Page title: FAQs

The term ‘breathability’ can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to choosing the right paint. When we talk about paint breathability, we’re referring to how much air and water vapour can easily flow through the surface. Using paint with a high level of breathability, coupled with breathable building materials, means that moisture doesn’t become ‘trapped’ beneath the surface of the paint. Trapped moisture, also known as damp, can cause the paint to bubble, peel and eventually blow completely. It can also lead to much bigger problems within the fabric of the building itself.

Whilst one common approach is to use waterproof paints and materials designed to block moisture, this can actually exacerbate the problem. As walls naturally move, tiny cracks appear and let moisture in. Water will often find its way through the smallest of hairline cracks, but with a waterproof paint it remains trapped within the walls, creating damp issues.

Therefore, a breathable paint will allow the natural moisture that’s in the walls and atmosphere to flow through the walls without damaging the building. Breathability is an especially important consideration in older buildings and lime plastered properties.

Many products are marketed as ‘breathable’, and whilst all paints are breathable to a degree, what’s important is how breathable. When looking for a Breathable Paint, there are two common ways to check how breathable it is.

The first is the SD (Steam Diffusion) value, which is a German method for measuring breathability. It is widely accepted that for a paint to be classed as breathable it should have an SD value of 1 or lower; the lower the value the more breathable the paint. Earthborn Claypaint has an SD value of just 0.02m.

The other method used to measure breathability is the moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR). It measures the amount of water vapour (in grams) able to pass through the paint surface over a 24 hour period. The higher the figure, the more water vapour that can pass through, and therefore the more breathable the paint. Earthborn Claypaint has a figure of 1115g/m2/24h, compared with a typical emulsion paint which usually measures between 400-500g/m2/24h.

We offer two fully breathable paint finishes making them perfect for lime plaster and heritage projects.

Earthborn Claypaint is a water based, breathable emulsion suitable for interior walls and ceilings. It has no nasty paint smells and covers exceptionally well. Being totally free from oils and acrylics, it’s especially suitable for lime plaster, older properties and buildings that may have suffered from damp problems, as well as over painting pre-existing paintwork. The high clay content gives Earthborn Claypaint a beautiful creamy consistency making it a joy to use and results in its distinctive totally flat matt finish.

Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint has a breathability level similar to that of limewash, making it ideal for older properties, conservation projects, as well as new and old lime render. It is regularly used on listed buildings and heritage properties. A chemical reaction with the mineral substrate means that when used together, the paint and primer form part of the surface, so it is highly durable and weather resistant. Once fully cured, it won’t flake off and unlike limewash doesn’t need reapplying every few years. Earthborn Silicate Masonry paint system is naturally alkaline so resists algae growth and is non-yellowing, with a classic matt finish.

Many properties suffer from damp, particularly older properties which can be improved with a breathable paint. To resolve this, the approach by some is to seal the building to make it waterproof, using non-breathable building materials and vinyl paints. Whilst this may offer some short-term relief, water will naturally find its way in (through tiny cracks in the walls for example, as the building moves). This water then has nowhere to go, and becomes trapped beneath the waterproof material and paint work, causing damp in the walls.

‘Breathability’ therefore refers to how easily water vapour can pass through a wall. A breathable wall is one that will take in moisture in the air then release it (as if the wall is breathing) without impacting on the fabric of the building. The type of paint you use is one factor that can affect the breathability of the walls.

One way to avoid damp in a building is to use breathable building materials, such as lime render or plaster, followed by a Breathable Paint. Any paints that contain vinyl, acrylic, oils or plastics are not breathable and can trap moisture beneath the surface, causing mould build up or even blowing the paint off entirely.

Even if your property has not been built with breathable materials like lime, using a breathable paint can still contribute to a heathier environment. Claypaint is our most breathable paint, allowing moisture to easily flow through the surface, reducing condensation, mould and mildew.

The SD (Steam Diffusion) value is a German method for measuring breathability. It is widely accepted that for a paint to be classed as breathable it should have an SD value of 1 or lower; the lower the value the more breathable the paint. The SD values for our two most breathable paints have been measured as follows:

Earthborn Claypaint (for interior walls and ceilings) – SD: 0.02m.

Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint (for exterior masonry surfaces) – SD: 0.06m.

The MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) measures the amount of water vapour (in grams) able to pass through the paint surface over a 24 hour period. The higher the figure, the more water vapour that can pass through, and therefore the more breathable the paint. The MVTR values for our two most breathable paints have been measured as follows:

Earthborn Claypaint (for interior walls and ceilings) – MVTR: 1115g/m2/24h.

Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint (for exterior masonry surfaces) – MVTR: 1264g/m2/24h.

Yes!

Hygroscopic refers to a substance’s ability to absorb moisture from its surroundings. Being highly breathable, Claypaint is a hygroscopic paint that will ‘even out’ the humidity in a room by absorbing excess moisture. It’s especially suitable for older properties and rooms that have suffered with damp, as it lets the walls breathe.

