Hey everyone! 
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with the walls. I decided to switch to natural paint, and after some research, I settled on Earthborn Paints. Their claypaint seemed perfect for my living room walls. But here’s the thing – I quickly realized that surface preparation is key, and I’m a bit out of my depth.
I’ve previously used Eco Paints for a smaller project, and while the application was straightforward, I didn’t pay much attention to the prep work. This time, I want to do it right. My walls are plaster, and I’m curious about the best way to prepare them for the claypaint. I’ve heard about using a natural primer, but I’m not sure which one would be compatible. Also, how do you deal with any existing paint? I’m aiming for minimal environmental impact, so I’m looking for the most sustainable prep methods.
I’d love to hear from you all! What are your go-to surface preparation steps when using natural paints? Have you found any particular products or techniques that work well with plaster walls? And for those who’ve used Earthborn Paints, any tips or things to watch out for? Let’s share our experiences and help each other make our homes greener, one wall at a time! 
Hey @EcoPainter88! Welcome to the world of natural paints! 
For plaster walls, I’ve found that a good clean with a damp cloth to remove any dust or grease is essential before anything else. Then, if you’re dealing with existing paint, it’s crucial to ensure it’s not flaking or peeling. A light sanding can help create a surface that the new paint will adhere to better. For a primer, I’ve had great results with Auro Natural Primer. It’s eco-friendly and works well with Earthborn Paints. Just make sure to let it dry thoroughly before applying your claypaint!
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Thanks @GreenThumb99! I hadn’t heard of Auro Natural Primer before. I’ll definitely look into it. How long do you usually let the primer dry before applying the paint?
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@EcoPainter88, I usually give it at least 24 hours, depending on the humidity and temperature. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and wait a bit longer if you’re unsure. The key is to make sure the surface is completely dry to the touch and doesn’t feel cold or damp.
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I’ve been using Earthborn Paints for a few projects now, and I absolutely love them! One tip I can share is to make sure your walls are as smooth as possible before applying the claypaint. Any imperfections can show through, so take your time with the prep work. Also, if you’re painting over a darker color, you might need an extra coat of paint to get full coverage. Patience is key!
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Great advice, @LeafyLad! I hadn’t considered the impact of the existing wall color. My walls are a light beige, so hopefully, one coat will do. But I’ll keep that in mind for future projects. Thanks!
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Just a quick tip from my experience: if you’re dealing with any mold or mildew on your walls, make sure to treat it before painting. There are eco-friendly solutions out there that won’t harm the environment. I used a vinegar and water mix on a small patch, and it worked wonders. Just something to keep in mind!
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That’s a great tip, @SandyShore! I hadn’t thought about mold. Luckily, my walls are mold-free, but I’ll remember that vinegar trick for the future. Thanks for sharing!
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I’m just starting out with natural paints too, so I don’t have much advice to offer. But I wanted to say thanks to everyone for sharing their tips! This thread has been super helpful for me as well. Looking forward to trying out Earthborn Paints on my next project!
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Welcome to the journey, @BreezyDay! It’s great to have you here. I’m learning so much from everyone’s experiences. Good luck with your project, and don’t hesitate to share your own tips once you get started!
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Hey @EcoPainter88, I totally get where you’re coming from with the surface prep. I’ve been using natural paints for a while now, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to get the base right. For plaster walls, after cleaning, I usually go for a linseed oil soap wash. It’s natural and helps in opening up the pores of the plaster for better paint adhesion. Then, like @EcoPainter88 mentioned, a light sanding does wonders. I haven’t tried Auro Natural Primer yet, but I’m curious to see how it compares to the Biofa Primer I’ve been using. It’s also eco-friendly and has worked well for me so far. Let us know how it goes with the Earthborn Paints!
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I’m all about that minimal environmental impact too! For my plaster walls, I skipped the primer altogether and went straight for a lime wash as a base. It’s super eco-friendly and gives a nice, breathable surface for the natural paint to stick to. Plus, it has antimicrobial properties which is a bonus. I did have to apply a couple of coats to get an even base, but it was worth it. I used Earthborn Paints over it, and the result was stunning. The key is to make sure the lime wash is completely dry before you start painting. It might be a bit more work, but it’s definitely a sustainable option.
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Interesting takes on the prep work! I went a slightly different route with my plaster walls. After cleaning, I used a clay-based filler to smooth out any imperfections. It’s natural and dries to a really nice finish. Then, I applied a casein-based primer which is made from milk protein. It’s a bit old school but super effective and eco-friendly. I found that it created a perfect base for the Earthborn Paints claypaint. The paint went on smoothly and the color was vibrant. It’s been a few months now, and the walls still look great. Just goes to show, there’s more than one way to prep for natural paints!
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