What's your experience with the color fading of plant-based paints compared to conventional paints?

Hey fellow eco-enthusiasts! :herb: I’ve recently embarked on a journey to repaint my living space using only eco-friendly and natural paints. I’ve been experimenting with a few brands, but I’m particularly curious about how plant-based paints hold up over time, especially in terms of color fading. I’ve used Earthborn Paints for a couple of projects now, and while I love their low VOC content and the richness of their colors, I’ve noticed some fading in areas exposed to direct sunlight over the past year.

Before switching to natural paints, I used conventional paints, and honestly, they seemed to resist fading a bit better. But, I’m willing to make some compromises for the sake of the environment. I’m wondering, has anyone else experienced this with plant-based paints? Do certain brands or types (like clay paints or milk paints) perform better in sunlight? Also, how do you balance the environmental benefits with the practical aspects of paint durability in your projects?

I’d love to hear about your experiences, any tips you might have for mitigating fading, or if you’ve found a brand that really stands the test of time (and sunlight!). Let’s share our knowledge and help each other make more informed choices for our homes and the planet. :earth_africa::green_heart:

I’ve been using Auro Natural Paints for my home projects and have noticed minimal fading even in areas that get a lot of sunlight. Their clay-based paints seem to hold up really well. It’s fascinating how different natural paints can be in terms of durability. Have you considered trying a different type of plant-based paint?

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@GreenThumb22 That’s interesting! I haven’t tried Auro Natural Paints yet, but I’ll definitely look into them. How long have you been using their paints, and have you applied them in high-sunlight areas?

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@EcoPainter89 I’ve been using them for about two years now. I painted my south-facing living room walls, which get a lot of sunlight throughout the day, and the colors have remained vibrant. It’s worth noting that I also used their protective top coat, which might have helped with the durability.

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I’ve had a different experience with BioShield Paints. While I love their eco-friendly approach, I’ve noticed significant fading in my kitchen, which gets a lot of morning sun. It’s a bit disappointing, but I’m still committed to using natural paints. Maybe I need to look into additional protective measures or try a different brand.

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@SunnyDays47 It’s tough when you’re trying to do the right thing for the planet but run into issues like fading. Have you considered using UV-protective window films to reduce the sunlight exposure? It might help prolong the life of your paint without having to repaint frequently.

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I’ve been experimenting with Milk Paint for some furniture projects, and while it gives a beautiful, matte finish, I’ve noticed it fades quite a bit in sunlight. It’s a bit of a trade-off because I love the natural look and feel it gives. For walls, I’ve been sticking to Earthborn Paints like you, @EcoPainter89, and have had similar experiences with fading. It’s a challenge, but I believe in the importance of using eco-friendly options.

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@NatureLover101 It’s reassuring to hear I’m not alone in this. The fading is a bit of a bummer, but like you, I’m committed to eco-friendly options. Have you found any techniques or products that help mitigate the fading with Milk Paint?

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I’ve been using Auro Natural Paints for my home projects and have noticed minimal fading even in areas that get a lot of sunlight. Their clay-based paints seem to hold up really well. It’s fascinating how different natural paints can be in terms of durability. Have you considered trying a different type of plant-based paint?

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Interesting point about Auro Natural Paints. I’ve been using Biofa for a while now, and while I love their eco-credentials, I have noticed some fading in sunlit areas. Maybe it’s time to give Auro a try. How do you find the application process with Auro compared to other brands?

I’ve had a similar experience with Earthborn Paints. The colors are vibrant at first, but they do fade over time, especially in direct sunlight. I wonder if there’s a way to treat the painted surfaces to protect them from UV rays without compromising their eco-friendliness. Any thoughts on that?

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I’ve been experimenting with milk paints for furniture and smaller projects. They have a unique finish and seem to resist fading pretty well, but I haven’t tried them on walls yet. Does anyone have experience with milk paints in larger spaces? I’m curious about their durability over time.

It’s great to see so many options being discussed. I’ve been leaning towards clay paints for their texture and depth of color. From what I’ve read, they’re supposed to be quite durable and fade-resistant. Has anyone done a long-term comparison between clay paints and other natural paint types? It would be interesting to see how they stack up over the years.

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I’ve been using Auro Paints for a while now, and I must say, their color retention is pretty impressive. My living room gets a lot of sunlight, and after two years, the colors still look vibrant. Maybe it’s worth giving them a try? I know the struggle of finding the right balance between eco-friendliness and durability, but it seems like Auro has nailed it for me.

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Interesting to hear about your experience with BioShield Paints. I’ve been considering them for my next project but now I’m having second thoughts. I used Ecos Paints in my sunroom, and while the initial color was beautiful, it faded quicker than I expected. I’m starting to think that maybe the key is in the application process or perhaps using a protective topcoat. Has anyone tried that with their plant-based paints?

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I’ve been using Auro Paints for a while now, and honestly, the color retention is pretty impressive. They claim to use natural pigments that are more resistant to fading, and from my experience, it holds true. Sure, there’s a bit of fading in direct sunlight, but it’s minimal compared to other brands I’ve tried. It’s a bit pricier, but for the quality and eco-friendliness, I think it’s worth it.

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Interesting to hear about Earthborn Paints and Milk Paint fading. I’ve been using Biofa Paints and haven’t noticed much fading, even in sunny spots. Maybe it’s the type of pigments they use? I’m not sure, but it’s been a game-changer for me. Plus, their range of colors is fantastic. Definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something more durable.

I’ve had a similar experience with Milk Paint on furniture. The fading is noticeable, but I’ve found that applying a natural wax or oil finish can help protect the color a bit more. It’s not a perfect solution, but it does extend the life of the paint. For walls, I’ve been experimenting with Keim Paints, which are mineral-based. They’re supposed to be more fade-resistant, and so far, so good.

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I think it’s all about balancing our expectations. We’re choosing these paints for their environmental benefits, so a bit of fading is a compromise I’m willing to make. That said, I’ve been using Ecos Paints and have been pleasantly surprised by their durability. They offer a clear coat that can be applied over the paint to protect against fading, which has worked well for me in high-sunlight areas.

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Has anyone tried mixing their own natural paints? I’ve been experimenting with clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s a bit of a process, but the results are unique, and you can adjust the formula to improve durability. I’ve added a bit of linseed oil to mine, which seems to help with fading. It’s not as consistent as store-bought, but it’s a fun project and completely eco-friendly.