Being hygroscopic, the surface of Claypaint will change and the colour may deepen where it has absorbed moisture. When allowed to dry out naturally these marks should disappear, although in some cases, for example if there are salts in the walls, some staining may occur.

If you’re working on an older
property, it’s very common not to know what’s already on your walls. The
existing paint could be breathable—or it might be a conventional acrylic
finish.

If you’re aiming to maintain
breathability, the ideal approach is to remove previous paint layers. This can
be done by sanding, scraping, or in some cases using a paint stripper. If you’d
prefer to avoid harsh chemicals, there are eco-friendly paint strippers
available.

That said, removing old paint
can be time-consuming and, in some older buildings, may risk damaging the
underlying surface.

In these situations, applying a
breathable, moisture-regulating paint like Claypaint over the existing surface
can be a practical and sympathetic solution. While it won’t fully restore
breathability if the layers beneath are not breathable, it can still help
improve moisture balance and is often the best compromise between performance
and preserving the fabric of the building.

No. PVA will partially seal the surface, which can be detrimental to the building structure and result in a less comfortable living environment. Therefore, other than in special cases, PVA should be avoided.

First try brushing the surface thoroughly with a stiff brush. If the surface remains powdery, stabilise it with a solution of Earthborn Wall Glaze and water.

There are a number of causes for damp walls and ceilings. Inappropriate, non-breathable materials are one contributing factor, especially in older properties, along with poor ventilation and poor exterior surfaces like blown brick work. Rooms that are below ground level, such as basements, are also more affected by damp.

We find lots of customers have damp walls which have been coated in non-breathable gypsum plaster and vinyl based paints in an effort to waterproof the room. In the short term this might solve the damp issue by keeping water out, (by, for example, using a damp proof paint) but longer term, moisture becomes trapped under the surface and builds up, so the damp basement walls become more and more saturated.

A better way to treat damp walls is to use breathable building materials such as lime plaster and breathable coatings like limewash or Claypaint. This will allow any moisture trapped within the walls to naturally pass through the surface of the wall and help to regulate the humidity in the space.

Claypaint has an exceptionally high level of breathablilty and is a user-friendly alternative to limewash. It’s available in a wide range of colours with a host of other benefits. Being hygroscopic, the surface of Claypaint will change and the colour may deepen where it has absorbed moisture. When allowed to dry out naturally these marks should disappear, although in some cases, for example if there are salts in the walls, some staining may occur.

Basements are often affected by damp. We’d recommend Claypaint as a suitable paint for basement and cellar walls with ongoing damp problems. It’s a highly breathable interior emulsion with a high clay content, suitable for painting over new and old lime plaster, as well as painting walls that have been stripped of previous paint, and is an ideal for painting basements.

It’s important to treat the damp problem as a whole. By using a breathable paint in conjunction with other breathable building materials, which will allow moisture and water vapour to flow through the walls and help prevent a build-up of trapped moisture. This is especially important in older properties that may have had a variety of damp proofing works carried out in the past, some of which may not always be suitable for the age of property and original building method. We’d advise contacting a specialist who understands how to treat damp basements and cellars and has experience working with older period properties.

We recommend using Earthborn Claypaint on interior lime plaster and lime render because unlike most other paints, it does not reduce the breathability. Conventional vinyl emulsions would partially seal the surface, causing potential problems for the building fabric and the likelihood of the paint ‘blowing off’. Claypaint allows the walls to breathe and offers a viable alternative to lime wash.

A few simple steps should be taken before applying Claypaint to any lime surface:

• Lime render or plaster needs to be fully cured before painting. The best person to advise you is your lime provider, however as a general guide allow at least 1 month curing for every 5mm of thickness. In poor drying conditions this time period may be extended.
• Before painting make sure the surface is stable (not flaky or powdery).
• Slightly moisten the surface before applying the first coat of paint – a water spray bottle is perfect for this.
• When painting onto cured new interior lime plaster, dilute the first coat of Claypaint with around 10% water followed by a full coat.

If over painting interior lime wash, ensure the surface is sound and stable before painting. A diluted coat of Earthborn Wall Glaze may be applied to espcially dusty surfaces to help stabilise prior to painting.

This is because vinyl paint will effectively seal the surface and the damp will only move elsewhere. You need to let the damp out by using a breathable paint.

Of all Earthborn interior paints, Claypaint has the highest level of breathability and is particularly suited to older houses or properties that have suffered from damp.

Yes. Our Wallpaper Paste comes in powder form to mix with water. It contains a special mixture of methyl cellulose fibres of various lengths, and does not include resins (which would affect breathability!) or preservatives. Methyl cellulose alone is known to have nearly no effect on the breathability of the wall, making it suitable for older properties and lime.

