Hey fellow green DIYers! I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, focusing on large surfaces like walls and ceilings. I’ve narrowed it down to two options: milk paint and lime wash. Both have their unique charm and eco-friendly credentials, but I’m curious about their cost-effectiveness, especially for covering big areas.
I’ve tried Real Milk Paint Co. for a smaller project and loved the matte finish and how it adhered to wood. On the other hand, Bauwerk Lime Paint caught my eye for its breathability and durability on plaster walls. However, when it comes to large surfaces, the cost can quickly add up. I’m wondering if anyone has experience with either (or both!) on a larger scale. How did you find the coverage? Did you need multiple coats, and how did that affect the overall cost?
Also, I’m all about minimizing waste and environmental impact. Both options seem promising, but I’m curious about your experiences with sourcing and the sustainability of the ingredients. Have you found one to be more readily available or eco-friendly than the other?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences! Let’s share some insights and help each other make more informed, sustainable choices.
Hey @EcoPainterJane, great topic! I’ve used both milk paint and lime wash on large surfaces in my home. For cost-effectiveness, I found that lime wash tends to go further, especially on porous surfaces like plaster. It’s thinner, so you can cover more area with less product. However, it usually requires more coats than milk paint to get a uniform finish, which can offset some of the initial savings. Milk paint, on the other hand, has a richer pigment and can cover in fewer coats, but it’s generally more expensive per gallon. So, it really depends on the surface and the look you’re going for!
I’ve only worked with milk paint so far, specifically Real Milk Paint Co., and I was really impressed with the coverage. For large walls, I mixed it a bit thinner than recommended, which helped stretch the product further without sacrificing the finish. It did require two coats, but the final look was worth it. I’m curious about lime wash though, especially its durability over time. @GreenThumbGary, how has your lime wash held up?
Thanks, @GreenThumbGary! That’s really helpful. I hadn’t considered the porosity of the surface affecting coverage. My walls are a mix of plaster and drywall, so I’ll have to think about that. @DIY_Dave, I’m also curious about the durability of lime wash. And did you find that thinning the milk paint affected its eco-friendliness at all?
@DIY_Dave, the lime wash has held up surprisingly well, especially in high-traffic areas. It’s been about two years, and I’ve only had to touch up a couple of spots. It’s also really easy to repair, which is a plus. As for thinning milk paint, @EcoPainterJane, I think as long as you’re not adding anything synthetic, it shouldn’t impact the eco-friendliness. Just make sure to use water or a natural thinner if needed.
I’m team lime wash all the way! Not only is it cost-effective for large areas, but the texture and depth it adds to walls are unmatched. I used Bauwerk Lime Paint in my living room, and it transformed the space. It does take a bit of practice to apply evenly, but once you get the hang of it, the results are stunning. Plus, it’s incredibly eco-friendly and sustainable, which was a big factor for me.
@SandyShore, that’s great to hear! The texture and depth are exactly what I’m looking for. Did you find that the Bauwerk Lime Paint required any special preparation or tools for application?
@EcoPainterJane, not really! I just made sure the walls were clean and dry before starting. I used a regular paint roller for large areas and a brush for edges and details. The key is to work in small sections and keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks. It’s a bit more labor-intensive than regular paint, but the unique finish is totally worth it.
I’ve been using milk paint for a while now, and while I love the finish, I have to agree that it can get pricey for large areas. One thing I’ve noticed is that the coverage can vary a lot depending on the surface. On raw wood, it’s fantastic, but on plaster, it sometimes takes more coats than I’d like. Have you tried mixing your own milk paint? I’ve heard it can be more cost-effective, but I’m not sure about the quality compared to brands like Real Milk Paint Co.
Lime wash has been my go-to for large plaster walls, especially in older homes where breathability is key. I’ve found that even though it might need more coats, the overall cost is lower because it’s so thin and spreads easily. Plus, the natural look it gives is hard to beat. On the sustainability side, lime wash is pretty eco-friendly since it’s made from natural limestone. But I’m curious, has anyone tried sealing it? I’ve heard mixed things about whether it’s necessary or not.
