Natural paint vs conventional paint: Coverage and opacity comparison

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’ve hit a bit of a crossroads. I’m trying to decide between sticking with conventional paint or making the full switch to natural alternatives. Specifically, I’m curious about how natural paints stack up in terms of coverage and opacity compared to their conventional counterparts.

I’ve been experimenting with Earthborn Paints, a brand that’s caught my eye for its eco-friendly credentials and beautiful, rich colors. So far, I’ve used their Claypaint on a couple of walls, and I’m impressed with the texture and how it feels on the walls. However, I’ve noticed it takes a couple more coats to achieve the same level of opacity as the conventional paint I’ve used in the past. This got me thinking about the trade-offs between environmental impact and practical application.

Has anyone else made the switch to natural paints? How have you found the coverage and opacity compared to conventional paints? Are there any brands or types you’ve found that offer a good balance between eco-friendliness and performance? I’m especially curious about experiences with different surfaces, like plaster or wood, and how natural paints hold up over time.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences! Let’s share some knowledge and help each other make more sustainable choices in our DIY projects. :earth_africa::green_heart:

I’ve been using Auro Natural Paints for a while now, and I must say, the coverage is quite impressive. It does require a bit more patience and sometimes an extra coat, but the finish is worth it. The opacity is good, especially on plaster walls. It’s a bit of a learning curve compared to conventional paints, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.

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I switched to Earthborn Paints last year for my living room and I’m really happy with the results. Yes, it took an extra coat to get the opacity I wanted, but the texture and depth of color are unmatched. Plus, knowing it’s better for the environment makes the extra effort worth it for me.

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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for sharing your experience with Auro Natural Paints. I’ve been curious about their range. How do you find the drying time compared to conventional paints?

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@EcoPainter88 The drying time is a bit longer, which I actually appreciate because it gives me more time to work with the paint and fix any mistakes. It usually takes about 4-6 hours to be touch dry, depending on the humidity and temperature.

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Has anyone tried Biofa Paints? I’m considering them for my kitchen cabinets but worried about how they’ll hold up with all the moisture and heat.

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@NatureLover23 I’ve used Biofa Paints on a few projects, including kitchen cabinets. They perform surprisingly well in high-moisture areas. Just make sure to properly prep and prime the surfaces beforehand. Their durability is quite good, but like all natural paints, they might require a bit more maintenance over time.

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I’m all for eco-friendly options, but has anyone else noticed that natural paints can be a bit more expensive? I’m trying to budget for my next project and the cost difference is significant.

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@SunnyDays Yes, the cost can be higher upfront, but I think of it as an investment in both my home and the environment. Plus, the quality and durability can offset the initial expense over time. It’s all about weighing the pros and cons for your specific situation.

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I’ve been on the natural paint bandwagon for a couple of years now, and I totally get what you’re saying about the extra coats. It’s a bit of a hassle, but I think the trade-off is worth it for the peace of mind knowing I’m not breathing in all those nasty chemicals. I’ve had good luck with Biofa Paints on wood surfaces. They seem to penetrate well and give a durable finish that lasts.

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Honestly, I tried natural paints once and went back to conventional. The coverage just wasn’t there for me, and I ended up spending more in the long run because of all the extra coats needed. I admire the eco-friendly aspect, but for my busy lifestyle, I need something that’s going to cover in one or two coats max.

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I’ve been experimenting with mixing natural pigments into a base to create my own paints. It’s a bit of a project, but the customization is amazing. I can tweak the opacity and coverage to my liking. Plus, it’s super satisfying to know exactly what’s going on my walls. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into DIY, it’s worth a shot.

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I think it’s all about finding the right brand that works for you. I’ve had great experiences with Ecos Paints. Their coverage is pretty solid, and they have a wide range of colors. It’s true that sometimes you need an extra coat, but I find that their paints dry faster than conventional ones, so it doesn’t add too much extra time to the project.

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I’ve been using Auro Paints for a while now, and I must say, the transition was smoother than I expected. Their coverage is pretty solid, and I didn’t notice a significant difference in the number of coats needed compared to conventional paints. The key for me was the preparation of the surface. A well-prepared surface can make a huge difference in how the paint adheres and covers. Have you tried any surface prep techniques before applying the natural paint?

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I hear you on the extra coats with natural paints. I switched to Biofa Paints for my kitchen cabinets, and while it did take a bit more effort, the finish is so much more satisfying. The colors have a depth that conventional paints just can’t match. Plus, the lack of fumes made the whole process more pleasant. It’s interesting how different brands perform, though. I wonder if the type of pigment or binder affects the coverage and opacity more than we think.

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I’m all for natural paints, but I have to admit, I struggled with Ecos Paints on my exterior woodwork. The coverage was fine, but the durability wasn’t what I hoped for. It faded faster than I expected, even with a protective topcoat. Maybe it’s the specific formula or the exposure to the elements. It’s got me thinking about the balance between eco-friendliness and longevity, especially for outdoor projects. Has anyone else had durability issues with natural paints outdoors?

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I’ve actually used Biofa Paints in my bathroom, which is a pretty harsh environment with all the steam and moisture. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it held up. The key is in the preparation of the surface and making sure you apply it correctly. It might take a bit more effort than conventional paints, but the eco-friendly aspect and the peace of mind knowing you’re not breathing in harmful chemicals is worth it. Just make sure to give it enough time to cure properly.

I haven’t tried Biofa Paints specifically, but I’ve had good experiences with other natural paints in high-moisture areas. One thing I’ve learned is that the durability can vary a lot between brands and even between different products from the same brand. It might be worth getting a small sample and doing a test patch in your kitchen to see how it performs before committing to the whole project. Also, consider the finish; some natural paints have a more matte finish which might not be ideal for cabinets that need frequent cleaning.

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Switching to natural paints was a game-changer for me, especially in the kitchen where I spend a lot of time. I used a different brand than Biofa, but the principle is the same. The coverage might not be as opaque as conventional paints on the first coat, but the depth and richness of the color after a couple of coats is unmatched. Plus, the lack of fumes made the painting process much more pleasant. For cabinets, I’d recommend looking into a natural paint with a harder finish to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

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