How to make your own eco-friendly homemade paint

Sunny summer days are on their way, so hopefully you'll be making plans for your vacation. And what better time to take care of a few home improvement projects? Now could be just the time to paint that wooden furniture you've been meaning to spruce up. But if there's a lot to do and you're worried about the cost, there's a simple way to make your own paint at home with eco-friendly ingredients.

Youtube / Maison-Construction.com

 You'll need (for 1 quart of paint) :

  • 3 to 3.5 oz white flour (what's in your kitchen cupboard will do)
  • 1 quart tap water
  • 7 oz  colored pigment (red, brown, gray — whatever you like)
  • 4 fl oz linseed oil

For painting anything that will be outside, add 3.5 oz iron sulfate (available from garden stores). This helps the paint to withstand the weather.

Here's how:

In a saucepan, heat 1/10 of the water on high heat and add the flour a little a time. Stir as you go to make a paste without lumps.

Youtube / Maison-Construction.com

Then add the rest of the water and stir well. 

Youtube / Maison-Construction.com

Add in the pigment and iron sulfate if necessary. Continue stirring.

Youtube / Maison-Construction.com

Next add the linseed oil. 

Youtube / Maison-Construction.com

Keep stirring it over the heat for another 20 minutes. 

Once the paint has cooled, just apply it with a brush and enjoy the beautiful colors.

Youtube / Maison-Construction.com

Some people add black soap to the recipe, but it works without as well. If the surface is smooth, it may only need one coat, but for external surfaces, you might want to consider adding another coat after two years.

Youtube / Maison-Construction.com

To get a better idea of how this homemade paint is prepared, you can watch this video (in French): 

And there you have it: quality paint that's good for the environment and your wallet too. So what are you waiting for? Mix some up, grab your brush and give your home a homemade paint makeover!

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