Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m super excited to share some insights and hear your experiences too. I’ve recently switched to using Auro’s plant-based paints after experimenting with a few other eco-friendly options like Earthborn Paints and Ecos Paints. The colors and the finish are just stunning, but I’ve noticed that preparation is key to getting that perfect, long-lasting adhesion.
From my experience, the first step is always to ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free from any old flaky paint or wallpaper. I’ve found that a good sanding can make a world of difference, especially on wood surfaces. For walls, I usually go over them with a damp cloth to remove any dust after sanding. But here’s where I’m curious - has anyone tried using a natural primer before applying plant-based paints? I’ve heard mixed opinions on whether it’s necessary or if it affects the paint’s natural properties.
Another thing I’m pondering is the compatibility of these paints with different surfaces. I’ve had great results on plaster and wood, but I’m a bit hesitant about using them on metal or previously painted surfaces without a primer. What’s your take on this? Have you found any particular brands or types of plant-based paints that adhere better to tricky surfaces?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and tips on surface prep and application. Let’s make our homes beautiful and eco-friendly together!
Great topic, @EcoPainterJane! I’ve been using Auro’s plant-based paints for a couple of years now, and I completely agree that surface prep is crucial. I always start with a thorough cleaning, followed by sanding, especially on wood. For walls, I use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean before painting. It’s eco-friendly and does a great job of removing any grease or dust. I haven’t used a natural primer, but I’m curious to hear if others have.
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Thanks for sharing, @GreenThumb88! The vinegar and water mix sounds like a great tip. I’ll definitely try that in my next project. Does anyone else have eco-friendly cleaning solutions they swear by before painting?
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I’ve experimented with Earthborn Paints on both plaster and wood, and the results have been fantastic. However, I did find that on metal surfaces, a primer was necessary to ensure the paint adhered properly. I used a natural primer from Ecos Paints, and it worked well without compromising the paint’s eco-friendly properties. Has anyone else tried painting metal surfaces with plant-based paints?
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@NatureLover101, I’ve had a similar experience with metal surfaces. I used Auro’s plant-based paints over a natural primer, and it adhered beautifully. It’s interesting to hear that Ecos Paints primer worked well for you too. I think the key is definitely in the preparation and choosing the right primer.
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I’m just starting my journey with eco-friendly paints and this thread is super helpful! I’m planning to paint a wooden bookshelf with Earthborn Paints. Any tips for ensuring the best adhesion on wood? Should I sand it down to bare wood or is sanding the existing finish enough?
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Welcome to the eco-friendly painting world, @SandyShore! For wooden surfaces, I recommend sanding down to bare wood if the existing finish is glossy or peeling. This ensures the paint adheres better and lasts longer. After sanding, make sure to wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Good luck with your bookshelf project!
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Has anyone tried using plant-based paints on previously painted walls? I’m concerned about how well they’ll cover old paint, especially if it’s a darker color. Any advice or brand recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
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@LeafyGreen, I’ve successfully used Auro’s plant-based paints over previously painted walls. The key is in the preparation—make sure the wall is clean and lightly sanded to help the new paint adhere. For covering darker colors, you might need an extra coat, but the coverage is generally good. I’ve found that lighter colors cover better, so you might want to consider that when choosing your paint.
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I’ve had a similar experience with Earthborn Paints on plaster and wood, but I haven’t tried it on metal yet. Your tip about using a natural primer from Ecos Paints is intriguing. I wonder if the type of metal makes a difference in how well the paint adheres. Has anyone tried it on different metals like aluminum or steel?
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I’m all for using plant-based paints, but I’ve found that the key to great adhesion is not just the primer but also the condition of the surface. On metal, I always make sure to remove any rust and apply a rust-inhibitive primer before going in with the plant-based paint. It’s a bit more work, but it ensures the paint sticks and lasts longer.
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Interesting discussion! I’ve been using Auro’s plant-based paints and haven’t felt the need for a primer on most surfaces, but metal is a different story. I used a specific metal primer before applying the paint, and it worked wonders. It’s good to hear others are experimenting with different brands and techniques. Maybe we should compile a list of best practices for different surfaces?
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I tried painting an old metal gate with Ecos Paints without a primer, and let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. The paint peeled off within weeks. Lesson learned: always use a primer on metal. It’s great to see others sharing their experiences. It really helps to know what works and what doesn’t before diving into a project.
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I’ve used Auro’s plant-based paints over previously painted walls, and it worked out pretty well for me. The key was to sand the walls lightly to create a surface the new paint could grip onto. I didn’t use a primer, and the coverage was decent, but it did take an extra coat to fully cover a dark color. Maybe try a small section first to see how it goes?
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I had a similar concern and decided to go with Earthborn Paints. They have a great range of colors and their coverage is impressive, even over darker shades. I did use their primer though, just to be safe. It added a bit of time to the project but the finish was worth it. Definitely recommend giving their primer a try if you’re worried about coverage.
Honestly, I skipped the primer and went straight for the paint on my old walls. It was a bit of a gamble, but the paint adhered well. I used Ecos Paints, and their formula seems to have good coverage. It might depend on the brand, so maybe check out a few options and see what works best for your walls.
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I think it really depends on the condition of your walls. If they’re in good shape, you might get away without a primer. But if there’s any peeling or unevenness, a primer could help smooth things out. I used a natural primer before applying my plant-based paint, and it made a noticeable difference in the final look.
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I’ve had mixed results with plant-based paints on previously painted walls. Some areas covered perfectly, while others needed a bit more work. I found that using a tinted primer helped a lot, especially for covering darker colors. It might be worth the extra step to ensure even coverage.
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I’m all for skipping the primer if possible, but with plant-based paints, I’ve learned it’s better to be safe than sorry. I used a natural primer on my walls, and the paint went on so smoothly. It might seem like an extra hassle, but it really does make a difference in the end. Plus, it’s better for the environment, which is the whole point, right?