A method is provided for producing a painted article comprising: (a) prepari ng a lignin solution comprising lignin and a dye or pigment; (b) mixing the lignin solution with a phenol oxidizing enzyme; (c) incubating the mixture from said step (b) under conditions and for a time sufficient to form a solution of a desired viscosity; (d) contacting or spreading the mixture from the step (c) on an article to be painted; and (e) allowing the mixture to set onto the article by subjecting the article to conditions and for a time sufficient to form a paint on the surface of the article.
