Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I recently took the plunge and repainted my living room with a natural paint from EcoColors, hoping to keep things as green as possible. I was thrilled with the initial results—vibrant, rich colors without the guilt of harsh chemicals. However, I’ve noticed that the paint seems to be fading faster than I expected, especially in areas that get a lot of sunlight.
I’ve used BioShield paints in the past with great success, so this fading issue is new to me. I followed all the prep and application instructions to a T, ensuring the walls were clean and primed with a natural primer. The walls are plaster, which I thought would be compatible, but maybe I missed something?
I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this with natural paints, particularly from EcoColors or similar brands. Could it be the type of pigment they use? Or perhaps natural paints require a different approach to application or maintenance? I’m all ears for any tips, tricks, or alternative product recommendations that have worked for you. Let’s pool our knowledge and keep our homes beautiful and eco-friendly! 
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve had a similar experience with EcoColors in my sunroom. The fading was noticeable within a few months. I reached out to their customer service, and they suggested applying a UV-protective topcoat specifically designed for natural paints. It made a significant difference! Maybe give that a try?
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Interesting topic! I’ve been using BioShield for years and never faced fading issues. Could it be the pigments in EcoColors are less stable under UV light? I’m curious if anyone has done a side-by-side comparison of natural paint brands regarding colorfastness.
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip! I hadn’t considered a UV-protective topcoat. Do you have a brand you recommend? Also, did you notice any change in the paint’s texture or finish after applying the topcoat?
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I’ve been experimenting with natural paints for a while now, and I’ve found that the fading issue can vary greatly depending on the brand and the specific pigments used. EcoColors is known for their vibrant colors, but perhaps those pigments are more susceptible to UV damage. Have you considered using curtains or blinds to reduce direct sunlight exposure? It’s a simple solution that can extend the life of your paint job.
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@SunnyDaysAhead I did a small test with BioShield, EcoColors, and another brand called GreenGuard on my back fence. After a year, BioShield held up the best, with GreenGuard a close second. EcoColors did fade more noticeably, especially in the reds and yellows. It seems like pigment stability is key!
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@EcoPainterJane I used EcoShield UV Protectant and was happy with the results. The finish remained matte, which was important for me, and there was no noticeable change in texture. Just make sure to apply it evenly!
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Has anyone tried mixing their own natural paints? I’ve been playing around with lime, clay, and natural pigments. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but the customization is fantastic, and I’ve noticed less fading compared to some commercial brands. Plus, it’s super eco-friendly!
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Yeah, the UV stability of pigments is a big deal with natural paints. I’ve heard that some brands use pigments that are more prone to fading, especially in direct sunlight. It might be worth reaching out to EcoColors directly to ask about their pigment stability. They might have some insights or even a different product line that’s more resistant to fading.
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I’ve had a similar issue with a different brand. It turned out that the issue wasn’t just the paint but also how I was cleaning the walls. Natural paints can be more sensitive to certain cleaning agents. Maybe check if you’re using something too harsh that’s contributing to the fading?
Interesting point about the pigments. I wonder if there’s a way to test the UV resistance of different natural paints before committing to a whole room. Like, maybe painting a small sample board and leaving it in the sun for a few weeks to see how it holds up. Has anyone tried something like that?
I switched to natural paints for my home office and noticed fading too. After some research, I found out that applying a UV-protective clear coat over the paint can help. It’s an extra step, but it might be worth it to preserve the color. Just make sure the clear coat is also eco-friendly if that’s important to you.
Yeah, sunlight can be a real pain for natural paints. I’ve had similar issues with EcoColors in my sunroom. What worked for me was applying a UV-protective clear coat over the paint. It’s not 100% natural, but it’s a compromise I’m willing to make to keep the colors vibrant longer.
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Interesting point about the UV damage. I’ve been using Earthborn paints and haven’t noticed much fading, even in sunny spots. Maybe it’s worth checking out their range? They claim to have better UV resistance, and so far, my experience backs that up.
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I think the key might be in the prep work. I used EcoColors in my bedroom, which gets a lot of morning sun, and it’s holding up great. But I went the extra mile with the primer and even did a second coat of paint. Maybe it’s not just about the paint but how much you’re willing to invest in the prep and application process.
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Curtains or blinds are a good shout, but what about the environmental impact of producing them? I’m all for reducing sunlight exposure, but I’d rather find a paint that can stand up to the sun without needing extra stuff. Has anyone tried Auro paints? I’ve heard they’re pretty durable.
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It’s all about the pigments, I reckon. Some natural pigments just don’t have the staying power of synthetic ones. I’ve been mixing my own paints using natural pigments and a linseed oil base. It’s a bit of a hassle, but I can tweak the formula to get better UV resistance. Maybe DIY is the way to go if you’re serious about both eco-friendliness and durability.
Mixing your own natural paints sounds like a fun project! I’ve been curious about trying it myself. How do you find the consistency and coverage compared to store-bought natural paints? I imagine it takes some trial and error to get it just right.
That’s interesting about the fading issue with EcoColors. I’ve used their paints before and didn’t notice fading, but my rooms don’t get a lot of direct sunlight. Maybe the UV exposure is more of a factor than we think with natural paints. Have you considered using UV-protective window films to help mitigate the fading?
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