Hey everyone! I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with the walls. I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint for my living room, and it’s been quite the learning curve compared to the regular paints I’m used to. One thing I noticed right away is the texture; it’s thicker and requires a bit more elbow grease to apply evenly. But the payoff? A beautifully matte finish that feels so much more natural and breathable.
I’m curious, has anyone else made the switch to natural paints like Auro or Ecos? How did you find the application process? Did you have to adjust your technique or tools? I used a high-quality natural bristle brush, which seemed to help with the application, but I’m wondering if there are other tips or tricks out there. Also, how do you find the durability and coverage compared to conventional paints? I’ve heard mixed reviews, especially when it comes to high-traffic areas.
Lastly, for those who’ve been using natural paints for a while, have you noticed any differences in how they interact with different surfaces? I’m planning to tackle my kitchen next, and I’m a bit nervous about how it’ll hold up against moisture and grease. Any advice or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to the eco-friendly painting journey, @EcoPainterJane! I’ve been using Auro paints for a couple of years now, and I agree, the application is definitely different. The key is patience and preparation. I found that thinning the paint slightly with water helps with the application, especially for a smoother finish. Also, using a foam roller can make a big difference in achieving an even coat without too much effort. As for durability, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. My living room still looks fresh after two years, even with two kids and a dog!
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I switched to Ecos paint last year for my bedroom and was initially worried about the coverage. But after applying two coats, the color was vibrant and even. I used a natural bristle brush like you, @EcoPainterJane, and it worked wonders. One tip I learned is to always stir the paint thoroughly before use, as natural paints can separate. Also, allowing ample drying time between coats is crucial for the best results.
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Thanks for the tips, @GreenThumb88! I’ll definitely try thinning the paint a bit next time. Do you have any advice on dealing with different surfaces? I’m a bit nervous about painting my kitchen with natural paint.
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@EcoPainterJane, for kitchens, I recommend using a natural paint with added protection against moisture and grease. Auro has a specific line for kitchens and bathrooms that I’ve found to be quite durable. Make sure to clean and prime the surfaces well before painting. It’s also a good idea to apply a protective top coat for extra durability in high-traffic areas.
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I’ve experimented with several brands, including Earthborn, Auro, and Ecos. Each has its unique qualities, but I’ve found that Earthborn offers the best coverage in fewer coats. However, Auro wins for me in terms of color richness and durability. It’s fascinating how each brand has its strengths. Has anyone else noticed significant differences between brands?
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@NatureLover101, I completely agree about Auro’s color richness. I used their deep blue in my study, and it’s stunning. However, I found Ecos to be more budget-friendly without compromising much on quality. It’s all about finding the right balance for your needs and preferences.
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Just a light-hearted comment: switching to natural paints made me feel like a mad scientist in the best way possible. Mixing, testing, and seeing the transformation is so rewarding! Plus, the peace of mind knowing I’m not filling my home with toxins is priceless. Anyone else feel like they’ve unlocked a new level of DIY?
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Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve been using Ecos for a while now, and I totally get what you mean about the texture. It’s definitely a different beast compared to regular paint. I found that warming the paint up a bit before application makes it easier to work with. Just leave it in a warm room for a few hours before you start. Also, I agree with the foam roller tip; it’s a game-changer for getting that smooth finish. Durability-wise, I’ve had good experiences, but I do recommend a good primer, especially in high-traffic areas. It really helps with the longevity.
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I switched to Auro last year and haven’t looked back. The application was a bit tricky at first, but like others have said, thinning it slightly with water helps a lot. I also found that using a natural sponge for touch-ups gives a really nice, even finish. As for durability, my hallway has held up surprisingly well, even with all the foot traffic. One thing I did notice is that natural paints seem to dry a bit slower, so you have to be patient and maybe plan your painting schedule around that.
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Just chiming in to say that I’ve been experimenting with Earthborn Claypaint in my bathroom, and it’s been holding up pretty well against moisture. I did make sure to use a moisture-resistant primer first, though. Application-wise, I found that a combination of a brush for the edges and a roller for the larger areas worked best. It’s definitely a learning curve, but the eco-friendly aspect makes it worth it for me. Plus, the colors are so rich and vibrant!
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I’ve been using Ecos in my kitchen, and I was worried about the grease and moisture too. What worked for me was applying a couple of extra coats and making sure each one was completely dry before adding the next. I also used a satin finish, which seems to repel stains and moisture better than the matte. It’s been a few months, and so far, so good. The key is definitely in the prep and patience. Also, don’t forget to ventilate the area well; natural paints can have a strong smell at first.
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I’ve been using Auro for a while now, and I totally get what you mean about the texture. It’s definitely a different beast compared to regular paint. One thing I found helpful was using a foam roller for larger areas. It gives a smoother finish and makes the application a bit easier. As for durability, I’ve had it in my hallway for over a year, and it’s holding up pretty well, even with all the foot traffic. Just make sure to give it enough time to cure properly.
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I tried Ecos in my bathroom, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled the moisture. I did make sure to use a primer first, though, which I think helped a lot. The key with natural paints seems to be patience and preparation. Also, I noticed that the colors deepen over time, which is a cool effect. Has anyone else experienced that? I’m thinking of trying a different brand for my next project, maybe Earthborn, to see how it compares.
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I’ve been using Auro for a while now, and I totally agree about the color richness. It’s like nothing else I’ve used before. The application can be a bit tricky at first, especially getting used to the consistency, but once you get the hang of it, the results are stunning. I found that using a foam roller helped a lot with getting an even coat. As for durability, it’s held up pretty well in my living room, but I haven’t tried it in the kitchen yet. Curious to hear how it goes for you there.
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Interesting take on Earthborn vs. Auro. I’ve only tried Ecos so far, and while I love the eco-friendly aspect, I did notice it took more coats to get good coverage. I used a natural bristle brush like you mentioned, and it made a difference. The finish is definitely more matte, which I prefer, but I’m still on the fence about its durability. Has anyone tried sealing natural paints with a clear coat for extra protection, especially in high-traffic areas?
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