It’s also important to consider the type of wallpaper you use, as this can have a greater bearing on breathability.

Yes. For externally lime rendered surfaces, Earthborn’s Silicate Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint is a highly breathable, durable alternative to conventional masonry paints and limewash. More information, including application advice and data sheets, can be found here.

We would recommend that you remove the limewash prior to overpainting. Our Silicate Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint system is designed to bond with the substrate and limewash is not always a stable surface.

We are often asked to mix bespoke shades. This is something we are able to offer on a case-by-case basis depending on the colour and finish. We require a colour swatch or reference to match to; this can be a physical paint swatch supplied on a piece of card, a colour swatch such as fabric or wallpaper that clearly displays the colour, or a reference such as RAL or NCS.

Please note we aren’t able to guarantee an exact match to any shade.

Please contact us directly if this is a service you would like to discuss – please note it can take up to a few weeks.

We are passionate about the power of colour and we are very proud of our signature colour range. If you need a little extra help choosing your colour scheme, take a look at our Inspiration section and our Blog where you will find lots of inspiration.

The following articles may be particularly helpful:

I want to paint my
room, where do I start?

Paint colours for east and west facing rooms

Paint colours for north facing rooms

Paint colours for north facing bedrooms

How to pick a neutral paint colour

We would always advise ordering a free colour card, painted in real Claypaint swatches and displaying our other paint finishes too. This will help you to narrow down your colour selection, and then test out your paint colours with sample pots before placing a full paint order.

Please note that colours on screen may vary depending on settings, therefore we wouldn’t advise selecting a paint colour from a computer, phone or tablet and would always recommend testing a physical paint sample.

If you would still like further advice, please contact us and we would be pleased to offer some simple colour advice on Earthborn colours.

Please note this is a free but very popular service which can take some time, so we regret we may not be able to help if your query is urgent. We are unable to offer full interior design advice or colour schemes using other paint brands.

We update our colour card every couple of years and this means sadly we have to say goodbye to some colours. We keep formulations for all of our archive colours and are still able to mix delisted shades, which you can order via an Earthborn stockist. We don’t offer sample pots of old colours and they are not available to buy direct or via our website. Please note that over time our equipment and ingredients may have changed, therefore we cannot guarantee an exact match to the old colour.

Due to the unique way we manufacture our paints, we are unable to offer equivalent RAL or NCS colour references. If you have been asked by a company for a corresponding RAL or NCS code (for example window frame, splashback and tile manufacturers) we would suggest providing them with a colour card or sample pot to match to using the most appropriate method for them.

We are unable to mix very deep shades such as black in our Silicate Masonry Paint finish. This is because the high level of colourant needed to achieve dark colours would compromise the breathability and technical properties of the paint.

However we are able to mix certain shades and this is something we offer on a case-by-case basis. We require a colour swatch or reference to match to; this can be a physical paint swatch supplied on a piece of card, a colour swatch such as fabric or wallpaper that clearly displays the colour, or a reference such as RAL or NCS. Please note we aren’t able to guarantee an exact match to any shade.

Please contact us directly if this is a service you would like to discuss – please note it can take up to a few weeks.

• Silicate Masonry Paint is suitable for spray application, see 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.

Yes, provided the walls have definitely been painted with our system and they are in a sound, stable condition. You can overpaint by applying a diluted coat of 80% Silicate Masonry Paint to 20% Silicate Masonry Primer, followed by a fully coat of undiluted paint.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to tell, if you have bought an old property that needs airflow to prevent damp issues in the walls, ideally you would strip back to the original substrate if you need it to breathe. You would then use a breathable render and follow this with our breathable Silicate Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint.

Alternatively, if breathability is not an issue you can use Bonding Primer followed by 2 coats of Silicate Masonry Paint. Both systems are slightly different so make sure you know which is right for your property.

If the remaining paint is purely mineral (for example old silicate paint) and the bare areas are also mineral, you can apply Silicate Primer evenly on both.

However, if there’s uncertainty about the paint type, apply Bonding Primer on both the painted and bare areas for consistent absorbency and appearance.

Most conventional masonry paints contain acrylics making them non-breathable. These ‘plastic’ based masonry paints can trap moisture under the surface causing bubbles, cracks, flakes and general problems with damp. This can be particularly problematic with older buildings where rain and damp are obvious factors.

Although water repellent, Earthborn’s Silicate Masonry Paint when used alongside Silicate Primer is a highly breathable paint, so any damp will not be sealed into the building. It also has unparalleled durability and provides an attractive finish.

Acrylic masonry paint is a relatively inexpensive paint that’s quick to apply and can go over any previously painted surface.

Due to its plastic content however, these ‘modern’ masonry paints have a low level of breathability meaning water vapour can’t easily pass through the painted surface. Invariably over time, water will find its way through hairline cracks in the surface where it can become trapped in the walls, eventually causing the paint to flake and bubble.

