Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of eco-friendly home renovations lately, and I’ve hit a bit of a crossroads. I’m trying to decide between whipping up my own natural paint mixes or going for store-bought eco-friendly paints. I’ve experimented with a few DIY recipes using ingredients like clay, chalk, and natural pigments, which was super fun and definitely cost-effective. However, I’m curious about the long-term durability and ease of application compared to ready-made options like Earthborn or Biofa paints, which I’ve heard great things about but haven’t tried yet.
One thing I’ve noticed is that while DIY mixes can be cheaper upfront, they require a bit of trial and error to get the consistency and coverage just right. On the other hand, store-bought eco-friendly paints promise a more straightforward application and a wider range of colors, but at a higher cost. I’m particularly interested in how these options perform on different surfaces, like plaster walls versus wood, and their overall environmental impact beyond just being low-VOC.
So, I’m turning to you all for your experiences and insights! Have you tried making your own natural paints? How do they compare to store-bought eco-friendly paints in terms of cost, application, and durability? Any favorite brands or DIY recipes you swear by? Let’s share our stories and help each other make more informed, sustainable choices for our homes. 
I’ve been down the DIY natural paint route myself and it’s quite the adventure! I used a mix of clay, chalk, and linseed oil for my living room walls. The cost was definitely lower than store-bought options, but I had to experiment a bit to get the right consistency. For anyone considering this, patience is key!
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@GreenThumb88 That sounds like a great mix! How did it hold up over time? I’m particularly concerned about durability and whether it would need frequent touch-ups.
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@EcoPainterJane It’s been about a year now and the walls still look great! I did notice that in high-traffic areas, it might need a touch-up sooner than store-bought paint, but for the cost savings, I think it’s worth it. Plus, it feels good knowing exactly what’s on my walls.
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I’ve used Earthborn paints for my kitchen and I couldn’t be happier. The application was a breeze and the color range is fantastic. Yes, it’s pricier than DIY options, but the time and effort saved made it worth it for me. Plus, their commitment to sustainability is impressive.
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@NatureLover23 That’s great to hear! I’ve been eyeing Earthborn for my next project. Did you find it covered well, or did it require multiple coats?
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@EcoPainterJane It covered really well! I only needed two coats for a solid finish, even over a darker color. The consistency is just right, not too thick or thin.
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For those interested in DIY, I recommend starting with smaller projects to get a feel for mixing and application. I made a mistake of jumping straight into painting a large wall and the inconsistency was noticeable. Also, natural pigments can vary a lot in quality, so source them carefully!
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@DIYMaster99 Great advice! Do you have any favorite sources for natural pigments? I’ve found a few online but would love personal recommendations.
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@EcoPainterJane I’ve had good experiences with Earth Pigments and Natural Earth Paint. Both offer a wide range of colors and their customer service is helpful if you have questions about which pigments are best for your project.
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I’ve tried both DIY and store-bought eco-friendly paints, and honestly, it’s a mixed bag. DIY is cheaper and feels more rewarding, but store-bought paints save so much time and hassle. For my kitchen cabinets, I went with Biofa, and the finish was impeccable. It’s all about what you value more: time or money.
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DIY paint mixing sounds like a fun project, but I’m too lazy for that. I went straight for Earthborn paints for my bedroom. The colors are vibrant, and application was a breeze. Plus, they have this certification that makes me feel good about the environmental impact. Definitely worth the extra bucks for me.
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I’m all for DIY, especially when it comes to reducing waste. I used a mix of clay and natural pigments for my study room. It took a couple of tries to get it right, but the result was unique and personal. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your paint is a big plus for me. Store-bought paints can be a bit of a black box in terms of ingredients.
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I think it depends on the project. For large areas, I’d go with store-bought for consistency and ease. But for small projects or accent walls, DIY can be a fun experiment. I used a chalk-based mix for a feature wall in my living room, and it turned out great. Just be prepared for a bit of trial and error.
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I’ve been curious about the durability of DIY paints. Has anyone had issues with fading or chipping over time? I used a store-bought eco-friendly paint for my exterior walls, and it’s held up really well against the weather. Wondering if DIY mixes can stand the test of time and elements.
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I’ve been down the DIY paint route and honestly, it’s a mixed bag. The cost savings are undeniable, especially if you’re doing a large area. But, getting the mix right can be a real headache. I ended up with a batch that was too thick and another that was too runny. It’s a learning curve for sure. For small projects, though, I still prefer DIY because it feels more personal and eco-friendly.
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I’m all for store-bought eco-friendly paints. Tried Earthborn for my living room and the difference in application ease and finish quality was night and day compared to my DIY attempts. Sure, it’s more expensive, but the time and frustration saved are worth every penny. Plus, the color options are endless, which is a big win for me.
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Has anyone considered the environmental impact of shipping these store-bought paints? I mean, they’re eco-friendly in terms of low-VOC and all, but the carbon footprint from shipping them across the country or even internationally has to be considered. DIY paints, on the other hand, can be made from locally sourced materials, reducing that impact significantly.
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I tried making my own paint with clay and natural pigments for a feature wall. It was a fun project, and the texture is amazing, but it took forever to dry and the color faded a bit over time. I think for walls that get a lot of sunlight, store-bought might be the way to go for durability. But for less exposed areas, DIY can add a unique touch.
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I’m curious about the long-term maintenance of DIY paints versus store-bought. Like, if I need to touch up a spot, will the DIY mix match perfectly, or will it be a noticeable difference? With store-bought, you can just buy the same color again, but with DIY, it’s not that straightforward. Has anyone had experience with this?
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