Hey everyone! I recently took the plunge and decided to repaint my living room using Earthborn Claypaint in a lovely, warm terracotta shade. I was super excited about using a natural paint that’s free from VOCs and has minimal environmental impact. However, after applying two coats, I noticed the walls have an uneven texture, almost like a slight orange peel effect. This wasn’t something I experienced with the conventional paints I’ve used in the past, like Farrow & Ball, which, while not as eco-friendly, always gave me a smooth finish.
I followed the application instructions to the letter—using a natural bristle brush and ensuring the room was well-ventilated. The walls were properly prepared too, cleaned and sanded down to ensure the paint would adhere well. I’m wondering if the uneven texture is due to the paint’s natural composition or if it’s something I can fix with a different application technique. Has anyone else experienced this with natural paints? Did you find a way to achieve a smoother finish, or is this just part of the charm of using eco-friendly options?
I’m really keen to hear your experiences and any tips you might have. Also, if you’ve used Earthborn Claypaint or any other natural paint brands and achieved a smooth finish, I’d love to know your secrets! Let’s discuss and help each other out in our quest for more sustainable living spaces.
Hey @EcoPainterJane, I’ve had a similar experience with Earthborn Claypaint. It’s a fantastic product for the environment, but achieving that ultra-smooth finish can be a bit tricky. One thing I found helpful was using a foam roller instead of a brush for the final coat. It seemed to even out the texture a bit more. Also, make sure you’re not overworking the paint as it dries, as this can sometimes exacerbate the texture issue.
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I’ve used Auro Natural Paints and found that the key to a smooth finish is in the preparation. I know you mentioned you prepped your walls, but did you use a primer? I found that a natural primer helped the paint go on more evenly. Also, applying thinner coats can make a big difference. It might take an extra coat, but the finish is usually smoother.
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@GreenThumb88 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely try the foam roller for the next room I paint. I hadn’t considered that overworking the paint could be part of the issue. I’ll be more mindful of that moving forward.
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I think the texture adds character! But if you’re after a smoother finish, maybe try diluting the paint slightly with water. I did this with Biofa Eco Paint and it helped spread the paint more evenly. Just a small amount, though, or it can affect the color and coverage.
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@SandyShorelines I didn’t use a primer, as the instructions said it wasn’t necessary. But I’m open to trying it if it means a better finish. Do you have a natural primer you’d recommend?
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@MossyRocks I agree about the texture adding character, but it’s not for everyone. Diluting the paint is a good tip, but as you said, it’s easy to overdo it. I’ve found that using a damp brush or roller can help achieve a similar effect without risking the paint’s integrity.
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I’ve been experimenting with different natural paints and found that Eco Paints offers a smoother finish compared to others. Their application guide suggests using a specific type of roller for the best results. Maybe it’s worth looking into their range if you’re not getting the finish you want with Earthborn Claypaint.
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@EcoPainterJane I used Auro Natural Primer and was really happy with the results. It’s a bit pricey, but it goes a long way and really helps with the finish. Just make sure to let it dry completely before applying your topcoat.
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I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint for a while now and yeah, the texture can be a bit of a challenge. What worked for me was thinning the paint slightly with water for the final coat. Not too much, just enough to make it a bit more workable. It helped smooth out the finish without compromising the paint’s integrity. Also, patience is key. Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next. Rushing it only makes the texture worse.
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Interesting point about the foam roller. I tried that too but found that a high-density foam roller gave me the best results. It’s all about the roller’s texture. The high-density ones seem to lay the paint down more evenly. Also, I’ve noticed that the temperature and humidity in the room can affect the finish. Painting on a cooler, less humid day seemed to help me get a smoother finish. Maybe give that a try next time?
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I had a similar issue with Earthborn Claypaint in my kitchen. After some trial and error, I found that using a foam roller instead of a brush made a huge difference. The foam roller helped distribute the paint more evenly, reducing that orange peel effect. Maybe give that a try before your next coat?
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Interesting point about the primer. I used Auro Natural Paints in my bedroom and skipped the primer, thinking it wasn’t necessary. Ended up with a patchy finish. Went back, applied a natural primer, and the difference was night and day. Definitely worth the extra step for a smoother finish. Also, I agree with the thinner coats suggestion. Patience is key with natural paints.
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I’ve had a similar experience with natural paints. It seems like the texture issue is pretty common, especially with thicker, more eco-friendly options. I found that thinning the paint slightly with water and using a foam roller helped achieve a smoother finish. Maybe give that a try before switching brands?
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Interesting point about Eco Paints. I haven’t tried them yet, but I’m curious about their smoother finish claim. Does anyone know if they’re as durable as Earthborn Claypaint? I’d hate to sacrifice durability for smoothness.
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I think part of the charm with natural paints is embracing the imperfections. That said, if you’re after a super smooth finish, maybe natural paints aren’t the way to go. Have you considered a hybrid approach? Like using a natural paint for the base and a conventional paint for the top coat to get the best of both worlds?
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