Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m at a crossroads. I’ve been experimenting with both clay paint from Earthborn and milk paint from The Real Milk Paint Co. for different areas of my house. Each has its charm, but I’m particularly curious about their durability, especially when it comes to impact resistance.
So far, I’ve used clay paint in my living room, and I’m in love with its texture and depth of color. It’s been holding up well against daily wear and tear, but I haven’t really tested its limits. On the other hand, milk paint in the kids’ room has been a breeze to apply, and the finish is beautifully matte. However, I’ve noticed a few chips here and there from toys and furniture bumps.
I’m reaching out to see if anyone has done a side-by-side comparison or has experiences to share regarding the impact resistance of these two natural paint options. How do they fare in high-traffic areas or rooms with more activity? Also, any tips on enhancing their durability without compromising their eco-friendly nature would be greatly appreciated!
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences. Let’s make our homes beautiful and sustainable together! 
Hey @EcoPainterJane! 
I’ve been using clay paint in my hallway and stairs for over a year now, and it’s been surprisingly resilient. I’ve got two dogs and a cat, so there’s always some action going on. The paint has withstood scratches and the occasional bump from furniture being moved around. I haven’t tried milk paint yet, but your post has me curious about giving it a go in a less trafficked area to compare.
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I’ve used both paints in my home, and here’s my take: clay paint definitely has the upper hand in impact resistance. I used it in my kitchen, and it’s held up against pots and pans banging against the walls. Milk paint, while beautiful, is more suited for decorative pieces or low-traffic areas in my experience. It does chip easier, but I’ve found that applying a natural wax finish can help protect it a bit more.
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@NatureLover23, thanks for the tip about the wax finish! I’ll definitely look into that for the milk paint in the kids’ room. Do you have a brand you recommend for the wax?
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@EcoPainterJane, I’ve had good results with Beeswax Wood Finish from Heritage Natural Finishes. It’s eco-friendly and gives a nice protective layer without altering the paint’s matte finish too much.
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Has anyone tried mixing clay paint and milk paint for a custom finish? I’m wondering if that could combine the durability of clay with the aesthetic of milk paint. Just a thought!
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@DIYQueen, that’s an interesting idea! I haven’t tried mixing them, but I did layer milk paint over clay paint in a small project. The result was a unique texture and color depth, but I’m not sure about the impact resistance. Might be worth experimenting with!
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I’m just starting my journey with natural paints, and this thread is super helpful! Does anyone have advice on surface preparation for clay paint? I’ve heard it can be a bit different from traditional paints.
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@EcoExplorer, surface prep is key with clay paint. Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of glossy finishes. A light sanding can help with adhesion. Also, applying a primer designed for natural paints can make a big difference in the final look and durability.
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Hey there! Just jumping in to share my two cents on surface prep for clay paint. It’s crucial to start with a clean, dry surface. I usually give the walls a good wash with a mild detergent and let them dry completely. For better adhesion, especially on glossy surfaces, a light sanding can do wonders. Also, applying a primer designed for porous surfaces can help the clay paint adhere better and last longer. Hope this helps!
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I’ve been using clay paint for a while now, and I agree with the cleaning and sanding advice. One thing I’d add is to make sure the room’s humidity is not too high when you’re painting. Clay paint can be a bit finicky with moisture. Also, if you’re painting over a darker color, a tinted primer can save you a lot of coats. Just my experience, but it’s made a big difference for me.
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Interesting discussion! I haven’t tried clay paint yet, but I’m curious about its environmental impact compared to milk paint. Does anyone know if one is more eco-friendly than the other? I’m all for sustainable options, but I also want to make sure I’m not trading off one environmental issue for another.
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To the point about eco-friendliness, both clay and milk paints have their merits. Clay paint is great because it’s made from natural clay and minerals, and it’s VOC-free. Milk paint, on the other hand, is made from milk protein, lime, and natural pigments, making it biodegradable. The key is to look at the entire lifecycle, from production to disposal. Both are excellent choices, but it might come down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project.