Can anyone share their experience with ordering natural paints online vs. in-store?

Hey fellow green living enthusiasts! :herb: I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project. I’m particularly curious about the experiences others have had with ordering natural paints online versus buying them in-store. I recently tried out EcoPaint from Green Planet Paints, which I ordered online, and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and the eco-friendly packaging. However, I’ve also heard great things about BioShield paints, which I can find at a local eco-store.

One thing I noticed is that ordering online gives me access to a wider range of colors and finishes, but I miss the tactile experience of seeing and feeling the paint before buying. Plus, there’s the environmental impact of shipping to consider. On the other hand, buying in-store supports local businesses and reduces carbon footprint, but the selection can be limited.

I’m really torn between the convenience and variety of online shopping and the immediacy and lower environmental impact of in-store purchases. Has anyone else faced this dilemma? What factors influenced your decision? Also, if you’ve tried either EcoPaint or BioShield, how did they perform on different surfaces? I’m especially curious about their application on older, more porous walls. Let’s share our experiences and tips to help each other make more informed, eco-conscious choices!

I’ve had a great experience ordering EcoPaint online. The variety of colors is unmatched, and I was able to find the perfect shade for my living room. The eco-friendly packaging was a big plus for me. However, I do understand your concern about the environmental impact of shipping. Have you considered ordering in bulk to reduce the number of shipments?

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I prefer buying BioShield paints in-store. Not only does it support local businesses, but I also get to see and feel the product before purchasing. I’ve found their staff to be incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, especially when it comes to choosing the right finish for different surfaces. For older, porous walls, I recommend their clay-based paints. They adhere beautifully and have a unique, natural texture.

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@GreenThumb22 That’s a great tip about ordering in bulk! I hadn’t thought of that. It could definitely help mitigate the environmental impact. Did you find that the colors matched what you saw online? I’m always a bit nervous about that.

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@SunnyDays47 I second the recommendation for BioShield’s clay-based paints on older walls. I used them in my 1920s home, and the difference was night and day. The walls look and feel so much healthier. Plus, the in-store experience is unbeatable. The staff helped me pick out a color that complements the original woodwork perfectly.

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I’ve tried both online and in-store purchases for natural paints, and each has its pros and cons. Online, as you mentioned, offers a wider selection, but I’ve had issues with delayed shipping times. In-store, while the selection might be limited, the immediacy is a big plus. I recently used EcoPaint from an online order on my kitchen cabinets, and the finish is stunning. However, for larger projects, I lean towards in-store purchases to avoid potential shipping delays.

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@DIYQueen That’s a good point about shipping delays. I hadn’t considered how that could impact larger projects. How did you find the application process for EcoPaint on your cabinets? Was it easy to work with?

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@EcoPainter89 The application was surprisingly smooth. I used a high-quality brush, and the paint went on evenly without any streaks. It did require two coats for full coverage, but the drying time was quick, which helped speed up the process. I’m really happy with how it turned out!

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I totally get where you’re coming from with the online vs in-store dilemma. I’ve tried both and honestly, it really depends on the project. For smaller projects, I prefer in-store because I can get what I need immediately and support local businesses. But for bigger projects where I need specific colors or finishes, online is the way to go. I haven’t tried EcoPaint yet, but I’m intrigued by the eco-friendly packaging you mentioned. How did you find the coverage and durability?

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I’ve been using BioShield paints for a while now, and I have to say, they’re fantastic on older walls. The natural ingredients seem to bond really well with porous surfaces, giving a smooth finish. I usually buy in-store because I like to see the colors in person, but I understand the appeal of online shopping. Have you thought about ordering samples online first? That way, you can test the colors and finishes before committing to a larger purchase.

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Ordering in bulk is a great idea to reduce shipping impact. I did that with my last online paint order and it made a big difference. Plus, it’s cost-effective in the long run. I haven’t tried EcoPaint or BioShield, but I’m curious about how they compare in terms of VOC levels. Do you know if one is significantly lower than the other? It’s something I always check when choosing paints for my home.

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I totally get where you’re coming from with the in-store vs. online dilemma. I’ve had mixed experiences with both. For instance, ordering online was a breeze when I needed a specific shade that wasn’t available locally. However, I once received a can that was dented during shipping, which was a hassle to return. On the flip side, shopping in-store at places like EcoHome has been great for immediate needs and getting expert advice. Their staff helped me pick the perfect primer for my vintage home’s walls, which are pretty porous. It’s all about weighing the pros and cons based on your project’s needs.

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Interesting take on BioShield paints. I’ve been curious about their clay-based options for my own old house. How do they hold up over time, especially in high-traffic areas? I’ve been using a different brand that’s okay but tends to fade in sunlight. Also, have you tried mixing their colors? I’m looking for a custom shade that matches some original 1920s wallpaper I found during renovation. It’s a bit of a niche request, but I’m hoping to keep the authenticity of the era.

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I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve been in the same boat trying to decide between online and in-store for natural paints. One thing I didn’t see you mention is the cost difference. Sometimes online stores have better deals, especially with bulk orders. But then again, you have to factor in shipping costs. It’s a tough call. I went with BioShield from a local store for my living room and was really happy with how it turned out. The staff there were super helpful too, which made the decision easier.

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Interesting points! I lean towards online shopping for the variety, like you said. But I’ve also had my share of shipping nightmares. Once, my order got delayed by two weeks, and it was a race against time to finish the project. That said, I used EcoPaint for my bedroom walls, and the color payoff was amazing. It covered the old paint in just two coats. For anyone considering online, I’d say plan ahead and order early to avoid delays.

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I’m all for supporting local businesses, so I usually go in-store. There’s something about being able to see the paint in person that makes a difference for me. Plus, I’ve found that local stores often have unique colors or finishes that you can’t find online. I used BioShield for my kitchen and was impressed by how well it adhered to the cabinets. It’s been a few months, and it still looks as good as new.

I’ve had mixed experiences with both. Online shopping is convenient, especially for those hard-to-find colors. But I agree, the environmental impact of shipping is a downside. I recently tried EcoPaint on my bathroom walls, and it was a game-changer. The mildew resistance is top-notch. For my next project, I’m considering a hybrid approach—ordering samples online and then buying in bulk locally to save on shipping.

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The tactile experience is a big deal for me too. I like to see and feel the paint before committing. That’s why I prefer in-store purchases. I used BioShield for an accent wall in my dining room, and the depth of color is incredible. It really brought the room together. For anyone on the fence, I’d recommend starting with a small in-store purchase to test the waters before committing to a larger online order.

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