Comparing the Performance of VOC-Free Plant-Based Paints in Humid Climates

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve been on a journey to make my home as eco-friendly as possible, and my latest project has been repainting the interior with natural, VOC-free paints. Living in a humid climate, I’ve faced challenges with paint durability and mold resistance, which led me to explore plant-based options. I’ve tried a couple of brands, including EcoPaint and BioShield, and I’m curious about your experiences.

With EcoPaint, I loved the rich color options and the ease of application. It adhered well to my plaster walls, and so far, it’s holding up against the humidity. BioShield, on the other hand, impressed me with its mold-resistant properties, a big plus for my bathroom walls. However, I noticed it took a bit longer to dry, which is something to consider if you’re working on a tight schedule.

I’m really interested in hearing from others who’ve used VOC-free, plant-based paints in similar climates. How have they performed for you over time? Any tips for application or brands you swear by? Let’s share our experiences and help each other make more informed, eco-conscious choices for our homes. :seedling:

Hey @GreenThumbJenny! :ocean: I’ve also been exploring eco-friendly paints for my coastal home. I tried EcoPaint in my living room and was pleasantly surprised by its durability against the salty, humid air. However, I did notice a slight fading after a year. Have you experienced any color fading with EcoPaint? Also, for anyone interested, I found that applying a natural wax finish helped enhance the paint’s resistance to moisture.

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Living in a high-humidity area, I’ve been on the lookout for mold-resistant paints. BioShield has been a game-changer for my bathroom. Yes, the drying time is a bit longer, but the trade-off for mold resistance is worth it in my book. Does anyone have tips for speeding up the drying process without compromising the paint’s eco-friendly properties?

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@OceanBreeze23, thanks for sharing your experience! I haven’t noticed any fading with EcoPaint yet, but it’s only been a few months. The tip about the natural wax finish is gold—I’ll definitely look into that. Has anyone else tried combining EcoPaint with a protective finish?

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@MountainHiker99, I’ve used BioShield in my kitchen and found that using a dehumidifier in the room helped speed up the drying process. It’s a bit of an extra step, but it worked wonders for me. Also, ensuring good ventilation is key. Has anyone else found effective ways to manage the drying time?

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I’m all about EarthPigments for their wide range of natural colors and excellent performance in humid conditions. They’re a bit pricier, but the quality and eco-friendliness are unmatched. Plus, their customer service is fantastic if you have any questions about application or compatibility with different surfaces. Anyone else tried them?

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@ForestWhisperer, I’ve heard great things about EarthPigments but haven’t tried them yet. What surfaces have you used them on? I’m particularly interested in how they perform on wood.

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@GreenThumbJenny, I’ve used EarthPigments on both plaster and wood with fantastic results. On wood, it really brings out the grain and has held up well against humidity. I recommend using their natural primer first for the best adhesion and durability. It’s a bit of an investment, but worth it for the quality and eco-benefits.

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Hey @CoastalLiving! :ocean: I’ve been using EcoPaint for about two years now in my kitchen, which gets a lot of steam and humidity. I did notice some fading, but it wasn’t too bad. I think it really depends on the color you choose. Lighter shades seem to hold up better. The wax finish tip is gold, though. I’ll definitely try that next time!

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I’ve been all about BioShield for my bathroom and laundry room. The mold resistance is a game-changer in humid climates. Yeah, the drying time is a bit of a pain, but honestly, it’s worth the wait. I haven’t noticed any fading, but I’m using darker colors, so that might be why. Has anyone tried mixing brands for different rooms? Curious if that’s a thing.

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Interesting about the fading with EcoPaint. I’ve been using GreenGuard in my sunroom, which gets a lot of direct sunlight and humidity. So far, so good on the color front, but I did have to do a second coat for full coverage. Anyone else tried GreenGuard? How’s it holding up for you?

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I’m just starting my eco-friendly paint journey, so this thread is super helpful. I’m leaning towards BioShield for the mold resistance, especially for my basement. But I’m worried about the drying time. How long are we talking? And does it affect the finish if it’s not completely dry before the next coat? Thanks for the insights, everyone!

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I’ve been using EcoPaint in my kitchen, and honestly, it’s been a mixed bag. The colors are vibrant, and it’s holding up well against the steam from cooking. But, I did notice some areas where it’s starting to peel a bit. Maybe it’s the prep work I did, or perhaps it’s just the humidity. Anyone else had peeling issues?

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Totally get the struggle with drying times in humid climates. I’ve found that using a dehumidifier in the room while painting helps a ton with BioShield. It doesn’t speed up the drying process drastically, but it does make a noticeable difference. Plus, it helps with the overall air quality, which is a bonus.

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I switched to BioShield for my entire house last year, and I’m loving it. The mold resistance is a lifesaver, especially in the bathroom. I did notice the longer drying time, but I just plan my painting projects around it. Maybe try painting in smaller sections if you’re on a tight schedule?

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Has anyone tried mixing brands? I was thinking of using EcoPaint for the color and coverage but maybe doing a topcoat with BioShield in high-moisture areas for the mold resistance. Not sure if that’s a thing, but it seems like it could be the best of both worlds.

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I’ve been experimenting with natural ventilation to help with the drying times. Opening windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cross breeze has helped a bit. It’s not a perfect solution, but every little bit helps, especially with BioShield. Also, I’ve heard that using a fan can help, but I’m worried about dust getting into the paint. Any thoughts on that?

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I’ve been using EarthPigments for a while now, and I totally agree with you. The price point is higher, but the durability in my humid bathroom has been worth every penny. I did find that using a primer specifically designed for high humidity areas made a big difference in how well the paint adhered and lasted.

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Haven’t tried EarthPigments yet, but your experience sounds promising. I’ve been sticking with BioShield for its mold resistance, especially in my kitchen. The drying time is a bit of a hassle, but I’ve learned to plan around it. Maybe I’ll give EarthPigments a shot for my next project and see how it compares.

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Interesting to hear about EarthPigments. I’ve been on the fence about trying them out. I used EcoPaint in my living room and it’s been great so far, but I’m always looking for something that might perform even better in humidity. How does EarthPigments handle color fading over time? That’s been a minor issue for me with other brands.

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