Natural Paint For Walls

We all know natural is best when it comes to our food. We’re encouraged to check the ingredients list and look out for chemical additives and preservatives. But have you thought to check the ingredients list on a paint can? As with food, you may be surprised by a lack of natural ingredients and the presence of chemicals, solvents and preservatives in conventional paint. Just as you may not want artificial additives from food inside your body, toxic paint components on your walls will be in the air you and your family inhale daily.

Natural or eco-friendly paint is a healthier alternative. So, next time your walls need repainting, consider using natural paint. Here, we’ll give you the lowdown on natural paint for walls and we’ll answer your frequently asked questions.

Walls in Gentleman's Pink™ No.221 - @aplaceinthecountry_

What are natural ingredient paints?

Natural paints are created with raw materials and natural ingredients, so they have a lower environmental impact and are kinder to you and your family. They’re made without toxic additives and preservatives. They are free from (or virtually free from) volatile organic compounds - harmful chemicals in paint that get released into the air when you paint a wall and contribute to global warming. Natural paints will be zero VOC or low VOC paints.

Natural paint improves your indoor air quality as it produces low emissions. It’s breathable paint which purifies the environment rather than adding chemicals to the air that surrounds us.

What’s wrong with conventional paint?

Old school paint contained lead and particularly toxic chemicals. Whilst modern, conventional paint is an improvement on that, it can still contain an array of substances that are harmful to us and our environment. Some of the most damaging are:

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Microplastics
Pesticides
Formaldehyde
Toxic metals (used in pigments)
Solvents
Preservatives
Stabilisers
Carcinogenic additives and more.

These toxins are particularly harmful for children with asthma and allergies, as well as damaging our fragile planet.

Walls and ceiling in Maugham White™ No.02 - @angelacheunguk

Walls and ceiling in Maugham White™ No.02 - @angelacheunguk

How do you make natural paint for walls?

At Mylands, we‘ve worked tirelessly over 12 years to reduce the chemicals and microplastics we use within our paints, resulting in our plant-based paint ranges. We’re proud to offer environmentally conscious products which are low VOC, water-based paints and plant-based resins.

If it’s natural, it will be solvent-free paint and will comprise natural raw materials rather than toxic compounds. It will be water-based rather than oil-based. Examples of this would be clay paint or mineral paint.

At Mylands, we only use ethically sourced oils. Many of our mineral fillers are natural clays, and we use natural pigments wherever possible. Our sustainable, natural, Olive Stone Emulsion paint uses ground down olive stones (a by-product of the olive oil industry) as an alternative to synthetic fillers. We’re constantly striving to find more innovative solutions like this - upcycling natural raw materials to improve our products.

Walls in Market Green™ No.38

Walls in Market Green™ No.38

Can you use natural paint on all walls?

Different surfaces will need a specific type of paint. It’s important to use the right product for the job, even when you’re opting for natural paint. Mylands ensure that all paints have exceptional coverage, durability and depth of colour. They’re washable, breathable and easy to apply. Consequently, they have a range of uses and are suitable for many DIY projects.

Wall in Onslow™ No.48 - @arlingtonhouselondon

Exterior walls

Exterior paint needs to be hardwearing and able to withstand the elements. Mylands Exterior Masonry paint is a water-based acrylic that is weatherproof and mildew resistant. It has good elasticity for hot and cold exterior conditions. And it’s low VOC and low odour.

However, if you have a heritage building with lime plaster or walls, don’t use masonry paint. You need a specific lime wash. Mylands Marble Matt Emulsion is a breathable paint suitable for historic interior walls.

Walls in Myrtle Green™ No.168, Ceiling Threadneedle™ No.262 - @jewelofe17

Interior walls

Interior paint needs to withstand the daily demands of busy family life. Whether you’re repainting interior walls, ceilings or both, you need a natural interior paint that is long-lasting, hard-wearing, washable and non-toxic.

Step forward our new plant-based Olive Stone Emulsion paint. Created with maximised 56% bio-based content, plant-based resin and natural fillers, it’s a great choice for interior walls around your home. It’s available in all colours with a 2% sheen and is almost VOC free.

Then there’s Mylands’ signature, Marble Matt Emulsion paint. This water-based natural emulsion is made with crushed Carrara marble and is low VOC, gaining an A+ rating for French Interior VOC. This wall paint delivers a fantastic luminescence and depth of colour.

A simple tip is to apply Marble Matt diluted as a mist coat (for breathable walls). If the wall is in good shape, and the new plaster has already dried you can apply a thin coat of Marble Matt Emulsion in your chosen colour diluted up to 45% with water on the first coat, followed by a minimum of two more coats of it diluted at a maximum of 10% with water to complete the work.

Wall primer

Before you start painting new colour on your walls, a wall primer seals and sets surfaces to help create the perfect finish. Mylands plant-based Olive Stone Wall Primer pairs perfectly with our Olive Stone Emulsion. It has a high bio-based content, plant-based resin and natural fillers. It’s a high quality, durable wall primer, suitable for freshly plastered walls and ceilings.

Wood paint

If you’re painting exterior walls like garden fences and sheds or your interior skirting boards and woodwork, you need a specific natural paint. Mylands multi-surface paint is specially formulated for use on wood, MDF, metal, plastic, tile, masonry, plaster and uPVC. Which finish do you prefer? Choose from the flawless Dead Matt finish (5% sheen), or Eggshell (15% sheen), Satin (40% sheen) or Gloss (85% sheen). Mylands also have water-based wood stains and varnishes.

Wood panel, cabinetry & wall in Brompton Road™ No.205 - @renovate68

Is there still a range of colours with natural paint?

Reducing the environmental impact of our paints doesn’t reduce their quality, durability or coverage. And importantly, you still get a full range of paint colours to choose from. So grab your colour chart and choose a high quality, natural paint that will last.

Find out more about our quality natural paint or look through our colourful range of natural paints