Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my 1920s home renovation. It’s been a journey, to say the least! I recently tried Earthborn Claypaint on a couple of walls and was blown away by the texture and depth it added. But here’s the kicker - I’m a bit nervous about how it’ll hold up on some of the older, more porous walls in my house. I’ve heard mixed reviews about adhesion with natural paints on surfaces that have seen better days.
Before Earthborn, I experimented with Auro Natural Paints on a newer drywall section, and the results were fantastic. But old walls? That’s a whole different ball game. I’m curious if anyone else has tackled this challenge. Did you do anything special to prep the walls? Any primers or techniques that worked wonders? Also, how did you test the adhesion - just the good ol’ tape test, or something more scientific?
I’m all ears for your stories, tips, and even your ‘what not to do’ moments. Let’s share our experiences and help each other out in making our homes not just beautiful, but sustainably so!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve been in a similar boat with my 1900s home. I used Earthborn Claypaint as well and found that the key to good adhesion on old walls is thorough preparation. I spent a good amount of time cleaning the walls with a mild detergent and then applied a natural primer specifically designed for porous surfaces. After that, the paint adhered beautifully. I did the tape test after 48 hours, and it passed with flying colors!
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@GreenThumbGary, thanks for sharing your experience! Could you tell me more about the natural primer you used? I’m curious about the ingredients and if it’s something I can easily find.
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I’ve had mixed results with natural paints on old walls. I tried Auro Natural Paints without any primer, and while it looked great initially, I noticed some flaking after a few months. I ended up sanding down the flaky areas and applying a coat of Earthborn Eco Primer before repainting. That seemed to do the trick. It’s definitely a learning process!
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@RetroRenovator, that’s really helpful to know. It sounds like primer is a must for older walls. Did you notice any difference in the paint’s appearance after using the primer?
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I’m just starting my journey with natural paints, so I don’t have much to add in terms of experience. But I’m really enjoying reading everyone’s tips and stories. It’s making me feel more confident about tackling my own old walls. Thanks, everyone!
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@NatureLoverNina, welcome to the world of natural paints! It’s definitely a learning curve, but so rewarding. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as you go along. We’re all here to help each other out.
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I’ve been using Lime Paint from Bioshield on my old plaster walls, and it’s been a game-changer. The key for me was ensuring the walls were completely dry and free from any previous paint or wallpaper residue. Lime paint needs to breathe, so it’s perfect for old, porous walls. Adhesion has been excellent, and the finish is just stunning.
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@VintageVibeVictor, I’ve heard great things about Lime Paint but haven’t tried it yet. How does it compare in terms of application and drying time to other natural paints you’ve used?
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I’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster with natural paints on my old walls too. I tried Earthborn Claypaint and initially, it didn’t stick well. I realized the walls needed more than just a clean. I ended up using a lime wash as a primer, which really helped the paint to adhere better. The tape test was a bit nerve-wracking, but it held up. It’s all about the prep work, honestly.
Interesting to hear about the lime wash primer. I went a different route and used a natural silicate primer before applying Auro Natural Paints. It worked wonders on my 1930s walls, which were super porous. The key for me was making sure the walls were completely dry before applying the primer. Patience is a virtue with these old walls.
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I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint on my 1920s home and found that the texture of the paint itself helps with adhesion on old walls. I didn’t use a primer, just made sure the walls were clean and dry. The paint has a matte finish that seems to grip the walls well. Did the tape test after a week, and it was solid. Maybe the paint’s formulation plays a big role too?
I’ve been using natural paints for a few years now, and I’ve found that the key to good adhesion on old walls is all in the prep. I always start with a thorough cleaning, sometimes even a light sanding if the wall is really uneven. Then, I use a natural primer specifically designed for porous surfaces. It’s a bit of extra work, but it makes a huge difference in the end.
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That’s interesting about the primer. I’ve been hesitant to use one, thinking it might defeat the purpose of going all-natural. But if it helps with adhesion, I might have to reconsider. Has anyone tried making their own natural primer? I’m curious if that’s a viable option.
I tried the Earthborn Claypaint on my 1930s home, and honestly, I didn’t do much prep beyond cleaning the walls. The paint adhered surprisingly well, even on the more porous areas. I did the tape test after a week, and it passed with flying colors. Maybe I just got lucky, but I’m really happy with how it turned out.
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I’m in the same boat as the original poster, just starting out with natural paints. Reading all these experiences is super helpful. I’m thinking of trying a small section first, like a closet or something, to see how it goes before committing to a whole room. Has anyone else done a test area first?
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I did a test area in my hallway before going all in, and it was a lifesaver. The paint didn’t adhere well at all, and I realized I needed to do more prep work. It saved me from a potential disaster. I ended up using a natural primer, and the second attempt was much better. Definitely recommend starting small.
I’ve heard mixed things about the tape test. Some say it’s not the best indicator of long-term adhesion. Has anyone tried any other methods to test how well the paint sticks over time? I’m thinking of doing a scratch test after a month or so to see how it holds up.
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I’ve had a similar journey with my 1890s home. I used Earthborn Claypaint too, and like you, was amazed at the texture. For the older walls, I found that a good clean and a coat of Earthborn Wall Glaze as a primer did wonders. It’s like it gave the paint something to grip onto. The tape test worked fine for me, but I also did a scratch test after a week just to be sure. So far, so good!
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Interesting to hear about Lime Paint from Bioshield. I’ve been considering it for my bathroom due to its moisture resistance properties. Did you find it tricky to apply? I’ve heard it can be a bit more labor-intensive than regular paint. Also, how does it hold up in high-traffic areas? I’m a bit concerned about durability.
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