Product, technical & decorating advice Archives - Earthborn Paints https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/category/painting-and-decorating-tips/ Earthborn paints are kinder by design... kinder to the environment and kinder to your health. Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:13:34 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 How to lighten a dark, north facing room https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/how-to-lighten-a-north-facing-room/ https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/how-to-lighten-a-north-facing-room/#respond Mon, 12 Dec 2022 08:00:30 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=71644 North-facing rooms can be some of the trickiest to decorate. Colours that would usually appear fresh and bright can look duller in these areas of the home. So how do you lighten a north facing room? Firstly, you could embrace the dark, cosy feel of the space and paint your room in a deep, cocooning […]

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North-facing rooms can be some of the trickiest to decorate. Colours that would usually appear fresh and bright can look duller in these areas of the home. So how do you lighten a north facing room?

Firstly, you could embrace the dark, cosy feel of the space and paint your room in a deep, cocooning shade. After all, no matter what paint colour you choose, the room is still going to face north! Warm, jewel-like shades are especially perfect for north facing rooms (check out this post for more ideas).

But sometimes we crave a bright, open feel, which is best achieved with a light paint colour and some clever tricks. If you’re keen to lighten your north facing room, then check out these simple suggestions:

 

  1. 1. Don’t just opt for brilliant white

Sounds strange, but picking the brightest, whitest paint shade won’t necessarily help your north facing room feel any lighter or more inviting. That’s because the high level of titanium dioxide used to make white paint appear really bright can sometimes cast an almost blue-ish tone. In north facing rooms this blue tone can appear cold and stark, so it’s best to steer clear of pure brilliant white.

  1. 2. Choose a paint colour with a warm undertone

Off white and neutral paint colours with a subtle yellow or red undertone will add warmth to a space. Colours like Sandy Castle or Marbles carry a warmth that makes them perfect for north facing rooms. Check out this blogpost for more of our favourite neutral paint colours for north facing rooms, or take a look at our online Colour Guide.

Sandy Castle is a warm cream paint colour that is ideal for north facing rooms

Sandy Castle is a warm cream paint colour that is ideal for north facing rooms

  1. 3. Reflect the light

Mirrors are one of the simplest ways to make small rooms appear larger. So if you have a north facing space that feels dark and cave-like, use mirrors to lighten the room. For maximum effect, try situating mirrors adjacent to a light source such as a window or lamp.

  1. 4. Think about your ceiling and trims

The ceiling and woodwork colour can play a large part in the ambience of your space. North facing rooms often benefit from a cohesive approach, especially if your walls are painted in a light shade. By painting the skirting boards and ceilings in the same colour, you can achieve a seamless, airy feel. If you have a low ceiling with dark beams, we have some simple ideas on how to lighten wood beams here.

  1. 5. Opt for lightest shades by a window

Painting your interior window frame in a pale colour can help reflect light into the room, even if your walls are a different shade. It doesn’t need to be white, but a warm neutral colour will help to bounce the light around the room.

Warm, off-white and neutral paint colours are perfect for north facing rooms

  1. 6. Consider your furniture

Dark coloured furniture can contribute to the gloomy feeling of north facing rooms. Light woods and furniture painted in pale colours will help counter this – our Eco Chic is perfect if you fancy giving your dark furniture a lift! To help lighten your space further, choose furniture with tall legs (so you can still see the floor) as this will create the illusion of more space, which can in turn make the room feel lighter.

  1. 7. Get your lighting right

Last but not least, having the right kind of lighting can make the world of difference to dark rooms. Some artificial light feels cold and stark in north facing light, but likewise choosing a bulb that is too yellow can make a room feel heavy. A soft natural light, and in particular daylight bulbs, will help maximise light in your north facing room. A variety of lamps will also help to create pools of ambient lighting.

 

Browse our full range of colours here, to help you choose the perfect shade for your home.

