Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been on a mission to repaint my living room with something that not only looks good but feels good to use, environmentally speaking. I’ve dabbled with a couple of natural paint brands in the past, like Earthborn and Auro, and have had some pretty decent results. But I’m curious, what are your go-to local eco-friendly paint brands? What should we really be looking for when choosing between them?
From my experience, Earthborn paints have a fantastic range of colors and are virtually VOC-free, which is a huge plus. They applied smoothly on my plaster walls, but I did notice they took a bit longer to dry compared to conventional paints. On the other hand, Auro offered a more matte finish that I loved, but it was a bit pricier. Both brands are big on sustainability, using natural ingredients and avoiding harmful chemicals.
I’m particularly interested in how different brands perform on various surfaces. Has anyone tried eco-friendly paints on wood or metal? How did they hold up? Also, what’s your take on the balance between cost and environmental impact? Let’s share our experiences and tips to help each other make more informed choices. Looking forward to your insights!
Great topic, @GreenThumbJenny! I’ve been using Earthborn paints for a while now, and I agree with your points. Their color range is indeed impressive, and the low VOC content is a big win for indoor air quality. I recently tried their paint on a wooden bookshelf, and it adhered beautifully, giving a smooth finish. However, like you mentioned, the drying time can be a bit of a wait. For those considering eco-friendly paints, I’d recommend looking into the brand’s sustainability practices and ingredient transparency. It’s not just about the paint’s performance but also the company’s commitment to the environment.
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Has anyone tried Biofa paints? I’ve heard they’re quite good for both walls and wood, offering a durable finish. I’m particularly interested in their eco-credentials and how they compare to Earthborn and Auro in terms of price and performance.
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@NatureLover101, I haven’t tried Biofa yet, but I’ve heard good things about their product range. It’s on my list to test out, especially for wood finishes. If anyone has experience with Biofa, please share your thoughts!
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I think it’s crucial to consider the entire lifecycle of the paint, from production to disposal. Some brands might offer eco-friendly paints but have questionable manufacturing processes. I always look for certifications like EU Ecolabel or Cradle to Cradle to ensure the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Does anyone else prioritize these certifications when choosing paints?
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@SustainaSteve, absolutely! Certifications are a great way to gauge a brand’s environmental impact. I also look into the brand’s packaging and whether they offer recycling programs for used paint cans. It’s all about minimizing our footprint, right?
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I’ve been experimenting with making my own natural paints using clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s been a fun project, and the results are surprisingly good! Plus, it’s super eco-friendly and cost-effective. Has anyone else tried DIY natural paints?
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@DIYQueen, that sounds amazing! I’ve been curious about DIY natural paints but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Do you have any tips or resources for beginners?
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I’ve used Biofa paints for a project last year, and I was pretty impressed. They do offer a durable finish, especially on wood. The eco-credentials are solid, with a focus on natural ingredients and low VOCs. Price-wise, they’re in the same ballpark as Auro, maybe a tad cheaper. Performance is great, but like all eco-friendly paints, drying times can be a bit longer.
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I haven’t tried Biofa yet, but I’m curious about their color range. Earthborn has spoiled me with their selection. Does Biofa offer a wide variety of colors, or is it more limited like some eco-brands?
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Speaking of drying times, I’ve noticed that with Auro, the drying time can vary depending on the humidity and temperature. Has anyone else experienced this with other eco-friendly brands? It’s something to consider if you’re working on a tight schedule.
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I’ve been using Biofa for a while now, and I can vouch for their color range. It’s pretty extensive, and they offer custom color mixing, which is a big plus. Their paints also seem to handle temperature changes well, which is great for areas that get a lot of sunlight.
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Cost vs. environmental impact is a big one for me. I try to balance the two by looking for sales or bulk deals on eco-friendly paints. Sometimes, local stores have promotions that make the higher price tag a bit more manageable. Has anyone found a particularly good deal on Biofa, Earthborn, or Auro recently?
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I’m curious about the application process for these paints. With Earthborn, I found that using a natural bristle brush gave the best results. Does anyone have tips for applying Biofa or Auro paints, especially on tricky surfaces like metal or textured walls?
Totally agree on the importance of certifications. It’s not just about the paint being eco-friendly but the whole process behind it. I’ve been using Biofa paints for a while now, and they’ve got the EU Ecolabel. They’re a bit on the pricier side, but knowing they’re committed to sustainability from start to finish makes it worth it for me. Plus, their performance on wood has been stellar in my experience.
I think certifications are a good starting point, but I also like to dig deeper into the brand’s practices. For instance, how they source their materials and their labor practices. Ecos Paints has been my go-to because they’re transparent about their sourcing and have a strong commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Their paint dries super fast, which is a bonus for someone impatient like me.
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Certifications are key, but I also look at the paint’s performance and durability. I tried Green Planet Paints on metal surfaces, and it held up surprisingly well against rust and wear. They’re certified by Green Seal, which gave me confidence in their environmental claims. It’s a bit of a balancing act between eco-friendliness and practicality, but I think it’s possible to find paints that excel in both areas.
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Making your own paint sounds like a cool project! I’ve been curious about trying that myself. How do you find the durability of your DIY paints compared to store-bought eco-friendly brands? I’ve heard that natural pigments can fade faster, but maybe there’s a way to seal them better. Also, do you have any favorite recipes or tips for someone looking to start?
That’s awesome you’re making your own paints! I’ve been using BioShield paints for my projects. They’re a bit on the pricier side but the quality and eco-friendliness are top-notch. They have a great selection for different surfaces too. Have you considered mixing your DIY paints with any commercial eco-friendly bases to maybe get the best of both worlds? It could be an interesting experiment to see how they perform together.
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