Hey everyone! 
I’ve been on a mission to make my home as eco-friendly as possible, and my latest project involves tackling mold and mildew in our bathroom with natural paints. I’ve tried a couple of brands so far, like EcoGuard and BioShield, both of which claim to resist mold and mildew without the harsh chemicals. EcoGuard was great for its ease of application and quick drying time, but I noticed it didn’t hold up as well in high humidity areas. On the other hand, BioShield’s clay-based paint was a bit trickier to apply but seemed to handle moisture better over time.
I’m curious, has anyone else experimented with eco-friendly paints for mold and mildew resistance? Specifically, I’m looking for something that’s not only effective but also aligns with sustainable living principles. I’ve heard good things about AFM Safecoat and The Real Milk Paint Co. but haven’t tried them yet. What’s your experience with these or other brands? Also, how do you prepare your surfaces before applying these natural paints to ensure the best adhesion and longevity?
Let’s share our stories and tips! Whether it’s about the application process, surface preparation, or long-term performance, I’d love to hear what’s worked (or hasn’t worked) for you in creating a healthier, mold-resistant home environment. 
Hey @GreenThumbJenny, great topic! I’ve been using AFM Safecoat for a couple of years now, especially in my bathroom and kitchen where moisture is a constant battle. What I love about it is its zero-VOC formula and the fact that it’s specifically designed to resist mold and mildew. The application was straightforward, though I did find that it required a bit more drying time than conventional paints. Surface prep is key, though. I always make sure to clean the walls thoroughly with a vinegar solution to kill any existing mold spores before applying the paint. It’s held up really well so far!
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I tried The Real Milk Paint Co. for my bathroom reno last year. It’s a bit of a learning curve if you’re used to regular paint, but the finish is beautiful and it’s held up against moisture surprisingly well. I did have to apply a topcoat for extra protection, though. One thing to note is that it’s not as easy to find in stores, so I had to order online. Also, make sure you mix it really well; it separates quite a bit.
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@EcoWarriorDave, thanks for the detailed response! The vinegar solution tip is a great idea. How often do you find yourself needing to reapply the AFM Safecoat, or has it been a one-and-done situation for you?
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@LeafyLucy, I’ve been curious about The Real Milk Paint Co. but was worried about the application process. Did you use a brush or a roller? And how was the cleanup?
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Has anyone tried Earthborn Paints? I’ve heard they’re great for mold resistance and have a wide range of eco-friendly options. I’m considering them for my next project but would love to hear some firsthand experiences.
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@SandyShore, I haven’t tried Earthborn Paints yet, but I’ve also heard good things. If anyone has experience with them, especially in high humidity areas, I’d love to hear about it!
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@GreenThumbJenny, so far, it’s been a one-and-done situation for me. I applied it about two years ago, and there’s been no sign of mold or mildew. I do keep the bathroom well-ventilated, though, which I’m sure helps. I’ll definitely update if I notice any issues, but for now, I’m really happy with the results.
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@MossyMike, I used a brush for the edges and a roller for the larger areas. The cleanup was a bit of a hassle since it’s a milk-based paint, so I had to use soap and water and make sure everything was thoroughly cleaned to prevent any residue. But the finish was worth the extra effort!
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I’ve been down the eco-friendly paint rabbit hole myself and stumbled upon Earth Pigments for my bathroom redo. It’s a bit of a niche brand, but their natural pigments mixed with a lime binder have been a game-changer for me. The lime not only resists mold but also has a unique texture that adds character to the walls. Prep-wise, I followed a similar route with the vinegar solution, but I also added a layer of natural primer to ensure the paint stuck well. It’s been a year, and the walls still look fresh and mold-free. Definitely worth checking out if you’re into unique finishes.
I tried The Real Milk Paint Co. for my kitchen cabinets and was pleasantly surprised. The milk paint formula is super eco-friendly and has a vintage look that I adore. For mold resistance, I mixed in their additive designed to combat mildew, and so far, so good. The key for me was the surface prep; I sanded everything down and used their bonding agent to ensure the paint adhered properly. It’s been six months, and the cabinets are holding up beautifully, even with the steam from cooking. If you’re into that rustic aesthetic, it’s a solid choice.
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I went with AFM Safecoat for my basement walls, and it’s been a solid performer against moisture and mold. The zero-VOC aspect was a big plus for me, especially since I have pets. I did find that it needed a couple of coats to get full coverage, and like others mentioned, the drying time was longer than I’m used to with conventional paints. Surface prep was crucial; I used a borax solution to clean the walls before painting. It’s been over a year, and I haven’t seen any mold or mildew issues. For anyone dealing with damp spaces, I’d recommend giving it a try.
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I’ve been using AFM Safecoat for a while now, especially in my kitchen and bathroom. It’s been a game-changer for me. The paint doesn’t just resist mold and mildew; it also doesn’t emit any harmful fumes, which is a huge plus for my family. Application was straightforward, but I did find that it requires a bit more drying time than conventional paints. Surface prep is key, though. I made sure to clean and dry the walls thoroughly before applying. It’s a bit pricier, but worth it for the peace of mind.
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Interesting to hear about The Real Milk Paint Co. I’ve been curious about milk paints but haven’t taken the plunge yet. How did you find the color selection? I’m a bit worried about getting the shade I want since it’s not as readily available in stores. Also, did you use any specific type of topcoat? I’ve heard that the choice of topcoat can really affect the durability and moisture resistance of milk paints.
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I tried BioShield in my bathroom too, and while I loved the eco-friendly aspect, I found the application process a bit challenging. The clay-based formula is thicker, so it took some getting used to. However, the finish is really unique and has a nice, natural texture. It’s been a year, and so far, so good with the mold resistance. I did follow their recommendation to use a primer, which I think helped with adhesion. For anyone considering it, I’d say give yourself some extra time for the application and maybe practice on a small area first.
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I’ve actually used Earthborn Paints in my kitchen and bathroom. They’re pretty solid when it comes to mold resistance, and I love that they’re eco-friendly. The only downside is they can be a bit pricey, but I think it’s worth it for the quality and peace of mind. They have a great range of colors too, which made it easy to match my decor.
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I tried Earthborn Paints for a small project in my laundry room. The application was smooth, and it dried quickly. I haven’t had any issues with mold or mildew, even though the room gets pretty humid. I was impressed with how well it covered the old paint too. Definitely considering using it for more areas in my house.
I’m a bit skeptical about Earthborn Paints. I used it in my bathroom, and while it looked great at first, I started noticing some mold spots after a few months. Maybe I didn’t prepare the surface properly, but it was a bit disappointing. I’m thinking of trying AFM Safecoat next to see if it performs better.
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I haven’t tried Earthborn Paints yet, but I’ve been researching them for my upcoming bathroom renovation. I’m really interested in their eco-friendly aspect and the mold resistance claim. Does anyone have tips on the best way to prepare the walls before applying it? I want to make sure I get the best results possible.
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I used Earthborn Paints in my kid’s room because I wanted something safe and eco-friendly. It’s been over a year, and there’s no sign of mold or mildew, even though the room can get quite damp. The paint has held up really well against wear and tear too. I’m really happy with the choice and would recommend it to anyone looking for a natural paint option.
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