Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been on a mission to make my home as green as possible, and my latest project has been repainting the exterior. I’ve always leaned towards natural solutions, so I decided to try out some plant-based paints. Specifically, I went with EcoShield’s line of exterior paints, which boast a formula derived from natural oils and resins.
Before this, I’ve dabbled with a few eco-friendly products indoors, like BioShield’s clay paints, which were fantastic for my living room walls. However, the outdoor setting is a whole different ball game with its harsh weather conditions. I’m curious about how these plant-based paints hold up against traditional ones in terms of durability and longevity. Has anyone else taken the plunge with natural paints for their exteriors?
I applied the EcoShield paint on my wooden deck and some garden furniture. The application was smooth, and the finish was surprisingly vibrant. But I’m keeping an eye on how it fares through the seasons. I’m particularly interested in its resistance to UV rays and moisture.
So, here’s the big question: How do you think plant-based paints compare to traditional paints for outdoor use? Have you noticed any differences in durability, or do you have any tips for maintaining the paint’s integrity over time? Let’s share our experiences and help each other make more informed, eco-conscious choices!
Great topic, @GreenThumbJenny! I’ve been using EarthPigments for my outdoor furniture and have noticed that while they do require more frequent touch-ups compared to traditional paints, the environmental benefits are worth it for me. The key is in the preparation of the surface. Ensuring it’s clean and possibly using a natural primer can significantly extend the life of the paint.
3 Likes
I’ve had a mixed experience with plant-based paints outdoors. I used BioColors on my garden shed, and while the color has faded slightly after two years, it hasn’t peeled or cracked, which is a big plus. I think the durability really depends on the brand and the specific formula. Would love to hear more about EcoShield’s performance over time!
2 Likes
@NatureLover88, thanks for the tip on surface preparation! I did make sure to clean and sand the surfaces before applying EcoShield, but I didn’t use a primer. Do you have any recommendations for a natural primer that works well with plant-based paints?
1 Like
I’ve been experimenting with NaturalHues for my outdoor projects. One thing I’ve learned is that plant-based paints can be more sensitive to moisture. To combat this, I apply a natural wax finish over the paint, which seems to help with water resistance. It’s an extra step, but it’s made a noticeable difference in durability.
4 Likes
Just to add to my earlier comment, I also found that applying multiple thin coats of BioColors helped with the paint’s adherence and overall durability. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but I think it’s worth it for the added protection against the elements.
2 Likes
@GreenThumbJenny, I’ve had good results with PurePrime, a natural primer that’s designed to work with a variety of plant-based paints. It’s a bit pricier, but it really helps with adhesion and extends the life of the paint. Definitely worth considering for your next project!
3 Likes
Has anyone tried mixing their own plant-based paints? I’ve been curious about creating a custom blend for my outdoor furniture, but I’m not sure where to start. Any tips or resources would be greatly appreciated!
1 Like
@LeafyGreen, that’s an interesting idea! I haven’t tried mixing my own, but I’ve heard of people using natural pigments and binders like linseed oil. It might take some experimentation to get the consistency and durability right, but it could be a fun project. Let us know how it goes if you decide to try it!
2 Likes
Hey @GreenThumbJenny, I’ve been using GreenGuard for my outdoor projects and honestly, the durability has been a mixed bag. On my metal gates, it’s held up surprisingly well against rain and sun, but on wooden surfaces, it seems to fade faster than traditional paints. I think the key might be in the type of surface you’re painting on. Maybe we need to look into specific plant-based formulas for different materials?
1 Like
I tried Nature’s Hue on my garden shed last year, and while the color was beautiful, I noticed it started peeling after a harsh winter. I’m considering trying a different brand or maybe even mixing my own natural paint. Has anyone experimented with DIY plant-based paint recipes? I’m curious about the results and if they offer better durability.
Interesting discussion! I’ve been skeptical about switching to plant-based paints for outdoor use because of durability concerns. But after reading your experiences, I’m tempted to give it a try on a small project first. Maybe a birdhouse or a small section of fence to see how it holds up. Any recommendations for a beginner-friendly brand that’s easy to apply?
3 Likes
I’ve been using EcoCoat for my outdoor furniture and have been pretty satisfied with the results. It’s been two years, and while there’s some fading, it’s not as bad as I expected. I do agree with the earlier comment about surface preparation being crucial. I spent a lot of time sanding and priming, which I think made a big difference. Maybe we should start a thread sharing tips on prepping surfaces for plant-based paints?
5 Likes
I’ve been using EcoShield on my outdoor furniture for about a year now, and I’m pretty impressed. The color has stayed vibrant, and there’s no sign of peeling or cracking, even after a harsh winter. I did make sure to apply a primer first, which I think helped a lot. It’s definitely holding up better than some traditional paints I’ve used in the past.
4 Likes
Interesting to hear about BioColors fading but not peeling. I tried a different brand of plant-based paint on my fence, and it started to peel after just one season. Maybe it’s the brand, or maybe I didn’t prep the surface well enough. I’m considering giving EcoShield a try next time, especially if it’s holding up well for others.
I think the key with any paint, plant-based or not, is the prep work. I used EcoShield on my deck after thoroughly cleaning and sanding it, and it’s been great. No issues with moisture or UV damage so far. It’s been about 18 months, and it still looks fresh. I’m curious about how different brands handle the same conditions though.
4 Likes
Has anyone tried mixing brands for different layers? Like using a traditional primer with a plant-based topcoat? I wonder if that could offer the best of both worlds in terms of durability and eco-friendliness. I’m planning to repaint my shed soon and considering this approach.
3 Likes
I’ve been using GreenGuard paints for my outdoor furniture and I’ve noticed they do require a bit more maintenance compared to traditional paints. Especially after heavy rain, I find myself having to touch up areas more frequently. But, I think the environmental benefits outweigh the extra work. Plus, the colors stay vibrant for a long time!
2 Likes
Interesting point about the wax finish. I tried EcoShield on my garden shed and didn’t use any additional sealant. After a year, I can see some wear, especially on the side that gets the most sun. Maybe I’ll give the wax a try next time. Do you have a brand you recommend for the wax finish?
4 Likes
I’ve been skeptical about plant-based paints for outdoor use, but after reading your experiences, I’m tempted to give them a shot. My main concern has always been durability, especially since my house is in a pretty windy and rainy area. Has anyone tested these paints in similar conditions?
5 Likes