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Tell-tale signs there’s damp in your walls https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/tell-tale-signs-theres-damp-in-your-walls/ https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/tell-tale-signs-theres-damp-in-your-walls/#respond Fri, 09 Dec 2022 16:00:13 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=55155 It may not be a very glamourous subject, but many old properties suffer with damp walls and ceilings. And for lots of homeowners this is just part and parcel of living in an old house. However, it can be just as much of an issue in modern homes. Whether your house is new or old, […]

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It may not be a very glamourous subject, but many old properties suffer with damp walls and ceilings. And for lots of homeowners this is just part and parcel of living in an old house. However, it can be just as much of an issue in modern homes. Whether your house is new or old, damp walls can cause further problems if left unchecked.

Not only do damp walls look unsightly, rooms can feel cold and unwelcoming too. Damp can also lead to an unhealthy living environment, which can be especially harmful for children and elderly residents as well as anyone with health issues. Plus, damp walls and ceilings can cause all kinds of structural issues and problems with the very fabric of the building.

 

In this post, we look at 5 tell-tale signs there’s damp in your walls (and how to tackle it!)

Using breathable paints like Claypaint can help to deal with damp walls

Colours: Crocky Road

 

  1. A musty smell

Rooms that suffer from damp usually have an unmistakable, musty smell caused by mould and mildew. This unpleasant odour can be a giveaway sign that there’s damp in your walls, even if you can’t always see it.

  1. Bubbling or peeling paint

Older properties were usually built using traditional, moisture permeable materials that let the walls ‘breathe’. When non-breathable building materials are used (such as modern plaster or vinyl paints), any moisture in the walls becomes trapped, as it has nowhere to escape too. This causes paint to bubble or flake. In modern homes, bubbling or peeling paint caused by damp is especially common in steamy areas with poor ventilation such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Bubbling, blistering and flaking paint are classic tell-tale signs of damp in walls

  1. Black spots or discolouration

Condensation is caused by the lack of balance between heating and ventilation. If your room has an uneven balance, condensation can occur, causing mould spores and black spots to grow on walls. Not just an eye-sore, if left to spread black mould growth can exacerbate certain health issues and contribute to an unhealthy home.

  1. Cold walls

You might not be able to see the damp in your walls, especially if it’s covered by wallpaper, but one tell-tale sign is if areas of the wall feels unusually cold to touch. Walls usually feel colder by windows, doorways and chimneys, but these areas are also usually the first to show damp.

  1. A high damp reading

If you’re still in doubt as to whether your property has damp in the walls and ceilings, one sure way to know for certain is to test the walls using a damp meter. You could call in a professional, or you can now easily buy damp meters online.

Damp is often more noticeable around windows, doors and chimneys

Colours: Up Up Away & Peach Baby 

 

So once you’ve checked the signs, what should you do if there’s damp in your home? There are a number of simple solutions you can do yourself before getting help from the experts:

  • Ensure you have good ventilation

This is vital prevent condensation. Open windows and use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens or anywhere that becomes steamy such as laundry rooms.

  • Use the right materials for the age of your home

Older properties were designed to breathe! So materials like lime plaster and breathable Claypaint should be used instead of non-breathable coverings that trap moisture. We’ve written more on that in this blogpost.

  • Insulate your home

Pipes, floorboards and loft spaces benefit from good insulation. You can get breathable insulation too, which won’t cause condensation.

  • Maintain your property

Checking and maintaining both the outside and inside of your home is vital for prevention and treatment of damp walls. For example, blown bricks and crumbling mortar can cause water ingress as can cracked render, broken guttering or leaking pipes, so should be checked regularly.

 

Ready to take action? Order a free colour card today to choose the ideal shade of breathable Claypaint for your home.

 

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Paint and pregnancy https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/paint-and-pregnancy/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:13:31 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=16103 Decorating a nursery for your new baby can be so exciting! It’s the start of a new chapter and often forms part of the nesting phase for expectant mums. At Earthborn, we get a lot of questions about painting and decorating whilst pregnant. Paint and pregnancy can be a complex topic. Not only are there […]

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Decorating a nursery for your new baby can be so exciting! It’s the start of a new chapter and often forms part of the nesting phase for expectant mums.

At Earthborn, we get a lot of questions about painting and decorating whilst pregnant. Paint and pregnancy can be a complex topic. Not only are there health considerations to think about (should you even be painting when pregnant?) But also practical and emotional considerations; ‘How can I find paint that doesn’t smell’? Or ‘how do I choose the perfect colour scheme for my nursery’?

