Hey everyone! 
I’m in the middle of planning a pretty extensive renovation of my 1920s bungalow, and I’ve hit a bit of a crossroads when it comes to choosing paint. I’m all about keeping things eco-friendly, but I’m also trying to be mindful of my budget. Has anyone else been in this boat?
I’ve been eyeing up some natural paints from brands like Earthborn and Auro, which seem to have a great balance of being environmentally friendly and high quality. I’ve previously used Ecos Paints for smaller projects and loved the results, but I’m wondering if anyone has experience using these or similar brands for larger areas? Specifically, how did you find the coverage and durability over time?
Another thing I’m curious about is surface compatibility. My house has a mix of plaster walls and some newer drywall areas. I’ve heard that natural paints can be a bit picky about surfaces. Any tips or experiences to share on this front?
Lastly, I’m really interested in how you all approach the cost vs. eco-consciousness balance. Do you have any strategies for keeping costs down without compromising on environmental values? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!
Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve been in a similar situation with my own renovation project. I used Earthborn paints throughout my home and was really impressed with the coverage and durability. It’s been two years, and the colors are as vibrant as ever. For the cost aspect, I found that buying in bulk and waiting for sales helped a lot. Also, consider the long-term savings from not having to repaint as often due to the paint’s durability.
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I’ve used Auro for a large project and found it to be quite forgiving on different surfaces, including plaster and drywall. The key is in the preparation. Make sure surfaces are clean and primed if necessary. As for balancing cost and eco-consciousness, I prioritize areas where I spend the most time, like the living room and bedrooms, for the higher-end eco paints and use more budget-friendly options for less visible areas.
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@GreenThumb99, thanks for sharing your experience with Earthborn! It’s reassuring to hear about the durability and coverage. Buying in bulk is a great tip. Did you find that the bulk purchase significantly reduced the cost per liter?
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@RetroRenovator, prioritizing areas is a smart strategy. I hadn’t thought about that. How did you decide which budget-friendly options were still eco-conscious enough for your standards?
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I’ve been experimenting with mixing my own natural paints using lime, clay, and natural pigments. It’s definitely more labor-intensive, but the cost savings are significant, and it’s as eco-friendly as it gets. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about using a paint you made yourself. For anyone interested, there are plenty of tutorials online to get started.
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@NatureLover23, that’s fascinating! I’ve considered making my own paint but was worried about the consistency and durability. Have you had any issues with the paint over time?
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@EcoPainter88, it does require some trial and error to get the mix right, but once you do, the durability is surprisingly good. I’ve had my living room walls painted with a lime-based paint for over a year now, and they still look great. The key is in the application and ensuring the wall is properly prepared.
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I’ve been down that road too, and honestly, it’s a tough balance. I went with Auro for my living room and kitchen, and while the upfront cost was higher, the lack of fumes and the peace of mind knowing it’s better for the environment made it worth it for me. Coverage was solid, but I did find it needed an extra coat in some spots. As for durability, it’s been holding up great against daily wear and tear.
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I hear you on the cost vs. eco-consciousness dilemma. What worked for me was mixing brands. I used Earthborn for the main areas and went with a more budget-friendly eco option for the less visible spaces like closets and the laundry room. It’s a compromise, but it helped stretch my budget without feeling like I was sacrificing my values. Plus, it’s interesting to see how different brands perform side by side.
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Surface compatibility is a big deal, especially in older homes. I had to do a bit of prep work on my plaster walls before using Ecos Paints, but it was worth it. They’ve held up beautifully, and the color depth is amazing. For cost savings, I second the idea of buying in bulk and keeping an eye out for sales. Also, don’t underestimate the value of a good primer to extend the life of your paint job, eco-friendly or not.
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I’ve been in a similar spot with my renovation project. I went with Earthborn for the living areas and honestly, it was worth every penny. The coverage was great, and it’s held up really well over time. For the less visible areas, I opted for a more budget-friendly option that still had low VOCs. It’s all about finding that balance, and sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save you in the long run.
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I think the key is preparation, like you said. I used Auro in my kitchen and dining area, which are high-traffic spaces, and it’s been fantastic. The trick is to not skimp on the prep work. Clean and prime your surfaces well, and you’ll get the most out of your paint, eco-friendly or not. For cost savings, I looked for sales and bought in bulk where I could. It’s a bit of a juggle, but doable.
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I’m all for eco-conscious choices, but I also have to be realistic about my budget. I found that mixing brands worked for me. I used Ecos Paints for the bedrooms and a more affordable brand for the hallways and utility areas. It’s not perfect, but it’s a compromise that lets me sleep better at night, both literally and figuratively. Plus, it’s interesting to see how different brands perform over time.
Mixing your own paint sounds like a cool project, but I’d be worried about consistency and how it holds up over time. Have you had any issues with fading or peeling? I used Earthborn for my living room and it’s been great, but it was a bit pricey. Maybe a mix of DIY and store-bought could be a good compromise?
I’ve been down the DIY paint route too, and while it’s rewarding, it’s not for everyone. The time investment is huge, and getting the color just right can be a nightmare. For my renovation, I went with Auro and haven’t looked back. The coverage was solid, and it’s been durable. Plus, they have a good range of colors which saved me a lot of hassle.
That’s an interesting approach! I’ve never thought about making my own paint. How do you find the application process compared to commercial paints? I used Ecos Paints for my kitchen and was really impressed with how easy it was to apply and the finish. But I’m always looking for ways to be more eco-friendly without breaking the bank.
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I admire your dedication to eco-friendliness. I tried a similar approach with lime wash for an exterior wall, and while it was cost-effective and environmentally friendly, the maintenance has been a bit of a headache. It’s made me consider the long-term costs and benefits more carefully. Maybe a hybrid approach, using commercial eco-friendly paints for high-traffic areas and DIY for less exposed surfaces, could be the way to go.
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