Hey fellow eco-warriors! 
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 crossroads. I’m trying to decide between lime wash and clay paint for some touch-up applications around the house. Both have their unique charms, but I’m curious about their durability, especially in high-traffic areas.
So far, I’ve experimented with EcoClay Paint from Earthborn Paints on a couple of walls, and I’m loving the matte finish and the breathability it offers. It’s been great for maintaining a healthy indoor air quality. On the other hand, I’ve heard that lime wash from companies like Bauwerk Colour not only offers a beautiful, chalky finish but also has natural antibacterial properties. However, I’m a bit concerned about how it holds up over time, especially when it comes to touch-ups.
Has anyone here used both lime wash and clay paint for touch-ups? How do they compare in terms of durability and ease of application? I’m particularly interested in how they perform on plaster walls and whether one is more prone to fading or chipping than the other. Also, any tips on maintaining the finish of these natural paints would be greatly appreciated!
Looking forward to hearing your experiences and insights. Let’s keep our homes beautiful and our planet healthier, one brush stroke at a time! 
Hey @EcoPainterJane! I’ve used both lime wash and clay paint in my home, and I must say, they each have their strengths. For touch-ups, I found clay paint to be more forgiving and easier to blend, especially on plaster walls. It’s also less prone to chipping, which is a big plus in high-traffic areas. However, lime wash does offer that unique, breathable finish that’s hard to beat. It might require a bit more maintenance, but the natural antibacterial properties are a game-changer for me.
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Thanks, @GreenThumb88! That’s super helpful. I’m leaning towards clay paint for the touch-ups, especially since you mentioned it’s easier to blend. Do you have any tips for maintaining the finish over time?
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Absolutely, @EcoPainterJane! For clay paint, I recommend using a soft, damp cloth for regular dusting to keep the walls looking fresh. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the matte finish. Also, if you notice any scuffs or marks, a light touch-up with the same paint usually does the trick without needing to repaint the entire wall.
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I’ve been a fan of lime wash for years, especially for its eco-friendly properties and the depth of color it provides. However, I agree with @GreenThumb88 that it might require a bit more upkeep. In my experience, lime wash can fade over time, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight. But, the beauty of it is that you can easily reapply it without worrying about color matching issues, which is a huge plus for touch-ups.
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That’s a great point, @SunnyDaysAhead! The ease of reapplication with lime wash is definitely appealing. Do you have any recommendations for brands that offer a wide range of colors?
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For sure, @EcoPainterJane! I’ve had great experiences with Bauwerk Colour and Lime Paint. Both offer a beautiful palette of colors that can be customized to your liking. Plus, their products are top-notch in terms of quality and eco-friendliness.
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Just chiming in to say that I love the community vibe here! 
I’m new to natural paints and this thread has been super informative. I’m planning to try clay paint for my next project, thanks to all the insights shared here. Keep up the great work, everyone!
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Totally get where you’re coming from with the clay paint being easier for touch-ups. I’ve had a similar experience. The lime wash does have that unique charm, but it’s a bit more high maintenance, especially in areas that see a lot of action. Have you considered mixing both for different parts of the house? Like using clay paint in the high-traffic areas and lime wash in the more decorative spaces? Could be a cool way to get the best of both worlds.
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I’m all for the lime wash, honestly. Yeah, it might need a bit more care, but the finish is just unbeatable. Plus, the antibacterial aspect is a huge win in my book. For touch-ups, I’ve found that using a slightly damp sponge helps blend the new application with the old, making it less noticeable. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not so bad.
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Interesting take on the clay paint. I’ve been leaning towards lime wash for its aesthetic, but hearing about the durability of clay paint makes me reconsider. How does it hold up against moisture, though? I’ve got a couple of walls that tend to get a bit damp, and I’m worried about how either option would perform in those conditions.
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I’ve experimented with both in my place, and honestly, it comes down to the specific needs of each space. For walls that need frequent touch-ups, clay paint is the way to go. But for areas where you want that timeless, chalky look, lime wash can’t be beaten. Maintenance is key with lime wash, but it’s worth it for the vibe it creates. Have you thought about the environmental impact of each? I know both are eco-friendly, but I wonder if one has a slight edge over the other in terms of sustainability.
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I’ve used both lime wash and clay paint in my home, and I have to say, the durability really depends on the surface and the environment. Lime wash does fade, especially in sunny spots, but like you said, it’s super easy to touch up without worrying about color matching. Clay paint, on the other hand, seems to hold up better in high-traffic areas for me. It’s less prone to chipping, and the matte finish hides imperfections well. For plaster walls, I’d lean towards clay paint for durability, but lime wash for its aesthetic and ease of touch-ups.
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Interesting points about lime wash and clay paint. I’ve been considering switching to natural paints for my next project, and durability is a big concern for me too. I hadn’t thought about the sunlight affecting lime wash, but that makes sense. Does anyone have tips on how to protect lime wash from fading, or is it just something you have to live with? Also, how do these paints handle moisture? I’ve got a couple of rooms that get pretty humid, and I’m worried about mold or peeling.
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Hey, welcome to the natural paints club! Clay paint is a fantastic choice, especially if you’re after that matte finish and breathability. I’ve used it in my living room, and it’s held up pretty well against daily wear and tear. Just a heads-up, though, it can be a bit tricky to touch up without leaving noticeable patches. So, make sure you’ve got the original mix or a very close match for any touch-ups.
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I’ve been on the lime wash train for a while now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for me. The antibacterial properties are a huge plus, especially in areas like the kitchen. Durability-wise, it’s been solid, but it does require a bit more maintenance. You might need to reapply it every couple of years to keep it looking fresh. But, the effort is totally worth it for that unique, chalky finish.
Just wanted to add my two cents about plaster walls. I’ve used both lime wash and clay paint on them, and I found that clay paint adheres better and is less likely to chip. However, lime wash gives you that authentic, old-world charm that’s hard to beat. If you’re going for durability and ease of maintenance, clay paint might be the way to go. But if you’re after aesthetics and don’t mind a bit of upkeep, lime wash is stunning.
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I’m all about that eco-friendly life, and this thread is gold! I haven’t tried lime wash yet, but after reading all these comments, I’m tempted to give it a shot for my next project. I’ve been using clay paint for a while, and I love how it’s helped improve the air quality in my home. Does anyone have tips on sourcing high-quality lime wash? I want to make sure I’m getting the best for my walls and the planet.
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