Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I recently took the plunge and repainted my living room with EarthHue’s natural clay paint, aiming for a warm, earthy vibe. The color looked absolutely perfect in the store under their lighting, and I was thrilled with my choice. However, once I got it up on the walls at home, I noticed something odd. In natural daylight, the color is exactly what I wanted—rich and vibrant. But under my LED lights in the evening, it seems to shift to a slightly duller tone. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely not the consistent look I was going for.
I’ve used EcoCoat before in my kitchen, and while I loved the finish and the fact that it’s VOC-free, I didn’t notice such a dramatic shift in color under different lighting. This has got me wondering—is this a common issue with natural paints, or is it something specific to clay-based options? Has anyone else experienced this, and more importantly, found a way to mitigate it? Maybe it’s about the type of artificial lighting I’m using? I’m all ears for any tips or insights you might have!
Also, if you’ve had success with other natural paint brands that maintain their color integrity across different lighting conditions, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Let’s share our knowledge and make our homes not just eco-friendly, but also beautifully consistent in every light!
Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve had a similar experience with EarthHue’s clay paint in my bedroom. The color shift under different lighting can be quite noticeable. From what I’ve learned, this is somewhat common with natural paints due to their unique pigments and how they interact with light. One tip I’ve found helpful is to test the paint under both natural and artificial light in a small area before committing to the whole room. Also, experimenting with different types of bulbs (like warm white LEDs) can sometimes help minimize the color shift.
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I’ve been using BioShield paints for a while now and have been really happy with the consistency across different lighting conditions. They offer a wide range of colors, all derived from natural pigments. Maybe worth checking out if you’re considering other brands. Also, their customer service is super helpful with samples and advice!
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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely try testing with different bulbs. It’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one who’s noticed this. I guess it’s all part of the learning curve with natural paints.
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I had a similar issue and found that adding a natural wax finish helped even out the color under different lighting. It might be worth a try! Also, Auro paints have been great for me in terms of color consistency. They’re a bit pricier, but the quality is top-notch.
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@LeafyLane Interesting! I hadn’t considered a wax finish. Do you have any recommendations for a specific brand or type of wax? Also, I’ll look into Auro paints. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Just chiming in to say that I love the community here! So much great advice and support. I’m still in the planning stages of my eco-friendly home makeover, and this thread has been super helpful. Keep the tips coming!
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@LeafyLane That’s a great tip about the wax finish! I’ll have to try that in my next project. Do you apply it over the paint or mix it in?
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I’ve had a similar experience with natural paints, and it’s frustrating when the color doesn’t look the same under different lights. I found that experimenting with the type of bulbs in my fixtures made a big difference. Switching to bulbs with a higher CRI (Color Rendering Index) helped the colors appear more consistent. Maybe give that a try before switching brands?
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That’s interesting about BioShield paints. I’ve been curious about trying them out. Do they have a matte finish? I’m looking for something that doesn’t reflect too much light, to keep the room feeling cozy. Also, how do they handle in high-traffic areas? My living room gets a lot of use, so durability is key for me.
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I think the issue might not just be the paint but also the base color of your walls before you painted. If the underlying color was significantly different, it could affect how the new paint looks under various lighting conditions. Did you use a primer? Sometimes, a good primer can help with color consistency. Also, considering the time of day and the direction your windows face could play a role in how the natural light affects the paint color.
I’ve had that exact issue with natural paints before. It’s all about the lighting. I switched to full-spectrum light bulbs in my living room, and it made a huge difference. They mimic natural light better, so the color stays more consistent. Might be worth looking into.
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Yeah, lighting can really mess with paint colors. I’ve found that adding a layer of clear glaze over the paint helps. It doesn’t change the color but kind of seals it in, making it look the same under different lights. Plus, it adds a nice sheen.
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I’ve been using Auro paints for a while now, and I’ve got to say, the color consistency is impressive. They’re a bit on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for. No weird color shifts under different lighting, which is a big plus for me.
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Interesting point about the wax finish. I haven’t tried that, but I did use a matte sealer on my walls, and it helped a bit. The color still changes a little, but it’s not as noticeable. Maybe combining that with the right lighting could be the trick.
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I think it’s also about the paint base. Some natural paints have a different base that reacts to light differently. I’ve had better luck with lime-based paints. They seem to hold their color better under various lighting conditions. Maybe something to consider for your next project.
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Has anyone tried mixing their own natural paints? I’ve been experimenting with different pigments and bases at home. It’s a bit of a trial and error process, but I’ve managed to get some colors that stay pretty consistent. Plus, it’s fun and you can customize the shade exactly how you want it.
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Hey, I’ve had a similar experience with natural paints. The color shift under different lighting can be pretty frustrating. What worked for me was experimenting with different types of bulbs. I found that warm white LEDs helped maintain the color integrity better than cool white ones. Maybe give that a try?
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I’m all about that eco-friendly life too! For my place, I went with GreenGuard paints and didn’t notice much of a color shift. They might be worth checking out if you’re considering a switch. Also, adding layers of glaze can sometimes help even out the color under different lights.
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That’s interesting about the clay paint. I wonder if the texture has something to do with it. I used a milk paint in my bedroom, and while it’s not clay-based, it does have a unique texture that seems to play well with both natural and artificial light. Maybe texture is something to consider for your next project?
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