We have rounded up and answered some of your most frequently asked questions about paint and pregnancy!

Is it safe to paint when pregnant?

With Earthborn paints, yes!

Traditionally, pregnant women are advised not to use paints during pregnancy. This is due to the fumes and chemicals that can come from oil, latex or enamel heavy paints. Pregnant women are also advised to stay away from industrial paint environments due to the increased toxic fumes.

And that is where we come in. Earthborn paints are completely free of any oils, latex or enamel (virtually VOC free!)

If you’re still unsure, speak to your doctor before using any type of chemical (from household products to cosmetics) or taking on any DIY projects. Babycenter.com has lots of information on types of chemicals to avoid when pregnant.

What type of paint is safe to use during pregnancy?

Many expectant mums are keen to decorate their baby’s nursery or might have to carry out another decorating project whilst pregnant, so it’s important to find a paint that is not only safe to use during pregnancy but also a baby safe paint too.

We always recommend Earthborn paints to anyone who is pregnant or has young children as Earthborn paints are some of the safest types of paints you can use, containing virtually zero VOC content and being free from nasty smells and emissions.

We know that keeping you and your baby safe is top priority, which is why we have made sure that our Claypaint and Lifestyle Emulsion have Ecolabel accreditation and all our interior paints are certified as being safe to use on children’s furniture and toys, carrying the Safety of Toys Standard (EN71:3).

Why choose Earthborn Claypaint for your nursery?

Other than coming in 84 beautiful shades, Claypaint has so many other beneficial properties:

  • Careful ingredient selection avoiding known allergens.
  • The high breathability and moisture absorbing qualities of Claypaint help to even out the humidity in a room. Making for a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
  • The clay in Earthborn Claypaint emits negative ions; higher ambient levels of negative ions are widely accepted as being beneficial to health and wellbeing, especially for allergy and asthma sufferers.
  • Claypaint’s high clay content helps to destroy airborne odours and contaminants.
  • Less static electricity build up, so reducing dust and allergens.
  • Being odourless and quick drying, also means that rooms can return to normal (and baby can move in!) almost immediately after painting with Earthborn.

Practical advice for painting when pregnant

As well as choosing paints that are safe to use, there are a few other precautions to take if tackling a DIY project when pregnant:

  • Always ventilate a room when painting (even when using safe, non-toxic products).
  • Always let someone else carry out tasks like stripping paint or sanding surfaces. The fine particles released into the air can be easily inhaled and older paints contain more toxic chemicals.
  • Take extra care on ladders!
  • Before using any product, look at the ingredients list first. If the ingredients aren’t on the label, contact the manufacturer for a full declaration. This ensures that you know exactly what you are using.

 

Click here to find out more about our child safe paint, inspiring colour schemes and nursery ideas, as well as other advice for decorating children’s bedrooms.

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Nursery paint tips: painting cots, toys & nursery furniture https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/nursery-paint-tips-painting-cots-toys-nursery-furniture/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:32:03 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=19615 Painting furniture is an easy and inexpensive way to give your favourite pieces (or some unloved ones!) a new lease of life. But what about painting furniture that’s used by children and babies, should this be treated any differently?   Well firstly, there are a number of reasons to paint nursery furniture such as cots […]

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Painting furniture is an easy and inexpensive way to give your favourite pieces (or some unloved ones!) a new lease of life. But what about painting furniture that’s used by children and babies, should this be treated any differently?

 

Well firstly, there are a number of reasons to paint nursery furniture such as cots and toys, including:

 

  • Giving personality to new shop-bought furniture
  • Coordinating furniture to fit in with a particular colour scheme
  • As a way of restoring a family piece or pre-loved item
  • To match your child’s favourite colours!

