Hey everyone! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to repaint my living room using only natural and eco-friendly paints. I stumbled upon this fantastic online paint calculator that claims to help estimate the amount of paint needed for textured surfaces. Given that I’m using Earthborn Claypaint, which has a slightly different coverage rate compared to conventional paints, I’m a bit skeptical about the calculator’s accuracy. Has anyone here used online paint calculators for natural paints on textured walls? How did you ensure the estimates were spot on?
In my previous projects, I’ve experimented with Auro Natural Paints and Ecos Organic Paints, both of which have been great in terms of environmental impact and finish quality. However, applying them on textured surfaces always seemed to require a bit more product than anticipated. I’m curious if there’s a general rule of thumb or a specific adjustment factor you apply when using these calculators for natural paints. Also, any tips on surface preparation to ensure the best coverage and adherence would be greatly appreciated!
Let’s discuss our experiences and tips for using online paint calculators with natural paints, especially on those tricky textured surfaces. Have you found any calculators that are particularly reliable? Or do you have your own method for estimating paint needs? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and learning from your experiences!
Hey @EcoPainter89, great topic! I’ve used Earthborn Claypaint on my textured walls and found that most online calculators underestimate the amount needed. I usually add an extra 10-15% to the calculator’s estimate to be safe. Also, proper surface prep is key. I always clean the walls thoroughly and use a primer designed for textured surfaces. This has helped me get better coverage and adherence. Have you tried any specific primers with your natural paints?
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I’m a big fan of Auro Natural Paints and have used them on various textured surfaces. I agree with @GreenThumb22 about adding extra to the calculator’s estimate. I also recommend doing a small test area first to see how the paint behaves on your specific texture. This can give you a better idea of the actual coverage. Plus, it’s a great way to see the color in your lighting before committing to the whole room.
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@GreenThumb22, thanks for the tip! I haven’t tried a specific primer yet, but I’ll definitely look into that. Do you have any recommendations for eco-friendly primers that work well with textured surfaces?
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@DIYQueen, doing a test area is such a smart idea! I’ve had mixed results with online calculators, but I find that they’re a good starting point. I usually adjust based on the paint’s consistency and the wall’s texture. For example, thicker paints and rougher textures might need more product. It’s all about trial and error sometimes.
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I’ve been using Ecos Organic Paints for a while now, and I’ve found that their coverage can vary significantly depending on the surface texture. I usually start with the calculator’s estimate, then buy an extra can just in case. It’s better to have a bit left over than to run out mid-project. Also, I’ve noticed that rolling the paint in different directions can help cover textured surfaces more evenly. Anyone else tried this technique?
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@PaintPro, that’s a great point about rolling in different directions! I’ll have to try that. Do you find that it affects the paint’s drying time or finish at all?
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@EcoPainter89, I haven’t noticed any significant impact on drying time or finish. The key is to use a consistent pressure and not overload the roller with paint. This technique has really helped me get a more uniform coverage on textured walls.
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Hey @EcoPainter89, I totally get your concern about the accuracy of online paint calculators, especially with natural paints like Earthborn Claypaint. I’ve had similar experiences where the estimates were off. What I’ve found helpful is to not only add an extra percentage to the estimate but also to do a small test patch on the wall. This way, I can see how the paint behaves on the texture and adjust my calculations accordingly. Have you considered doing test patches before committing to the full project?
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I’ve been down the natural paint road a few times myself, and I agree that textured surfaces can be tricky. One thing I’ve noticed is that the type of texture plays a big role in how much paint you’ll need. For example, a heavy knockdown texture will soak up more paint than a light orange peel. I usually try to find a calculator that lets you input the texture type, or I’ll manually adjust based on my experience. Also, seconding the importance of a good primer. It really does make a difference in coverage and longevity. What’s your go-to primer for these kinds of projects?
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I’ve been down this road before with Earthborn Claypaint and textured walls. What I found helpful was to actually double the calculator’s estimate. Sounds like a lot, but with the texture and the paint’s consistency, it’s better to have a bit extra than to run out mid-project. Also, don’t forget to factor in a second coat, which is almost always necessary with natural paints for even coverage.
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Totally get the skepticism with online calculators. I used one for Ecos Organic Paints on a stucco wall, and it was way off. I ended up doing a manual calculation based on the wall’s square footage and the paint’s coverage rate per liter. Added 20% extra for the texture, and it worked out pretty well. Maybe try that approach? It’s a bit more work but definitely more accurate.
I’m all for the test area suggestion. Did that with Auro Natural Paints on a textured ceiling, and it was a game-changer. Not only did it help with estimating the paint needed, but it also gave me a chance to adjust my application technique. Found out that using a thicker nap roller made a huge difference in coverage and finish. Maybe something to consider?
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Has anyone tried mixing their own natural paint? I’ve been experimenting with clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s a bit of a process, but the customization and eco-friendliness are unbeatable. Plus, you get a real sense of how much paint you’ll need based on the mixture’s consistency. Just a thought for those looking to go the extra mile in their eco-friendly painting projects.
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I’ve had a similar experience with Earthborn Claypaint. The texture really does make a difference in how much paint you end up using. I usually add about 20% more to whatever the calculator suggests, just to be safe. It’s a bit of a trial and error process, but better safe than sorry, right? Also, I’ve found that using a thicker nap roller can help with textured surfaces, giving you better coverage without needing as many coats.
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Rolling in different directions? That’s a new one for me. I’ll have to try that next time. I usually stick to the same direction to keep the texture consistent, but I can see how changing it up might help cover more area. As for calculators, I’ve yet to find one that’s 100% accurate with natural paints. They’re a good starting point, but I always plan for extra. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to be eco-friendly and end up with leftover paint, though.
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I’m all about the prep work. Before I even think about paint, I make sure the walls are as smooth as possible. Filling in any major holes or cracks and sanding down rough spots can make a huge difference in how much paint you need. It’s a bit more work upfront, but it pays off in the end. Plus, it helps the paint adhere better, so you’re less likely to have issues down the line.
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Has anyone tried mixing their own natural paints? I’ve been experimenting with different recipes, and it’s been a fun way to customize colors and finishes. The coverage can be a bit unpredictable, though, especially on textured surfaces. I’m curious if anyone else has gone down this rabbit hole and has tips for getting consistent results.
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I think the key is to not rely solely on the calculator. They’re helpful, but they can’t account for every variable, like the specific texture of your walls or how absorbent they are. I usually do a small test area first to see how the paint behaves, then adjust my estimate from there. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but it’s saved me from running out of paint more than once.
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Speaking of texture, has anyone tried using a sprayer for natural paints? I’ve heard it can give a more even coat on textured surfaces, but I’m not sure how well it works with the thicker consistency of natural paints. It might be worth looking into if you’re doing a large area or have a lot of texture to cover.
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