Naturals Paint Is:

 

Natural paint ingredients, sustainable, no-VOC

Free of chemical ingredients and biodegradable.  

Unlike conventional latex paints (even the "environmentally-friendly," zero-VOC versions), natural paints are biodegradable and free of petrochemical ingredients.  Conventional paints, which contain a variety of toxins that must be carefully disposed of to prevent environmental contamination.  Natural paints are made with a limited number of minimally processed ingredients and are biodegradable.  Natural paints are paints that are made with raw ingredients such as clay, chalk, marble, and earth and mineral pigments and that are not produced with petrochemical (oil-derived) or synthetic ingredients.    

Natural paint relies on the inherent qualities of natural ingredients that can be used as binders (such as vegetable casein, a protein glue), fillers (such as marble, which provides opacity and whiteness), and pigments (such as earth pigments that derive natural color from their mineral content). A variety of different unique natural paint types exist, and include clay paint, milk paint, and lime paint. Most natural paints, including the entire line of paints by Unearthed Paints, are 100% zero-VOC and safe to use while pregnant.

Significantly less energy-intensive than conventional latex paints to produce.

Natural paint is breathable and green.

Many of the main ingredients in conventional latex paints, including petroleum products and titanium dioxide, are extremely energy-intensive to produce.   Natural paints are made with ingredients that are minimally processed and are also abundantly available (like the clay in our Clay Paint) or recycled (like the reclaimed Italian marble that serves as the whitener in our Vega Paint).

All of our paints are shipped to you as a dry powder.  Shipping powder, rather than pre-mixed liquid paints, significantly reduces the energy used to ship our paints.  Shipping powdered paints also allows us to sell products that do not contain chemical preservatives.  When kept dry, these powders can be stored without spoiling for several years.  Unearthed powdered paints come pre-measured in amounts that make a gallon.  You just mix in the water. 

Breathable. 

The differences between natural paint and conventional paints are significant not only to your health and the environment, but also to building health.  With their synthetic binders (usually acrylic or vinyl), conventional latex paints produce a plastic-like coating on your walls that does not allow moisture to pass through.  In comparison, natural paints are breathable and contribute to a positive room climate. Using natural paint prevents moisture problems.  The diffusion open qualities of natural paint are especially desirable in highly- insulated passive houses.  

The result of thousands of years of ancient knowledge.   

Natural casein/milk paint Natural paints are based on recipes that have been successfully used by people throughout the world for thousands of years.  Aboriginals in Australia have produced beautiful works of art using paint made from natural, locally available ingredients, including richly hued ocher pigments that are similar to the ones that we use to tint our paints.  Ancient indigenous paintings survive across the planet today, and some date back as far as 50,000 years. Cave paintings at Grotte Chauvet in France are thought to be more than 30,000 years old. In India, yellow paint was historically created with the urine from cows that were fed mango leaves. Churches and cathedrals throughout Europe showcase the beauty of natural paint.  Across cultures, people have been captivated by color and driven to beautify their surroundings and express themselves through the use of paint.  These works survive today, a testament to the enduring beauty and durability of natural paint.   

Unearthed Vega paint is “beyond milk paint.”  Although milk paint is one of the greenest paints available on the market, Vega paint goes a step further.  Approximately 1,500 cows were required for the milk production needed to make our milk paint.  Livestock, and especially cows, have a significant environmental impact.  After many years on the market in Germany, our traditional milk paint was reformulated to provide even better results without the use of animal-derived products.  Approximately 1,500 cows were required for the milk production required for our milk paint.  Livestock, and especially cows, have a significant environmental impact.  They produce large amounts of methane gas and require a great deal of energy to go about their daily activities and to produce milk for our use.  The binder in Vega Paint is a vegetable casein produced by leguminous plants such as peas, corns, lupines, and beans.  The use of vegetable casein is a more efficient, environmentally sound way to create a high performing, healthy, and beautiful paint.  Removing the milk casein also means that our Vega Paint does not have the milky smell that is typical for a few days after application with milk paint.  

All Unearthed paints and plasters are vegan (with the exception of our Safflower Wax and Vega Primer), which means they do not contain animal products and have never been tested on animals.