 

But not all paints are suitable for painting children’s furniture, so it pays to do a little research first. For example, young children and babies tend to put things in their mouths so you need to be certain the coating used is safe for them to do this. One way of being sure is to check a product carries the Safety of Toys Standards (EN71:3) For more information about what this means, take a look at this useful article

 

Our Eco Chic Claypaint for Furniture and our new Eggshell No.17 are both certified as being safe to use on children’s toys and furniture, carrying this accreditation. See the other products in our range that also comply here

 

Earthborn baby safe non-toxic paint suitable for children's bedrooms and nurseries is available in 72 colours

 

Many modern furniture paints also contain high levels of acrylics and vinyl, which although help to make it more hardwearing, aren’t so good for little ones, or indeed the environment. All Earthborn paints are free from oil, acrylic and vinyl and importantly don’t give off any nasty smells or emissions being virtually VOC free too. This is helpful when painting because you don’t have to worry about paint fumes, and also reassuring when used on children’s items.

 

Another thing to consider is how durable a finish is. Of course, toys are designed to be played with and not just to look good; and the same goes for kid’s items like tables, chairs and cots – they are all subject to a lot of wear and tear! The more durable of our two child-safe paints is Eggshell No.17 because it has a hardwearing soft sheen finish that can be wiped. Eco Chic has a very flat matt finish making it more suitable to less used items. However, finishing Eco Chic with Earthborn Furniture Glaze or Furniture Wax will protect the surface and make it far more hardwearing, and also giving it a different look to Eggshell No.17.

 

Earthborn Eco Chic is a breathable, thick, creamy paint for furniture. It's safe for children's cots and toys too!

 

So once you’re happy that your chosen paint is safe and suitable, here’s some handy hints for created the best possible finish:

 

Preparation!

We believe the key to a successful furniture and toy painting project is preparation, so lightly sand any shiny surfaces or existing coatings to create a matt finish ready to paint. Do this outside if possible, away from children and pets, and always wear a face mask.

 

To prime or not to prime?

Whilst it isn’t strictly necessary to use a primer when using our Eco Chic Claypaint for Furniture (this can just be diluted on the first coat) it does help when painting with our new Eggshell No.17. Our Multi Purpose Primer will help the paint to stick to the surface and create a longer lasting finish.

 

Time to paint

Once you’ve chosen which finish is best for your projects (and you have your favourite colours ready!) make sure you follow the instructions on the tin for a successful paint application. As a general guide, our Eggshell No.17 is best applied with a synthetic brush and requires two full coats, whereas Eco Chic is a more versatile paint that can be used to create a smooth finish or a range of effects.

 

Inspired to paint? Order a colour card here and start planning your project!

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How to paint stencils on wooden furniture https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/how-to-paint-stencils-on-wooden-furniture/ Mon, 16 May 2022 08:00:01 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=80786 Stenciling is a quick and effective technique that can be used when upcycling furniture. But did you know our Eco Chic is perfect for painting with stencils on wooden furniture? The creamy thick consistency means no chance of bleeding and amazing coverage. Partner this with our extended range of pigments and our easy ‘how to’ […]

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Stenciling is a quick and effective technique that can be used when upcycling furniture. But did you know our Eco Chic is perfect for painting with stencils on wooden furniture? The creamy thick consistency means no chance of bleeding and amazing coverage. Partner this with our extended range of pigments and our easy ‘how to’ guide, you will have everything you need to learn how to paint stencils on wooden furniture!

Pick

Firstly, you will need to pick a stencil. With endless designs out there, you are bound to be spoiled for choice. To help we recommend picking a stencil that isn’t too intricate and that’s reusable. If you choose a card stencil, be sure to recycle this once you’re finished as our Eco Chic is fully biodegradable. Next, you need to pick your project. This may be a piece that you have already upcycled and just looking to add something extra, or maybe you want to spruce up your plain wooden furniture.

 

Place

Once you have chosen your project, it’s time to place the stencil where you would like to paint it. When choosing, consider placing your stencil in edges, corners or centrally on main features like drawers. Move your stencil in different positions to get a feel before deciding, then once happy secure all edges with frog tape to stop it moving around.

 

Paint

Painting over your stencils couldn’t be easier with Eco Chic. All you will need is a sample pot (or a few if you’re feeling extra creative) of our Eco Chic in your chosen colour and a synthetic brush. Using a small amount of Eco Chic dab the brush over your stencil, paying extra attention in areas with details. To achieve an ombre effect, introduce a second or third colour and blend together using the same dabbing technique. Once you’re happy that the whole area in the stencil is fully covered, allow it to fully dry before removing the stencil.

