Eco-friendly paint application techniques for beginners: Where to start?

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with the walls. I’ve been experimenting with natural paints and wanted to share my experience and hear yours too. I started with Earthborn Paints, known for their eco-friendly credentials and no nasty fumes. It was a game-changer for me, especially since I’m sensitive to strong smells.

I applied it to my living room walls, which were previously painted with conventional paint. The transition was smoother than I expected, but I did learn a few things along the way. For instance, ensuring the surface is clean and slightly rough helps the natural paint adhere better. Also, using a natural bristle brush made a noticeable difference in the application smoothness.

I’m curious, what natural paint brands have you tried, and how was your experience with them? Did you face any challenges with application or surface compatibility? Let’s share our stories and tips to help each other out in making our homes greener, one wall at a time. :seedling:

Hey @GreenThumbJenny, great topic! I’ve also been diving into the world of eco-friendly paints recently. I tried Auro Natural Paints for my bedroom and was really impressed with the quality and the lack of odor. One tip I found useful was to apply a primer first, especially when transitioning from conventional to natural paints. It really helped with the adhesion and overall finish. Has anyone else tried Auro?

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@MountainHiker88, thanks for sharing your experience with Auro! I’ve heard good things about them but haven’t tried yet. The primer tip is gold, I’ll definitely keep that in mind for my next project. Did you use a natural primer as well?

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I used Auro for my kitchen cabinets and yes, a natural primer is a must! It made such a difference in the coverage and durability. Also, I found that applying thin coats and allowing ample drying time between them really enhances the finish. Patience is key with natural paints!

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I’m a big fan of Biofa Paints. They have a great range of colors and the application process was straightforward. However, I did notice that it took longer to dry compared to conventional paints, so planning is essential. Also, ventilation is crucial to speed up the drying process. Has anyone else experienced longer drying times with natural paints?

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@EcoWarrior123, yes, the drying time was something I had to adjust to as well. I found that using a dehumidifier helped a lot, especially in more humid climates. It’s a small investment but worth it for the quality of finish and eco-friendliness.

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Just jumping in to say I love this thread! I’m planning to repaint my home office and was overwhelmed by the options. This discussion has been super helpful. I’m leaning towards trying Earthborn Paints based on @GreenThumbJenny’s experience. Any tips for first-timers?

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@DIYQueen, welcome to the eco-friendly painting journey! My top tip would be to start with a small area to get a feel for the paint. Also, invest in good quality brushes and rollers; it makes a huge difference in application. Good luck, and feel free to ask more questions as you go!

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Hey, I’ve been using Ecos Paints for a while now and I’m really happy with the results. They’re water-based, so cleanup is a breeze, and they have a wide range of colors. I did find that they take a bit longer to dry compared to conventional paints, but it’s a small price to pay for the eco benefits. Has anyone else noticed this with other natural paint brands?

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I tried Biofa Paints in my kitchen and was pleasantly surprised by how well it covered the old paint. The key for me was to apply thin layers and let each one dry thoroughly before adding the next. It took a bit more time, but the finish was worth it. Anyone else have tips for dealing with high-traffic areas like kitchens?

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I’ve been experimenting with Aglaia Paints and found their lime wash to be quite unique. It gives walls a beautiful, textured finish that changes with the light. However, it does require a bit of practice to apply evenly. I’d recommend it for anyone looking to add some character to their walls. What’s your experience with textured natural paints?

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I recently used Livos Paints for my home office and was impressed by their durability. I have a lot of natural light in that room, and the colors have stayed vibrant without fading. One thing I learned is to make sure the room is well-ventilated during application, even though the paints are low-VOC. How do you manage ventilation when painting indoors?

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I’ve been using Auro Paints for a while now, and I must say, their range is impressive. The application was a breeze, and the colors are vibrant. However, like you mentioned with Biofa, drying times can be a bit of a wait. I found that using a dehumidifier in the room helped speed things up a bit. Has anyone else tried this method?

I tried Ecos Paints last month for my bedroom. The smell was minimal, which was a huge plus for me. Application was smooth, but I did notice that it required more coats than I’m used to with conventional paints. It made me wonder about the coverage efficiency of natural paints in general. What’s your take on this?

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I’m all about Little Greene’s natural paint range. The depth of color you can achieve is stunning. I did face a bit of a challenge with the consistency though; it seemed a bit thicker than what I was used to. Thinning it slightly with water helped, but I’m curious if others have found better ways to adjust the consistency for easier application.

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I experimented with Aglaia Paints for a small project. The eco-credentials are top-notch, and the application was surprisingly easy. The only hiccup was the price point; it’s a bit on the higher side. I’m torn between the environmental benefits and the cost. How do you guys balance this when choosing paints?

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I’ve been mixing my own natural paints using clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s been a fun and rewarding process, allowing for complete customization. The downside is the time it takes to prepare and the learning curve involved in getting the mix just right. Has anyone else ventured into DIY natural paints? Would love to exchange tips and recipes.

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Hey, glad to hear you’re considering Earthborn Paints! I tried them last year for my bedroom and was really impressed. One tip I’d give is to make sure you ventilate the room well while painting and for a bit after. Even though they’re low VOC, it helps with drying and getting rid of any mild smell. Also, don’t rush the drying time between coats. Patience pays off with a smoother finish.

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I went with Auro Paints for my kitchen and it was a bit of a learning curve. They’re super eco-friendly but the consistency is different from what I was used to. Thinner, so it runs more. I found using a roller with a thicker nap helped a lot. It’s all about finding the right tools for the job. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind knowing it’s better for the environment.

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Just chiming in to say I’ve been using Biofa Paints and they’ve been great. They have a really wide range of colors and the coverage is excellent. One thing I learned is that the preparation is key. Make sure your walls are in good condition before you start. Filling in any holes and sanding down rough spots made a huge difference in the final look. Eco-friendly painting is definitely a journey but so rewarding!

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