Natural Wood Paints – How to Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Paint
Natural paints for wood are becoming increasingly popular, as they are not only environmentally and health-friendly, but also possess several unique properties compared to synthetic paints. In this article, we will explore different types of natural paints, with particular attention given to linseed oil paints.
Introduction
Natural paints are made from ingredients of natural origin that do not contain chemical additives or toxic compounds. The most popular ingredients include, for example, vegetable oils, natural pigments, and beeswax.
Linseed oil paints
Linseed oil paint is one of the most popular natural paints for wood. Linseed oil paint is based on cold-pressed linseed oil, to which natural mineral pigments are added to achieve the desired color shade. The main advantages of linseed oil paint are:
- Excellent adhesion: Linseed oil paint penetrates the wood surface up to 2mm, providing long-lasting protection and excellent adhesion. It does not peel or crack.
- Repels water: When linseed oil paint is applied to a wooden surface, it begins to oxidize upon contact with oxygen in the air. This chemical reaction, called polymerization, forms a durable and flexible coating that penetrates deeply into the wood. This protective layer is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water droplets.
- Preserves the natural properties of wood: Linseed oil paints allow the wood to "breathe" and release water vapor from the wood pores. This helps maintain a stable microclimate within the wood, preventing excessive moisture absorption that can cause wood damage, rot, and mold.
- Environmentally friendly: Linseed oil is a renewable resource, and linseed oil paints do not contain chemical additives, making it a sustainable and long-lasting solution. There are still well-preserved wooden structures painted 100 or more years ago.
Other natural paints
In addition to linseed oil paints, there are also a range of other paints based on natural ingredients.
Beeswax paints
Beeswax paints are made from beeswax, to which natural pigments are often added to achieve the desired shade. This is a natural product with excellent protective properties. They give wood a silky sheen while providing good protection against moisture. Beeswax is often used as a protective layer on previously painted surfaces.
Casein paints
Casein paints are based on casein derived from dairy products, with marble chalk added for color and soda as a binder. They have been known for many centuries and are distinguished by their excellent adhesion and durability. They are ideal for both interior and exterior use.
Vegetable oil-based paints
Various vegetable oils, such as tung oil, are used in paint production because they provide excellent protection and resistance to external conditions. Tung oil paints are especially suitable for exterior work and surfaces that will be subject to heavy use, such as plank floors.
How to choose the most suitable natural paint?
When choosing a natural paint, it is important to consider the type of wood, the operating conditions of the surface, and the desired visual appearance. Linseed oil paints are an excellent choice if you want to preserve the natural appearance of the wood and ensure long-lasting protection. However, other natural paints can also offer a range of advantages depending on your needs.
Conclusion
Natural paints for wood are environmentally and health-friendly and an excellent alternative to synthetic paints. They not only provide excellent protection against external conditions but also preserve the natural beauty and properties of wood.
Linseed oil paints penetrate deeply into the wood, do not crack or peel, protect against UV radiation and repel moisture, preserving the natural properties of wood., making them one of the most popular choices in the natural paint market.
We offer Allbäck linseed oil paints from Sweden, which are suitable for all types of wooden surfaces. For interior use, they are used for painting furniture, walls, ceilings, doors, and floors. For exterior use, these linseed oil paints are especially suitable as wood facade paints; their coating penetrates deeply into the wood, does not crack or peel, protects against UV radiation and repels moisture, preserving the natural properties of wood. Widely used in restoration. They contain no solvents or stabilizers.