Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
I’ve been on a mission to make my home as green as possible, and my latest project has been repainting the walls. I’m all about using natural paints, but I’ve hit a snag. I need something with high opacity and coverage, especially since I’m covering some pretty bold colors from the previous owners. I’ve tried a couple of brands, like Eco Paints and BioShield, which are fantastic for their low VOC content and sustainability, but I’m curious if there’s something out there that offers even better coverage without compromising on environmental values.
I’ve applied these paints on both plaster and drywall, and while the finish is beautiful, it sometimes takes more coats than I’d like to achieve the opacity I need. I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone who’s worked with Auro or Earthborn paints. How do they compare in terms of coverage? Also, if you’ve got any tips on surface prep to maximize coverage with natural paints, I’m all ears!
So, what’s your go-to natural paint for high opacity and coverage? Have you found any brands that stand out in this regard? Let’s share our experiences and help each other make our homes more beautiful and eco-friendly. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and tips!
Hey @EcoPainterJane! I’ve been in the same boat, trying to find that perfect balance between eco-friendliness and performance. I recently tried Earthborn paints and was pleasantly surprised by their coverage. It took two coats to cover a deep red wall, which is pretty impressive for a natural paint. Their Claypaint range is especially good for high opacity. Have you considered giving it a try?
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Thanks, @GreenThumb88! I’ve heard good things about Earthborn’s Claypaint but haven’t tried it yet. How did you find the application process? Was it easy to work with?
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It was surprisingly smooth, @EcoPainterJane! The consistency is just right—not too thick, not too runny. I used a roller for large areas and a brush for edges, and it went on evenly. Drying time was reasonable too, about 4-6 hours between coats. Definitely recommend giving it a go!
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I’ve been using Auro paints for a while now, and I must say, their coverage is top-notch. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality justifies the cost. I’ve covered some pretty dark walls with just two coats. Plus, their range of colors is fantastic. Anyone else tried Auro?
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Yes, @NatureLover23! I’m a big fan of Auro as well. Their No. 123 is my go-to for high opacity projects. It’s a bit of an investment, but like you said, the quality is unmatched. Have you tried any of their specialty finishes?
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Not yet, @DIYQueen, but I’ve been eyeing their Marmorino finish for a feature wall. Have you used it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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I’m all about BioShield for its eco-credentials, but I agree, the coverage can be a bit hit or miss. I’ve found that proper surface prep makes a huge difference. Sanding the walls lightly and using a good primer can really help with coverage. Anyone else have tips for prepping walls for natural paints?
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Great tip, @SunnyDays! I’ve been using a natural primer from Eco Paints before applying their topcoat, and it does help. I’ll try sanding next time to see if it improves coverage even more. Thanks for sharing!
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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 learning curve, but the results can be stunning, and it’s as eco-friendly as it gets!
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That sounds fascinating, @LeafyGreen! I’d love to hear more about your process and any tips you have for beginners. What’s been your biggest challenge so far?
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Hey @EcoPainterJane, I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve been experimenting with Auro paints and found their coverage to be pretty solid. It took me two coats to cover a dark blue wall, which I think is decent for natural paint. Their No. 321 is a favorite of mine for its opacity. Have you tried any of their products yet? Also, I’ve found that using a primer specifically designed for natural paints can really help with coverage. Maybe something to consider?
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I’ve been using Earthborn paints for a while now, and I have to agree, their Claypaint range is fantastic for coverage. I managed to cover a bright yellow wall with just two coats, which was a relief. One tip I’ve found helpful is to sand the walls lightly before painting. It seems to help the paint adhere better and improves coverage. Have you tried any surface prep techniques that made a difference for you?
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I’m a big fan of BioShield paints, but I understand the struggle with coverage. I recently tried their Aqua Resin Stain and was impressed by how well it covered in just two coats. It’s a bit different from traditional paint, but the finish is beautiful and it’s super eco-friendly. I’ve also heard good things about Ecos paints for coverage, though I haven’t tried them myself. Has anyone here used Ecos and can share their experience?
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Totally get where you’re coming from with the coverage issues. I’ve been using Earthborn paints for a while now, and honestly, their coverage is pretty solid. It’s all about the primer, though. I use a natural primer before applying the paint, and it makes a world of difference. Also, letting each coat dry properly before applying the next one helps a lot. Have you tried that?
I’ve had a similar experience with Auro. Their paint is great, but yeah, it can take a couple of coats to get that perfect finish. What I’ve found helpful is to use a slightly damp roller for application. It seems to spread the paint more evenly and helps with coverage. Plus, it’s a good idea to choose a paint color that’s close to the original wall color if you’re looking to cover bold colors without too many coats.
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I’m a big fan of BioShield too, but I agree, the coverage can be inconsistent. One thing that’s worked for me is to mix a bit of the paint with a natural pigment powder to increase the opacity before applying. It’s a bit of extra work, but the results are worth it. Also, making sure the room is well-ventilated but not too drafty helps the paint dry evenly and improves coverage.
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I’ve experimented with a few brands, and Eco Paints has been my go-to for a balance between eco-friendliness and coverage. I’ve found that using a thicker nap roller can help with coverage, especially on textured walls. It picks up more paint and applies it more evenly. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good quality brush for cutting in edges. It can really make a difference in the overall look and coverage.
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Mixing your own paints sounds like a fun project! I’ve dabbled a bit with clay and natural pigments too. It’s definitely a trial and error process, but when you get it right, the texture and depth of color are unmatched. Have you tried adding a bit of natural binder like linseed oil to improve adhesion and durability? It made a big difference for me.
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I haven’t tried making my own paint, but I’m intrigued by the idea. How do you ensure the color consistency across batches? That seems like it could be a challenge. Also, have you found any resources or guides that were particularly helpful in getting started? I’d love to give it a try but wouldn’t know where to begin.
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