How to prevent natural pigment paints from fading over time?

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m absolutely loving the vibe and sustainability aspect they bring to my space. I’ve been using Earthborn Paints for their incredible range of natural pigment paints. Their claypaint, in particular, has been a game-changer for me, offering a beautiful matte finish that’s breathable and eco-friendly. However, I’ve noticed that in some areas, especially those exposed to direct sunlight, the colors seem to fade a bit over time.

I’m curious, has anyone else experienced this with natural pigment paints? I’ve tried applying a natural wax finish over the paint in some areas to see if it helps protect the color, but I’m not entirely convinced it’s the best solution. I’ve also heard about using a UV-protective varnish, but I’m a bit hesitant because I want to keep everything as natural and eco-friendly as possible.

What are your thoughts or experiences with preventing fading in natural paints? Have you found any brands or products that offer better longevity without compromising on the eco-friendly aspect? Let’s share our tips and tricks to keep our homes looking vibrant and sustainable! :rainbow:

Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve been using Auro Paints for a while now and noticed that their natural paints hold up pretty well against fading. They use plant-based pigments and binders, which seem to offer better UV resistance. Maybe give them a try for your next project?

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I’ve had a similar issue with Earthborn Paints in my sunroom. I ended up using a natural UV-protective glaze from EcoProtect. It’s not 100% natural, but it’s the most eco-friendly option I could find that actually works. The colors have stayed vibrant for over a year now!

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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll definitely look into Auro Paints. Do you know if they have a similar matte finish to Earthborn Paints? I really love that look.

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@SunnyDays That’s interesting about the EcoProtect glaze. I’ve been hesitant to use anything not 100% natural, but if it’s the most eco-friendly option and works, it might be worth considering. How does it affect the paint’s breathability?

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I’ve been experimenting with different natural finishes to protect against fading. One thing that’s worked surprisingly well for me is a mix of beeswax and linseed oil. It’s all-natural and gives a nice protective layer. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home!

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@DIYQueen That sounds like a great solution! Do you have a specific ratio of beeswax to linseed oil that you use? And how often do you need to reapply it?

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@EcoPainter88 I usually go with a 1:4 ratio of beeswax to linseed oil. It creates a nice, spreadable consistency. As for reapplication, it really depends on the exposure, but I find that once a year does the trick for most areas. Just keep an eye on it and reapply when you start to notice any fading.

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I’ve been using Earthborn Paints too and noticed the fading issue in sunlit areas. I tried mixing a bit of their eggshell finish with the claypaint for those spots. It’s not 100% natural, but it’s a compromise I’m willing to make for the extra protection. It seems to help a bit with the fading.

Interesting point about Auro Paints. I haven’t tried them yet, but I’m all for plant-based solutions. Does anyone know if they have a similar matte finish to Earthborn’s claypaint? I’m really into that look for my walls.

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I’ve been experimenting with natural dyes and paints for a while now. One thing I’ve found is that the fading can also depend on the base color. Darker pigments tend to hold up better in sunlight. Maybe consider going a shade darker than you initially wanted for those sun-exposed areas?

Has anyone looked into the pH levels of their walls before painting? I read somewhere that the alkalinity can affect how natural paints adhere and last. Maybe treating the walls with a natural acid wash could help with longevity. Just a thought.

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I’ve been using Earthborn Paints too and noticed the fading issue. I tried mixing a bit of linseed oil into the paint before applying. It seems to help with the vibrancy and adds a bit of protection against the sun. Not sure if it’s the most eco-friendly solution, but it’s worked for me so far.

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Interesting approach with the linseed oil. I went a different route and used Auro Natural Varnish over my Earthborn Paints. It’s plant-based and offers UV protection. The colors have stayed pretty vibrant, and it feels good using something that’s still in the natural realm.

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I had the same problem in my living room. I ended up rearranging the furniture to minimize direct sunlight on the painted walls. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s a no-cost solution that’s kept the colors from fading. Plus, it gave the room a fresh look!

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I’m all about keeping things natural, so I was hesitant to use any kind of varnish or glaze. Instead, I’ve been experimenting with different natural pigments to see which ones hold up better in sunlight. So far, the earth tones seem to last longer than the brighter colors. It’s a bit of trial and error, but it’s been fun experimenting.

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I’ve heard that adding a bit of chalk to the paint can help with UV resistance. Has anyone tried that? I’m curious if it affects the texture or finish of the paint. I love the matte look of Earthborn Paints and wouldn’t want to compromise that.

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I haven’t tried adding chalk, but I did find that applying the paint in thinner layers helps. It seems to dry more evenly and might offer a bit more protection against fading. Plus, it saves on paint, which is always a bonus. Has anyone else noticed a difference with application techniques?

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That beeswax and linseed oil mix sounds intriguing! I’ve been on the lookout for something that doesn’t involve synthetic chemicals. How do you apply it? Do you just rub it on with a cloth, or is there a specific technique you use?

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I’ve heard about that mix too! But I’m a bit worried about the smell. Does the linseed oil leave a strong odor? I’m all for natural solutions, but I don’t want my house smelling like a woodshop.

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