Recommendations for the best non-toxic, VOC-free paints for outdoor use

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve been on a mission to make my home as eco-friendly as possible, and my latest project is repainting the exterior. I’m looking for recommendations on the best non-toxic, VOC-free paints that can withstand the elements. I’ve previously used Earthpaint for indoor projects and loved their natural clay paints, but I’m unsure if they’re suitable for outdoor use. Has anyone tried BioShield or Auro for exterior surfaces? I’m particularly interested in how these paints hold up against rain and sun over time.

Also, I’m curious about surface compatibility. My house has a mix of wood and stucco. Do these natural paints adhere well to both materials? And from an environmental standpoint, how do these brands source their ingredients? I’m all for sustainability, but I also want to ensure the paint is durable and long-lasting.

Would love to hear your experiences, tips, or any other brands you’ve tried and loved for outdoor projects. Let’s share our knowledge and help each other make greener choices! :earth_africa:

Hey EcoPainterJane! :seedling: I’ve had a great experience with BioShield for my outdoor projects. Their Clay Paint is fantastic for both wood and stucco surfaces. It’s breathable, which is crucial for preventing moisture issues, and it holds up really well against the elements. Over the past two years, my exterior has withstood heavy rain and intense sun without any peeling or fading. Plus, their commitment to sustainability is impressive—they use natural, renewable resources and avoid harmful chemicals. Definitely worth considering for your project!

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@GreenThumb88 That’s exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for! The breathability aspect is a huge plus, especially with the mix of materials on my house. Do you know if BioShield offers a variety of colors, or is it more limited to natural tones? I’m aiming for something vibrant but still eco-friendly.

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@EcoPainterJane They actually have a pretty wide range of colors! You can achieve vibrant hues by layering their natural pigments. I went with a deep terracotta for my house, and it’s held its color beautifully. Their website has a color chart that’s super helpful for planning.

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I’ve been using Auro for my outdoor furniture and have been really impressed with its durability. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality is unmatched. Their Plant-Based Paint is VOC-free and has a lovely matte finish. It’s been two years, and my furniture still looks as good as new, despite being exposed to the elements year-round. For larger surfaces like a house, though, I’d recommend checking their coverage rates to ensure it fits your budget.

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@SunnyDays42 Thanks for the insight! Durability is definitely a key factor for me. I’ll look into Auro’s coverage rates. Do you know if they offer any eco-friendly primers or if their paint can be applied directly to the surface?

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@EcoPainterJane Yes, they do offer an eco-friendly primer! It’s designed to work seamlessly with their paint, ensuring better adhesion and longevity. I used it for my furniture project, and it made a noticeable difference in the finish. Definitely recommend using it for the best results.

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Has anyone tried EcoProCote for outdoor use? I came across it while researching VOC-free options. They claim it’s highly durable and eco-friendly, but I haven’t found many user reviews. Would love to hear if anyone has firsthand experience with it.

@NatureLover101 I used EcoProCote for my garden shed last summer. It’s been holding up well so far, with no signs of wear from the weather. The application was smooth, and it dried quickly. However, the color selection is somewhat limited compared to other brands. If you’re okay with more natural tones, it’s a solid choice.

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@DIYQueen Thanks for sharing your experience! Natural tones are actually what I’m going for, so that works out perfectly. I’ll definitely consider EcoProCote for my project.

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Just a quick tip for everyone considering natural paints: always check the product’s UV resistance, especially for outdoor use. Some eco-friendly paints can fade faster under direct sunlight. I learned this the hard way with a different brand, but switching to a UV-resistant option made all the difference.

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@EcoWarrior23 That’s a great point! UV resistance is definitely something I’ll be looking into more closely now. Thanks for the heads-up!

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Hey EcoPainterJane! :seedling: I’ve had a great experience with BioShield for my outdoor projects. Their Clay Paint is fantastic for both wood and stucco surfaces. It’s breathable, which is crucial for preventing moisture issues, and it holds up really well against the elements. Over the past two years, my exterior has withstood heavy rain and intense sun without any peeling or fading. Plus, their commitment to sustainability is impressive—they use natural, renewable resources and avoid harmful chemicals. Definitely worth considering for your project!

I tried Auro for my garden shed last summer, and I’m really impressed with how it’s holding up. The color hasn’t faded, and it still looks fresh despite the harsh weather. They’re pretty transparent about their sourcing too, which is a big plus for me. I think it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for something durable and eco-friendly.

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I haven’t used BioShield or Auro, but I’ve heard good things about Green Planet Paints. They offer a range of VOC-free paints that are supposed to be great for outdoor use. I’m planning to try them out for my fence this spring. Has anyone here used them before? Would love to hear your thoughts.

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I’m all about Earthpaint for both indoor and outdoor projects. Their natural clay paints have worked wonders on my stucco walls. They do recommend a specific primer for outdoor use, which I followed, and the results have been fantastic. No issues with rain or sun so far. Their commitment to using natural ingredients is what sold me on them.

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Just a heads up, when choosing paint for mixed surfaces like wood and stucco, make sure to check the product’s compatibility. Some paints might need a different primer or treatment for each surface type. It’s a bit of extra work, but it ensures the paint adheres properly and lasts longer. Also, consider the climate in your area. Some paints might perform better in certain conditions than others.

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I haven’t tried EcoProCote myself, but I’ve been using BioShield for a couple of years now on my wooden deck and it’s holding up pretty well against the weather. It’s a bit pricey, but the peace of mind knowing it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly is worth it. I’d be curious to hear if anyone has done a side-by-side comparison with EcoProCote though.

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I’ve been on the lookout for eco-friendly outdoor paints too and stumbled upon Auro. I used it on my stucco walls last summer, and so far, so good. It hasn’t faded or peeled, which is a big plus. I haven’t heard much about EcoProCote, but if it’s anything like Auro in terms of durability and eco-friendliness, it might be worth a shot.

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Just a heads up, when I was researching, I found that some paints labeled as ‘natural’ or ‘eco-friendly’ still contain trace amounts of VOCs. It’s a bit of a minefield. I ended up going with Earthpaint for my outdoor project because they were upfront about their ingredients. Not sure about EcoProCote’s transparency, but it’s something to consider.

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