Hey everyone! I’ve been on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, and part of that has been switching to natural paints. I recently used Earthborn Claypaint in my living room, and while I love the texture and the fact that it’s VOC-free, I’ve noticed some fading in areas that get a lot of sunlight. It’s got me thinking about how we can preserve the vibrant colors of natural paints over time.
I’ve tried a few brands, including Auro and Ecos, and while they all have their merits, I’m curious about your experiences with color retention. Have you found certain types of natural paints to be more resistant to fading? Also, I’m wondering about the role of the surface preparation and the number of coats applied. Could these factors influence how well the color holds up?
Lastly, I’m interested in any tips you might have for preventing fading. Are there specific finishes or sealants that work well with natural paints without compromising their eco-friendly qualities? Let’s share our experiences and help each other keep our homes looking vibrant and green!
I’ve had a similar experience with Earthborn Claypaint in my sunroom. The fading was noticeable after just a few months. I switched to Auro for a different room and noticed a significant improvement in color retention. I think the key might be in the pigments they use. Auro seems to use more lightfast pigments, which are crucial for areas exposed to sunlight.
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@GreenThumb99 That’s interesting about Auro. I’ll definitely consider it for my next project. Did you do anything special in terms of surface preparation or number of coats when you used Auro?
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@EcoPainter88 I made sure to clean and prime the surface thoroughly before applying Auro. I also applied two coats, allowing ample drying time between them. I think the primer really helped with the adhesion and overall durability of the paint.
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I’ve been using Ecos paints for a while now and have been pretty happy with the color retention, even in sunny areas. I do think that applying a natural wax finish over the paint helps protect it from UV damage. It’s a bit of extra work, but it’s worth it for the added protection.
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@SunnyDaysAhead That’s a great tip about the natural wax finish! I hadn’t considered that. Do you have a specific brand of wax that you recommend?
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@EcoPainter88 I’ve had good results with Beeswax Coatings. It’s eco-friendly and really enhances the natural look of the paint. Just make sure to apply it thinly and evenly for the best protection.
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I think it’s also worth mentioning the importance of choosing the right color. Some pigments are naturally more resistant to fading than others. For example, earth tones tend to hold up better in sunlight compared to brighter colors. It’s something to consider when selecting your paint.
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@DIYQueen That’s a great point! I’ve been leaning towards more muted tones for my next project, so that’s good to know. Thanks for the advice!
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I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint for a while now, and yeah, the fading issue is real, especially in sunny spots. I’ve started using UV-protective window films to block some of the sunlight, and it seems to help a bit. Not a perfect solution, but it’s something. Also, I’ve heard that adding a natural wax finish can protect the paint, but I haven’t tried it yet. Anyone have experience with that?
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Interesting point about Auro using more lightfast pigments. I’ve been considering switching to them for my next project. Does anyone know if Auro offers a wider range of colors compared to Earthborn? I’m all for eco-friendly paints, but I also want to keep my options open for different shades and hues.
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I’ve had a different experience with Ecos. The color retention has been pretty solid, even in areas that get a lot of sun. I wonder if it’s because I applied three coats instead of the usual two. Maybe the extra layer helps shield the pigments from fading. Has anyone else tried applying more coats to see if it makes a difference?
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Speaking of surface preparation, I’ve found that using a primer specifically designed for natural paints can make a big difference. It seems to help the paint adhere better and might contribute to better color retention. I used a primer from Earthborn before applying their clay paint, and while there’s still some fading, it’s less noticeable than in areas where I skipped the primer. Thoughts on primers for natural paints?
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I’ve also been experimenting with natural paints and noticed that Earthborn Claypaint tends to fade in direct sunlight. I found that using a UV-protective varnish over the paint helps a lot. It’s not 100% natural, but it’s a compromise I’m willing to make for the color longevity. Has anyone else tried this approach?
Interesting point about the wax finish. I’ve been using Auro paints and haven’t tried wax yet. Does it change the texture or sheen of the paint? I’m a bit hesitant because I really like the matte finish of Auro. Also, how often do you need to reapply the wax to maintain the protection?
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I’ve been using Ecos paints too and agree that their color retention is pretty good. I haven’t tried a wax finish yet, but I do make sure to apply at least two coats of paint. I think that helps with the durability. Also, I try to use lighter colors in sunny areas to minimize fading. Has anyone else noticed a difference with lighter vs. darker colors?
I’m curious about the surface preparation aspect mentioned in the original post. I’ve heard that properly priming the surface can make a big difference in how well the paint adheres and resists fading. Does anyone have tips on the best natural primers to use with these eco-friendly paints?
Totally agree with the color choice point. I’ve used Earthborn’s Claypaint too and noticed that their ochres and umbers don’t fade as much as the brighter blues and greens. It’s all about the pigment quality and how it reacts to UV light. Maybe sticking to those earthy shades in sunlit areas could help.
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I’ve had a different experience with Auro paints. Even their brighter colors seem to hold up pretty well in sunlight, but I did apply a natural wax finish over the top. It might add a bit of extra protection against fading. Has anyone else tried using finishes like that?
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Surface prep is key, I reckon. I spent ages making sure my walls were perfectly smooth and primed with a natural primer before applying Ecos paint. The color’s stayed vibrant for years, even in direct sunlight. Maybe it’s not just about the paint but how well the surface is prepared.