be made onsite with local materials, but they are also made by larger manufactures and sold commercially. They may be sold in powder form to be mixed with water.

They can be applied over most surfaces, including plasters, drywall, concrete, stone and existing coats of paint. For high-impact areas, a glazing can be applied over clay paint to make it more abrasion resistant. They should not be applied in areas that get frequently exposed to water, like around sinks and showers in a bathroom.

Clay paints are made of non-toxic, VOC-free, natural materials. They can also be made using locally sourced materials!

Clay plasters are one of the oldest wall finishing materials. They were even used to coat the walls of early Egyptian tombs!