Earthborn’s Silicate Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint on the other hand, has a breathability level similar to that of limewash, making it ideal for older properties, conservation projects and lime render. It is regularly used on listed buildings and heritage properties. A chemical reaction with the mineral substrate means that when used together, the paint and primer form part of the surface, so it is highly durable and weather resistant. It won’t flake off and unlike limewash doesn’t need reapplying every few years. Silicate paint is naturally alkaline so resists algae growth and is non-yellowing.

Our Bonding Primer allows Silicate Masonry Paint to be painted over conventional acrylic masonry paints, please be aware the walls are not as breathable as when using Silicate Primer.

The two-part system is ideal for bare mineral surfaces but is not suitable for surfaces that have been previously painted in ‘plastic’ based conventional masonry paint.

First, apply a single full coat of Silicate Primer followed by two coats of Silicate Masonry Paint (first coat of which must be diluted with 10 – 20% Silicate Primer).

Please note, in order for the paint to successfully bond to the surface, the working temperature should be a minimum of 8°C and the moisture content of the wall should not exceed 15% or above.

Full application details can be found on our tins and data sheets.

Earthborn’s Silicate Masonry Paint is probably the most durable paint available for exterior masonry. When used as a full system with Silicate Primer, it makes a chemical bond with the surface by physically ‘knitting’ into the substrate. Properties, depending on location and weather, are known to have Silicate Masonry Paint lasting on the property for 15-20 years.

The Bonding Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint system has a mechanical bond and has a similar durability of other masonry paints of around 5-10 years, depending on where the property is located.

As with all paints, proper preparation is essential. For information about the application of the system, see here.

Silicate Masonry paint is suitable for spray application, as follows:

TIP SIZE: 419

PRESSURE (psi): 2800

GUN FILTER: 60 mesh

THINNING: Up to 10% with Silicate Primer

RECOMMENDED PUMP: Titan 840i or equivalent

Bonding Primer is suitable for spray application, and can be thinned with 5% water if needed.

We do not recommend spraying Silicate Primer – this would result in the Primer to become airborne and potentially etch into any metal or glass in the vicinity, causing irreversible damage.

The two-part system is ideal for surfaces that have been previously painted in ‘plastic’ based conventional masonry paint.

First, apply a single full coat of Bonding Primer followed by two coats of Silicate Masonry Paint.

Please note, in order for the paint to successfully bond to the surface, the working temperature should be a minimum of 8°C and the moisture content of the wall should not exceed 15% or above.

Full application details can be found on our tins and data sheets.

Yes. For externally lime rendered surfaces, Earthborn’s Silicate Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint is a highly breathable, durable alternative to conventional masonry paints and limewash. More information, including application advice and data sheets, can be found on the product page.

YES! When painting pre painted masonry you will need to use Earthborn’s Bonding Primer (as instructed) before applying the Silicate Masonry Paint.

We would recommend that you remove the limewash prior to overpainting. Our Silicate Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint system is designed to bond with the substrate and limewash is not always a stable surface.

Cob and clay are soft substances and allow water to penetrate easily, therefore we would not recommend our Silicate Masonry System for use on exterior surfaces with these substrates. This is due to the paint being unable to bond correctly.

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

Our Silicate Primer and Silicate Masonry Paint will withstand temperatures of up to 70°C, but the exterior of many outdoor ovens and fireplaces (for example, brick or stone pizza ovens and outdoor patio heaters) can reach much higher temperatures than this, so we wouldn’t advise using it on these items.

No, unfortunately we cannot achieve a pure black colour in the Silicate Masonry Paint range. This is because very dark colours like black would require a large amount of colourant, and this would affect both the breathability and chemical properties of the paint, meaning it wouldn’t bond correctly to the surface.

In addition to our core range of interior and exterior paint finishes, we also offer the following environmentally decorating products:

Casein
Paint

Casein
Filler

Crackle

Furniture
Wax

Furniture
Glaze

Isolating
Primer

Multi
Purpose Primer

Pigments

Wall Glaze

Wallpaper
Paste

Paint
Brushes

Aprons

Most interior walls and ceilings do not need priming before
painting with Earthborn Claypaint or
Lifestyle.

However in some cases, you may need to use one of our proprietary decorating products first. Check your wall is clean, dry and stable, removing any flaky material with a stiff brush. If your wall is particularly powdery to touch, Earthborn Wall Glaze can be used to stabilise the surface prior to painting. Dry stains such as water stains, pen or nicotine can be treated with Earthborn Isolating Primer first to prevent stains from bleeding
through the paint.

For highly absorbent surfaces such as bare plaster, apply a diluted coat of paint (80% paint diluted with 20% water), followed by 1-2 full coats as per the product instructions.

