Technical Blog: Adopting Mineral Paint

Mineral paint is water-soluble paint that is usually composed of minerals. Some paints are a fusion of acrylic and mineral-based paint. This blog is specifically describing the switch from acrylic paint to mineral-only paint.

As of late 2023, I had never heard of mineral paint. I was running low on paint and decided to search for a replacement that was not made of plastic, but also non-fuming, fast-drying, and portable. I had continuously used acrylics from 2005. My acrylic paintings were adored, and I wanted to save myself from the hazards of oil paints, not knowing of more environmentally-friendly alternatives. 

Searching for more environmentally-friendly paints, I came across a brand* that does not use any petro-chemicals and creates beautiful paint colors using minerals. The paint is water-soluble when wet and waterproof when dry. It can adhere to more surfaces than any other paint I have heard of. 

My first mineral-paint painting was in the color scheme of mauve, jade, “mud” brown, black, and cream. The black is acrylic paint but the rest were mineral paints. The art was taken to a loving home within 48 hours. We miss you, “Cabezita”!

"Cabezita" by Jasper Drinnon. 2023. Sold.

The process of switching paints is not instant. Not wanting to waste this paint that was already made, I continue to use the acrylic paint which remains while exploring the qualities of mineral paint. 

I see it as an experimental practice. Finishing up works in progress in the same media can be helpful, though I built a set of paints which could replicate the colors and textures I needed. 

Mineral paint has a matte texture compared to acrylic, but you can also buy “textures” that create a different finish or apply varnish. Yes, they make non-fuming mineral varnish you can use indoors. I have used it and it is smooth, clear, and dries glossy as promised.

*Note: I am not sponsored by any brands and do not intent to specifically promote any in this blog.