Hey fellow green living enthusiasts! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project. I’m particularly interested in how different eco-friendly paints handle light reflection. I’ve tried a few brands so far, like Earthborn and Ecos, and while both are fantastic for their low VOC content and sustainability, I’m curious about their performance in terms of brightness and light reflection in a room.
For instance, I used Earthborn’s Claypaint in a north-facing room, and while the color was rich and the application smooth, I noticed it didn’t reflect light as much as I hoped, making the space feel a bit darker. On the other hand, Ecos Paint in a similar shade seemed to do a better job at bouncing light around, which was a pleasant surprise. Both paints were applied on plaster walls, which I know can affect the outcome.
I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has experiences with these or other brands regarding light reflection. Have you found a particular eco-friendly paint that excels in making spaces feel brighter and more open? Also, how do you think the surface material plays into this? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!
Hey @EcoPainter88, great topic! I’ve had a similar experience with Earthborn’s Claypaint. It’s fantastic for its eco-credentials, but I agree, it doesn’t reflect light as much as I’d like. I recently tried Auro’s Natural Paint in a south-facing room, and the difference in brightness was noticeable. The room feels more vibrant and alive. I think the key is in the pigments they use. Auro seems to have a knack for selecting pigments that enhance light reflection without compromising on the natural aspect.
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Thanks for the insight, @GreenThumb99! I’ve heard good things about Auro’s Natural Paint but haven’t tried it yet. How did you find the application process compared to Earthborn? Also, did you use it on plaster walls as well?
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The application was smooth, similar to Earthborn, but I did notice it dried a bit faster, which was great for my schedule. Yes, I used it on plaster walls. I think the key to maximizing light reflection is not just the paint but also ensuring the surface is as smooth as possible before application. Any imperfections can really affect how light bounces around the room.
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I’ve been experimenting with Biofa’s Natural Paints and have been pleasantly surprised by their light-reflecting qualities. I used their white paint in a dimly lit hallway, and it’s made a world of difference. The hallway feels much brighter and more welcoming now. I think their use of natural minerals and pigments really helps in achieving this effect.
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That’s interesting, @SunnyDaysAhead! I haven’t come across Biofa before. Do they offer a wide range of colors? And how do you find the durability of their paints?
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Yes, they have a pretty extensive color range, all derived from natural pigments. As for durability, I’ve had the paint up for about six months now, and it’s holding up really well. No fading or chipping, even in high-traffic areas. I think their commitment to quality ingredients really shows in the final product.
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I’m all about Ecos Paint for its light-reflecting qualities. I used their Eggshell finish in a small, dark bathroom, and it’s transformed the space. The paint has a slight sheen that really helps to bounce light around, making the room feel larger and brighter. Plus, knowing it’s eco-friendly and non-toxic is a huge bonus for me.
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I agree, @LeafyGreen, Ecos Paint does a great job with light reflection. I used their Matt finish in a living room, and while it’s not as reflective as the Eggshell, it still made a noticeable difference. It’s good to hear the Eggshell worked so well in a bathroom setting. I’ll have to consider that for my next project!
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Interesting observations on Earthborn and Ecos paints. I’ve been using Biofa for a while now, and I must say, their light-reflecting qualities are impressive. It’s a bit pricier, but the way it brightens up a room without needing to go for a lighter shade is worth it. Has anyone else tried Biofa?
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I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect eco-friendly paint too. Your experience with Auro’s Natural Paint sounds promising. I wonder how it compares to Aglaia paints in terms of light reflection. Aglaia is another brand I’ve heard good things about but haven’t tried yet. Anyone have insights?
I think the surface material plays a huge role in how light is reflected. I used Livos on a lime plaster wall, and the room just glows. It’s not just about the paint; the wall’s texture and material can really amplify the light. Maybe experimenting with different wall finishes could help achieve that brightness you’re looking for.
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I’m all for eco-friendly paints, but I’ve noticed that sometimes, the more natural the paint, the less it reflects light. It’s a trade-off, I guess. I’ve been using Keim mineral paints, and while they’re not the best at reflecting light, their durability and eco-friendliness are top-notch. Has anyone found a brand that balances both well?
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I’ve had a similar experience with Earthborn’s Claypaint. It’s great for its eco-credentials but falls short in light reflection. I recently tried Little Greene’s Absolute Matt Emulsion, and the difference in light reflection was noticeable. It’s not entirely natural, but it’s low VOC and does a better job at brightening up spaces. Thoughts?
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It’s fascinating how much the choice of paint can affect a room’s ambiance. I’ve been experimenting with Farrow & Ball’s Estate Emulsion. It’s eco-friendly and has a unique depth of color that seems to enhance light reflection subtly. Not as dramatic as some, but it adds a warm glow to the room. Anyone else tried Farrow & Ball for this purpose?
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I’ve had a similar experience with Biofa’s Natural Paints. Their ability to reflect light is impressive, especially in spaces that don’t get much natural sunlight. I used their light grey in a small bathroom, and it’s made the space feel larger and more open. It’s interesting how the choice of paint can completely transform the feel of a room.
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That’s interesting about Biofa’s Natural Paints. I’ve been using Auro’s range for a while now, and I’ve found their paints to have excellent light-reflecting properties too. I painted my living room with their off-white, and it’s amazing how much brighter the room feels. It’s also worth mentioning how the texture of the wall can influence light reflection. Smooth walls seem to do a better job at bouncing light around.
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I haven’t tried Biofa’s Natural Paints yet, but after hearing about your experiences, I’m definitely going to give them a go. I’ve been using Little Greene’s eco-friendly range and have been quite happy with the light reflection, especially with their lighter shades. It’s fascinating how different brands can offer such varied results. Has anyone tried mixing brands to see if you can get the best of both worlds in terms of eco-friendliness and light reflection?
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I’ve had a similar experience with Ecos Paint, especially in rooms that don’t get much natural light. The slight sheen you mentioned really does make a difference. I used it in my home office, which only has one small window, and it’s made the space feel so much more inviting. I’m curious, though, have you tried any of their other finishes? I’m wondering if the matte finish would have the same effect or if the sheen is key to the light reflection.
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Interesting point about the sheen. I went with Earthborn for my living room because I was after that chalky, matte look, but I did notice it didn’t do much for the light. I wonder if there’s a middle ground—something that gives you the matte finish but still reflects light well. Maybe it’s more about the pigment concentration or the base they use. Has anyone experimented with mixing brands or finishes to get the best of both worlds?
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