Earth colours are natural pigments derived from clay, minerals and soil deposits. They include ochre, sienna, umber, terracotta and iron oxide. These pigments have been used for thousands of years in paints, plaster and building finishes. In construction, earth colours are valued for their warm, natural appearance and excellent lightfastness.
Types of earth colours
| Pigment | Colour | Source |
|---|---|---|
| **Ochre** | Yellow-brown | Iron oxide + clay |
| **Sienna** | Warm red-brown | Iron oxide + manganese |
| **Umber** | Dark brown | Iron oxide + manganese oxide |
| **Terracotta** | Orange-red | Fired clay |
| **Iron oxide red** | Red | Pure iron oxide |
| **Green earth** | Grey-green | Celadonite/glauconite |
Some pigments change colour when heated (calcined): raw sienna is yellow-brown, while burnt sienna is red-brown. The same applies to umber.
Application in construction
External finishes
Earth colours are widely used in exterior render, stucco and masonry paint. They blend well with natural materials such as brick, timber and natural stone. Thanks to their mineral origin, they are UV-resistant and barely fade over time — unlike many synthetic pigments.
Interior finishes
Indoors, earth colours are used in limewash, clay plaster and decorative render. They create a warm, calming atmosphere and align well with sustainable and ecological building methods.
Concrete work
Earth colours (particularly iron oxide pigments) are added directly to concrete mixes to produce coloured concrete. This is used for paving, garden walls and decorative concrete. The pigments are alkali-resistant and colour-stable in concrete.
Advantages of earth colours
- Lightfast — Barely fade under sunlight
- Environmentally friendly — Naturally sourced, no chemical manufacturing required
- Alkali-resistant — Suitable for use in lime- and cement-based materials
- Timeless — Complement both traditional and modern architecture
Related terms
- Mortar mix
- Concrete
- Render
- Masonry
- Cladding
Learn more about building terms in our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.