Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of eco-friendly paints for my latest home renovation project. I’m trying to decide between Zero-VOC and Low-VOC paints, especially focusing on the sheen options available. I’ve used AFM Safecoat in the past, which is a fantastic Zero-VOC option, and I’m considering Benjamin Moore’s Natura for its Low-VOC formula this time around. Both brands offer a range of sheens, from matte to semi-gloss, which is great for different rooms and surfaces.
I’m curious about your experiences with these paints. How do you find the durability and coverage of Zero-VOC versus Low-VOC paints? Specifically, I’m looking to paint my kitchen cabinets (currently a laminate surface) and wondering if a semi-gloss finish would hold up better with one type over the other. Also, any tips on surface prep for eco-friendly paints would be super helpful!
Lastly, I’m always on the lookout for more sustainable options. If you’ve tried any other brands or have insights on the environmental impact of these paints beyond just the VOC content, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s share our knowledge and make our homes a little greener together! 
I’ve been using AFM Safecoat for a few years now, and I must say, the durability is impressive, especially in high-traffic areas. For kitchen cabinets, I’d recommend going with a semi-gloss finish. It not only holds up better against wear and tear but also makes cleaning a breeze. Just make sure to properly prep the surface by cleaning and lightly sanding it for the best adhesion.
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I’ve tried both Benjamin Moore’s Natura and AFM Safecoat, and while both are great, I found Natura to have a slightly better coverage, especially with darker colors. However, when it comes to sheen, I think it really depends on the look you’re going for. Matte finishes can hide imperfections better, but semi-gloss is definitely more durable for areas like kitchens.
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip on surface prep! I’ll make sure to sand the cabinets lightly before applying the paint. Do you have any recommendations for a primer that works well with AFM Safecoat?
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@PaintLover99 I agree with you on the coverage of Benjamin Moore’s Natura. I used it for my living room and was really happy with how it turned out. For kitchen cabinets, though, I’d lean towards a semi-gloss finish for the durability and ease of cleaning, as you mentioned.
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Has anyone tried Earthborn Paints? I’ve heard they’re a great eco-friendly option with a wide range of colors and finishes. I’m considering them for my next project and would love to hear any experiences or tips!
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@NatureLover23 I haven’t tried Earthborn Paints yet, but I’ve heard good things about their eco-credentials. If you do go with them, please share your experience! I’m always looking for more sustainable options.
@EcoPainterJane For primer, I’ve had great results with AFM Safecoat’s own primer. It’s specifically designed to work with their paints and ensures a smooth, durable finish. Just make sure to follow the drying times recommended on the can for the best results.
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I’ve been using AFM Safecoat for a few years now, and I must say, the durability is impressive, especially in high-traffic areas. For kitchen cabinets, I’d recommend going with a semi-gloss finish. It not only holds up better against wear and tear but also makes cleaning a breeze. Just make sure to properly prep the surface by cleaning and lightly sanding it for the best adhesion.
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I tried Benjamin Moore’s Natura for my living room and was pretty happy with the coverage and how it dried without any strong smell. I went with a matte finish, which looks great but I’m a bit worried about how it’ll hold up over time. Anyone else have long-term experience with Low-VOC matte finishes?
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I’m all about the eco-friendly paints too! Recently, I discovered Eco Paints and their zero-VOC options. The color selection is amazing, and the paint went on smoothly. I used a satin finish in my bathroom, and it’s holding up well against the moisture. Definitely worth checking out if you’re exploring more brands.
I’ve been curious about the environmental impact of paint production and disposal. Does anyone know if these eco-friendly brands are also sustainable in their manufacturing processes? I’d love to support companies that are truly green from start to finish.
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For those considering painting laminate surfaces, I found that using a primer specifically designed for slick surfaces made a huge difference with both Zero-VOC and Low-VOC paints. It helped the paint adhere better and last longer. Just a tip from my own trial and error!
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I’ve been using Benjamin Moore’s Natura for a while now, and I agree that the coverage is impressive, especially with those deep, rich colors. For kitchen cabinets, I went with a semi-gloss finish, and it’s holding up really well against the daily wear and tear. The key, I found, is in the prep work. Sanding down the laminate surface and using a good primer made all the difference.
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I’m all about AFM Safecoat for its zero-VOC promise, but I’ve noticed it can be a bit tricky with darker shades. It might take an extra coat or two to get that even coverage. For sheen, I lean towards matte for walls because it gives a modern, clean look, but for cabinets, semi-gloss is the way to go for durability and ease of cleaning.
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Just chiming in to say that surface prep is crucial, no matter the paint. I used Benjamin Moore’s Natura on my cabinets after a thorough cleaning and light sanding, and the semi-gloss finish has been a dream. It’s been months, and it still looks fresh. Also, the low-VOC aspect is a big plus for me, especially in a space like the kitchen where we spend so much time.
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I tried both brands in my last renovation and found that AFM Safecoat works better for me in terms of environmental impact. It’s not just about the VOCs; it’s the whole package. The coverage might require a bit more effort, but knowing it’s a healthier choice for the planet makes it worth it. For sheen, I prefer semi-gloss in high-traffic areas because it’s easier to wipe down and keep clean.
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I’m on team Benjamin Moore’s Natura for its ease of application and the range of colors. I used a semi-gloss finish on my kitchen cabinets, and it’s been fantastic. The durability is top-notch, and it still looks as good as the day I painted it. Plus, the low-VOC formula is a bonus for indoor air quality. I didn’t have to do much prep work either, just a good clean and a primer coat.
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I’ve experimented with both brands and have to say, the choice between zero-VOC and low-VOC really comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project. For instance, I used AFM Safecoat in my kid’s room for peace of mind, but in the kitchen, Benjamin Moore’s Natura with a semi-gloss finish was the winner for its durability and ease of cleaning. It’s all about finding the right balance for your space.
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I’ve actually used Earthborn Paints for a couple of projects now, and I’ve been really impressed. Their claypaint range is fantastic for walls, giving a really unique texture and depth to the color. I used it in my living room, and it’s held up really well against wear and tear. For cabinets, I’d probably go with their eggshell finish for a bit more durability. Just make sure you prep the surface well, especially if it’s laminate. A good primer is key to getting the paint to stick properly.
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