Manufacturing cow dung paint (often called Prakritik or Vedic Paint) involves transforming raw organic matter into a high-quality, odorless, and antimicrobial wall coating. This process has been standardized by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in India.
The process is generally divided into two phases: Pre-processing to clean and refine the dung, and Formulation to create the paint.
1. Raw Materials & Ingredients
To produce 500 liters of paint, you typically need about 100 kg of fresh cow dung.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
| Cow Dung Slurry | Primary base: provides antimicrobial properties and natural insulation. |
| Calcium Carbonate | Filler that improves opacity, smoothness, and volume. |
| Titanium Dioxide | Whitening agent: provides “hiding power” and brightness. |
| Binders (e.g., Guar Gum or CMC) | Binds the particles together so the paint sticks to the wall. |
| Preservatives (Neem) | Prevents the organic matter from spoiling or attracting pests. |
| Pigments | Natural or synthetic powders are used to create different colors. |
2. The Manufacturing Process
Step 1: Pre-Processing (Cleaning)
- Sieving: Fresh cow dung is collected and passed through a mesh to remove straw, stones, and debris.
- Refining: The dung is mixed with water and processed in a Double Disc Refiner. This breaks down the fibers until they become a smooth, uniform pulp or slurry.
Step 2: Bleaching & Odor Removal
- The slurry is treated in a bleaching tank with Sodium Hydroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide.
- This removes the “cow dung” smell, kills pathogens, and turns the dark slurry into a white/light-colored base.
Step 3: Mixing & Formulation
- The refined slurry is moved to a Twin Shaft Disperser (a high-speed mixer).
- Additives: Calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and binders are added.
- Thickeners: Xanthan gum or CMC is added to reach the desired viscosity (thickness).
- Mixing: The mixture is stirred for 30–60 minutes to ensure a homogenous, lump-free consistency.
Step 4: Filtration & Quality Check
- The liquid is filtered through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining micro-particles.
- Testing: Samples are tested for drying time (usually 4 hours), washability, and adhesion (stickiness).
Step 5: Packaging
- The paint is filled into containers. It is usually sold as Distemper (matte finish) or Emulsion (smooth, washable finish).
3. Essential Equipment
If you are looking to set up a small-scale unit, you will need:
- Double Disc Refiner: To grind the dung into fine pulp.
- Bleaching Tank: For chemical treatment and whitening.
- Twin Shaft Disperser: For high-speed mixing of pigments and binders.
- Sand Mill/Bead Mill: (Optional) For extra-fine emulsion texture.
- Vibrating Screen: For final filtration.
4. Why Use Cow Dung Paint?
- Thermal Insulation: It acts as a natural insulator, keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Antibacterial/Antifungal: Naturally resists mold and bacterial growth.
- Non-Toxic: It has zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and no heavy metals like lead or mercury.
- Cost-Effective: Typically costs 30-40% less than premium synthetic brands.
Would you like to read more about Distemper vs. Emulsion