Hey everyone! 
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 torn between sealing clay paint and lime wash for my living room walls. Both seem to have their merits, but I’m curious about your experiences with durability and eco-friendliness.
I’ve previously used Auro’s clay paint in my bedroom and loved the matte finish and how it felt like the walls could breathe. However, I’ve heard that lime wash from brands like Bauwerk Colour offers a unique aesthetic and is incredibly eco-friendly, being made from natural lime and pigments. But how does it hold up over time, especially in a high-traffic area like a living room?
I’m particularly interested in how these paints perform on plaster walls and their environmental impact. For instance, does the production process of one have a lower carbon footprint than the other? And how about the application process? I found clay paint quite forgiving, but I’ve heard lime wash can be a bit trickier to apply evenly.
So, I’m turning to you, my eco-conscious community, for your wisdom. Have you used either of these paints in your home? How did they fare in terms of durability and ease of maintenance? And from an environmental standpoint, which do you think is the better choice? Let’s discuss and share our experiences to help each other make more informed, sustainable choices for our homes. 
I’ve used both Auro’s clay paint and Bauwerk Colour’s lime wash in different parts of my home. For durability, I found that the clay paint holds up better in high-traffic areas. It’s also easier to touch up if needed. However, the lime wash gives a beautiful, breathable finish that’s hard to beat for aesthetic appeal. From an eco-friendly perspective, both are great, but lime wash might have a slight edge due to its simpler composition.
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s helpful to hear that clay paint might be more durable for high-traffic areas. Did you notice any difference in the application process between the two?
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@EcoPainterJane Definitely! The clay paint was much more forgiving and easier to apply evenly. Lime wash requires a bit more skill and patience, especially to achieve that uniform, matte look. It’s all about the technique and sometimes applying multiple thin coats.
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I’m a big fan of lime wash for its eco-friendliness and the unique texture it brings to walls. However, I agree that it can be challenging to apply. One tip I’ve found helpful is to dampen the wall slightly before application. This helps the lime wash adhere better and reduces streaking.
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@NatureLover77 That’s a great tip! I’ll definitely try dampening the wall if I go with lime wash. How has the lime wash held up in your home over time? Any issues with durability?
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@EcoPainterJane It’s held up surprisingly well, even in areas that get a lot of sunlight. I haven’t noticed any significant fading or wear. That said, it’s in a lower traffic area, so I can’t speak to how it would fare in a living room or hallway.
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Has anyone compared the carbon footprint of producing clay paint versus lime wash? I’m curious about the environmental impact beyond just the application and durability.
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@DIYMaster123 That’s a great question! I’ve been trying to find information on that as well. From what I’ve gathered, lime wash might have a lower carbon footprint due to its simpler production process, but I’m not entirely sure. Does anyone have more detailed insights?
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@EcoPainterJane @DIYMaster123 From my understanding, lime wash production is less energy-intensive than clay paint, mainly because it doesn’t require the same level of processing. However, the transportation of materials can also impact the overall carbon footprint, depending on where you source them from.
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I’ve been using lime wash in my kitchen for about a year now, and honestly, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. The aesthetic is unbeatable, especially with the natural light we get. But, I’ve noticed it doesn’t handle moisture as well as I’d hoped. There are a few spots where it’s started to peel. I’m curious if anyone else has had this issue and how they’ve dealt with it. Maybe a different brand or a sealant could help?
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Clay paint all the way for me. I used it in my kid’s playroom, and it’s been a champ. It’s taken everything from crayon masterpieces to accidental spills like a pro. Plus, touching it up is a breeze. I haven’t tried lime wash yet, but hearing about the peeling issues makes me hesitant. For high-traffic areas, I think clay paint is the safer bet. Has anyone tried both in similar conditions and noticed a big difference in durability?
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I’ve used both in different parts of my house and honestly, it depends on what you’re going for. Lime wash does have that unique, almost chalky texture that can really add depth to a room. But yeah, it’s a bit of a pain to apply. I found that using a damp sponge to even it out after applying helps a lot. Durability-wise, my lime wash walls have held up pretty well, but they do require a bit more maintenance than the clay paint.
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I’m all about the eco-friendliness of lime wash, but I have to say, the clay paint wins for me in terms of ease of use. I did my whole kitchen with it, and not only does it look great, but it’s been super easy to clean. I was worried about stains, but so far, so good. Plus, the color options are amazing. I went with a deep terracotta, and it’s stunning.
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Interesting points! I haven’t tried lime wash yet, but I’m intrigued by the texture you guys are talking about. I used clay paint in my home office and love how it feels. It’s like the walls are alive. But I’m curious about the environmental impact of both. Does anyone know if one is significantly better than the other in terms of carbon footprint or sustainability?
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I’ve been curious about the carbon footprint of these paints too. From what I’ve gathered, lime wash might have a slight edge in eco-friendliness because lime is a natural material that’s been used for centuries and its production process is less energy-intensive compared to clay paint. However, the difference might not be huge, and both are far better options than conventional paints. It’s also worth considering the longevity of the paint, as a more durable option could mean less frequent repainting, which in turn reduces environmental impact over time.
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That’s an interesting point about durability and its impact on the environment. I used lime wash in my kitchen, and while it’s held up pretty well, I did notice it requires more maintenance than I initially thought. Touch-ups are needed more frequently, especially in high-traffic areas. This got me thinking about the overall environmental impact, considering the resources used for maintenance over the years. Maybe the initial lower carbon footprint of lime wash is offset by the need for more frequent applications? It’s something to ponder.
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