Play

Why not add a touch of elegance to your project by using our Mica Gold pigment? Mix Furniture Glaze and a small amount of Pigment and dab over your stencil. Allow to fully dry and remove the stencil revealing a sparkly addition to your project. For a bolder choice why not try our Pigments in colours Ultramarine Violet or Ultramarine Blue? Looking for something a little less daring? Our White Pigment is perfect for achieving a delicate design. Check out our pigments page for more beautiful colours.

Have you used our Eco Chic or Pigments on your projects? We would love to see! Be sure to tag us on social media and use #Earthbornbyme

 

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How to paint furniture antique white https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/how-to-paint-furniture-antique-white/ Mon, 09 May 2022 08:00:58 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=80302 One of our most frequently asked questions is how to achieve the antique white look on furniture and beams. Most people want to achieve that beautiful white lime-washed look that allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Typically we advise using our Claypaint watered down ( you can read more about this […]

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One of our most frequently asked questions is how to achieve the antique white look on furniture and beams. Most people want to achieve that beautiful white lime-washed look that allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Typically we advise using our Claypaint watered down ( you can read more about this process here). However, with our Pigment range, there’s a  technique that is super easy and just as beautiful. Also, with 47 shade’s to choose from who says you only need white!

Firstly, make sure your chosen project is ready to paint by prepping and priming, if necessary, you can find more information on these steps in our other blog posts.

Before and after of coat stand sanded and painted with White Pigment water wash technique.

Method 1: Light water wash

Once your surface is prepped you will need to mix a small amount of White Pigment (a little goes a long way) with a cup of water and stir. Using a synthetic brush, apply the paint to bare wood, it may be helpful to apply to a small area first to check you are happy with the opacity. If needed, more pigment or water can be added to increase or dilute the pigment. Before drying, take an old rag and rub along the surface removing some of the excess paint.

Once fully dried, a coat of Furniture Glaze or Furniture Wax should be applied to protect your antique white project from surface dust, grease and oil.

Method 2: Vibrant Furniture Glaze wash 

This method is similar, but the thickness of the Furniture Glaze increases the intensity of the Pigment. Start by mixing a small amount of water and Pigment together to form a paste. Once mixed add the Pigment paste to our Furniture Glaze (3 parts glaze to one part paste) and stir until well combined. Using a synthetic brush apply the pigmented Furniture Glaze to your project making sure to apply thinly. For a light wash effect, use a rag to remove off any excess before drying. For a super vibrant piece, why not try Ultramarine Pink, Ultramarine Blue or Ultramarine Violet.

As this process mixes the pigment directly into the glaze there is no need for a protective coat of glaze or wax to be applied.

White and Ultra Marine Pink Pigment with Mica Gold Pigment on metal hooks. Ensure you use our Multi-Surface Primer when applying to metal or mdf.

Two Tone effect

You can achieve this by repeating the same process you followed above but adding a second pigment coat to create a contrast. Ensure you follow the same method when introducing your second pigment. This is because a pigment wash with water will not go over a pigment layer washed with Furniture Glaze.  

Alternatively, you can paint your furniture using our Eco Chic paint, just allow time to dry between coats and use pigments directly over the top following one of the above techniques. Once dry use sandpaper to on high point areas which will reveal a contrast for a truly unique piece.

We hope you enjoy experimenting with our Pigments as much as we do. Head over to our blog for more hints and tips on upcycling furniture. Have you used Earthborn in your project? Be sure to tag us in your masterpieces on social media with #Earthbornbyme.

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How to apply furniture paint https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/how-to-apply-furniture-paint/ Mon, 02 May 2022 08:00:15 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=80277 Spring is the perfect time for refreshing and revamping your home. Here at Earthborn we love to upcycle furniture. It’s great for the environment, saves money and the process of creating your own masterpiece happens to be really fun… win win! With our Eco Chic paint, Pigments range and our super easy step by step […]

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Spring is the perfect time for refreshing and revamping your home. Here at Earthborn we love to upcycle furniture. It’s great for the environment, saves money and the process of creating your own masterpiece happens to be really fun… win win! With our Eco Chic paint, Pigments range and our super easy step by step guides on how to apply furniture paint, you’re seconds away from creating your very own unique piece.

