Eco-Friendly Ceiling Paints: My Experience with Milk Paint vs. Clay Paint

Hey fellow eco-warriors! :herb: I recently embarked on a mission to repaint my living room ceiling with something that aligns with my green living values. After a bit of research, I narrowed it down to two options: milk paint and clay paint. I decided to give both a try in different rooms to really get a feel for them.

First up was milk paint from The Real Milk Paint Co. I was drawn to its simplicity—just mix the powder with water, and you’re good to go. The application was smooth, and I loved the matte finish it gave my ceiling. However, I did notice it required a bit more prep work to ensure it adhered properly, especially since my ceiling had a slight sheen from the previous paint.

Next, I tried clay paint from Earthborn Paints. This one was a dream to work with—no primer needed, and it covered beautifully in just two coats. The texture was unique, adding a subtle depth to the ceiling that I hadn’t expected but absolutely loved. Plus, knowing it’s made from natural clay and minerals gave me peace of mind about its environmental impact.

Both paints have their merits, but I’m curious to hear your experiences. Have any of you used milk or clay paint on ceilings or other surfaces? How did you find the application process, and are you happy with the results? Also, if you’ve come across other eco-friendly ceiling paint options, I’d love to hear about them. Let’s share our green painting adventures and tips! :art:

Great topic, @GreenThumbJenny! I’ve been curious about milk paint for a while now. How did you find the smell during application? I’m particularly sensitive to strong odors, so I’m always on the lookout for paints that are not only eco-friendly but also low-odor.

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I’ve used clay paint from Earthborn Paints on my walls and absolutely loved the outcome! It’s fascinating how it adds texture and depth. For ceilings, did you find any challenges with the application, especially in terms of drying time or coverage?

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@SkyWalker88, the milk paint was surprisingly low-odor! It has a very mild, almost non-existent smell, which was a big plus for me as well. It’s definitely something to consider if you’re sensitive to strong paint odors.

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@EcoDaisy, I didn’t face any significant challenges with the clay paint on the ceiling. It dried relatively quickly, and the coverage was excellent with just two coats. The texture it added was a delightful surprise, making the ceiling look more dynamic.

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Has anyone tried mixing milk paint and clay paint for a custom finish? I’m curious if that’s even possible or if it would ruin the properties of both paints. It could be an interesting experiment for those of us who love to DIY and customize our eco-friendly solutions.

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@NatureLover99, that’s an intriguing idea! I haven’t tried mixing them myself, but I would be cautious about altering the natural properties of each paint. Maybe someone else in the community has experimented with this?

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For those considering milk paint, it’s worth noting that its adhesion can vary depending on the surface. I recommend doing a small test area first, especially on surfaces with existing paint or finishes. This can save a lot of time and effort in the long run.

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@PaintPro123, absolutely agree with the test area recommendation! I did that with both milk paint and clay paint, and it helped me adjust my application technique accordingly. It’s a crucial step for ensuring the best results.

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I’ve also used Earthborn’s clay paint, but on my kitchen walls. The texture is indeed something else, isn’t it? For ceilings, I found that using a roller with a longer nap helped with the application, especially in covering those hard-to-reach spots. Drying time was a bit longer than I expected, but the end result was worth the wait.

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Milk paint sounds intriguing, especially the part about mixing it yourself. I’m a bit of a DIY enthusiast, so that aspect appeals to me. However, the prep work you mentioned does sound like a bit of a hassle. Do you think it’s something a beginner could handle, or would you recommend getting some experience with easier paints first?

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I’ve been on the fence about trying eco-friendly paints, mainly because of the cost. Both milk and clay paints seem to be on the pricier side compared to conventional options. For those who’ve made the switch, do you feel the benefits outweigh the extra expense in the long run?

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The environmental aspect is what drew me to clay paint as well. It’s reassuring to know that what we’re putting on our walls isn’t harmful to the planet. I wonder, though, how does it hold up over time? Has anyone noticed any fading or wear, especially in high-traffic areas?

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I’m curious about the color options available for these eco-friendly paints. One of the things I love about conventional paints is the vast array of colors. Do milk and clay paints offer a similar variety, or is the palette more limited? Also, how easy is it to touch up areas if needed?

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Mixing milk paint and clay paint sounds like a bold move. I haven’t tried it myself, but I’d be worried about how they’d bind together. Milk paint is pretty straightforward with its ingredients, but clay paint has its own unique properties. Maybe doing a small test patch first would be the way to go. It could either turn out amazing or be a total disaster. Either way, it’s worth a shot for the sake of science, right?

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I’ve actually experimented with mixing different eco-friendly paints before, though not specifically milk and clay. The key is to understand the base of each paint. If they’re both water-based, you might have a better chance. But I’d still proceed with caution. The texture and drying time could be unpredictable. It’s all about trial and error in the DIY world.

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That’s an interesting idea! I wonder if mixing them could create a paint that has the best of both worlds: the ease of application from the clay paint and the matte finish from the milk paint. However, I’d be concerned about the environmental impact of potentially wasting paint if the mixture doesn’t work out. Maybe there’s a way to calculate the ratios beforehand to minimize waste.

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I love the creativity here! Mixing paints could lead to some unique finishes that you can’t get from store-bought options. But, I’d also think about the long-term durability. Both milk and clay paints are known for their eco-friendliness and aesthetic, but combining them might affect how they wear over time. It’s definitely something to consider before committing to a whole room.

Has anyone thought about the color outcome when mixing these two? Milk paint tends to have a more pastel, muted finish, while clay paint can offer deeper, earthier tones. Mixing them could either neutralize the colors or create something entirely new. It would be fascinating to see the results, especially in natural light.

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Before jumping into mixing, it might be worth reaching out to the manufacturers of both paints. They could provide some insight into whether their products are compatible. It’s always better to get advice from the experts, especially when it comes to something as permanent as paint. Plus, they might have some tips for achieving the finish you’re looking for without the guesswork.

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