Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, focusing on high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. I’ve narrowed it down to two options: milk paint from Real Milk Paint Co. and lime wash from Earthborn Paint. Both brands have caught my eye for their eco-friendly credentials and the promise of a more sustainable home.
I’ve previously used AFM Safecoat for a bedroom project, which turned out great, but I’m curious about how these two options hold up in areas that see a lot of action. Has anyone here tried either Real Milk Paint Co.'s milk paint or Earthborn Paint’s lime wash in similar settings? I’m particularly interested in how they handle wear and tear over time. Also, any tips on application would be super helpful—I’ve heard milk paint can be a bit tricky to work with, but the finish is supposed to be stunning.
Lastly, I’m all about minimizing environmental impact, so if anyone has insights into the sustainability practices of these brands, I’d love to hear about it. Looking forward to your experiences and advice!
I’ve used Real Milk Paint Co.'s milk paint in my kitchen, and I must say, the durability is impressive. It’s been over a year, and the high-traffic areas still look great. The key is in the preparation and application. Make sure the surface is clean and maybe even sanded lightly for better adhesion. Also, applying a topcoat can really help with durability. As for sustainability, they use natural ingredients and have a transparent sourcing process. Definitely recommend giving it a try!
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Lime wash from Earthborn Paint has been my go-to for hallways. It’s breathable, which is great for older homes, and it ages beautifully, adding character over time. However, in very high-traffic areas, you might notice some wear after a couple of years. It’s easy to touch up, though, which is a plus. Their commitment to sustainability is solid, with eco-friendly packaging and natural ingredients.
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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for the detailed response! Did you use any specific type of topcoat with the milk paint? I’m curious about compatibility and whether it affects the natural finish.
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@LimeLover23 The aging aspect sounds intriguing. Do you have any photos of how it’s aged over time? Also, how does it handle moisture, especially in a kitchen setting?
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I’ve experimented with both in different parts of my home. Milk paint is fantastic for furniture and decorative pieces, but for walls in high-traffic areas, I lean towards lime wash. It’s more forgiving with imperfections and easier to maintain. Plus, the texture it adds to walls is unmatched. Both are eco-friendly, but consider the look and feel you’re going for.
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@DIYQueen That’s a great point about the texture. I’m aiming for a more rustic look, so lime wash might be the way to go. Did you find any challenges in applying it compared to traditional paints?
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@EcoRenovator88 I used a natural wax topcoat, which worked wonders without compromising the paint’s natural finish. It’s important to apply it thinly and evenly. There are also water-based topcoats that are more eco-friendly if you’re concerned about VOCs.
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@EcoRenovator88 I’ll dig up some photos and share them here. As for moisture, it handles it pretty well, but in areas with direct water exposure, like near the sink, I’d recommend a protective sealer. It’s all about balancing aesthetics with practicality.
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I’ve been on the fence about trying milk paint, but your experience is convincing. How does it handle spills and stains in the kitchen? I’m worried about it being too porous.
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I went with Earthborn’s lime wash for my hallway, and it’s holding up pretty well. It’s been about 8 months, and the areas near the doors still look fresh. The trick is to apply it thinly and evenly. It’s also great for the environment, which was a big plus for me.
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That’s interesting about the topcoat for milk paint. What kind did you use? I’m considering a similar project and want to make sure I get the durability right.
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I’m all for eco-friendly paints, but how do these options compare in terms of cost? I’m trying to stick to a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality or sustainability.
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I’ve heard that lime wash can be tricky to apply evenly, especially for beginners. Did you find that to be the case? I’m considering it for my living room but worried about getting a consistent finish.
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Regarding sustainability, I did some digging and found that both brands are pretty transparent about their processes. Real Milk Paint Co. sources their ingredients responsibly, and Earthborn is known for their low VOC emissions. It’s great to see companies taking these steps.
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I’ve used Real Milk Paint Co.'s milk paint in my kitchen, and honestly, it’s been a mixed bag. The finish is indeed stunning, giving a rich, matte look that’s hard to beat. But, it does require a bit of a learning curve to apply evenly. In terms of durability, it’s held up pretty well against daily wear, though I did notice some chipping around the edges after a year. A quick touch-up fixed it, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering it for high-traffic areas.
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I’m all about Earthborn Paint’s lime wash for its breathability and eco-friendly aspects. Used it in my hallway and it’s been great. The wear you mentioned is true, but I see it as adding character rather than a flaw. Plus, touching it up is a breeze. Their sustainability practices are a big win for me too. Have you looked into their range of colors? They’ve got some really unique shades that could add a lot of personality to your space.
Interesting to hear about the lime wash’s breathability. I’ve been considering it for my old house but was worried about durability. The fact that it’s easy to touch up is a big plus. I wonder, though, how does it handle moisture? My hallway tends to get a bit damp in the winter, and I’m concerned about mold or peeling. Also, has anyone tried sealing it with a natural sealant to increase durability?
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I’ve used Real Milk Paint Co.'s milk paint on a few pieces of furniture, and while the finish is indeed beautiful, I found it to be quite challenging to apply evenly. It dries really fast, so you have to work quickly. For high-traffic areas, I’d be a bit concerned about durability, especially if you’re not sealing it properly. Lime wash seems like a better bet for walls, as it’s more forgiving and can add a unique texture.
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I’m all about the eco-friendly aspect too, and from what I’ve researched, both brands are pretty solid in that regard. However, I think the choice between milk paint and lime wash really comes down to the specific look you’re going for. Milk paint gives a more matte, vintage look, while lime wash can offer a subtle, textured finish. Have you considered doing a test patch in a less visible area to see which one you prefer?
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