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What Other Natural Paint Options Exist?

In our quest for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, we often overlook the impact of our living environment on our well-being. For many of us, our homes are our sanctuaries where we make mindful decisions about our surroundings. The choices we make regarding the items we incorporate into our homes can greatly influence our overall health, even if we are not aware of it. The paint on our walls, for example, can release harmful chemicals into the air, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Natural paints are a great solution that not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also promote a healthier living space. Mineral paints are the most widely used interior paint alternative for natural paints. Our last post was all about the differences between Mineral Paints and Acrylic paints, but there are other kinds of natural paint we represent at Originate and would like to introduce you to. Bioshield clay paint, Color Atelier lime paint, and Real Milk Paint are all natural alternatives to conventional paints, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Bioshield Clay Paint:

Clay Paint is derived from natural clay, mineral pigments, and plant-based binders, providing an eco-friendly and non-toxic option. Clay paint is free from harmful chemicals and VOCs. It eliminates the release of harmful gases, ensuring a healthier indoor environment, particularly for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Color Atelier Lime Paint:

Lime paint is composed of slaked lime, natural pigments, water, and is free from harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in traditional paints. It has been used for centuries and is known for its unique texture and ability to create a soft, matte finish. Color Atelier Lime Paint is an eco-friendly and non-toxic option for those who prioritize sustainable living. Color Atelier Lime Paint is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the artistry and expertise of skilled artisans. Each batch is made to order, ensuring consistency and quality. 

Real Milk Paint:

Milk paint is derived from natural ingredients such as milk protein, lime, and pigments. It has a rich history dating back centuries and offers a distinct appearance and finish. Real Milk Paint is made from 100% organic ingredients, is non-toxic, food contact safe, VOC free, and even biodegradable, minimizing its impact on the environment.

 

	Bioshield Clay Paint	Color Atelier Lime Paint	Real Milk Paint
Aesthetics	Clay paint offers a rustic and organic look with its textured finish. It provides a depth and richness of color that can mimic the appearance of natural materials such as stone or plaster. Bioshield Clay Paint offers a diverse palette of beautiful colors, providing an earthy and warm ambiance.	Color Atelier Lime Paint stands out for its exceptional depth and texture, offering a level of richness that cannot be achieved with conventional paints. The natural mineral pigments and slaked lime in the paint create a unique play of light and shadow that adds character and dimension to surfaces.	Milk paint can achieve various effects, from subtle and smooth to chipped and distressed. Real Milk Paint offers an extensive range of colors that can be mixed and customized to suit your preferences. Milk paint is often used in historical restorations and it can provide an antique look, making it popular for furniture refinishing and decorative projects.
Breathability	Clay paint naturally absorbs and releases moisture, promoting better air quality and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth. Clay paint also contains odor reducing properties and provide optimum breathability.	Lime paint is highly breathable, allowing walls to "breathe" and regulate moisture. This quality helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew and contributes to a healthier indoor environment.	The high calcium lime in Real Milk Paint has unique properties in that it is cured through a reaction called carbonization. This means it draws in carbon dioxide from the air as it continues hardening, so when painted on walls or other surfaces it will continuously clean the air.
Application	Bioshield Clay Paint can be applied using traditional painting techniques such as brushing, rolling, or spraying. It requires minimal preparation and can be applied directly to most interior surfaces including previously painted surfaces, drywall texture, wood, or masonry. The paint is easy to work with, spatter-resistant, and dries to a beautiful matte finish.	Lime paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including plaster, concrete, and wood. It can be applied over previously painted surfaces with the use of a proprietary primer. Lime paint is applied with a block brush in random, multi-directional strokes to create depth and movement and needs to dry overnight between coats. The paint is formulated to create an effortless application process, allowing for smooth and seamless coverage.	Milk paint comes as powdered purified casein (milk protein) and pigments. It is mixed with water at a 1:1 ratio and takes about 20 minutes to properly thicken. It can then be applied with traditional painting methods. Milk paint adheres well to porous surfaces such as raw wood, unsealed plaster, drywall texture, concrete, brick, and terra cotta. If the surface has been previously painted, it must be cleaned with TSP paint remover (trisodium phosphate) and then scuff sanded to promote adhesion. Real Milk Paint makes a bonding agent called Ultra Bond that can be added to help stick to latex paint, plastic, glass, metal, and other nonporous finishes.
Durability & Maintenance	Clay paint is durable and long-lasting and can be easily maintained by spot cleaning or touching up any areas that may require attention. It is not suited for frequent cleaning, and is not recommended near showers or sinks. BioShield makes a Wall Glaze that can be applied with a sponge or sprayer for extra protection in high impact areas like kitchens or hallways.	Lime paint is known for its durability and longevity, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Over time, it can develop a beautiful patina, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Lime paint is easily cleaned with warm soapy water and can be touched up by re-coating the damaged area with a thin layer of the same color. With the alternating brush stroke method, touch ups will blend right in.	Once dry, milk paint forms a strong, durable bond and can be sealed with wax or other natural sealants for added protection. It can be easily cleaned or retouched making maintenance a breeze.

Clay paint, lime paint, and milk paint are all unique natural paint options with their own aesthetic qualities and advantages. The choice between them depends on personal preference, desired finish, and the specific requirements of the project. All three options give you a soft matte finish that transform ordinary walls into walls that rival hand plastering, which is much more labor intensive.  There is a play of light with these paints throughout the day, subtle shifts in color tone, that add a richness and depth.