Hey everyone! I’m in the midst of renovating my 1920s bungalow and I’m determined to keep things as eco-friendly as possible. I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural and eco-friendly paints, and let me tell you, it’s a jungle out there! I’ve tried a couple of brands like Earthborn and Auro, and while I love their low VOC content and natural ingredients, I’m still on the fence about which one to commit to for the entire house.
One thing that’s been on my mind is how these paints will interact with the original plaster walls. I’ve heard that some natural paints can be a bit finicky with older surfaces. Has anyone here tackled a similar project? I’m particularly curious about clay paints – they seem like they could be a great match for the texture and breathability needed for historic homes. But how do they hold up in high-traffic areas?
Also, I’m all about reducing my environmental footprint, so any insights on the sustainability practices of these brands would be super helpful. Do they use renewable resources? How’s their packaging? Let’s share our experiences and help each other make informed choices for our homes and the planet. Looking forward to your thoughts!
Hey @GreenThumbGary! I recently used Earthborn clay paint in my 1900s home and it turned out beautifully. The texture is perfect for historic walls, and it’s incredibly breathable, which is crucial for older homes. However, I did notice it requires a bit more maintenance in high-traffic areas. Maybe consider using a more durable eco-friendly paint for those spots?
Thanks, @EcoWarriorEmma! That’s super helpful. Did you use any specific type of finish for the high-traffic areas? I’m trying to balance durability with the aesthetic I’m going for.
I’ve been renovating historic homes for over a decade, and I always recommend Auro for their commitment to sustainability. Their paints are made from renewable resources, and they use minimal, recyclable packaging. Plus, their range includes options that are specifically designed for older surfaces. Definitely worth considering!
That’s great to hear, @RetroRenovator! I’ve been leaning towards Auro for their eco-credentials. Do you have any tips for applying their paint on original plaster walls?
I just wanted to chime in and say how much I admire your commitment to eco-friendly renovations, @GreenThumbGary! It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it for the planet. I don’t have direct experience with historic homes, but I’ve heard great things about Biofa paints. They’re another brand to consider if you’re looking for natural options.
Thank you, @NatureLoverNina! I’ll definitely look into Biofa. It’s always great to have more options, especially when they come recommended by the community.
Just a quick tip from my experience: when working with natural paints on old walls, make sure to properly prepare the surface. Sometimes, a simple wash isn’t enough, and you might need to apply a primer that’s compatible with both the wall material and the paint. It can make a huge difference in the final look and durability.
I’ve had good results with EcoPrimer from Earthborn. It’s designed to work with their range of paints and is suitable for older surfaces. Just make sure to follow the application instructions carefully for the best results.
I’ve been down the eco-friendly paint rabbit hole too, and it’s a tough choice! I went with Auro for my Victorian home and it’s been a dream. The colors are vibrant and it’s held up well, even in the kitchen where steam and grease are constant battles. For high-traffic areas, I did a bit of research and found that adding a natural wax finish can really help with durability. Might be worth looking into!
Clay paints are fantastic for historic homes, no doubt. I used Earthborn in my 1930s cottage and the walls can finally breathe! But yeah, they do need a bit more TLC in busy areas. I’ve been experimenting with natural sealants to see if that helps with wear and tear. On the sustainability front, I was impressed by their commitment to using renewable resources and minimal packaging. Every little bit helps, right?
Just chiming in to say that while natural paints are great, don’t overlook the importance of proper wall prep, especially in older homes. I made the mistake of rushing this step once and ended up with peeling paint. Now, I always ensure the walls are clean, dry, and primed with a compatible eco-friendly primer. It’s a bit more work upfront but saves a lot of headaches later.
I’m all for eco-friendly paints but have you considered the colorfastness over time? I used a natural paint brand (won’t name names) and while it looked stunning at first, the color faded significantly in areas exposed to sunlight. Now, I always check for UV resistance before committing to a paint. It’s a bummer to have to repaint sooner than expected because of fading.
Hey @GreenThumbGary, your dedication to eco-friendly renovations is inspiring! I’ve been using Biofa paints in my home and they’ve been great. They’re really low in VOCs and have a nice, natural finish. Not sure about their performance on historic plaster, but they’ve held up well on my walls. Might be worth a look!
I’ve heard mixed reviews about clay paints in high-traffic areas. They’re fantastic for breathability and texture, but might not be the best for durability. Maybe consider using them in less trafficked areas and something more durable elsewhere? Just a thought.
Sustainability is key, right? I’ve been researching Earthborn and their commitment to the environment seems solid. They use renewable resources and their packaging is minimal and recyclable. It’s tough to balance eco-friendliness with practicality, but every little bit helps.
Not to throw a wrench in the works, but have you considered the long-term maintenance of natural paints? I’ve heard they might require more frequent touch-ups. It’s something to think about when planning your renovation budget.
I’m all for eco-friendly paints, but don’t forget about the importance of proper surface preparation, especially on historic homes. It might be worth consulting with a specialist to ensure the best outcome for your walls. Just my two cents!
I went with Earthborn for my 1900s cottage and it turned out great. The key was definitely in the prep work. I had to strip some old, flaky paint and then used a lime-based primer before applying the Earthborn paint. It adhered beautifully and the colors are so rich. For high-traffic areas, I went with a slightly darker shade to hide scuffs and it’s holding up well.
I’m in the midst of renovating my 1920s bungalow and I’m determined to keep things as eco-friendly as possible. I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural and eco-friendly paints, and let me tell you, it’s a jungle out there! I’ve tried a couple of brands like Earthborn and Auro, and while I love their low VOC content and natural ingredients, I’m still on the fence about which one to commit to for the entire house.