I tried engineered mineral pigments for the first time and here's what I discovered about their texture and coverage

Hey fellow green living enthusiasts! :herb: I recently took the plunge into the world of engineered mineral pigments for a small renovation project in my home, and I have to say, it was quite the adventure. I used Earthborn’s Claypaint for my living room walls, and the experience was eye-opening. The texture is unlike anything I’ve worked with before—smooth yet with a depth that synthetic paints just can’t replicate. Coverage-wise, it was a dream. Two coats and my walls were transformed, with a rich, matte finish that feels so natural and inviting.

Before this, I’ve experimented with a few eco-friendly options, including milk paint and lime wash, each with its own charm and challenges. But the engineered mineral pigments stood out for their ease of application and the immediate impact they had on the room’s ambiance. They adhered beautifully to my plaster walls, and I’m curious about their compatibility with other surfaces like wood or concrete.

What really drew me to this option was the environmental consideration. Knowing that the pigments are derived from natural minerals and that the paint is free from harmful VOCs made the choice a no-brainer for me. It’s a step towards a more sustainable home, and I’m all for it.

I’d love to hear from others who’ve ventured into using engineered mineral pigments. How did you find the application process? Have you tried them on different surfaces? And what brands have you had success with? Let’s share our experiences and tips for creating beautiful, eco-friendly spaces!

Great to hear about your experience with Earthborn’s Claypaint, @EcoPainter89! I’ve been considering making the switch to more eco-friendly paint options for my home. How did you find the drying time compared to traditional paints? I’m a bit concerned about the practicality, especially with kids and pets around.

3 Likes

I’ve used Auro’s Natural Paints on my wooden furniture, and the results were stunning! The texture is indeed unique, and the coverage was excellent. It’s fascinating how these natural paints can transform a space. I’m curious, @EcoPainter89, did you notice any difference in the room’s acoustics after applying the Claypaint? I’ve heard that natural paints can improve sound absorption.

2 Likes

@GreenThumb77, the drying time was surprisingly quick! I’d say it was comparable to, if not faster than, some of the traditional paints I’ve used in the past. It was touch dry in about an hour, and fully cured in 24 hours. Definitely practical for a busy household!

4 Likes

@NatureLover23, that’s an interesting point about acoustics! I didn’t specifically test the sound absorption, but the room does feel more ‘alive’ and less echoey, if that makes sense. It’s something I’ll pay more attention to in future projects. Thanks for bringing it up!

3 Likes

I’m all for eco-friendly options, but I’m a bit skeptical about the durability of natural paints. @EcoPainter89, have you noticed any wear or fading since you applied the Claypaint? I’d love to use something more sustainable, but not at the expense of having to repaint every couple of years.

1 Like

@DIYQueen, it’s only been a few months, but so far, so good! The color is as vibrant as the day I applied it, and there’s no sign of wear, even in high-traffic areas. I’ll definitely keep the forum updated on how it holds up over time.

2 Likes

Has anyone tried mixing different brands of natural paints? I’m curious about creating custom colors but worried about compatibility issues. @EcoPainter89, your project sounds amazing! It’s inspiring me to take the leap into natural paints.

@SunnyDays, I haven’t tried mixing brands myself, but I’ve heard it can be done with some experimentation. It’s definitely something I’m interested in exploring. Maybe we can share tips and experiences as we experiment!

1 Like