Hey everyone! I’ve been on a mission to make my home as eco-friendly as possible, and that includes the paint on my walls. Living in a rural area, I’ve found it a bit challenging to source VOC-free paints locally. I recently tried Earthborn Paints, which I ordered online, and I’m thrilled with the results. Their claypaint is not only VOC-free but also breathable, making it perfect for my old stone walls. Before this, I experimented with Auro Natural Paints, which are also fantastic, but shipping costs to my area were a bit steep.
I’m curious, has anyone else faced similar challenges in rural areas? What brands have you tried, and how did you find the application process? Specifically, I’m interested in hearing about experiences with different surfaces, like wood or plaster, and any tips for ensuring the best finish. Also, how do you balance environmental considerations with the practicality of sourcing these products in less urban locations?
Looking forward to hearing your stories and tips!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I totally get where you’re coming from! Living in the countryside has its perks, but sourcing eco-friendly materials can be a real challenge. I’ve had a great experience with Earthborn Paints as well, especially their claypaint. It’s fantastic for older homes with stone or plaster walls. For wood surfaces, I’ve found that Biofa offers some excellent VOC-free options that are easy to apply and have a beautiful finish. The key is to ensure the surface is well-prepared before application. Any tips on surface prep from your experience?
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I’ve been down this road too! Auro Natural Paints are indeed great, but like you said, the shipping can be a killer. I’ve switched to Ecos Paints for my recent projects. They’re based in the UK, but their shipping rates to rural areas are more reasonable, and their paint quality is top-notch. I used their interior paint on both plaster and wood, and it adhered beautifully. Plus, their color range is impressive. Has anyone else tried Ecos Paints?
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@GreenThumb88, thanks for the tip on Biofa! I’ll definitely check them out. Regarding surface prep, I’ve found that cleaning the surface thoroughly and applying a primer specifically designed for natural paints makes a huge difference. It ensures better adhesion and a more uniform finish. For plaster walls, I sometimes use a diluted coat of the paint itself as a primer. It’s a bit more work, but the results are worth it!
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@RusticRenovator, I’ve been curious about Ecos Paints! How do you find their durability over time? I’m particularly interested in using them in high-traffic areas but worried about wear and tear. Also, do they offer any finishes other than matte?
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@NatureLover101, I’ve had Ecos Paints in my living room and kitchen for over a year now, and they’re holding up really well, even in high-traffic areas. They do offer a satin finish, which I used in the kitchen, and it’s been easy to clean without losing its sheen. Definitely recommend giving them a try!
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I love this thread! It’s so hard to find good info on eco-friendly paints, especially for those of us not in big cities. I’ve been using Aglaia Natural Paints for my furniture projects. They’re a bit pricey, but the quality is unmatched. Has anyone else tried them on furniture? I’m curious about how they perform on different types of wood.
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@DIYQueen, I’ve used Aglaia Natural Paints on oak and pine furniture, and the results were stunning. The key is to sand the wood thoroughly and apply a natural wood primer first. It really brings out the grain and ensures the paint adheres well. Their colors are so vibrant and true to the swatches. Highly recommend!
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Hey @EcoPainterJane, I totally get where you’re coming from! Living in the countryside has its perks, but sourcing eco-friendly materials can be a real challenge. I’ve had a great experience with Earthborn Paints as well, especially their claypaint. It’s fantastic for older homes with stone or plaster walls. For wood surfaces, I’ve found that Biofa offers some excellent VOC-free options that are easy to apply and have a beautiful finish. The key is to ensure the surface is well-prepared before application. Any tips on surface prep from your experience?
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I’ve been using Eco Paints for a while now, and they’ve been a game-changer for my rural home. Their range is pretty extensive, and I’ve used their products on both wood and plaster with great results. Preparation is key, as you mentioned. I usually start with a thorough cleaning, followed by sanding if necessary, and then a primer specifically designed for eco-friendly paints. It’s a bit of work, but the finish is worth it.
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Interesting to hear about Earthborn Paints and Biofa. I’ve been on the lookout for VOC-free options for my cabin. Has anyone tried Livos? I’ve heard they’re good for wood, but I’m curious about their performance on other surfaces. Also, how do you guys deal with the limited availability of these brands in rural areas? Do you stock up or just order as needed?
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I’ve experimented with Livos on a few projects, and they’re pretty solid, especially for wood. Their oil-based paints give a durable finish that’s hard to beat. As for availability, I’ve found that planning ahead is crucial. I usually order larger quantities to save on shipping and to ensure I have enough for the project. It’s a bit of an upfront investment, but it pays off in the long run.
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I’m all about Auro Natural Paints, despite the shipping costs. Their range is incredible, and I’ve used them on everything from plaster to metal with fantastic results. The key for me has been in the application technique. I’ve found that using a high-quality brush or roller makes a huge difference in the finish. Also, allowing adequate drying time between coats is essential for the best outcome.
It’s great to see so many options being discussed. I’ve been curious about Keim Mineral Paints. Has anyone had experience with them? I’ve read they’re excellent for exterior surfaces due to their durability and breathability. Living in a rural area with harsh weather conditions, I’m always looking for products that can stand up to the elements.
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I’ve been using Ecos Paints for a while now, and I have to agree, their shipping rates are a lot more manageable for those of us in the sticks. I used their paint on some old wooden beams in my living room, and it covered really well. The only downside is the drying time, which is a bit longer than conventional paints, but it’s a small price to pay for something that’s better for the environment. Has anyone tried their exterior paints? I’m thinking of redoing my barn next spring.
I haven’t tried Ecos Paints yet, but I’m intrigued. I’ve been using Biofa for my projects. They’re a bit harder to find, but I managed to get some through a local eco-building supplier. Their oil-based paints are fantastic for wood, giving it a really rich finish. The only issue is the smell, which is quite strong, but it’s all natural, so it doesn’t bother me too much. Does anyone know how Ecos Paints compare in terms of odor?
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I’ve been on the lookout for VOC-free paints too, and I stumbled upon Aglaia. They’re a German brand, and while they’re a bit pricey, the quality is undeniable. I used their lime paint on my plaster walls, and it’s been holding up beautifully. It’s also really easy to apply, which is a bonus. I’m curious, though, how does Ecos Paints fare with coverage? I’ve had some issues with other brands requiring multiple coats.
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I’ve been experimenting with making my own paint using natural pigments and lime. It’s been a fun project, and it’s definitely eco-friendly, but it’s a lot of work. I’ve used it on a small section of my wall, and the color is stunning, but I’m not sure how durable it will be in the long run. Has anyone else tried DIY natural paints? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have.
I’ve been using Ecos Paints for a few projects now, and I’m really impressed. Their coverage is excellent, usually only needing two coats, even over darker colors. I used their paint on both plaster and wood, and it adhered really well. The finish is smooth and durable. I haven’t noticed any strong odors, which is a big plus. I’m planning to try their exterior paint next. Does anyone have any tips for preparing old wood surfaces before painting?
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I’ve been in the same boat trying to find VOC-free paints out here in the sticks. I stumbled upon Eco Paints last year and gave their range a go. They’ve got this chalky finish that’s not for everyone, but I love the matte look it gives my walls. Application was a breeze, but it did take a couple of coats to get full coverage. Haven’t tried them on furniture though, so can’t speak to that.