Maya Blue Pigment
Natural Indigo · Calcium Bentonite Clay · Handmade by AppleOak FibreWorks
Our Maya Blue is a beautiful mineral-organic pigment handmade in small batches using natural indigo and finely powdered calcium bentonite clay.
Through careful preparation and controlled heating, the indigo and clay combine to create a soft, mineral-rich blue with wonderful depth. Depending on the concentration, binder and surface, it can produce shades ranging from smoky indigo and blue-grey to softer blue-green. At the moment we only have the dark blue available, please see picture with colour samples in the second picture.
At a glance
-
Product: Maya Blue pigment
-
Colour source: Natural indigo
-
Mineral base: Calcium bentonite clay
-
Principal clay mineral: Montmorillonite
-
Process: Carefully combined and heat-treated
-
Colour: Mineral blue, blue-grey and blue-green, grey-green
-
Type: Mineral-organic pigment
- Uses: Painting, ink, paper, canvas and mixed media
- Textile use: Not suitable for textile printing, textile painting or other textile applications
-
Produced by: AppleOak FibreWorks in County Clare, Ireland
-
Vegan: Yes
Inspired by an ancient pigment
Maya Blue takes its name from the remarkably durable blue pigment developed by the ancient Maya and used in murals, ceramics and manuscripts.
Its distinctive character comes from combining indigo with mineral clay—a principle that continues to inspire contemporary pigment makers.
Our small-batch version combines natural indigo with calcium bentonite to create a versatile pigment for modern artistic use.
Suitable uses
- Watercolour and gouache
- Egg tempera
- Casein and other natural paint systems
- Brush and dip-pen inks
- Natural paint making
- Painting on paper and canvas
- Decorative finishes
- Mixed-media artwork
- Paper and book arts
Maya Blue can be mixed with water for painting and other suitable applications. As an insoluble pigment, it disperses rather than dissolves, so it may settle in liquid mixtures and should be stirred regularly.
It can also be combined with a suitable binder for improved adhesion, durability or water resistance, depending on the intended use.
It is not recommended for fountain pens, technical pens or airbrushes, as the mineral particles may settle or obstruct fine mechanisms.
Maya Blue is not suitable for textiles. Do not use it for textile printing, textile painting, fabric dyeing or other textile applications.
Basic mixing guide
- Place a small amount of pigment on a suitable mixing or grinding surface.
- Add water gradually, or add your chosen binder if you prefer a more durable or specialised paint.
- Mix or grind thoroughly until the pigment is evenly dispersed.
- Adjust the consistency to suit the intended technique.
- Test the mixture on a prepared paper, canvas or other suitable art surface.
- Stir regularly during use, as some settling is normal.
For a rich natural paint, try mixing the pigment with soya milk. The resulting paint can be applied to paper, canvas or another suitable art surface. Soya milk is optional, and other binders, surfaces and application techniques may also work well.
The choice of mixing medium and surface affects adhesion, colour depth, transparency, finish, flexibility and water resistance.
Textile use
Maya Blue is not suitable for textiles.
It should not be used for textile printing, textile painting, fabric dyeing, surface application to cloth or other textile projects. The pigment is intended for suitable art surfaces such as paper, canvas and other prepared painting surfaces.
Important characteristics
| Characteristic | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Water-mixable | It can be mixed with water for painting on suitable art surfaces. |
| Insoluble pigment | It disperses rather than dissolves, so some settling is normal. |
| Suitable surfaces | Use on paper, canvas and other suitable prepared art surfaces. |
| Not for textiles | Do not use for textile printing, textile painting, fabric dyeing or cloth that will be washed or for wear. |
| Settling | Stir regularly during use to keep the pigment evenly dispersed. |
| Colour variation | Concentration, medium, surface and application thickness influence the final shade. |
| Grinding | Thorough grinding or mixing can produce a smoother application. |
| Handmade batches | Slight variations in colour and particle size may occur. |
| Colour testing | Independent archival and industrial lightfastness testing has not been carried out. |
Storage and safe handling
- Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- For ar &, craft use only.
- Not for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics, body painting or medicinal preparations.
- Avoid creating or breathing fine pigment and mineral dust.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear suitable particulate respiratory protection where dust cannot be adequately controlled.
- Wear eye protection and gloves when handling fine powder.
- Prevent contact with eyes, mouth and open wounds.
- Follow the safety instructions for all binders, solvents and additives used.
- Use dedicated art equipment - never food-preparation utensils.
- Keep away from food and out of reach of children and pets.
Not a food colour, cosmetic or textile dye.
What you receive
Your chosen net weight of Maya Blue pigment, handmade by AppleOak FibreWorks and supplied in a sealed stand up pouch.
Binders, soya milk, brushes and other art materials are not included.
Packaging
We pack as sustainably as we can while protecting your pigment. Container types may vary according to pack size and the availability of our preferred lower-impact options.
Learn with us
Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to explore natural pigments, lake making, indigo and historical colour processes alongside fellow practitioners.