Interior wood surfaces should be prepared with Earthborn Multi Purpose Primer and lightly sanded prior to painting with Eggshell No.17.

Exterior masonry surfaces will need priming with Ecopro Silicate Masonry Primer before painting with Ecopro Silicate Paint.
It’s important that you follow the application instructions correctly for this
system, for more information click here.

Earthborn Pigments are
a range of 48 natural earth and mineral powders, providing a source of
concentrated colour for paint blending and special effects. They can be mixed
into Earthborn interior or exterior paint to create unique shades, as well as
being suitable for colouring and tinting other paints, glazes, clays and plasters.

Mixed with Earthborn Wall Glaze, Pigments are perfect for decorative effects such as colour washes, dragging, sponging and stencilling.

Some even contain naturally occurring metallic flakes to add extra dazzle to
your design. For more information about our range of Pigments click here.

Earthborn Wall Glaze is
a highly versatile, water-based medium with a range of uses:

1.      
When diluted with water it will bind powdery
or dusty surfaces prior to painting. Because it’s highly breathable, it’s
especially suited to stabilising old or powdery lime plasters. We’d always
recommend removing as much loose and flaky material as possible before
applying, but using a diluted coat of Wall Glaze will help to prepare the
surface ready for painting.

2.      
Applied on top of Claypaint, Wall Glaze
provides a hardwearing, durable finish whilst remaining breathable. So if you
have used Claypaint on lime plaster, you can be assured that Wall Glaze will
remain breathable (when diluted in the correct ratio) and give the painted
surface some extra protection!

3.      
Wall Glaze is ideal for protecting bear
interior brick or stone walls.

4.      
Wall Glaze is the perfect medium for mixing
with our range of powder Pigments. If you’re feeling creative, you can create a
myriad of effects including broken colour work, colour washes and marbling. Simply
mix your chosen Pigment shade into a little water to create a paste, then mix
into the Wall Glaze until you achieve the desired depth of colour. It can be
applied with a brush, sponge, rag or other technique.

Yes. Our Wallpaper Paste comes in powder form to mix with water. It contains a special mixture of methyl cellulose fibres of various lengths, and does not include resins (which would affect breathability!) or preservatives. Methyl cellulose alone is known to have nearly no effect on the breathability of the wall, making it suitable for older properties and lime.

It’s also important to consider the type of wallpaper you use, as this can have a greater bearing on breathability.

We’d recommend using Claypaint on interior brick and
stone walls. Its high clay content and thick, creamy consistency ensures great
coverage and high breathability, with a flattering, super matt finish.

 As bricks are more textured than plain plastered walls, it’s easier to apply Claypaint with a brush. Diluting the first coat with up to 2 parts water to 8 parts paint will help achieve a consistent finish. Apply one further undiluted coat for full coverage.

Before you apply any paint however, check the surface is sound and secure. If the brick or stone is dusty to touch, Earthborn  Wall Glaze will help to bind the surface and prevent dustiness, whilst
maintaining a level of breathability.

If there are any signs of staining, a stain blocker will prevent this from bleeding through the paint. It isn’t always necessary, but if that’s the case on your interior brick wall, use our Isolating Primer over dry stains to ensure your paint has a perfect finish. 

Claypaint doesn’t require a top coat, but if you feel that your painted bricks need to be a bit more hardwearing, you can also use a watered down coat of Wall Glaze as a protective finish.

With correct preparation, Earthborn paints can be used on interior
metal such as radiators. Our paints don’t like being applied to very shiny,
non-porous surfaces so we recommend using an appropriate metal primer as per
the manufacturer’s instructions, and always testing an inconspicuous area
first. Make sure the radiator is switched off during painting and drying
stages.

Claypaint will provide an ultra-matt finish but is not recommended
for heavy-use items, whereas Earthborn Eggshell No.17 will provide a durable
subtle sheen and is available in the same range of colours. When applying
Earthborn Eggshell No.17 we would suggest building up the finish in layers and
sanding lightly in between dried coats.

For high traffic areas like family kitchens, bathrooms or
hallways, Earthborn Lifestyle emulsion offers a durable, washable surface with
a classic low-sheen finish.

For high traffic areas with lime plaster, a breathable paint
finish should be used. We’d recommend using Earthborn Claypaint, which can be
finished with a diluted coat of Wall Glaze to protect the surface and maintain
its breathability. Please note that Wall Glaze can slightly alter the
appearance of Claypaint so we would recommend testing an area first – sample
pots are available to buy here in
both Claypaint and Wall Glaze.

Earthborn Claypaint has a high clay content and is free from acrylics and oils, so it can withstand very high temperatures (up to 80°C) without affecting the finish. It has also been certified with a Class ‘0’ reaction to fire rating, which you can read more about here. Its flat matt finish complements the soft glow of a fire and adds to the cosy feel of the space. For more tips on painting behind wood burners or fireplace surrounds, check out our blog post.

