Hey fellow eco-warriors! I’ve recently embarked on a journey to repaint my living room using only natural paints, and I’m thrilled with the results so far. However, I’ve hit a bit of a snag. I’m using Earthborn Claypaint for its fantastic eco-credentials and beautiful matte finish, but I’m concerned about enhancing its burnishing resistance. I’ve read that burnishing can be an issue with natural paints, especially in high-traffic areas.
Previously, I’ve experimented with Auro Natural Paints for my kitchen cabinets, which held up pretty well against wear and tear. But the living room is a different beast altogether, with kids and pets adding to the daily wear. I’m curious if anyone has tips or best practices for applying natural paints to improve their durability against burnishing? Specifically, I’m wondering about:
The number of coats needed for optimal resistance
Any specific techniques during application (brushing vs. rolling)
Surface preparation tips to enhance paint adhesion and durability
Also, if anyone has experience with Earthborn Claypaint or similar products, I’d love to hear about your application experiences and any environmental considerations you took into account. Let’s share our knowledge and make our homes both beautiful and sustainable!
Hey @EcoPainter88, great topic! I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint for a couple of years now, and I’ve found that applying at least two coats significantly improves burnishing resistance. For high-traffic areas, I sometimes go for a third coat, just to be safe. As for application, I prefer using a roller for larger areas to ensure an even coat, but for edges and corners, a good quality brush does the trick. Surface prep is key – make sure the walls are clean and dry, and I always recommend a primer if you’re painting over a drastically different color or a surface that’s never been painted before. Hope this helps!
Thanks @GreenThumb99! I was leaning towards three coats for the living room, so it’s good to hear that’s a common practice. Do you have any specific primer recommendations that work well with Earthborn Claypaint?
@EcoPainter88, I’ve had great results with Earthborn’s Primer & Undercoat. It’s specifically designed to work with their paints, so it ensures good adhesion and a uniform base for the topcoats. Plus, it’s just as eco-friendly as the paint itself!
I’ve been experimenting with different natural paints for a while now, and I must say, the key to enhancing burnishing resistance lies not just in the number of coats but also in the drying time between them. Rushing the process can lead to less durable finishes. I usually wait at least 24 hours between coats, sometimes longer depending on the humidity. Also, using a microfiber roller can help achieve a smoother finish, which in my experience, holds up better against wear.
@NatureLover23, that’s a great point about drying time. I hadn’t considered how much humidity could affect the process. I’ll make sure to plan extra time between coats. Thanks for the tip!
Just chiming in to say I love the community here! So much great advice. I’m about to start my own natural paint project, and this thread has been super helpful. Thanks, everyone!
Has anyone tried mixing their own natural paints? I’m curious about the durability of homemade options compared to store-bought ones like Earthborn Claypaint. I’ve seen some recipes online using ingredients like chalk and natural pigments, but I’m skeptical about their burnishing resistance.
@DiyDave, I’ve dabbled a bit in making my own paints, and while it’s a fun project, I’ve found that achieving consistent quality and durability is challenging. Store-bought options like Earthborn Claypaint have the advantage of rigorous testing and quality control, which is hard to replicate at home. That said, I’d love to hear if anyone has had better luck!
Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve been down the natural paint road too and found that patience is key. Letting each coat dry completely before adding another really helps with durability. I’ve used Earthborn Claypaint in my hallway, and it’s holding up well. I agree with the roller for big spaces, but I also found that a foam roller gives a smoother finish, which might help with burnishing. Surface prep can’t be overstated – a clean, smooth surface makes all the difference. Have you considered using a natural wax finish over the paint for extra protection?
Interesting discussion! I’ve experimented with different natural paints and found that the type of roller nap can affect the finish and durability. A shorter nap roller might reduce the texture, which could help with burnishing resistance. Also, I’ve heard that adding a natural sealer after the final coat can enhance durability, though I haven’t tried it myself with Earthborn Claypaint. It’s great to see more people going the natural route. Have any of you tried mixing your own natural paints? I’m curious about the results and durability compared to store-bought options.
Hey, I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint in my home for a couple of years now, and I’ve found that applying at least two coats really helps with durability. I used a roller for larger areas and a brush for edges and corners. The key is to let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next. Also, make sure your walls are clean and smooth before you start. I lightly sanded mine to ensure better adhesion. It’s held up pretty well against my two dogs and toddler!
I’m all about that eco-friendly life too! I haven’t used Earthborn specifically, but with natural paints, I’ve learned that surface prep is everything. I always start with a good primer, especially on walls that have been painted before. It helps the paint stick better and last longer. Also, I’ve noticed that using a high-quality brush makes a big difference in the finish and how well it resists wear. Maybe give that a try?
Just wanted to add, I’ve had great results with natural paints by focusing on the drying time between coats. Rushing it can really affect the durability. I usually wait at least 24 hours, sometimes more if it’s humid. And yeah, kids and pets are tough on walls, but I’ve found that keeping a small amount of leftover paint for touch-ups helps keep things looking fresh without a full repaint.
I’m about to start a project with natural paints too, and this thread is gold! One thing I’ve heard is that the type of roller you use can affect the finish and durability. Some people swear by foam rollers for a smoother finish, but I’m curious if anyone has tried different types and noticed a difference in how well the paint holds up over time. Also, any tips on choosing the right sheen for high-traffic areas would be awesome!
I’ve dabbled in making my own natural paints, and while it’s a fun project, I’ve found that the durability just isn’t on par with something like Earthborn Claypaint. The homemade versions tend to wear down faster, especially in high-traffic areas. That said, if you’re up for the challenge, adding a natural wax or oil finish can help improve burnishing resistance. Just keep in mind, it’s a bit of trial and error to get the mix right.
I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint for a while now, and I’ve found that applying at least two coats really helps with durability. I prefer using a roller for a more even application, especially on larger walls. Surface prep is key too; make sure the walls are clean and smooth before you start. I haven’t tried making my own paint, but I’m curious about the environmental impact of sourcing all the ingredients versus buying a ready-made product.
Mixing your own paint sounds like a cool experiment, but I’d be worried about the consistency and how it holds up over time. I’ve used Earthborn Claypaint in my living room and it’s been great, even with kids and pets. I think the key is in the application and prep work. Maybe if you’re set on DIY, you could try a small area first to see how it goes before committing to a whole room.