Best non-toxic eco-paints for wooden floors: A beginner's guide

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with the floors. My old wooden floors have seen better days, and I’m looking to give them a fresh, non-toxic makeover. I’ve been diving into the world of natural paints and stumbled upon a few options that seem promising, but I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations.

So far, I’ve tried Earthpaint’s Wood Floor Paint and was impressed by its durability and the fact that it’s made from natural ingredients like linseed oil and beeswax. It gave my floors a beautiful, matte finish that feels very natural and warm. However, I’m curious about other brands like BioShield and Auro, which I’ve heard great things about but haven’t had the chance to try yet.

I’m particularly interested in how these paints hold up in high-traffic areas and their compatibility with different types of wood. Also, any tips on preparation and application would be greatly appreciated. Have you tried any of these brands or others? How did they perform over time? Let’s share our experiences and help each other make more informed, eco-conscious choices for our homes!

Hey @GreenThumbGary, great topic! I’ve been using BioShield for my wooden floors and I must say, the results are fantastic. It’s not only eco-friendly but also gives a durable finish that withstands high traffic. The key is in the preparation; make sure your floors are clean and smooth before application. I used a natural wood cleaner and lightly sanded the surface. The application was a breeze, and the finish has lasted over two years with minimal wear. Definitely recommend giving it a try!

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Thanks, @EcoWarriorEmma! I’ve been leaning towards trying BioShield next. Your tip about preparation is gold. Did you use any specific type of sandpaper or just a general one? Also, how many coats did you apply?

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@GreenThumbGary, I used a medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-grit) to ensure the surface was smooth but not too polished, which helps the paint adhere better. I applied two coats, allowing 24 hours of drying time between each. The second coat really brings out the depth and richness of the color. Hope this helps!

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I’ve experimented with Auro on my oak floors, and the experience was quite positive. The paint is made from natural raw materials and has a low odor, which was a big plus for me. It’s also self-sealing, so you don’t need a separate topcoat. However, it took a bit longer to dry compared to other brands I’ve used. Patience is key with Auro, but the end result is worth it.

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@NatureLoverNate, the low odor aspect of Auro sounds appealing, especially since I have pets. How long did it take to dry completely? And did you notice any color fading over time?

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@GreenThumbGary, it took about 48 hours to dry completely, which is longer than some other paints, but as I mentioned, the result is worth the wait. As for color fading, I haven’t noticed any significant changes, and it’s been over a year. The color has remained vibrant and true to the original application.

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Has anyone tried mixing brands for different effects? I was thinking of using Earthpaint for its natural ingredients and then a topcoat of BioShield for extra durability. Would love to hear if anyone has experimented with this approach.

@SustainablySarah, that’s an interesting idea! I haven’t tried mixing brands myself, but I’m curious about the compatibility of different natural paints. If anyone has experience with this, please share!

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I’ve been on the eco-friendly paint hunt too and stumbled upon Auro. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality is unmatched. My floors have this rich, deep color that hasn’t faded even after three years. The application was straightforward, though I did have to apply two coats for full coverage. It’s worth the investment if you’re looking for something long-lasting and truly non-toxic.

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Interesting to hear about BioShield and Auro. I went with Earthpaint for my floors and while I love the natural look it gave, I did notice some wear in high-traffic areas after about a year. Maybe it’s the type of wood or the finish I chose. Has anyone else experienced this? Also, curious about how these paints fare with pets. My dog’s nails have left some scratches, wondering if a different brand might hold up better.

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I’ve been using BioShield for a while now on my pine floors, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer. The colors are vibrant, and it’s held up really well in the living room, which gets a lot of foot traffic. The application was a breeze, and it dried faster than I expected. Definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for something durable and eco-friendly.

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Interesting to hear about Auro taking longer to dry. I’ve been considering it for my maple floors but was worried about the drying time. How long did it take for you? Also, did you notice any color changes after it dried? I’m aiming for a natural look, so I’m a bit cautious about the final appearance.

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I tried Earthpaint’s Wood Floor Paint on my cherry wood floors, and while I loved the natural ingredients, I found it a bit tricky to apply evenly. It required a bit more elbow grease than I anticipated. However, the finish is stunning, and it’s been holding up well in my kitchen. Has anyone else had a similar experience with application?

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Mixing brands can be a bit of a gamble. I tried combining Earthpaint with a BioShield topcoat in my living room. The Earthpaint gave a nice base, but the BioShield topcoat didn’t adhere as well as I hoped. Ended up with some peeling after a few months. Maybe it was my application technique, but I’d be cautious.

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I’ve had a different experience. Used Earthpaint for the base and then went over it with Auro’s clear coat. The combo worked great for my kitchen floors, which see a lot of foot traffic. It’s been over a year, and they still look fantastic. Just make sure to let the base coat dry completely before applying the topcoat.

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Interesting idea, but I’d worry about the chemical compatibility between brands. Even though they’re eco-friendly, different formulations might not play nice together. Maybe do a small test patch in a less visible area first to see how they interact over time.

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I haven’t mixed brands, but I did use BioShield throughout my house. It’s held up really well, especially in the hallway. The key for me was thorough preparation of the wood before painting. Sanding and cleaning made a huge difference in how the paint adhered and lasted.

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For those considering mixing, it’s also worth thinking about the finish you’re after. Different brands can offer varying levels of sheen, so combining them might not give you the uniform look you’re expecting. Maybe consult with the manufacturers or look for forums where people have shared their results with specific brand combinations.

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