Colour Dragging is an effective look for upcycling furniture and is super easy to do. You can use this technique to mimic metals such as gold or steel by using our Pigments or simply make your item look more rustic using Eco Chic and a brushing technique.

Step 1 Prep:

When upcycling any furniture, the first step is to make sure that you have removed any old varnish, oils and paint. The easiest way to do this is by giving the furniture a good sanding to provide a solid base for paint.

Step 2 Prime:

Eco Chic does not need a primer if painting directly onto wood that has been sanded however it can sometimes be useful to use a base coat of Eco Chic thinned with 20% water. If you are painting over metal or MDF then our Multi-Purpose Primer would be needed before painting.

Step 3 Painting:

With your chosen Eco Chic colour, paint onto your furniture with a synthetic brush making sure not to apply too thickly which can cause drip marks. Although quick drying, allow at least 6 hours before applying a second coat of paint.

Hidey Hole and Mica Gold Pigment on tabletop surface

Step 4: Pigments

To create a brushed metal effect, you will need our Furniture Glaze and one of our metallic pigments such as Rhine Gold, Mica Gold, Mica Bronze or Mica Silver which will add an extra dazzle to your project. Mix a small amount of pigment (a little goes a long way) into a little water to form a paste. Next mix together the pigment paste and Furniture Glaze in a small container using a brush until smooth consistency.

 

Step 5: Colour Dragging

The fun part! Apply your mixed pigmented Furniture Glaze using short straight strokes alternating in directions. This creates a hatched effect which will catch the light like that of brushed metal. For the best effect we recommend painting a base layer in a dark colour such as Hidey-Hole first to add more contrast against the pigments. Allow to dry for at least 6 hours before applying a clear coat of Furniture Glaze over the top to seal and protect your design.

For a rustic colour drag effect use your chosen Eco Chic colour (we recommend a contrasting colour from your chosen base) and apply thinly using short straight stokes clashing in direction. Continue this process as the paint is drying for the best dragged effect. Once finished, be sure to protect your masterpiece with our Furniture Glaze or Furniture Wax.

Have you tried this project? We would love to see the results! Be sure to tag us in your masterpieces using #Earthbornbyme. If you are keen to get started, why not order your free colour card or buy a sample pot.

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What are VOC’s? https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/what-are-vocs/ https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/what-are-vocs/#respond Mon, 04 Apr 2022 07:00:59 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=75949 What are VOC’s? VOC’s is the abbreviation of Volatile Organic Compounds are gases that are released from certain solids or liquids. VOC’s can be found in many household products including air fresheners, cleaning products, carpets, paints and cosmetics. The gases are a mixture of a variety of different chemicals – some of which contribute to […]

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What are VOC’s?

VOC’s is the abbreviation of Volatile Organic Compounds are gases that are released from certain solids or liquids. VOC’s can be found in many household products including air fresheners, cleaning products, carpets, paints and cosmetics. The gases are a mixture of a variety of different chemicals – some of which contribute to either long or short term health issues. Health issues can range from irritation in the eyes, nose and throat up to some cancers. The chemical industry now works towards producing products that are considered to have a low level of VOC’s. As a result, it’s widely accepted that any products that emit under 30g/l are considered in the chemical industry as low.

Here at Earthborn we take low VOC’s very seriously and we are proud to say that all of our paints are virtually VOC free at less than 0.5g/l.

What makes our paint different?

 

 

Our Claypaint and other products are high quality and high performing due to carefully selecting environmentally friendly ingredients coupled with advanced manufacturing processes and formulations. We were the first UK licensed paint company to be awarded the EU Ecolabel for indoor paints and varnishes. Our paint is not just gentle on the planet but for little ones too after being certified as safe for use in children’s rooms. With no hidden nasties and a lack of smells, you can take steps towards a safer home and planet without having to compromise on style.

