Brown paint is a common color used for many painting projects. The specific ingredients that make up brown paint depend on the type and brand of paint. However, most brown paints are created by combining a base pigment with various additional pigments and solvents. Understanding what goes into making brown paint can help you select the best product for your particular needs.
Base Pigments
The base pigment used in most brown paints is either iron oxide or raw umber. Iron oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that produces a rich reddish-brown color. Raw umber is a natural clay that also produces a deep brown shade. These two pigments create the underlying brown tone that other ingredients are added to.
Some paint brands use carbon black as the base pigment instead of iron oxide or raw umber. Carbon black creates a very dark blackish-brown color. Additional pigments must then be used to adjust the tone to a lighter brown.
Colorant Pigments
In addition to the base brown pigment, other inorganic and organic pigments are added to create the specific hue of brown. Common inorganic pigments include:
– Iron oxides – Rich reddish shades
– Chromium oxides – Olive and greenish browns
– Clay minerals – Earthy yellowish browns
Organic pigments derived from plants and animals are also used. Examples include:
– Burnt umber – Warm reddish brown made by burning umber pigment
– Cassel earth – Dark brown made from soil deposits
– Asphaltum – Blackish-brown pigment from bitumen
By selecting different pigments and mixing them in varying proportions, paint manufacturers can create every shade of brown imaginable.
Extenders and Fillers
Most brown paints also contain inert extender pigments and fillers. Common extenders used include:
– Calcium carbonate – Added to increase opacity
– Clay – Helps adjust texture and increases bulk
– Silica – Improves durability and adhesion
These extenders bulk up the paint, improving coverage and enhancing certain properties. They also bring down the cost of producing the paint.
Binders and Solvents
In addition to pigments, paint also contains a solvent and a binder. The solvent gives the paint a liquid consistency so it can be applied. Common solvents used include:
– Water – For water-based latex paints
– Mineral spirits – Found in oil-based alkyd paints
– Glycol ethers – Used in some acrylic paints
The binder is what adheres the pigment particles to the surface after the solvent evaporates. Binders used in brown paint include:
– Acrylic resins – In acrylic latex paints
– Alkyd resins – In oil-based paints
– Polyvinyl acetate – In vinyl acrylic paints
Together the binder and solvent carry the pigment and allow the paint to be applied wet and then dry into a hard film.
Additives
Paint may also include various additives and surfactants to achieve desired properties. Some examples include:
– Rheology modifiers – For adjusting flow and texture
– Dispersants – To distribute pigments evenly
– Biocides – Prevent bacterial growth in water-based paints
– UV stabilizers – Absorb UV radiation to prevent fading
– Anti-foaming agents – Reduce foaming during manufacture
By fine-tuning the additives, manufacturers can create specialty brown paints with particular finish characteristics.
Types of Brown Paint
There are several major categories of brown paint, each with their own formulation of ingredients:
Latex paint – Water-based
– Base pigments: Iron oxide, raw umber
– Binders: Acrylic, polyvinyl acetate
– Solvents: Water, glycol ethers
– Thick texture suitable for walls
Oil-based paint – Alkyd
– Base pigments: Carbon black, burnt umber
– Binders: Alkyd resins
– Solvents: Mineral spirits, linseed oil
– Smooth glossy finish good for trim
Enamel paint – Solvent-based
– Base pigments: Iron oxide, asphaltum
– Binders: Polyurethane, epoxy
– Solvents: Naphtha, xylene
– Very durable and weather-resistant
Milk paint – Natural
– Base pigments: Iron oxides, raw umber
– Binders: Milk protein, casein
– Solvents: Water, borax
– Non-toxic, flat finish for walls
Homemade Brown Paint
For those interested in mixing their own brown paint at home, you can create simple brown paints from:
– Iron oxide or raw umber powder pigments
– Skim milk or flour paste as binder
– Water as solvent
– Add additional natural pigments like coffee, chocolate, turmeric, etc. to alter the tone
Mix the ingredients together and adjust until you achieve the desired shade of brown. Strain the paint through a sieve before using to remove any lumps. Homemade paint has a shorter shelf life than commercial paints.
Key Considerations
When selecting a brown paint, consider:
Type of paint – Latex, oil, enamel each have different properties suitable for certain applications.
Sheen – Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or high gloss. Determines the finish shininess.
Quality tier – Budget to premium. Higher quality has more pigments for better color and coverage.
Additives – Look for attributes like mildew resistance or durability.
Testing painted swatches on a sample board is the best way to evaluate different brown paints. Pay attention to coverage, texture and dry appearance when comparing.
Conclusion
Brown paint offers a neutral, natural color that works well in almost any room. The specific ingredients that give paint its brown color include iron oxides, raw umber, burnt umber, asphaltum and other organic or inorganic pigments. These pigments are mixed with binders, solvents, extenders and additives to create the finished paint product. Consider the type of paint, sheen, quality and special additives when selecting a brown paint for your particular project needs. With so many shades and varieties to choose from, you can find the perfect brown paint for any space.