Casein Paint is a traditional powder paint made from milk proteins. It was widely used as an alternative to commercial chemical paints before the development of advanced eco paints. While its formulation is very different, it shares many properties with Earthborn Claypaint; however, Claypaint offers higher levels of performance.

Supplied as a powder, Casein Paint needs to be mixed with water before use and it only achieves full covering power when dry. Casein Paint is not as convenient to use as Earthborn Claypaint and Lifestyle Emulsion, but some people appreciate its smooth, visually soft appearance, which is why it remains in our product range. It can be tinted using Earthborn’s range of Pigments.

We recommend using Earthborn Claypaint because unlike most other
paints, it does not reduce the breathability. Conventional vinyl emulsions
would partially seal the surface, causing potential problems for the building
fabric and the likelihood of the paint ‘blowing off’. Claypaint allows the walls
to breathe and offers a viable alternative to lime wash.

A few simple steps should be taken before applying Claypaint to a
lime surface:

·        
Lime render or plaster needs to be fully cured
before painting. The best person to advise you is your lime provider, however
as a general guide allow at least 1 month curing for every 5mm of thickness. In
poor drying conditions this time period may be extended.

·        
Before painting make sure the surface is
stable (not flaky or powdery).

·        
Slightly moisten the surface before applying
the first coat of paint – a water spray bottle is perfect for this.

·        
When painting onto cured new interior lime
plaster, dilute the first coat of Claypaint with around 20% water followed by a
full coat.

Earthborn Claypaint and Lifestyle are ideally suited to bare gypsum plaster. For best results dilute the first coat of paint with around 20% water to 80% paint, followed by a full coat of paint.

Walls that have been stripped back to their original plaster should be treated in the same way, however if you are painting lime plaster, head here for advice.

No. PVA will partially seal the surface, which can be detrimental
to the building structure and result in a less comfortable living environment.
Therefore, other than in special cases, PVA should be avoided. First try
brushing the surface thoroughly with a stiff brush. If the surface remains
powdery, stabilise it with a solution of Earthborn Wall Glaze and water.

Yes, you can, no special treatment is required. Earthborn Claypaint
and Lifestyle Emulsion cover exceptionally well. In common with most paints, if
over-painting vinyl silk emulsion, a light sanding to provide a key may be
required.

There’s no need to prime walls and ceilings before painting with
Earthborn Claypaint and Lifestyle emulsions, unless there are marks or dry
stains on the surface that are at risk of bleeding through the paint. In this
case, apply Earthborn Isolating Primer to block out these stains. If your wall
is powdery to touch, you can stabilise it with Earthborn Wall Glaze prior to
painting. On absorbent surfaces such as bare plaster, apply a diluted coat of
paint followed by a full coat. For previously painted matt surfaces, simply
apply the paint directly.

Many properties suffer from damp, particularly older properties.
To resolve this, the approach by some is to seal the building to make it
waterproof, using non-breathable building materials and vinyl paints. Whilst
this may offer some short-term relief, water will naturally find its way in
(through tiny cracks in the walls for example, as the building moves). This
water then has nowhere to go, and becomes trapped beneath the waterproof
material and paint work, causing damp in the walls.

‘Breathability’ therefore refers to how easily water vapour can
pass through a wall. A breathable wall is one that will take in moisture in the
air then release it (as if the wall is breathing) without impacting on the
fabric of the building. The type of paint you use is one factor that can affect
the breathability of the walls.

One way to avoid damp in a building is to use breathable building
materials, such as lime render or plaster, followed by a breathable – or
‘microporous’ – paint. Any paints that contain vinyl, acrylic, oils or plastics
are not breathable and can trap moisture beneath the surface, causing mould
build up or even blowing the paint off entirely.

Even if your property has not been built with breathable materials
like lime, using a breathable paint can still contribute to a heathier
environment. Claypaint is our most breathable paint, allowing moisture to
easily flow through the surface, reducing condensation, mould and mildew.

Both paints are virtually VOC free, with no nasty paint smells or
harmful emissions. They are water based and safe to use in children’s rooms,
carrying the Toy Safety Standard.

Claypaint is our most breathable paint, with a high clay solids
content and a distinctive ultra-flat matt finish. With a thick, creamy
consistency it covers exceptionally well. It’s especially suitable for older
properties and lime plastered surfaces where breathability is a priority.

Lifestyle is durable and washable emulsion with a very low sheen
finish. It’s perfect for busier areas of the home such as kitchens and hallways
because it can be easily wiped clean. It isn’t as breathable as Claypaint so
not recommended for lime plastered surfaces.

Earthborn Claypaint and Lifestyle are both suitable for interior walls and ceilings.

