Red clay paint: Traditional painting method
Red clay paint has been in use in Finland since the 16th century. Its main raw materials are water, iron sulfate and rye flour, and its manufacturing process is long and requires care. This paint is known for its breathable and moisture permeable properties, making it ideal as an exterior paint for wooden buildings.
The history and uses of Punamulla
Red clay paint has been an important part of the Finnish building tradition for centuries. In Sweden, the use of red earth as house paint began in the 16th century, when it was produced using technical red earth from the Falun copper mines. In Finland, red clay paint is a popular choice among traditional builders. It is a typical choice for older buildings, but it is equally suitable for painting new buildings, offering a natural and durable protection for wooden surfaces. The use of red soil is associated with a strong tradition that has been preserved for centuries.
The ingredients of Punamultamaal and their functions
The ingredients of Punamultamaal play an important role in terms of its properties and functionality. Water acts as a solvent, combining the other ingredients. Iron sulfate, i.e. iron rust, works as a release agent, improving the adhesion of the paint to the wood and protecting the surface from mold. Rye flour is the key binder that gives the paint its unique texture, while linseed oil or varnish is added to improve the adhesion and durability of the paint.
Why is red earth paint red?
The most common shade of red clay paint is red, but nowadays paint with practically similar properties can also be found in other colors, such as yellow, green and black. The basis of the red earth color is the red earth pigment obtained as a by-product of iron ore, which has traditionally been an inexpensive and easily available raw material.
Production and use of red paint
Making red clay paint yourself is time-consuming, which is why today it is recommended to buy red clay paint from a hardware store. When painting, it is important to consider the quality and quantity of the surface to be painted, because the rough Wood Base absorbs a lot of paint. Usually, one liter of paint is enough for an area of about 3–5 square meters.
Important stages of painting
The use of red clay paint requires careful preparation and ground work. In principle, the red clay paint can be painted on top of something else, for example acrylic paint, if the previous layer of paint is removed, but this is not recommended due to the work involved and the uncertain final result. We recommend using red clay paint only on surfaces previously painted with red clay paint or on new surfaces. Cloudy weather, at a temperature above +5°C is best suited for painting. One coat of paint is usually enough for a previously painted surface, but the new site must first be primed before the surface painting. Sometimes a new property may need up to two layers of topcoat.
Durability and maintenance of red paint
The duration of a surface painted with red clay paint is about 10-15 years, depending on several factors such as weather conditions and the location of the building. Maintaining and repainting the paint is relatively easy, as the old red clay wears off slowly and new paint can be applied directly on top of the old one, if the surface has remained in good condition.
Finally
When you're thinking about using red mud paint on the exterior walls of your building, nothing beats the advice of an expert. Loistepinta offers a free evaluation visit , where our expert checks the condition of the paint surface and tells you about the properties of the red mud paint - whether it's a new project or renewing an old paint surface. Not only will this visit provide you with tailored advice and tips, but it will also end with a fixed-price quote to complete the job. Take advantage of the in-depth knowledge and experience of our experts to make your building look great and last for years. Contact Loistepinta today and make sure that the painting project of your building is carried out in the best possible way according to your choice, either by you or by us!