Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’ve hit a bit of a snag that I think some of you might have insights on. Specifically, I’m trying to understand how mildew resistance works in natural paints. I’ve been using EcoPure for most of my walls, which has been fantastic for its low VOC content and overall eco-friendliness. However, I’m a bit concerned about its performance in my bathroom, where moisture is a constant battle.
I’ve read that some natural paints incorporate natural biocides like citrus seed extract or borates to fend off mildew, but I’m curious about your experiences. Have any of you tried BioShield or Earthborn paints in high-moisture areas? How did they hold up over time? Also, I’m wondering about surface compatibility—do these paints adhere well to previously painted walls, or do they require a special primer?
Lastly, I’m all ears for any tips on enhancing the mildew resistance of natural paints without compromising their environmental integrity. Have you found any natural additives or maintenance routines that help keep mildew at bay? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!
Hey @EcoPainter88, great topic! I’ve been using Earthborn paints in my home for a couple of years now, including in the bathroom. I found that it holds up pretty well against mildew, especially if you ensure good ventilation. I also applied a natural primer before the paint, which seemed to help with adhesion and durability. Have you considered using a dehumidifier in your bathroom to reduce moisture levels?
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I’ve had a good experience with BioShield in my kitchen, which gets quite steamy. It’s been over a year, and no signs of mildew yet. I think the key is in the preparation of the surface and ensuring it’s clean and dry before application. Also, regular cleaning with a mild, natural cleaner helps maintain the paint’s resistance to mildew.
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@GreenThumb99, thanks for the tip about the dehumidifier! I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll definitely look into getting one. Did you use a specific brand of natural primer with Earthborn, or will any do?
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@SunnyDays47, I’m curious about the mild, natural cleaner you mentioned. Could you share what you use? I’m always on the lookout for eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
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I’ve been experimenting with adding a small amount of tea tree oil to my natural paint mix as a natural biocide. It’s supposed to have antifungal properties. So far, so good in my bathroom, but it’s only been a few months. Has anyone else tried this or have thoughts on its effectiveness over time?
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@RusticVibes23, that’s an interesting approach! I’ve heard of using tea tree oil for cleaning, but not in paint. Do you notice any scent lingering after painting? I’m a bit sensitive to strong smells, so I’m curious how it works out in that regard.
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@EcoPainter88, the scent is noticeable at first but fades significantly after a couple of days. If you’re sensitive to smells, maybe test it in a small area first to see how you find it. I’ve also heard lavender oil can be used similarly, which might have a more pleasant scent for you.
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Hey @EcoPainter88, I’ve been in the same boat with my kitchen walls. I used BioShield and it’s been a game-changer for me. The key is definitely in the prep work. I made sure to clean the walls thoroughly with a vinegar solution before applying the paint. It’s been over a year, and no signs of mildew yet. Also, I agree with the dehumidifier suggestion. It really helps in keeping the moisture levels down.
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I’ve experimented with adding a bit of tea tree oil to my natural paint mix. It’s known for its antifungal properties and seems to add an extra layer of protection against mildew. Just a few drops per gallon, and it doesn’t affect the paint’s color or texture. It’s a bit of a hack, but it’s worked wonders in my bathroom.
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Interesting discussion! I went with Earthborn for my bathroom too, and like others, I found that ventilation is crucial. I installed an exhaust fan, and it’s made a huge difference. Also, I read somewhere that applying a thin layer of beeswax over the paint can help repel moisture. Has anyone tried that? I’m considering giving it a go.
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I think the type of surface you’re painting on plays a big role too. I had some issues with EcoPure peeling in my bathroom, but then I realized the previous paint job wasn’t fully compatible. I ended up sanding down the walls and using a specific primer recommended by the paint manufacturer. It’s been holding up much better since then. Maybe something to consider if you’re having adhesion issues.
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I’ve been using Earthborn paints in my bathroom for about two years now, and I’m really impressed with how it’s held up against mildew. The key for me was making sure the walls were completely dry and clean before painting. I also used a natural primer to ensure better adhesion. It’s been a game-changer for keeping the bathroom looking fresh without the worry of mildew.
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Interesting to hear about BioShield and Earthborn experiences. I went a different route and added a bit of tea tree oil to my EcoPure paint before applying it in the bathroom. Tea tree oil is known for its natural antifungal properties. So far, so good, but it’s only been six months. I’m curious if anyone else has tried natural additives like this and what their results have been.
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I’ve heard about using tea tree oil as a natural biocide in paints too. It’s interesting that you’re trying it out. I wonder though, does it affect the paint’s color or consistency at all? I’m considering giving it a shot in my kitchen area where humidity can be an issue.
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That’s a neat idea with the tea tree oil. I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve used BioShield in my bathroom. It’s been about a year, and so far, no mildew issues. It did require a bit of prep work on the walls, though. Had to clean them thoroughly and use a specific primer they recommended.
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I’m a bit skeptical about adding anything to paint that’s not specifically designed for it. Have you noticed any changes in how the paint applies or dries? I used Earthborn in my bathroom, and it’s been great for mildew resistance without any additives.
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Tea tree oil sounds like a good experiment. I’ve been using EcoPure with a borate additive for mildew resistance. It’s been effective, but I’m always looking for more natural solutions. How much tea tree oil are you adding per gallon of paint?
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I haven’t tried tea tree oil, but I’ve been curious about natural additives for paint. Does it leave any scent after the paint dries? I used BioShield in a high-moisture area, and it’s held up well, but I’m interested in exploring more eco-friendly options.
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Adding tea tree oil is an interesting approach. I’ve been using Earthborn paints and haven’t had any mildew problems, even in the bathroom. I did make sure to improve ventilation, though, which I think helps a lot with any paint. Have you considered that as part of your strategy?
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