Steps you can take to lower your VOC exposure

Don’t worry there are a few steps you can take to reduce your exposure to VOC’s.

  • Only buy what you need. By taking time to actually work out how much of a product you require (e.g. – paint) not only saves money but reduces your exposure to unused chemicals. Unused chemicals can ‘leak’, releasing those harmful VOC’s into your home. If you have bought extra then try to store them where people don’t frequent such as sheds or garages.
  • Have a look under your sink then dispose of any products that you do not use. Most cities or councils offer a facility where you can drop off these products locally in ‘household hazardous waste’
  • Increase ventilation in your home by opening windows. This will help to increase airflow and reduce the amount of VOC’s in the room. Try keeping the temperature as low as comfortably possible as chemicals ‘off gas’ more in high temperatures.
  • Finally, you should consider purchasing low VOC options such as our Claypaint. VOC’s should be clearly labelled on products helping you to make an informed decision.

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Our most commonly asked questions about Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/our-most-commonly-asked-questions-about-earthborn-silicate-masonry-paint/ https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/our-most-commonly-asked-questions-about-earthborn-silicate-masonry-paint/#respond Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:00:11 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?p=44313 Lots of customers choose to use our Silicate Masonry Paint to paint their homes. In a nutshell, it’s a highly breathable masonry paint suitable for lime, concrete, brick, stone, and pebbledash. It provides a durable, long-lasting, weather resistant, matt finish that is highly breathable and is available in 48 beautiful colours. Many people who live […]

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Lots of customers choose to use our Silicate Masonry Paint to paint their homes. In a nutshell, it’s a highly breathable masonry paint suitable for lime, concrete, brick, stone, and pebbledash. It provides a durable, long-lasting, weather resistant, matt finish that is highly breathable and is available in 48 beautiful colours.

Many people who live in old properties are advised by conservation specialists to use breathable exterior paints. Or perhaps they have realised that non-breathable masonry paint is causing issues for their home, including damp walls or cracked brickwork.

So if you’ve come across our Silicate Masonry Paint but aren’t sure if it’s the right product for your house. Or if you’d just like some more information first, we’ve answered our most commonly asked questions to help you decide:

Is Earthborn’s Silicate Masonry Paint breathable?

Yes, when used with Earthborn Silicate Primer together they have a brethability level similar to that of limewash. Making it ideal for older properties, conservation projects and lime render.

Can I use Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint over limewash?

Yes, you can use our Silicate Masonry Paint and Silicate Primer over existing limewash provided it is completely sound and stable. However limewash is also prone to flaking off over time. If this is the case for your property, remove as much as possible before applying our Silicate Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint. If the surface isn’t fully bonded to the wall itself, it could risk coming off as the limewash flakes away.

Earthborn's Silicate Masonry System was used on Paddington Lodge

I have cob walls. Is Silicate Masonry paint suitable?

If your cob walls have been coated with lime render, then the Silicate Masonry Paint is an ideal finish due to its high breathability. It isn’t suitable for applying directly to uncoated cob walls though.

Do I have to remove every bit of paint work before applying Silicate Masonry Paint?

Not any more! With the introduction of our Bonding Primer, you can now paint over previously painted sound surfaces with Silicate Masonry Paint. This is ideal for painting exterior masonry surfaces when you’re not concerned with breathability or if there are areas still painted with non-breathable paint your struggling to remove. Use Bonding Primer, then Silicate Prime for the bare non-painted areas of the wall.

Can I apply using an airless paint sprayer?

Silicate Masonry Paint is suitable for spray application, see our datasheet for guidance. Silicate Primer – We do not recommend spraying as this would result in the primer to become airborne and potentially etch into any metal or glass in the vicinity, causing irreversible damage. Bonding Primer – is suitable for spray application, see datasheet for guidance.

 

Is it suitable for internal brick walls?

Yes it can be used internally or externally. Most people use it on exterior walls because it is very very durable, which makes it ideal for changes in temperature and weather conditions. If you have interior brick walls that require a breathable paint, you might prefer to use our Claypaint. Claypaint is also highly breathable and easy to apply.