Claypaint and Lifestyle can be applied by brush, roller or spray
in the same way as conventional emulsion. Most people find a short pile roller provides the best finish. Please note the method of application will affect the finished texture; a roller will give most texture (the longer the roller pile the greater the texture) and a spray the least.

First check your wall is clean, dry and stable, removing any flaky material with a stiff brush. If your wall is particularly powdery to touch, Earthborn Wall Glaze can be used to stabilise the surface prior to painting.
Dry stains such as water stains, pen or nicotine can be treated with Earthborn
Isolating Primer first to prevent stains from bleeding through the paint.

For highly absorbent surfaces such as bare plaster, apply a diluted coat of paint (80% paint diluted with 20% water), followed by 1-2 full coats as per the product instructions.

To avoid a ‘picture framing’ effect, ensure that areas of cutting in do not dry before rollering paint.

Full application details can be found on all full size paint tins and Claypaint and Lifestyle data sheets.

If you’re new to painting, take a look at this blog post all about how to paint a room.

Yes, both our Claypaint and Lifestyle emulsions are suitable for
spray application, as follows:

 Claypaint

Tip size -515

Pressure (psi) 2800

Gun filter - 60 mesh

Thinning -not normally required

Recommended pump-Titan 640i                (or equivalent)

 Emulsion

Tip size -415

Pressure (psi) 2800

Gun filter 60 mesh

Thinning not normally required

Recommended pump Titan 640i                (or equivalent)

Earthborn Claypaint is a unique paint with unique qualities. The
first thing most people notice is that it has little or no smell and covers
exceptionally well. Being totally free from oils and acrylics, it is a water
based, breathable emulsion suitable for interior walls and ceilings. It’s
especially suitable for lime plaster, older properties and buildings that may
have suffered from damp problems, as well as over painting pre-existing
paintwork. The high clay content gives Earthborn Claypaint a beautiful creamy
consistency making it a joy to use and results in its distinctive totally flat
matt finish.

We cannot offer you a guarantee as our products have not been
specifically tested for this. However, all of our interior paints have the
Safety of Toys Standard (EN71:3), and are regularly specified for use on
children’s toys and furniture. We know that Earthborn Eggshell has been used on
beehives, garden ponds, aviaries etc, and to our knowledge, with no harmful
effects.

With correct preparation, Earthborn Claypaint, Lifestyle and Eggshell No.17 can be used on interior metal including radiators. Our paints don’t like being applied to very shiny, non-porous surfaces so we recommend using an appropriate metal primer as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and always testing an inconspicuous area first. Make sure the radiator is switched off during painting and drying stages.

Claypaint will provide an ultra-matt finish but is not recommended for heavy-use items, whereas Earthborn Eggshell No.17 will provide a durable subtle sheen and is available in the same range of colours. When applying Earthborn Eggshell No.17 we would suggest building up the finish in layers and sanding lightly in between dried coats.

Earthborn Eco Chic and Earthborn Eggshell No.17 are ideal for
updating wooden kitchen cupboards. The glossier the surface you’re painting,
the more difficult it will be for the paint to stick. So if your cupboards are
plastic, melamine or wood effect, you should sand well to provide a key and
test an inconspicuous area first to see how the paint takes.

Eco Chic and Eggshell No.17 are primarily designed for painting
wood, so you may need to use a specialist cupboard primer to help the paint to
stick to non-wooden surfaces, we recommend our Multi Purpose Primer and bear in
mind the paint might not be as durable as other specialist products.

For MDF and laminate furniture, take a look at our blog.

For more ideas head to our Inspiration pages.

In line with our eco credentials, Earthborn Eggshell No.17 is
water-based and formulated without harmful ingredients, making it perfect for
interior woodwork but less suitable for external applications.

This is because changes in weather conditions and outside
temperature can cause exterior wood surfaces to expand and contract
considerably, causing strains to the paintwork and leading to possible flaking
or cracking. Therefore we would not recommend Eggshell No.17 for exterior wood
surfaces.

No, our Eggshell No.17 is not designed for use on floors or
floorboards.

Yes, as with all water based paints, it is necessary to seal knots
in bare wood prior to painting. Any standard knotting solution is fine to use
and should not affect the performance or application of Earthborn Eggshell
No.17.

However, if you are unable or reluctant to use a knotting
solution, you could heat the knots with a hot air blower until resin bleeds out
of the wood. You would need to wipe down with a solvent such as methylated
spirits before painting. Dependent on the wood, this may not be a permanent
treatment.

Yes, the following are certified as being safe to use on
children’s furniture and toys, carrying the Safety of Toys Standard (EN71-3:2019).

Eco Chic

Eggshell No.17

Claypaint

Lifestyle

Furniture Wax

Furniture Glaze

Multi Purpose Primer

Wall Glaze

You can read more about our child-safe paint on our blog. To read our full Toy Safety
Statement click here.

