Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’m in the midst of a winter renovation project and decided to go all-natural with my paint choices this time around. I’ve been experimenting with Earthborn Claypaint for my living room walls, and I’m loving the matte finish and the fact that it’s VOC-free. However, the cold weather has been a bit of a challenge. I’ve noticed that the paint doesn’t spread as easily when it’s chilly, and drying times are longer than expected.
I’ve tried warming up the room a bit before starting, but I’m curious if anyone else has tips for applying natural paints in colder conditions? Have you found a particular brand that handles the cold better? Or maybe a technique to make the application smoother? I’m also wondering about surface prep – does the cold affect how well the paint adheres to different surfaces?
Lastly, I’m all about minimizing my environmental footprint, so if you’ve got any eco-friendly heating tips for the workspace, I’d love to hear them! Let’s share our experiences and help each other out. What’s worked (or hasn’t worked) for you in cold weather painting projects?
Hey @EcoPainter88! I’ve also been using Earthborn Claypaint and faced similar issues in cold weather. One thing that worked for me was using a dehumidifier in the room to help with drying times. It’s not a direct solution for the cold, but it does help the paint set faster. Also, I found that applying thinner coats helps a lot. It might take more time, but the finish is more even and dries quicker.
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I’ve been experimenting with Auro Natural Paints during the winter months and have noticed they handle the cold a bit better. They have a specific formula that’s designed to be more forgiving in lower temperatures. As for eco-friendly heating, I use a small, energy-efficient space heater just to take the chill off the room. It’s not perfect, but it helps!
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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for the tip about the dehumidifier! I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll definitely give thinner coats a try too. It’s a bit more work, but if it means a better finish, it’s worth it. How long do you usually wait between coats?
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@NatureLover23 I’ve heard good things about Auro Natural Paints but haven’t tried them yet. Do you find they have a similar matte finish to Earthborn Claypaint? I’m a big fan of that look.
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I’ve been using Biofa Natural Paints and they’ve been great in the cold. They recommend slightly warming the paint before application, which I do by placing the can in a bucket of warm water for a bit. It’s a simple trick but makes a big difference in how the paint spreads. Also, make sure your walls are completely dry before painting; moisture can really affect adhesion in cold weather.
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@SunnyDaysAhead Warming the paint is a great idea! I’ll have to try that. How long do you usually let the walls dry before painting? I’m always paranoid about not waiting long enough.
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@GreenThumb99 Yes, Auro Natural Paints have a beautiful matte finish that’s very similar to Earthborn Claypaint. I was pleasantly surprised by how close they are in terms of look and feel. Definitely worth a try if you’re looking for alternatives that perform well in the cold.
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@EcoPainter88 I usually wait at least 24 hours after the last time the walls got wet (like from cleaning) before painting. It can be a bit of a waiting game, but it’s crucial for good adhesion, especially in cold weather. A moisture meter can be a big help if you’re unsure!
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Hey, I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint too and the cold weather is a real pain. I found that keeping the paint in a warmer room before application helps a bit. Also, using a paint conditioner can make it spread easier. Not sure if it’s 100% eco-friendly though, so I’m still looking for better options.
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I’ve had some luck with Auro Natural Paints in colder weather. They seem to handle the cold a bit better than others I’ve tried. For heating, I use a small, energy-efficient space heater just to take the edge off. It’s not perfect, but it helps with the drying times.
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Surface prep is key, especially in the cold. I make sure to clean and slightly warm the walls with a hairdryer before painting. It’s a bit of extra work, but it helps the paint adhere better. Also, seconding the thinner coats advice. It really does make a difference.
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I’m all about minimizing environmental impact too. For heating, I use a solar-powered heater. It’s not super powerful, but it’s enough to make the room comfortable for painting. As for the paint, I stick to thinner layers and give it plenty of time to dry between coats.
Interesting to hear about the dehumidifier. I hadn’t thought of that. I usually just crank up the heat a bit and use a fan to circulate air. It’s not the most eco-friendly solution, but it works. I’m curious, has anyone tried insulating the room better to keep the heat in? Might help with both the cold and the drying times.
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I’ve had a similar experience with natural paints in the cold. What I found helpful was to keep the paint cans in a warmer area of the house before using them. It seems to make the paint a bit more fluid and easier to apply. Also, using a paint conditioner specifically designed for natural paints can really help with the application and drying process. Just a small addition can make a big difference.
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That’s interesting about Auro Natural Paints. I’ve been using Biofa and noticed it’s a bit thicker, which might help in colder weather. I agree with the space heater idea, but I also try to paint during the warmest part of the day. Even a few degrees can make a difference. Plus, opening curtains or blinds to let in natural light helps warm up the space a bit more.
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I’ve been down this road too. One thing that hasn’t been mentioned yet is the importance of surface prep in cold weather. I make sure to clean and slightly warm the walls with a hairdryer before applying the paint. It helps with adhesion. Also, I’ve found that using a dehumidifier in the room can speed up drying times, which is a bonus in cold, damp conditions. It’s all about creating the best possible environment for the paint to do its thing.
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I’ve had a similar experience with natural paints in the cold. What worked for me was using a paint conditioner. It’s a bit of a cheat, but it helps the paint flow better without affecting its eco-credentials too much. Just a small amount mixed in can make a big difference in application smoothness.
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Interesting tip about warming the paint! I’ve been using Auro Natural Paints and they suggest keeping the paint at room temperature before use. I also found that using a dehumidifier in the room helps with drying times and adhesion, especially in damp cold weather. It’s a bit of an energy hog, but I offset it by using solar panels.
I think surface prep is key in cold weather. I always make sure to clean the walls thoroughly and let them dry completely before painting. I’ve also started using a primer specifically designed for cold weather, which seems to help with adhesion. It’s not 100% natural, but it’s a compromise I’m willing to make for better results. Has anyone else tried cold-weather primers with natural paints?
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