Clay paint vs lime wash: Which offers a smoother finish for interior walls?

Hey fellow eco-renovators! :house_with_garden::sparkles: I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home project, and I’m torn between using clay paint and lime wash for my interior walls. I’ve previously used Earthborn Claypaint in my living room, and I was blown away by its matte finish and how it seemed to breathe with the walls, preventing any damp issues. However, I’ve heard so much about lime wash, especially Bauwerk Lime Paint, and its unique, velvety texture that ages beautifully over time.

My main question is, which one do you think offers a smoother finish for interior walls? I’m aiming for a look that’s both elegant and natural, with minimal texture. I’ve read that clay paint can be easier to apply and offers a more consistent finish, but lime wash has this depth and variation that’s hard to replicate. Have any of you tried both? How do they compare in terms of application, finish, and how they feel to the touch?

Also, I’m curious about surface compatibility. My walls are plaster, and I’m wondering if one adheres better than the other. And of course, environmental impact is a huge factor for me. Both seem eco-friendly, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on their sustainability credentials.

Looking forward to hearing your experiences and recommendations! Let’s make our homes beautiful and kind to the planet. :earth_africa::green_heart:

I’ve used both Earthborn Claypaint and Bauwerk Lime Paint in different rooms of my house. Honestly, if you’re after a smoother finish, I’d lean towards the clay paint. It’s incredibly forgiving during application and dries to a beautifully consistent matte finish. Lime wash, while stunning, does have a more textured feel and can show brush strokes more prominently. For plaster walls, both adhere well, but clay paint might be the easier option for achieving that sleek look you’re after.

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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear from someone who’s tried both. I’m definitely leaning towards clay paint now, especially since ease of application is a big plus for me. Did you notice any difference in how they felt to the touch after drying?

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@EcoRenovator88 Absolutely! The clay paint has a softer, almost velvety feel to it, which I love. The lime wash, while beautiful, has a slightly grittier texture. It’s not unpleasant, but if you’re going for that ultra-smooth finish, clay paint is the way to go.

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I’m a big fan of Bauwerk Lime Paint for its depth and how it changes with the light. It’s true that it can be a bit more challenging to apply evenly, but the result is so unique and full of character. For environmental impact, both are great choices, but lime wash is completely natural and breathable, which is a huge plus for me.

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@SandyShore23 The way lime wash changes with the light is definitely appealing. It sounds like it adds a lot of character to a room. Do you have any tips for applying it more evenly?

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@EcoRenovator88 Sure! The key is to work in small sections and keep a wet edge to blend as you go. It’s also helpful to use a high-quality brush or roller designed for lime wash. It takes a bit of practice, but the results are worth it.

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Just chiming in to say that I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint for years and it’s never let me down. The color range is fantastic, and it’s so easy to touch up if needed. Plus, it’s made in the UK, which reduces its carbon footprint compared to imported products.

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@LeafyLane45 That’s a great point about the carbon footprint! I hadn’t considered that. The color range is indeed impressive. Do you find that the colors stay true over time, or do they fade?

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@EcoRenovator88 The colors have stayed remarkably true in my experience. I have a deep blue in my bedroom that still looks as vibrant as the day I painted it, three years later. It’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to Earthborn Claypaint.

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