Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I recently took the plunge and decided to repaint my living room using Earthborn Claypaint, a brand I’ve been eyeing for its eco-credentials and natural composition. The color I chose, ‘Skyline’, promised a serene and natural vibe, perfect for my little sanctuary. However, I hit a snag during application - streaks and uneven drying became my nemesis, especially on the larger walls.
I followed the instructions to the letter, mixing thoroughly and applying with a high-quality natural bristle brush. I even experimented with a foam roller on a smaller section, which seemed to help a bit. But, alas, the streaks persisted. I’m wondering if the issue lies in the paint’s consistency or perhaps the surface prep. I used a natural primer beforehand, thinking it would help, but maybe I missed something?
Has anyone else faced similar challenges with clay paints? Specifically, Earthborn or other brands? What techniques or tools have you found effective in achieving a smooth, even finish? Also, any tips on surface preparation for clay paints would be greatly appreciated. Let’s share our experiences and help each other out in our quest for beautiful, eco-friendly homes!
Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve had my fair share of battles with streaks using Earthborn Claypaint too. One thing that really helped me was adding a bit of water to the paint to adjust the consistency. Not too much, just enough to make it a bit more workable. Also, ensuring the room temperature is consistent helped with the drying process. Have you tried these tweaks?
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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for the tip! I did consider adjusting the consistency but was worried it might affect the paint’s eco-credentials or performance. How much water did you add? And did you notice any difference in the finish?
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@EcoPainter88 I usually add about 5-10% water, depending on the batch. It’s crucial to mix it thoroughly to maintain the paint’s integrity. As for the finish, it became smoother and more even, with significantly fewer streaks. Just make sure to test on a small area first!
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I’ve been using Auro Clay Paint and faced similar issues initially. What worked for me was using a damp sponge to lightly go over the surface after the first coat dried. It helped blend the streaks and even out the texture. Maybe worth a try with Earthborn?
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@NatureLover23 That’s an interesting approach! Did you find that it affected the paint’s natural finish or color in any way? I’m a bit hesitant to add moisture after drying, but if it works, I’m all for it!
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@EcoPainter88 Not at all! The key is to use a very lightly damp sponge and gentle strokes. It actually enhanced the natural matte finish of the Auro Clay Paint. I’d recommend testing it on a small section first to see how it works with Earthborn.
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Has anyone tried using a paint conditioner with clay paints? I’ve heard it can help with application and drying issues, but I’m not sure if it’s compatible with natural paints like Earthborn or Auro.
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@DIYQueen That’s a great question! I’m curious about this too. I’ve been trying to stick to purely natural methods, but if a conditioner could help without compromising the paint’s eco-credentials, it might be worth exploring. Anyone have experience with this?
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Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve had my fair share of battles with streaks using Earthborn Claypaint too. One thing that really helped me was adding a bit of water to the paint to adjust the consistency. Not too much, just enough to make it a bit more workable. Also, ensuring the room temperature is consistent helped with the drying process. Have you tried these tweaks?
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I had a similar issue with another brand of clay paint. What worked for me was using a damp sponge to lightly go over the wall after the first coat had dried. It helped smooth out the streaks and evened out the color. Maybe give that a shot?
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I think the key is in the prep work. I always make sure to sand the walls lightly before applying any clay paint. It helps the paint adhere better and reduces the chance of streaks. Also, using a primer specifically designed for clay paints can make a big difference.
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I’ve found that the type of brush or roller you use can really affect the outcome. I switched to a mohair roller for my last project with clay paint, and it made a noticeable difference in the smoothness of the finish. Might be worth experimenting with different tools.
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Temperature and humidity play a huge role in how clay paint dries. I try to paint during a time of day when the temperature is stable and avoid days with high humidity. It’s a bit of a hassle to plan around, but it’s helped me avoid those pesky streaks.
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Has anyone tried mixing a bit of cornstarch into their clay paint? I read somewhere that it can help with the consistency and reduce streaks. I haven’t tried it myself yet, but I’m curious if anyone else has had success with it.
I had a similar issue with Earthborn Claypaint in my kitchen. What really made a difference for me was thinning the paint slightly with water. It helped it spread more evenly and reduced the streaks. Just a small amount though, you don’t want to dilute it too much.
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Interesting tip about the damp sponge! I’ve been using Biofa Eco Paint and found that applying thinner coats and allowing more drying time between them helped a lot. It’s a bit more time-consuming but the finish is much smoother.
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I think surface prep is key with these natural paints. I used a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the walls before applying Eco Paints and it made a world of difference. Also, making sure the room is at a consistent temperature helps with even drying.
Has anyone tried using a paint conditioner with clay paints? I’ve heard it can help with application and drying issues. I’m considering giving it a go with my next project using Little Greene’s Absolute Matt Emulsion but would love to hear if anyone has experience with it.
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I’ve actually tried using a paint conditioner with Earthborn Claypaint and it made a noticeable difference. It helped with the flow and reduced the streaks significantly. Just make sure to get one that’s compatible with natural paints. I used a small amount first to test on a patch and it worked out well.
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