Hey everyone! 
I recently decided to take the plunge and switch to natural finishes for my home renovation project. I was super excited about using Earthborn Claypaint for my living room walls, given its eco-friendly credentials and the promise of a beautiful, breathable finish. However, I hit a bit of a snag when it came to budgeting. The initial cost of the paint was higher than I anticipated, and then there were additional expenses for primers and sealers that are compatible with natural paints.
I’ve previously used Auro Organic Paints for smaller projects and loved the results, but scaling up to a whole room brought unexpected challenges. Specifically, I found that my old plaster walls needed more prep work than I thought to ensure the natural paint adhered properly and looked its best. This meant extra time and money spent on eco-friendly primers and fillers.
I’m curious, has anyone else faced similar budgeting surprises when switching to natural finishes? How did you manage the costs? Are there any brands or products you found to be more cost-effective without compromising on environmental values? Also, any tips for preparing surfaces to minimize extra expenses would be greatly appreciated! Let’s share our experiences and help each other make more informed choices. 
Hey @EcoPainter89, I totally feel your pain! When I switched to natural paints, I was also caught off guard by the additional costs. One thing that helped me was buying in bulk from Earthborn directly. They sometimes offer discounts for larger orders. Also, for surface prep, I found that using a simple vinegar and water solution for cleaning walls before painting saved me some money on expensive primers. It’s not a perfect solution, but every little bit helps!
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I’ve been using Auro Organic Paints for a while now, and while I love the quality, the price can be a bit steep. I started looking into local suppliers for natural paints and found a small brand that offers competitive prices without compromising on eco-friendliness. It’s worth checking out smaller brands in your area; sometimes they have great deals!
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@GreenThumb22 Thanks for the tip about buying in bulk! I hadn’t thought about that. The vinegar solution sounds interesting too. Did you find it affected the paint’s adherence at all?
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I had a similar experience when I decided to go all-natural with my home finishes. One thing that helped me manage costs was to prioritize which rooms needed the natural finishes the most. For less visible areas, I opted for more conventional, but still eco-friendly, options. This way, I could allocate my budget more effectively without sacrificing my environmental values.
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@EcoPainter89 Not at all! The vinegar solution actually helps to clean the walls thoroughly, which in turn helps the paint adhere better. Just make sure to rinse the walls with clean water afterward to remove any vinegar residue. It’s been a game-changer for me in terms of saving on prep costs.
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I’m just starting to explore natural paints for my home, and this thread is super helpful! Does anyone have recommendations for eco-friendly primers that won’t break the bank?
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@SandyShore I’ve had good luck with EcoPrimer from a local supplier. It’s reasonably priced and works well with a variety of natural paints. Definitely worth checking out if you have a similar supplier in your area!
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Yeah, the sticker shock is real with natural paints. I remember my first project with Earthborn too. Bulk buying is a solid tip, but don’t forget to check out local eco-stores. Sometimes they have sales or can order for you at a discount. Also, consider mixing your own paints. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but can save a ton in the long run.
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I’ve been down that road as well. One thing I learned is to not skimp on the prep work. It might seem like a good place to cut costs, but it can really affect the final look. I found that investing a bit more in quality primers and sealers actually saved me money because I didn’t have to repaint as often. Plus, the finish is so much better.
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Switching to natural finishes was a game changer for me, but yeah, the costs can add up. I started small, like with furniture pieces, before tackling a whole room. It helped me get a feel for the products and what prep work was really necessary without breaking the bank. Also, second-hand stores can be goldmines for eco-friendly paints and supplies.
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I hear you on the unexpected costs. One thing that helped me was joining a local eco-renovation group. We share tips, leftover materials, and even bulk buy together to get discounts. It’s been a great way to save money and learn from others’ experiences. Plus, it’s nice to have a support group when things don’t go as planned.
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The cost thing is a bummer, but I try to think of it as an investment in my health and the planet. That said, I’ve found that some brands are more budget-friendly than others. Biofa and Aglaia have some good options that don’t break the bank. Also, DIY natural paint recipes can be a fun and affordable alternative if you’re up for experimenting.
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It’s all about the prep, honestly. I learned the hard way that cutting corners just leads to more work later. I’ve started using EcoPro for my primers and it’s made a huge difference. It’s a bit pricier upfront, but the coverage is amazing and it’s cut down on the number of coats I need. Also, don’t forget to factor in the time savings when budgeting. Time is money, after all.
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I totally get where you’re coming from. When I switched to natural finishes, the sticker shock was real. What helped me was doing a bit of DIY for the prep work. I found some great tutorials online for making my own eco-friendly primer. It wasn’t perfect, but it saved me a chunk of change. Also, shopping around for deals on natural paints and buying in bulk for multiple rooms helped spread out the cost.
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Yeah, the cost can be a hurdle. I focused on the rooms we spend the most time in, like the living room and bedrooms, and used natural finishes there. For the garage and laundry room, I went with more conventional but still low-VOC options. It’s all about balance. Also, don’t forget to check for any local rebates or incentives for using eco-friendly materials. Sometimes local governments or utility companies offer them.
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I had the same issue and found that investing in quality tools made a big difference. It sounds counterintuitive, but good brushes and rollers can help the paint go further and reduce waste. Plus, they last longer, so you save money in the long run. Also, consider reaching out to local eco-friendly paint suppliers. They sometimes have leftover paint from other projects at a discount.
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I totally get where you’re coming from with the unexpected costs. When I switched to natural paints, I was also caught off guard by the price of eco-friendly primers. I found that EcoPro offers a decently priced primer that works well with most natural paints. It’s not the cheapest out there, but it’s effective and has a lower environmental impact than many alternatives. Definitely worth checking out if you’re trying to balance cost and eco-friendliness.
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Yeah, the initial switch can be a bit of a shock to the wallet. I remember using Biofa for both paint and primer. They’re a bit on the pricier side, but the quality is top-notch, and they’re super eco-friendly. What helped me manage the costs was buying in bulk for larger projects. Sometimes, suppliers offer discounts for bulk purchases, so it might be worth asking around.
I’ve been down that road too. One thing I learned is that proper surface prep can save you a lot in the long run. I used Aglaia products, and while they’re not the cheapest, their primer did wonders for my old walls, reducing the need for multiple coats of paint. It’s all about investing a bit more upfront to save later. Also, don’t forget to check for any local eco-friendly paint suppliers; sometimes, they have great deals or can offer advice on cost-effective solutions.
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