Edge definition vs. ease of application: How do natural paints compare?

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’ve hit a bit of a crossroads. I’m trying to balance the crisp edge definition I need for some detailed trim work with the ease of application that makes a project less daunting. So far, I’ve experimented with Earthborn Claypaint and Auro Natural Paint, both of which have their unique charms. Earthborn gave me that beautiful matte finish I was after, but I found it a bit tricky to get those sharp edges without a lot of taping. Auro, on the other hand, was a dream to apply, but I noticed it didn’t hold the edge as crisply as I wanted.

I’m curious, has anyone else faced this dilemma? What natural paints have you found that strike a good balance between ease of application and sharp edge definition? Also, how do you prep your surfaces to get the best results with natural paints? I’ve been using a natural primer from EcoProCote, which has been great for adhesion, but I’m always on the lookout for better methods or products.

Let’s share our experiences and tips! Whether it’s a brand that worked wonders for you or a technique that made all the difference, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s make our homes beautiful and eco-friendly together! :art:

Hey @GreenThumbPainter, I’ve been in the same boat! I found that BioShield Aqua Resin Stain offers a nice balance between ease of application and edge definition. It’s water-based, so cleanup is a breeze, and it dries to a durable finish. For prep, I swear by a light sanding followed by a wipe down with a damp cloth. It really helps the paint adhere better.

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I’ve had great results with Ecos Organic Paint. It’s a bit pricier, but the coverage is fantastic, and it’s so easy to work with. I didn’t need much taping for edges, which was a huge time saver. Plus, their color range is stunning!

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@JazzHands42 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely check out BioShield Aqua Resin Stain. The water-based aspect sounds appealing for cleanup. Do you find it holds up well over time?

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@PixelPirate I’ve been curious about Ecos Organic Paint! How does it handle on textured surfaces? I’ve got some walls that are a bit rough, and I’m worried about coverage.

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I’m a big fan of Aglaia Natural Paints. They’re a bit more labor-intensive to apply, but the finish is unparalleled. For edges, I use a high-quality angled brush, which makes a world of difference. It’s all about the tools sometimes!

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@MysticMango I’ve heard great things about Aglaia! Could you share which angled brush you use? I’m always looking to upgrade my tools.

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Has anyone tried mixing their own natural paints? I’ve been experimenting with clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s a bit of a process, but the customization is amazing. Plus, it’s super eco-friendly!

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@FrostByte That sounds fascinating! Do you have a go-to recipe or any tips for beginners? I’d love to try making my own paint.

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I’ve been using BioShield Aqua Resin Stain too and it’s been a game changer for me. The edge definition is pretty sharp and it’s so easy to apply. I agree with the prep work, a good sanding and a wipe down makes all the difference. Have you tried their primer? I’m curious if it’s as good as the paint.

I had a similar experience with Earthborn Claypaint. The finish is unbeatable but yeah, getting those sharp edges can be a pain. I started using a smaller brush for the edges and it helped a bit. Also, I found that letting the paint dry a bit longer before removing the tape gives a cleaner line. What’s your go-to brush for detailed work?

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I’m all about Auro Natural Paint for its ease of use, but I hear you on the edge definition. I’ve been experimenting with adding a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up slightly for trim work. It’s a bit of a hack, but it’s helped me get sharper lines. Anyone else tried tweaking their paint consistency for better results?

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I’ve been using Aglaia Natural Paints too, and I agree, the finish is something else. But yeah, it does take a bit more elbow grease. I found that thinning it slightly with water helps with application without sacrificing the edge definition. Also, investing in a good brush is key, like you said. I use a Purdy brush, and it’s made a huge difference. Have you tried any techniques to speed up the drying time? I’m always looking for ways to make the process a bit quicker.

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Interesting take on Aglaia Natural Paints. I’ve been sticking to Earthborn for most of my projects because of the matte finish, but I might have to give Aglaia a try for my next project. How do you find it compares in terms of color vibrancy? I’ve heard some natural paints can look a bit washed out. Also, do you have any tips for dealing with brush strokes? I’ve noticed that even with a good brush, sometimes the strokes are still visible.

Mixing your own natural paints sounds like a fun project! I’ve dabbled a bit with clay and natural pigments too. The key for me was finding the right binder to get the consistency I wanted. Linseed oil worked wonders for me, but it does take a while to dry. Have you found a binder that you prefer?

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That’s awesome you’re making your own paints! I’ve been curious about trying that but worried about the durability. How do your homemade paints hold up over time, especially in high-traffic areas? I’d love to hear more about your experiences with wear and tear.

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I’ve been using Biofa Natural Paints for a while now and they’ve been a great middle ground for me. They’re easy to apply and I’ve managed to get pretty crisp edges with a good quality brush. Maybe worth checking out if you’re still experimenting with different brands.

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Prep is everything with natural paints, I’ve found. I always make sure to sand down the surfaces really well and use a tack cloth to remove any dust. It makes a huge difference in how the paint applies and adheres. Also, have you tried using a paint conditioner? It can help with the flow and leveling of the paint, making it easier to get those sharp edges.

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