Dýpi - Ocean paint
What is Dýpi?
Dýpi is an innovation project that has been under development since 2023, though the idea itself is much older. Dýpi paint is completely non-toxic and made from lime minerals and natural pigments. It is closely related to lime paint, but is produced sustainably from Icelandic fossilized coralline algae. The color palette is named after Arnarfjörður in the Westfjords, where the algae is harvested from the sea.
Our Story
Dýpi was founded by G. Sigríður Ágústsdóttir (Sirrý) and architect Árný Þórarinsdóttir. For over ten years, Sirrý had harbored the idea of using the algae for product development and job creation. Ómar and Árný Helga from Sérefni later joined the partnership, bringing specialized expertise in paint formulations, a distribution network, and a Belgian partner specialized in manufacturing lime and mineral pigments. Together, the team has worked on developing a product line that will be ready in the second half of 2026. Dýpi was nominated for the Icelandic Design Awards in 2025 and is currently participating in Scandinavia's largest design festival, 3daysofdesign, invited by the Icelandic Embassy in Copenhagen and Design Centre Iceland.
The paintThe appearance of Dýpi paint is truly unique. It is multi-layered, with an interplay of light and shadow, and features a texture that is both soft and rough, as the ground algae gives it a grainy finish.
This creates a wonderful depth that pairs beautifully with soft, natural tones.
Now that interior design trends are leaning toward creating warmer, more personal spaces, Dýpi is an excellent choice.
The texture and color gradients depend greatly on the application method and the type of brush used—as the paint is always brushed onto the surface. The color palette reflects the shades of the ocean and the surrounding fjord, centered around the algae itself: both its vibrant, bright-pink blooming state and its light-colored, millions-of-years-old fossilized form.
Our colors
The colors are named after the natural surroundings of Arnarfjörður. While a vast range of custom shades can be produced, Dýpi’s signature collection consists of 12 colors:
Svartalogn (Calm Black), Hafblær (Sea Breeze), Fjörumosi (Shore Moss), Sandsúra (Sand Sorrel), Hafleir (Sea Clay), Fjörusteinn (Beach Pebble), Hvítalogn (Calm White), Brimskúm (Surf Foam), Ægisró (Ocean Serenity), Hafblóm (Sea Flower), Fjara (Ebb / Shore), and Þari (Kelp).
The colors retain their original intensity, even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. The natural pigments are based on stable mineral dust particles that do not break down under UV radiation. Furthermore, the lime-based paint contributes to a healthy indoor climate thanks to its exceptional breathability.
Dýpi is a paint for everyone; it is easy to use, and users are encouraged to experiment until they achieve their desired look. It is certainly a craft learned through trial and error, but the final outcome is never identical from person to person. A personal interaction with the material emerges, which is part of the fun.
The path ahead
Although anyone can become a skilled painter with Dýpi, the team’s main focus is on the design world—architects and large-scale projects. Harvesting permits for this fossilized coralline algae are restricted to the next 40 years and limited in quantity. This finite supply of raw material makes the product particularly exclusive. Therefore, a key strategy is prioritizing projects designed with a holistic mindset—where professionals select the paint based on environmental considerations, sustainability, and the local blue economy. Of course, Dýpi also belongs in every beautiful home and fits anywhere aesthetics lead the way.
