Egg oil tempera

Since the start in 1993, Norrgavel has painted furniture in egg oil tempera, a paint that has in many ways become something of a signature for us. Painting in tempera is a time-consuming process that takes a lot of work by hand and takes a long time to dry/cure.

The surface is completely matt and reflects the light in a particular way; the same colour can be experienced in different ways depending on how the light hits it. The surface gains a patina and an eggshell sheen over time. The paint does not flake and does not need to be repainted as often as many other paints.

Egg oil tempera is a so-called breathable paint, which means that the paint allows moisture to pass through it. Compared to regular varnish paint, it does not seal off but lets the underlying material continue to "breathe". This is particularly suitable for furniture made of solid wood.

Contents & the environment

Here at Norrgavel, we have been painting furniture with egg oil tempera right from day one because it is the most environmentally friendly paint we have found. It is completely at one with the natural ecocycle. It contains no substances harmful to the environment. Egg oil tempera contains: organic egg*, linseed oil, water, earth and mineral pigments, preservatives (approved for food) and drier. *The eggs used are left-over eggs from grocery stores.

Paint samples

The colours below can be ordered as paint samples. These make it easy to compare and match shades with the rest of your decor, check the texture and feel and ponder your choice in your own time. This makes for a much more well-founded, thoughtful decision. Sustainable & beautiful!

Tempera painted surfaces are very sensitive in the first months and a newly painted piece of furniture should therefore be treated with extra care to avoid marks or chipping. Over time, the egg oil tempera will harden and become extremely hardwearing.

Through-hardened tempera painted surfaces can be wiped gently with olive oil soap and water – the soap can be bought in our stores. Lines and marks can be removed using a clean eraser. Moisten any marks and the surrounding area with a sponge. Try to sponge off the mark. If this doesn’t work, leave the cleaning substance to work for a while. Then brush the mark with a soft or medium-hard brush using short strokes. Brush the area around the mark at the same time so any difference in shine is not as obvious. The paint will take on different characteristics depending on the pigments involved – those containing ultramarine (blue and graphite) cannot withstand contact with acids (e.g. lemon and sour apples). Tempera painted furniture (light shades especially) has a tendency to yellow when placed in a shady part of the room. Move the furniture into sunlight for a couple of days to remove the yellowing.

Note! "Top-up pots" (in the colours of the furniture) are available to buy from our customer service. We recommend using the pots for minor marks/chips but ideally not in prominent places as spot painting on a limited area can easily produce darker marks. Test on a less visible area to see how much difference in shade there is. Larger surfaces should not be painted with “top-up pots".

Note! Tempera paint is a fresh product and must be kept in the fridge to ensure it lasts. Opened packaging can be kept in a fridge for several months.