I’ve been using lime wash for a while now, especially on exterior walls. The durability is impressive, especially in harsh weather conditions. It does fade over time, but that’s part of its charm, giving a weathered look that’s hard to replicate. For large surfaces, I found it more cost-effective than milk paint, especially since it’s easier to mix in larger quantities. The key is in the application; a good brush and technique can save you a lot of product.
I’m team milk paint all the way, especially for interiors. The coverage is fantastic, and I love the depth of color you can achieve. Yes, it might require a couple of coats, but the finish is unmatched. For large surfaces, I agree with thinning it a bit. It goes a long way, and the environmental impact is minimal. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze with just soap and water. Lime wash has its place, but for me, milk paint wins on versatility and finish.
Interesting points on both sides. I’ve experimented with both on different projects. Lime wash is great for that rustic, European look, especially on textured surfaces. It’s breathable, which is a big plus for older buildings. Milk paint, on the other hand, offers a more uniform finish, which I prefer for furniture and smaller projects. Cost-wise, it really depends on the project size and the desired finish. Both have their merits, and I think it comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project.
I’ve been curious about the environmental impact of both options. From what I’ve gathered, milk paint is made from natural ingredients like casein, lime, and pigments, making it biodegradable and non-toxic. Lime wash, while also eco-friendly, requires more energy to produce due to the calcination process of limestone. However, its durability and breathability make it a sustainable choice for certain applications. It’s a tough call, but I lean towards milk paint for its lower environmental footprint.
Has anyone considered the application time and labor costs when comparing the two? Lime wash dries faster, which can be a big advantage on large projects, reducing labor time. Milk paint might require more coats and longer drying times between coats, increasing the overall project time. This could affect the cost-effectiveness, especially if you’re hiring help. It’s something to think about when planning your project budget and timeline.
I’ve been using milk paint for years, and honestly, it’s a game-changer for large surfaces. The coverage is fantastic, and it dries so quickly that you can apply multiple coats in a day. Sure, the initial cost might seem higher, but when you factor in the durability and the fact that it doesn’t peel or chip easily, it’s worth every penny. Plus, the color options are endless when you mix your own pigments.
Lime wash has my vote too, especially for its breathability. I used it in my old stone house, and it’s been perfect for regulating moisture. It’s true that getting an even coat takes some skill, but the payoff is a unique, textured look that you just can’t get with regular paint. And when it comes to eco-friendliness, lime wash is hard to beat. It’s made from natural limestone and water, so it’s as green as it gets.
I tried both on different projects, and here’s my take: milk paint is better for furniture and smaller items because of its adhesion and finish. But for walls and ceilings, lime wash is the way to go. It’s more cost-effective for large areas, and the natural variations in color and texture add so much character to a room. Plus, it’s easier to touch up without having to repaint the whole wall.
I’m all about minimizing waste too, and that’s why I prefer milk paint. You can mix exactly the amount you need, so there’s hardly any leftover. And if you do have some, it can be stored for a long time without going bad. Lime wash is great, but mixing it can be a bit messy, and you often end up with more than you need. Both are eco-friendly, but milk paint edges out slightly in terms of convenience and waste reduction.
For those worried about the learning curve with lime wash, don’t be. I was intimidated at first, but after watching a few tutorials and practicing on a small section, I got the hang of it. The key is to work in small sections and keep a wet edge. The result is a stunning, natural finish that’s worth the effort. And since it’s so durable, you won’t have to repaint for years, making it cost-effective in the long run.
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, focusing on large surfaces like walls and ceilings. I’ve narrowed it down to two options: milk paint and lime wash. Both have their unique charm and eco-friendly credentials, but I’m curious about their cost-effectiveness, especially for covering big areas.