Enjoy the Endless Variations Possible with Nature Pigments.
Below are suggestions for creating custom Linseed Oil Paint colors:
Any Linseed Oil Paint palette can be mixed together to create a wide range of color variations. Sky is the limit for the homeowner or professional alike.
We do recommend that you mix within brand i.e. mix Ottosson colors with Ottosson and Viking with Viking.
While formulations may be similar, they are not exactly the same so it is best to use like-with-like for the best, most consistent results.
While you are welcome to experiment with paint sample sizes to create custom colors, we also work with a talented color specialist who can assist.
Read more about that process here.
A color consult can result in a basic color recipe that can be mixed by the homeowner or painter on-site.
Our color specialist works to keep color match recipes as simple as possible i.e. 1 Bone Black to 1 Empire Red, etc.
Below are mixing suggestions when creating custom Linseed Oil Paint colors:
When a ratio recipe has been determined and supplies have arrived, ensure you have a few useful items handy.
Stick mixer or mixing attachment for a drill.
Stirrer stick and/or spatula.
Larger container with resealable lid to mix your custom color in.
Let us say you are mixing a custom color using 1 to 1 ratio. 1 x 1 liter of Bone Black to 1 x 1 liter of Empire Red.
The recipe may look like this: 1 Bone Black to 1 Empire Red.
Open both cans and mix well. 1 liter/quarts can possibly be hand mixed with a mixing stick but a stick mixer/mixing attachment for a drill will be much more efficient.
For larger 3 liter/gallon cans, do not attempt to hand mix. It is worth using a mixing tool, not only for efficiency but also to ensure all the pigment has been fully incorporated before mixing the custom color.
Then pour ¾ of both cans into your larger container. Mix well. Add the remaining ¼ cans slowly checking from time to time to make sure your mix is spot on.
For the best accuracy, apply custom color to a low absorbent surface to confirm before incorporating last % of paint. Use spatula to remove as much paint/pigment as possible.
If there is excess paint remaining in the liters/quarts, reseal for future use. Blowing gently into the can to displace the air.
Remember, color can change slightly as it dries and will need 2-3 thin coats to reflect the final appearance for most projects on most substrates.
For projects with more complex ratios/recipes, secure a kitchen measuring cup for paint mixing use or use a measuring tape to mark off the ratios on a 5 gallon bucket for example.
Follow similar suggestions above.
The key is to keep ratios as simple as possible to ensure you can repeat the recipe from side to side of a structure.
Always work to mix enough paint to cover a full side of structure for example.
Any minuscule variation will not be noticeable from side to side but changing ratio mid-way on the same side or same board could end up being visible.