Beginner here: How do natural paints hold up against mold and mildew compared to conventional paints?

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with switching to natural paints for my upcoming bathroom renovation. I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint for a while now in other parts of my house and absolutely love its breathability and the rich, matte finish it provides. However, I’m a bit concerned about how it will perform in a high-moisture area like the bathroom, especially against mold and mildew.

From what I’ve read, natural paints, due to their breathable nature, can actually help prevent mold by allowing moisture to escape, unlike some conventional paints that can trap it. But, I’m curious to hear from others who’ve used natural paints in their bathrooms or other damp areas. Have you noticed any issues with mold or mildew? Did you use any specific brands or additives to enhance mold resistance?

Also, for those who’ve tried both natural and conventional paints in similar conditions, how do they compare in terms of durability and ease of maintenance? I’m all for making sustainable choices, but I also want to ensure that the paint can stand up to the test of time and moisture. Looking forward to hearing your experiences and tips!

Hey @EcoPainterJane, great question! I’ve used Auro Natural Paint in my bathroom for over two years now and it’s held up remarkably well against mold and mildew. The key, I think, is the paint’s breathability, which allows moisture to escape rather than trapping it. I also made sure to ventilate the bathroom properly after showers, which helps a lot. So far, so good!

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Thanks, @GreenThumb88! That’s reassuring to hear. I’ll definitely look into Auro Natural Paint. Did you apply any special primer or just went straight with the paint? Also, how often do you find yourself needing to touch up or repaint?

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@EcoPainterJane, I used a natural primer from the same brand before applying the paint. It’s been two years, and I haven’t needed to touch up or repaint yet. The color and finish still look as good as new. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

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I’ve had a different experience with Earthborn Claypaint in my bathroom. While I love the aesthetic and eco-friendliness, I did notice some mildew spots after about a year. I ended up applying a natural anti-mold additive to the paint, which has helped. It’s something to consider if you’re set on using clay paint in high-moisture areas.

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@SandyShore, thanks for sharing your experience. Could you tell me more about the natural anti-mold additive you used? Was it easy to mix into the paint?

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@EcoPainterJane, I used Eco-Mold Inhibitor from Green Planet Paints. It was pretty straightforward to mix into the paint—just followed the instructions on the bottle. It’s been effective so far, and I appreciate that it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly.

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Just chiming in to say that ventilation is crucial, regardless of the paint type. I’ve used both natural and conventional paints in bathrooms, and the difference in mold growth was night and day when I improved ventilation. So, while choosing the right paint is important, don’t overlook the basics like a good exhaust fan!

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@UrbanJungle, excellent point! I’ll make sure to check my bathroom’s ventilation before starting the project. Thanks for the reminder!

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I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint in my kitchen, which gets pretty steamy, and it’s been holding up great. No signs of mold or mildew, and it’s been over a year. I think the key is definitely in the prep work and ensuring the walls are clean and dry before painting. Also, keeping the room well-ventilated helps a ton.

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Interesting to hear about Auro Natural Paint. I’ve been on the fence about switching to natural paints for my bathroom renovation. My main concern was exactly this - mold and mildew. But hearing your positive experience, I might just give it a try. How does it fare with cleaning? Can you wipe it down easily without damaging the paint?

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I used Biofa Natural Paint in my bathroom and it’s been a game-changer. The paint is not only eco-friendly but also has anti-mold properties. It’s been two years, and I haven’t seen a single spot of mold. Plus, the color hasn’t faded, which is a big win for me. Definitely recommend giving it a look if you’re considering natural paints.

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I’ve had a mixed experience with natural paints. While I love the idea and the finish, I did notice some mildew in the corners of my bathroom after about a year. I used Ecos Organic Paint. Maybe I didn’t ventilate enough or perhaps it’s the specific brand. I’m considering trying a different brand or maybe even a mold-resistant additive next time.

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It’s great to see more people turning to natural paints. I used Little Greene’s Absolute Matt Emulsion in my bathroom, and it’s been fantastic. The paint is breathable, which I think is crucial for preventing mold. Plus, the color range is beautiful. It’s been a year, and the walls look as good as new. Definitely worth considering for anyone looking to make the switch.

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I think the success with natural paints in damp areas really comes down to the specific conditions of your home and how well you maintain the space. I’ve used Farrow & Ball’s Estate Emulsion in my bathroom, and while it’s not marketed as a natural paint, it’s low VOC and has held up well against moisture. Regular cleaning and keeping the room ventilated are key, regardless of the paint type.

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I’ve been using Auro Natural Paints in my bathroom for over two years now and haven’t had any issues with mold or mildew. The key is proper ventilation. I installed a good exhaust fan and always keep the window open when possible. It’s not just about the paint; it’s how you manage the moisture.

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Interesting to hear about the anti-mold additive. I’ve been considering switching to natural paints for my kitchen, which also gets quite steamy. Does anyone know if these additives affect the paint’s eco-friendliness? I’m trying to keep everything as green as possible.

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I had a similar experience with Earthborn Claypaint in my bathroom. Loved the look but started seeing mildew after a while. I switched to Biofa Natural Paints which have built-in mold inhibitors. So far, so good. It’s a bit pricier but worth it for the peace of mind.

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I think it’s all about the prep work. Before I painted my bathroom with Ecos Organic Paint, I made sure to clean the walls with a vinegar solution to kill any existing mold spores. It’s been a year, and no signs of mildew. Also, keeping the bathroom well-ventilated is crucial.

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Has anyone tried mixing their own natural paints? I’ve been experimenting with lime and casein paints. They’re super eco-friendly and have natural anti-fungal properties. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but I’m enjoying the process and the results are promising.

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