Hey everyone! I’m in the middle of renovating my old farmhouse and I’ve hit a bit of a snag. I’m committed to using only eco-friendly and natural paints, but I’m struggling to find options that won’t break the bank, especially since I’m covering a lot of square footage. So far, I’ve tried EarthHue Natural Paints(https://www.earthhue.com) for a smaller room and loved the results—great coverage and the color stayed vibrant. But scaling up to the whole house seems daunting cost-wise.
I’m curious, has anyone else tackled a large project with natural paints? What brands did you find to be both affordable and effective? I’m particularly interested in paints that work well on both walls and wood surfaces, as I have a mix of both. Also, how do you balance the environmental impact with the cost? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for keeping things green without going over budget.
Looking forward to your insights and suggestions!
Hey @EcoPainter88, I totally get where you’re coming from! I recently renovated my entire home using BioShield paints. They’re a bit on the pricier side upfront, but the coverage is fantastic, and a little goes a long way. For large projects, I found that buying in bulk directly from their website saved me a significant amount. Plus, their Clay Paint works wonders on both walls and wood, giving a beautiful, natural finish.
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I’ve been using EcoProCote for my projects. It’s a bit more affordable than some other brands and offers great durability. I used it on my deck and some interior walls, and it’s held up really well against wear and tear. They also have a variety of finishes, which is great for different surfaces.
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@GreenThumb99 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely check out BioShield. How did you find the application process? Was it similar to conventional paints, or did it require any special techniques?
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@EcoPainter88 The application was pretty straightforward, similar to conventional paints. However, I did find that using a natural bristle brush gave the best finish, especially with the Clay Paint. It might take a bit longer to dry, but the end result is worth it!
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Has anyone tried making their own natural paint? I’ve seen some recipes online using ingredients like chalk, clay, and natural pigments. It seems like it could be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for large projects.
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@NatureLover23 That’s an interesting idea! I’m a bit hesitant about the consistency and durability, though. Have you tried it yourself? I’d love to hear about your experience if you have.
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@EcoPainter88 I’ve experimented with a small batch for a bookshelf project. The consistency was a bit tricky to get right, but once I did, the finish was surprisingly durable. It’s definitely a trial and error process, but for the cost savings and the eco-benefits, I think it’s worth exploring for larger projects.
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I found that Milk Paint is a great budget-friendly option for large areas. It’s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and you can mix your own colors. The only downside is that it requires a bit more prep work, especially on wood surfaces, to ensure it adheres properly.
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@BudgetEco Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve heard about Milk Paint but was unsure about the prep work. What kind of prep did you find necessary for wood surfaces?
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@EcoPainter88 For wood, I recommend sanding it down first and then applying a primer. It helps the paint adhere better and last longer. It’s a bit of extra work, but the finish is beautiful and very durable.
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I’ve actually tried making my own paint for a small project, and it was a mixed bag. The color was beautiful, but getting the consistency right was a challenge. If you’re up for a bit of experimentation, it could be worth it for the cost savings and eco-friendliness. Just be prepared for some trial and error.
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Making your own paint sounds like a fun DIY project, but I’d be worried about durability, especially on high-traffic areas. Has anyone who’s tried homemade paint noticed any issues with wear and tear over time? Also, how do you handle color matching if you need to touch up spots later?
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