Natural Paint For Walls

We all know natural is best when it comes to our food. We are 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 tin? 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 that you and your family inhale daily.

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

Summer House in Artichoke BH.13

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 are 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 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 is breathable paint which purifies the environment rather than adding chemicals to the air that surrounds us.

What’s wrong with conventional paint?

Back in the day, paint contained lead and particularly toxic chemicals. Then, acrylic paint and vinyl wallpaper were commonplace. Whilst modern, conventional paint is an improvement on that, it can still contain 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.

Master Bedroom at Captain’s House with walls in Grey Ochre™ No.152 and accents of Market Green™ No.38, Indian Lake™ No.288, and Belgravia™ No.6 woodwork.

Ground Floor Hallway at Captain’s House, with walls in Limestone™ No.55 and arched doorway in Market Green™ No.38. Floors feature a bespoke colour in the hallway and FTT-013™ Dark Green on the landing.

How do you make natural paint for walls?

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

Natural paint will be solvent-free and will comprise of natural raw materials rather than toxic compounds. Typically, natural paints have a base of lime, flour or clay. 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, Plant-Based Multi-Surface Paint includes superior quality raw ingredients including natural earth pigments and has very low VOC. We are constantly striving to find more innovative solutions like this - upcycling natural raw materials to improve our products.

Walls in Kensington Rose™ No.22

Walls in Holland Park™ No.5

Are natural paints suitable for all wall types?

Different surfaces require specific types of paint, and it’s essential to choose the right product for the job, especially when opting for natural paint. Mylands natural paints are designed to deliver exceptional coverage, durability and depth of colour, while also being washable, breathable and easy to apply. They are suitable for all wall types, including lime plaster, clay plaster, gypsum plaster, cement and brickwork, as well as decorative wall finishes such as wooden panelling and cornices, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of DIY and restoration projects.

Dressing Room with bespoke wall colour and Pale Lilac™ No.246 on the skirting and back wall in the adjoining bedroom. Ceiling behind the archway finished in a bespoke shade.

Exterior walls

Exterior paint needs to be hardwearing and able to withstand the elements. Mylands Exterior Masonry Paint is a water-based acrylic formula that is weatherproof, mildew resistant, and low in VOCs and odour. Designed to perform in both hot and cold conditions, it offers excellent elasticity and durability. Its smooth, matt finish provides long-lasting colour while protecting your home from the elements, making it an ideal choice for most modern exterior surfaces.

Exterior walls in Fitzrovia™ No.26

Interior walls

Interior paint needs to withstand the daily demands of busy family life. It is called a living room for a reason - a lot of life happens there. Whether you are repainting interior walls, ceilings or both, you need a natural interior paint that is long-lasting, hard-wearing, washable and non-toxic.

Our Plant-Based Multi-Surface Dead Matt paint has been created with bio-based content, plant-based resin and natural fillers, it is a great choice for interior walls around your home. Available in all colours with a 5% sheen and is almost totally VOC free.

Then there’s Mylands’ signature bestseller, Marble Matt Emulsion paint. This water-based natural emulsion is crafted with crushed Carrara marble and is low in VOCs, with an A+ rating for French Interior VOC. It delivers exceptional depth of colour and a soft, luminous finish. With more pigment than any other paint, Marble Matt provides outstanding coverage, meaning fewer coats, less product used, and less waste. That makes it not only beautiful to look at, but also a more environmentally responsible choice.

A simple tip: on breathable walls, apply Marble Matt diluted as a mist coat. If the plaster is dry and in good condition, start with one thin coat diluted up to 45% with water, followed by at least two coats diluted at no more than 10% to finish.

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 Wall Primer pairs perfectly with our eco-friendly paints. It has a high bio-based content, plant-based resin and natural fillers. It is a high-quality, durable wall primer, suitable for freshly plastered walls and ceilings.

Wood paint

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

Beata Heuman Colours Featured: Old Man’s Beard™ No.3 , Wheatsheaf™ No.23, Lamb’s Ear™ No.6, Artichoke™ No.13, Bone™ No.4, Boiled Dill™ No.22 Henna™ No.18

Are natural paints durable and long-lasting on walls?

Reducing the environmental impact of our paints does not reduce their quality, durability or coverage. And importantly, you still get a full range of paint colours to choose from. Look through our colour charts and choose a high quality, natural paint that will last.

Discover our Plant-Based Multi-Surface Paints or our bestselling Marble Matt Emulsion, made with Carrara marble.

Walls in Pediment™ No.73, skirting and shelves in Honest John™ No.58