Seeking Advice: Best Practices for Sealing Natural Paints in Tropical Climates

Hey everyone! :herb: I’ve recently embarked on a journey to repaint my home using only natural and eco-friendly paints, and I’m absolutely loving the process so far. I’ve been experimenting with EarthHue Natural Paints, which have a fantastic range of colors derived from natural minerals and earth pigments. The application was smooth, and the colors are vibrant, but I’m facing a bit of a challenge. Living in a tropical climate means dealing with high humidity and frequent rain, which can be tough on natural paints. I’ve tried sealing the paint with a natural beeswax finish, which worked well indoors, but I’m not sure it’s the best solution for exterior walls exposed to the elements.

I’m curious to hear from others who’ve navigated similar challenges. Have you found a sealing method that stands up to tropical weather without compromising the eco-friendly integrity of natural paints? Also, if you’ve used EarthHue or any other natural paint brands in similar climates, how did they hold up over time? I’m particularly interested in any tips for enhancing durability while keeping the environmental impact minimal. Let’s share our experiences and help each other make our homes beautiful and sustainable! :seedling:

Hey @GreenThumbJenny! :ocean: I’ve been using natural paints for a few years now in my coastal home, and I’ve found that a combination of linseed oil and natural resin works wonders for sealing exterior walls. It’s durable against the salty air and humidity. Have you considered this mix? Also, how do you find the color retention with EarthHue over time?

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I’m all about that eco-friendly life! :sun_with_face: I haven’t tried EarthHue yet, but I’ve had great success with BioShield paints in my tropical garden shed. Their clay paint combined with a silicate primer has held up beautifully against the rain. Maybe worth a look? Also, does anyone know if silicate primers are as eco-friendly as they claim?

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@OceanBreeze23 Thanks for the tip! I haven’t tried linseed oil and natural resin yet, but it sounds promising. The color retention with EarthHue has been pretty good so far, especially with the darker shades. I’ll definitely look into your suggestion. How often do you reapply the sealant?

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@SunnyDaze45 I’ve used BioShield’s silicate primer, and from what I’ve researched, it’s one of the more eco-friendly options out there. It’s mineral-based and doesn’t off-gas like some synthetic primers. How’s the texture of the clay paint? I’m considering it for my next project.

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Living deep in the tropics, I’ve experimented with various natural sealants. One that’s worked surprisingly well is a mix of carnauba wax and coconut oil. It’s a bit more labor-intensive to apply, but it offers excellent water resistance and gives the paint a lovely sheen. Has anyone else tried this combination?

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@RainforestGuardian That sounds intriguing! I love the idea of using coconut oil. Do you find that it attracts insects or mold over time? Also, what’s the ratio of carnauba wax to coconut oil that you use?

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I’ve been using Auro natural paints with their plant-based hardener for exterior walls. It’s been a game-changer in terms of durability against the tropical climate. Plus, it’s completely biodegradable. Has anyone else tried Auro’s products? I’m curious how they compare to EarthHue.

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@BambooBreeze I haven’t tried Auro yet, but I’m always on the lookout for new eco-friendly options. How does the plant-based hardener affect the paint’s texture and application? Also, is it easy to find in stores, or do you order it online?

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Hey @GreenThumbJenny! :ocean: I’ve been using natural paints for a few years now in my coastal home, and I’ve found that a combination of linseed oil and natural resin works wonders for sealing exterior walls. It’s durable against the salty air and humidity. Have you considered this mix? Also, how do you find the color retention with EarthHue over time?

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I’ve had a different experience with natural paints in a tropical setting. I used a mix of tung oil and citrus solvent for sealing, and while it held up decently, I noticed some fading after a year. Maybe it’s the intense UV here. Curious if anyone has tips for UV protection without resorting to synthetic sealers.

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Interesting to hear about the linseed oil and resin mix. I’ve been hesitant to try natural sealers because I heard they can yellow over time. Has anyone noticed that with their projects? Also, @GreenThumbJenny, how’s the beeswax finish holding up indoors? I’m considering it for my living room.

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I’m all about keeping it eco-friendly, but I’ve found that sometimes you have to compromise a bit for durability in harsh climates. I used a natural paint with a synthetic sealer on my exterior walls, and it’s been holding up great against the rain and sun. Maybe not 100% natural, but it’s a balance, right?

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Has anyone tried using a lime wash as a natural paint alternative in tropical climates? I’ve heard it’s breathable and resistant to mold, which could be a game-changer for humid areas. Plus, it’s got that rustic look I’m going for. Would love to hear if anyone’s had success with it outdoors.

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Hey, that’s awesome you’re going eco-friendly with your paints! I’ve been using BioShield too, but for my indoor projects. Their clay paint is a game-changer. About silicate primers, from what I’ve gathered, they’re pretty eco-friendly since they’re made from natural minerals. But, I’d double-check the specific product’s ingredients to be sure. Have you tried any other eco-friendly brands for outdoor projects?

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I’m in a similar boat, trying to keep things green while battling the tropical weather. I haven’t used EarthHue or BioShield, but I’ve had some luck with Auro natural paints. They offer a range of products designed for different climates. Maybe their exterior paints could be a solution for you? Also, I’m curious about the beeswax finish you mentioned. How did you apply it, and did you notice any issues with it attracting insects?

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Living in a tropical climate definitely adds a layer of challenge to using natural paints. I’ve been experimenting with linseed oil as a sealer for my exterior walls. It’s natural and seems to add a bit of protection against the humidity. However, it does require regular maintenance. Has anyone else tried linseed oil, and how often do you find yourself needing to reapply it?

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I’ve been on the eco-friendly paint journey for a while now, and it’s great to see more people joining in. I haven’t tried EarthHue, but I’ve used BioShield’s silicate primer and found it to be quite durable. As for eco-friendliness, it’s all about the ingredients and the manufacturing process. Some brands are more transparent than others. It’s worth reaching out to them directly for detailed info. Also, has anyone looked into using natural oils like tung oil for sealing? I’ve heard mixed reviews.

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I’ve been using linseed oil as a sealer for my natural paints here in the tropics. It’s been holding up pretty well against the humidity and rain. The key is to apply it in thin layers and let it dry thoroughly between coats. It does take a bit longer to cure, but the durability is worth the wait. Have you considered giving linseed oil a try?

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That carnauba wax and coconut oil mix sounds interesting! I haven’t tried it myself, but I’m curious about the ratio you use. Does it affect the color of the paint at all? I’ve been using a natural varnish made from pine resin, and while it’s effective, it does tend to yellow over time. Maybe your mix could be a better alternative.