Hey everyone! 
I’ve been diving deep into the world of natural paints for my latest home renovation project, and I’m thrilled with the results so far. I’ve been using EcoPaint for my living room walls, and the difference in air quality is noticeable. It got me thinking—how can we, as eco-conscious DIYers, support sustainable paint businesses without stretching our budgets too thin?
I’ve tried a few brands, including BioShield and Earthborn, and while I love their commitment to sustainability, the price point can be a bit daunting. I’ve found that buying in bulk or during sales can help, but I’m curious about other strategies. Have any of you found local suppliers or co-ops that offer better prices? Or maybe there’s a way to mix our own paints using natural pigments and binders?
Also, I’d love to hear about your experiences with different surfaces. I’ve had great success with plaster and untreated wood, but I’m a bit hesitant about using natural paints on metal surfaces. Any tips or product recommendations for that?
Let’s share our knowledge and help each other make more sustainable choices without breaking the bank. What are your go-to strategies for supporting eco-friendly paint businesses? Looking forward to your insights! 
Hey @EcoPainterJane, great topic! I’ve been using BioShield for a while now and totally get what you mean about the price. One thing I’ve found helpful is joining a local eco-friendly DIY group. We often organize bulk purchases directly from manufacturers, which significantly cuts down the cost. Plus, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people!
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I’ve experimented with making my own paint using natural pigments and linseed oil. It’s a bit of a process, but it’s incredibly rewarding and cost-effective. Plus, you can customize the colors exactly how you want them. For anyone interested, I recommend starting with small batches to get the hang of it.
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@GreenThumb88 That’s a fantastic idea! I hadn’t thought about group bulk purchases. Do you have any tips on how to organize something like that? I’d love to get something started in my area.
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@NatureLover23 That sounds intriguing! Could you share more about the process? I’m particularly interested in how you ensure the paint’s durability and coverage.
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I’ve had good luck with Earthborn paints on metal surfaces. They offer a specific primer that helps with adhesion and durability. It’s a bit pricier, but considering the longevity and eco-friendliness, I think it’s worth the investment.
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@SunnyDays45 Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into that primer. Do you have any advice on surface preparation for metal?
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@DIYMaster Sure! The key is in the preparation of the pigments and the ratio of oil to pigment. I usually start with a base of linseed oil and slowly add the pigment until I reach the desired consistency and color. For durability, I add a small amount of natural resin. It takes some experimentation, but the results are worth it.
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@EcoPainterJane Start by reaching out to local eco-groups or even starting a thread in community forums. Once you have a group interested, contact the manufacturers directly. Many are willing to offer discounts for bulk orders. It’s all about communication and organization!
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Joining a local eco-friendly DIY group sounds like a solid plan. I’ve been thinking about doing something similar but wasn’t sure where to start. How did you find your group? Was it through social media or some local community board? Also, do they focus solely on paint or other eco-friendly home improvement projects as well?
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That’s a great idea about bulk buying. I’ve been using Earthborn paints and love them, but yeah, the cost adds up. I wonder if there’s a way to negotiate better prices directly with the manufacturers if we can guarantee a certain volume. Has anyone tried reaching out to them directly? Maybe we could start a petition or something to show there’s a demand for more affordable eco-friendly options.
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I’ve been experimenting with making my own natural paints using clay, chalk, and natural pigments. It’s been a fun project, and the results are surprisingly good. The initial investment in materials can be a bit high, but in the long run, it’s much cheaper. Plus, you can customize the colors exactly how you want them. Has anyone else tried this? I’d love to swap recipes or tips.
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Regarding painting metal surfaces with natural paints, I’ve had some success with BioShield’s metal primer. It’s specifically designed for metal and provides a good base for the topcoat. It’s a bit pricey, but considering it’s eco-friendly and does the job well, I think it’s worth it. Does anyone have experience with other brands or products for metal surfaces?
That’s awesome you’re making your own paint! I’ve been curious about trying that but worried about the mess and time it might take. How do you handle the cleanup? Also, have you noticed any issues with the paint’s durability over time compared to store-bought options?
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I’ve been buying from a local co-op that offers discounts on bulk orders of eco-friendly paints. It’s been a game-changer for my budget. Plus, it feels good to support local businesses. Have you looked into any co-ops in your area? They might have some deals on the brands you mentioned.
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I’ve been mixing my own paints using natural pigments and linseed oil. It’s surprisingly cost-effective once you get the hang of it. Plus, you can customize the colors exactly how you want. It does take a bit of practice, but there are plenty of tutorials online to get started.
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I found a local co-op that sells sustainable paints at a discount. They buy in bulk and pass the savings onto members. It’s worth checking if there’s something similar in your area. The community aspect is a bonus, too.
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I’ve been using EcoPaint as well and noticed the difference in air quality too. For metal surfaces, I’ve used a clear eco-friendly varnish over the paint to protect it. It adds to the cost but extends the life of the paint job significantly.
I think the key is to look for sales and discounts. I signed up for newsletters from a few eco-friendly paint brands and get alerts when they have sales. It’s a bit of a waiting game, but the savings can be substantial.
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I’ve had mixed results with natural paints on metal. I tried Earthborn with their primer and it worked well, but I also experimented with adding a bit of natural wax to the paint for extra durability. It’s a bit of trial and error, but when it works, it’s great.
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