Home
Up

Read about us in the latest edition of Sanctuary Magazine!

 

Need a Painter that has Experience with Natural Paints? Click Here!

PLANT AND MINERAL-BASED PAINTS   

are made using naturally occurring ingredients, and therefore do not require high levels of processing. The manufacture of petrochemical based paint is energy-intensive, and the production of of 1 tonne of paint can produce 10-30 tonnes of toxic waste, much of which is non-degradable.

'Plant-based'  paints are generally well-tolerated by humans and the environment. Ingredients used are printed on the label, or on a technical data sheet which can be consulted to establish whether allergic reactions are a risk. Many of the ingredients of 'Natural' paints are made from renewable resources, such as linseed oil, and citrus oil.  These natural VOCs may cause reactions such as watery eyes or respiratory problems in people sensitive to these substances.  They also contain plant resins, finely ground minerals, and earth pigments. Most of the companies producing the paints offer full ingredient-disclosure statements for the products. Natural paints use plant-derived solvents and binders instead of synthetic ones. They are the most sustainable type of paints available, as most of the ingredients are derived from renewable materials. They are ideal for residential applications, or for use in areas where chemical sensitivity is an issue, or sustainability is the focus. Plant-based paints do not form a water-proof barrier, and therefore are not as stain-resistant as acrylic paints. However, they allow the substrate to 'breathe', are anti-static (avoiding dust), discourage mould growth, and improve air quality.

Mineral-based paints such as lime or clay paints bond with the substrate, which means they become a sacrificial surface. They gradually wear away until it is time to recoat. However, they do not crack, peel or blister. They offer outstanding durability for exterior masonry surfaces.

Natural paints now account for 9% of all paint sales in Europe. There are several different companies offering natural paints in Australia. Below is a summary of what is available:

Wallpaint Comparison Table

Ratings:   * Poor     ***** Excellent

Paint Name

Coverage

$/litre

VOCs

Base

Sustainability

Origin

BIO Wallpaint

*****

10m/Litre

high opacity

$22

<1g/L

***** citrus-based

****

 Australia

 

Murobond Natural Paint

***

8-10m/L

$23-28

1g-17g/L

*****

*****

Australia

Livos Dubron

**

9m/litre

3 coats needed

$24

<10g/L

*****

food grade

****

 

Germany

Bauwerk Uber/Mud BAUWERK

**

25m/L        

3 coats needed

$29-35

0g/L

***** lime-based

*****

Australia

handmade

Auro Wallpaint ****

10m/L

$24 <16g/L *****

eucalyptus oil

****Ga naar de hoofdpagina Germany
Volvox ClayDecor

Volvox - Natural Paint

*****

8m/L

$27-33 0% *****

clay, vinegar ester

***** Germany
Major Paint Manufacturer premium washable acrylic# *****

12m/L

$22 <70g/L untinted *    Petro-chemical, contains ammonia, glycol ether, biocides, VOCs * Australia

 #Included for comparison purposes only

Enamel Comparison Table

Paint Name

$/litre

VOCs

Solvent

Finish

Durability

Coverage

Sustainability

Colours

BIO Enamel Lacquer 

 

$35

<1g/L

water

***

 

***

Standards Logo

12m/Litre

*****

by hand

Auro Enamel

$40

<80g/L

water

plant oil-fortified

****

*****

16m/litre

*****

Ga naar de hoofdpagina

factory

Volvox ProAqua EnamelVolvox - Natural Paint $63-68 <1g/L water **** **** 8m/L *****

factory

Livos Enamel

$64

<250g/L

Linseed oil

*****

*****

16m/litre

*****

by hand

Conventional High Gloss Enamel#

$19

350-500g/L

Enamel Thinner

*****

*****

12m/Litre

*

machine

 # included for comparison purposes only

Undercoats and Primers

AURO, BIO, Livos and Volvox all have products suitable for metal priming, wall-board sealing, mud-brick priming and timber priming

                      Left: Auro Paints are certified carbon neutral     


 

Home ] Up ]

Send mail to admin@greenpainters.com.au with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2008 Greenpainters