Hey everyone! 
I’ve been on a mission to make my home more eco-friendly, and recently, I decided to tackle the walls. I’ve been experimenting with VOC-free paints to reduce indoor air pollution and make my space healthier for the planet. My latest project involved using Earthborn Claypaint in my living room, and I must say, the results are promising! The paint is breathable, which is perfect for old walls, and it comes in a variety of beautiful, natural colors. However, achieving that silky smooth finish I love has been a bit of a challenge. I’ve tried different brushes and rollers, and while the coverage is great, I’m still tweaking my technique to get that flawless look without resorting to traditional, less eco-friendly options.
I’m curious, has anyone else here worked with VOC-free or natural paints like Auro or Ecos Paints? What’s your go-to method for a smooth finish? Do you have any tips on application tools or techniques that work well with these types of paints? Also, how do you find the durability and color retention over time compared to conventional paints? Let’s share our experiences and help each other out in making our homes more sustainable without sacrificing on quality or aesthetics. Looking forward to your insights!
I’ve been using Auro paints for a couple of years now, and I’ve found that the key to a smooth finish is all in the preparation. Make sure your walls are as smooth as possible before you start. I usually sand them down and then apply a primer. For application, I prefer using a high-quality synthetic brush for cutting in and a short nap roller for the main areas. It takes a bit of practice, but the results are worth it!
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I’ve had great success with Ecos Paints. Their paint levels out beautifully, giving a really smooth finish. I agree with @GreenThumb23 about the importance of preparation. Also, don’t rush the drying time between coats. It can be tempting to get it all done in one day, but patience really pays off with these paints.
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@GreenThumb23 Thanks for the tips! I haven’t tried Auro yet, but I’ll definitely look into it. Do you find that the primer makes a big difference? I’ve been going straight onto the wall with the Earthborn Claypaint, but maybe that’s where I’m going wrong.
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@NatureLover99 I’ve been considering Ecos Paints for my next project. How do you find the color retention over time? I’m worried about fading, especially in rooms that get a lot of sunlight.
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@EcoPainter88 Absolutely, the primer makes a huge difference, especially with natural paints. It helps to even out the surface and can really improve the final finish. I’d recommend giving it a try on your next project.
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@DIYQueen I’ve had Ecos Paints in my south-facing living room for over a year now, and the colors are still as vibrant as the day I painted. They do recommend using their UV protector for areas with a lot of sunlight, which I did, and it seems to have worked well.
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I just wanted to chime in and say how much I appreciate this thread! I’m planning to redecorate my home with eco-friendly paints and was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options. It’s great to hear real experiences and tips. Thanks, everyone!
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I totally get where you’re coming from with the prep work. I’ve been using Ecos Paints and found that a good primer makes a world of difference. Also, I’ve switched to a microfiber roller, and it’s been a game-changer for getting that smooth finish. It’s a bit pricier, but the results speak for themselves. Have you tried any specific brands for your rollers or brushes?
Interesting point about the primer. I’ve been hesitant to use one because I thought it might defeat the purpose of going VOC-free. But if it’s eco-friendly too, I might give it a shot. I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint like the OP and love the texture, but yeah, getting it smooth is tricky. Maybe I’ll try sanding more thoroughly next time.
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I’ve been down the VOC-free paint road for a while now, and honestly, the durability has been hit or miss for me. Some areas hold up great, while others… not so much. I wonder if it’s the paint or my technique. I’ve been using Auro and love the colors, but I’m still figuring out the best way to apply it for long-lasting results. Any tips on that front?
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Durability is a big concern for me too. I’ve noticed that with Ecos Paints, the key is in the application. Too thick, and it cracks; too thin, and it doesn’t cover well. It’s a fine line. I’ve started using a paint conditioner to help with the flow and it’s made a noticeable difference. Also, letting each coat dry thoroughly before adding another seems to help with the longevity. Has anyone else tried using a conditioner with their VOC-free paints?
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I’ve been using Auro paints for a while now and I’ve found that using a high-quality synthetic brush really helps with the application. The key is to not overload the brush with paint. Thin layers work best for a smooth finish. Also, sanding between coats with fine-grit sandpaper can make a huge difference. It’s a bit more work, but the results are worth it.
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Totally agree on the patience part with drying times. I used Ecos Paints in my bedroom and made the mistake of rushing the second coat. Ended up with a bit of a streaky finish. Had to sand it down and start over. Lesson learned! Now I always wait at least 24 hours between coats, regardless of what the can says. The durability has been great though, no fading or chipping after a year.
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Interesting to hear about Earthborn Claypaint. I’ve been curious about trying it out. For those who’ve used it, how does it handle in high humidity areas like bathrooms? I’m considering a switch to more eco-friendly options but worried about mold and mildew resistance. Also, has anyone tried mixing their own natural pigments with these paints for custom colors?
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I’ve been using Auro paints for a couple of years now, and I’ve found that using a high-quality synthetic brush really helps with achieving a smooth finish. The key is to not overload the brush with paint and to apply it in thin, even layers. It might take a bit longer, but the results are worth it. As for durability, I’ve noticed that the colors stay vibrant for a long time, and the paint holds up well against wear and tear.
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I tried Ecos Paints in my bedroom, and I was really impressed with how easy it was to apply. I used a foam roller, which gave me a really smooth finish without any brush marks. One thing I learned is to make sure the wall is properly prepared before painting. Any imperfections can show through, so take the time to fill in holes and sand down rough spots. The paint has held up great, and I haven’t noticed any fading.
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I’m all about using natural paints, but I have to say, the application can be a bit tricky compared to conventional paints. I used Earthborn Claypaint in my kitchen, and while I love the finish, it took a bit of practice to get it right. I found that using a short-nap roller worked best for me. It’s also important to keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks. The paint has been durable, and the color looks as good as the day I painted.
This thread is super helpful! I’m just starting to look into eco-friendly paints for my home, and it’s great to hear about everyone’s experiences. I’m curious, has anyone tried mixing brands or types of eco-friendly paints? I’m wondering if that could affect the finish or durability. Also, how do you deal with touch-ups? Do you find that the colors match well if you need to repaint a small area?
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