Natural Glazes Improve Water Resistance Of Compostable Eggshell Ceramic
Dutch design studio Atelier LVDW is exploring how historical finishing techniques can improve the performance and appearance of contemporary biomaterials. Its ongoing Glazing Bio-Ceramics project applies natural, water-repellent coatings to EggshellCeramic, a material previously developed by the studio.
EggshellCeramic consists of waste eggshells combined with natural binders. Although its appearance resembles conventional ceramics, it has an open structure and remains compostable. These qualities make the biomaterial suitable for decorative objects, plant pots and art pieces. However, its porous nature limits its use in environments with high humidity.
A Natural Protective Coating
To address this limitation, Atelier LVDW is investigating varnishes made from linseed oil and pine resin. Oils and resins have protected and enhanced materials since antiquity. Craftspeople later used these finishes extensively in Renaissance painting and woodworking, where transparent layers created a characteristic warm glow, colour depth and subtle gloss.
The project translates these principles to a non-traditional, eggshell-based substrate. By testing different proportions of linseed oil and pine resin, the studio aims to develop a coating that repels water while retaining the material’s distinctive character. The coating may expand the possible applications of EggshellCeramic without relying on conventional synthetic finishes.
Colour From Natural Pigments
Atelier LVDW is also combining the transparent coating with natural pigments, including indigo and walnut husk. The research examines how these colours behave within multiple translucent layers and whether the technique can recreate the visual depth associated with historical varnishes.
Further experiments involve dyes connected to Dutch cultivation and craft traditions. Woad and madder, once grown extensively in the Netherlands, largely disappeared from commercial use following the introduction of synthetic colourants. Their reintroduction links historical material knowledge with current interest in renewable resources and lower-impact production methods.
Connecting Craft And Biobased Design
Glazing Bio-Ceramics brings together eggshell waste, natural binders, plant-based coatings and botanical colourants. By combining these resources with traditional finishing knowledge, the research explores both functional improvements and new aesthetic possibilities for biobased materials.
The project remains ongoing and is supported by the Creative Industries Fund NL.
Source: Atelier LVDW