I have tried to remove previous paint so the wall can breathe but there are patches that I cannot remove?

Your main priority is keeping the breathability. The best way to address this is to spot prime the patches where the previous paint cannot be removed with Bonding Primer (please be aware these patches will not be breathable). Then prime the rest of the unpainted area with Silicate Primer. For the second coat apply a mixture of 20% Silicate Primer and 80% Silicate Masonry Paint. Then paint over the whole area including the areas that have been spot primed. Then finish off with a final coat of Silicate Masonry Paint.

Do you match to bespoke colours?

We get lots of requests for colour matching across all our paint ranges. Our Silicate Masonry Paint is formulated differently to other paints, so bespoke colours aren’t always possible.

For example, dark colours including black are difficult to achieve. This is because adding too much pigment can change the chemical make up of the paint. This can stop it from bonding correctly, or inhibit its breathability. However, if you’re looking for a specific colour that isn’t in our range of 48 shades, you can always ask us and we’ll let you know if it’s possible.

Our breathable masonry paint in the colour 'Sandstone' was used on this medieval home

If you’d like to know more about our highly breathable, highly durable exterior masonry paint. Why not order your free colour card or purchase a sample pot in your chosen colour. If you already know which shade you want, full size tubs and primer can be ordered here or order through your local stockist.

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How to choose paint for an older property https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/how-to-choose-paint-for-an-older-property/ Mon, 21 Mar 2022 09:00:27 +0000 https://earthbornpaints.co.uk/?post_type=ep_blog&p=11830 Of all the enquiries we receive at Earthborn, advice on painting older properties, and in particular breathability, are the most common...

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Did you know that England has one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe with 21% of dwellings built before 1919? That means a lot of people will have the pleasure (and responsibility) of owning a piece of history. And according to Historic England it’s thought that around 500,000 UK buildings are listed.

 

Even if your property isn’t listed, it’s important to consider the long term impact of any alterations you make. From larger scale work like extensions, renovations and conversions, to seemingly smaller choices such as interior details and finishes, every aspect can impact on your building.

 

Of all the enquiries we receive at Earthborn, advice on painting older properties, and in particular questions about breathability, are the most common. We think this is great news because it means more people are considering the implications of the work they carry out to older, period properties, where even a simple paint choice can make a difference to the fabric of the building.

 

Why should I treat my older property differently?

 

Most historic buildings were constructed from solid walls using porous materials like stone, brick or timber, along with plasters made from lime. Traditionally, breathable materials were used to allow the air to flow through and prevent condensation. It is the porous nature of these materials that is key to the construction.

 

Masters_Hs-0621   38_The_Park-624

However, many modern building materials work on the basis of blocking the elements rather than allowing air to pass through. Non-porous materials prevent this flow of air and ‘seal’ the walls. In modern houses, this can be a good thing, but if these non-breathable materials are used on older properties without professional expertise, it can lead to future problems. The moisture in the air becomes trapped and is then forced out through the porous parts of the building, causing damp.

 

Likewise, if an older property is painted either inside or out with plastic-based paint, rather than an appropriate breathable paint, it will prevent moisture from flowing through the walls and can exacerbate damp problems. So if you have invested time and money in choosing the right building materials for your period home, it makes sense to carefully consider the type of paint used too.

 

What type of paint is best for a period property?

 

Before deciding which colour to go for, make sure you consider the breathability of the paint first and whether it is suitable for your project.

 

At Earthborn we have been fortunate to work with a number of heritage building specialists including architects, specifiers and building contractors on a variety of projects, each with their own unique requirements. What they all have in common, however, is the need for an appropriate breathable paint to work in harmony with the other materials and techniques used.

 

Our breathable Claypaint is ideal for interior surfaces and our Silicate Masonry Paint is perfect for exterior mineral-based walls. Both products have extremely high levels of breathability and are compatible with lime based plasters. In fact, both types of paint offer a viable, long-term alternative to lime wash because they are so breathable.

 

Lady_Chapel_Pats-1   landscape

 

Above all, older buildings are unique so it’s important to seek advice from professionals who have experience of working on historic projects. Many of our stockists are specialists who can advise on the best products for your heritage project.

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