Hey everyone! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with the walls. I’ve been experimenting with natural paints and stumbled upon something interesting regarding coverage rates. I used Earthborn Claypaint for my living room, and while I love the matte finish and the fact that it’s VOC-free, I noticed it required more coats than I anticipated. This got me thinking about what factors influence coverage rates in eco-friendly paints.
From my experience, the type of surface plays a huge role. My living room walls are old plaster, which seems to soak up paint like a sponge. I’ve also tried Auro Natural Paint on a smoother, newer wall in my kitchen, and the coverage was significantly better. It made me wonder about the impact of surface texture and porosity on paint application. Additionally, I’ve heard that the pigment concentration in natural paints can vary, affecting how well they cover. Does anyone else have insights or experiences with different surfaces and natural paint brands?
I’m really curious to hear about your experiences with eco-friendly paints. Have you found certain brands or types to offer better coverage? How do you prepare your surfaces to optimize paint application? Let’s share our tips and tricks to help each other out on our green living journeys!
Great topic, @GreenThumbJenny! I’ve had a similar experience with Earthborn Claypaint. It’s fantastic for the environment, but yes, it does require more coats, especially on porous surfaces. I’ve found that using a primer specifically designed for natural paints can make a huge difference. It helps seal the surface, reducing the number of coats needed. Have you tried any primers with your projects?
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I’ve been using Biofa Eco Paint for a while now, and I must say, the coverage is impressive, even on older walls. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality and eco-friendliness justify the cost for me. I agree that surface preparation is key. I always clean and lightly sand the walls before painting, which seems to help with the paint’s adherence and coverage.
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@EcoWarriorSam, I haven’t tried a primer yet, but that’s a great suggestion! Do you have any recommendations for eco-friendly primers that work well with Earthborn Claypaint? I’m eager to try anything that can help reduce the number of coats needed.
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I think one of the biggest factors affecting coverage is indeed the surface’s porosity. I’ve painted both plaster and drywall with Auro Natural Paint, and the difference is night and day. Drywall gives a much smoother finish with fewer coats. For plaster, I’ve started using a lime wash as a base coat, which has helped a lot. It’s a bit of extra work, but the results are worth it.
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@LeafyLucy, I’ve heard great things about Biofa Eco Paint! It’s on my list to try. How do you find the drying time compared to other natural paints you’ve used? I’m always looking for options that balance eco-friendliness with practicality.
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@GreenThumbJenny, I’ve had good results with EcoPrimer from Earthborn. It’s specifically designed for their paints and other natural options. It’s a bit of an investment, but it really helps with coverage on porous surfaces. Plus, it’s VOC-free and made from natural ingredients, so it fits right in with our eco-friendly goals!
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Yeah, I’ve been down that road with Earthborn Claypaint too. It’s a bit of a trade-off, isn’t it? Love the eco-friendly aspect but the coverage can be a pain. I’ve started using a high-quality primer before applying any natural paint. It’s a game-changer, especially on those thirsty old walls. Have you noticed any difference in drying times between brands?
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I tried Auro Natural Paint on a recommendation and was pleasantly surprised by the coverage. It’s a bit pricier, but the pigment concentration seems higher, which might explain the better coverage. I’m curious, has anyone compared the environmental impact of these brands beyond just the VOC content?
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Interesting point about surface texture. I’ve got a mix of old and new walls in my place, and the difference in paint behavior is night and day. On newer, smoother walls, I’ve had better luck with Biofa Natural Paints. They seem to spread more evenly. Does anyone have tips for prepping older, more porous walls beyond just priming?
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I’ve been experimenting with mixing my own natural paints using clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but the customization in terms of color and coverage is fantastic. Plus, it’s as eco-friendly as it gets. Has anyone else tried DIY natural paint recipes?
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Coverage issues aside, I’m all in for the eco-friendly paint movement. It’s fascinating how much the industry has evolved. I recently read about a new brand that’s using recycled materials in their paint. Does anyone know more about this or have experience with recycled material paints?
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I’ve found that the application tool makes a big difference too. Switching to a higher quality brush and roller helped me get better coverage with Earthborn Claypaint. It’s worth the investment if you’re planning to go all in on eco-friendly paints. What’s everyone’s go-to tools for applying these types of paints?
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I’ve been using Biofa Eco Paint for a while now, and I must say, the coverage is impressive, even on older walls. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality and eco-friendliness justify the cost for me. I agree that surface preparation is key. I always clean and lightly sand the walls before painting, which seems to help with the paint’s adherence and coverage.
Interesting point about surface preparation. I’ve been using Ecos Organic Paint and found that priming the walls with an eco-friendly primer made a huge difference in coverage. It’s an extra step, but it saves paint in the long run. Has anyone else tried priming before using natural paints?
I’ve had mixed results with different brands. Aglaia Natural Paint worked well for me on smooth surfaces, but like the OP, I struggled with older, more porous walls. I wonder if the type of pigment or binder in the paint affects how it interacts with different surfaces. Maybe some brands are better suited for specific wall types?
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I’ve been experimenting with Livos Natural Paints and noticed that the color choice can impact coverage. Darker colors seem to cover better in fewer coats, but they can also highlight imperfections in the wall. It’s a trade-off between coverage and the final look. Anyone else notice this with their paint choices?
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I think the application method plays a role too. I used a roller with Biofa Eco Paint and got decent coverage, but when I switched to a brush for detailed areas, it seemed to apply more evenly. Maybe the tool affects how the paint is absorbed into the wall. What tools do you all prefer for applying eco-friendly paints?
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It’s fascinating to hear everyone’s experiences. I’ve been considering the environmental impact of the tools we use, not just the paint. Has anyone looked into eco-friendly painting tools? I’m curious if there are sustainable options that also improve paint application and coverage.
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I totally get what you’re saying about surface porosity. I’ve had similar experiences with Earthborn Claypaint. On my old, porous walls, it was like the paint just disappeared. I started using a primer specifically designed for porous surfaces, and it made a world of difference. Not sure if you’ve tried that, but it might help reduce the number of coats you need.
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