As with any DIY project, take care when preparing surfaces and
applying paint. Work outside, or in a well ventilated area and wear a suitable
face covering especially when dry sanding. Furniture should be checked to
ensure it is in sound, solid condition. If your furniture has existing paint
work, gloss or varnish, then we recommend lightly sanding first to provide a
‘key’ and help the new paint to stick. If painting onto bare wood, ensure it
has a smooth surface – again, lightly sand if needed. After sanding carefully
wipe away any residue and you are ready for painting.

For MDF and laminate furniture, take a look at our blog

No primer is required before painting furniture with Earthborn Eco
Chic. After sanding, we recommend diluting the first coat of paint with water
by 10-20%. This will act as a primer.

If you’re using Eggshell No.17 you will need to use a primer, we
recommend our Multi Purpose Primer. Follow this with a full coat of paint,
giving a light sanding between coats (always wear a mask if dry sanding!)

Yes, both finishes are suitable for spray application, as follows:

PRODUCT

TIP SIZE

PRESSURE (psi)

GUN FILTER

THINNING

RECOMMENDED PUMP

Eco Chic

515

2800

60 mesh

not normally required

Titan 640i                (or
equivalent)

 Eggshell No.17

210 Synergy

2700

100 mesh

not normally required

Titan 640i                (or
equivalent)

We would recommend using Earthborn Eggshell No.17 on interior woodwork. Available in the same colour range as our Claypaint and Lifestyle Emulsion, it offers a durable, wipeable surface that’s especially
suited to skirting boards, architraves, doors and interior wood trims. Free from oils and acrylics, Earthborn Eggshell No.17 is water-based with virtually no smell, and provides a breathable finish for your woodwork.

We have two paint finishes that are ideally suited to
painting furniture:

Earthborn Eco Chic is based on our Claypaint formulation and
designed for use on furniture. It has a luxuriously thick, creamy consistency
and can be applied in a variety of creative ways; layered, sanded, as a colour
wash, with Earthborn Crackle… the options are limitless! Eco Chic is best
finished with our clear Furniture Wax or Furniture Glaze for added protection.

Earthborn Eggshell No.17 is a water-based yet highly durable
paint that dries to a subtle sheen, perfect for paint projects requiring a
smooth, consistent finish.

Don’t forget to use a face mask and take care if dry
sanding.

Eggshell No.17 can be applied by brush, roller or spray. For best results paint onto untreated, bare wood. Wood surfaces should be prepared with Earthborn Multi Purpose Primer and lightly sanded prior to application. Follow this with two full coats of Earthborn Eggshell No.17. Sanding in between dried coats will provide an extra smooth finish. Don’t forget to use a face mask and take care if dry sanding.

If painting onto previously coated woodwork, especially those painted with oil-based or polyurethane paints or varnishes, sand well to a matt
finish before priming with Earthborn Multi Purpose Primer. Surfaces that have
been previously painted with oil-based gloss paints can be overpainted with
Earthborn Eggshell No.17 provided the previous coating is thoroughly aged
(usually around 3 years).

Full application details can be found on our tins and data sheets.

Eco Chic is easy to use so get creative! It can be applied by brush, roller or spray.

Previously painted furniture should be given a light sanding to provide a key. No need for a primer.If painting directly onto untreated wood, prime with Eco Chic, diluted with 20% water followed by a further full coat.

Eco Chic can be layered, sanded or watered down and used as a colour wash. Don’t forget to use a face mask and take care if dry sanding. Finish
with a protective coating of Earthborn Furniture Wax or Furniture Glaze.

Full application details can be found on our tins and data sheets.

If you are an Interior Designer please register your interest here https://earthborn-paints.myshopify.com/pages/b2b-login
and we will be in touch with further details.

Colour Cards and Swatches: Free delivery - 5-7 days

Sample Pots (6 or less): Free delivery - Tracked 48 hours

Sample Pots (7+): Free delivery - Up to 3 working days

Decorating Tools, Furniture Wax, Wall Glaze, Pigments, Apron: £3.30 delivery - Tracked 48 hours

All other items: £5.00 delivery - Up to 3 working days

Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Isle of Scilly: £9.95 delivery - 2-5 working days

For more information please see Delivery
& Returns

Sample pots and colour cards are sent via Royal Mail. We try our best to dispatch orders as quickly as possible, but please allow up to 7 days for your delivery.

All other items are sent via a courier and delivery is up to 5 days from receiving your order.

Deliveries are made within our courier’s standard operating hours Monday to Friday. No deliveries are made on weekends or Bank Holidays.
Please note our warehouse and offices are closed on bank holidays in the UK and
between Christmas and New Year – dispatches and deliveries will not be made
during these periods.

If you have any issues with your order please email sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk

We deliver to the UK and Ireland. For all other overseas deliveries, click here.

If you’d like to return unopened paint, please notify us within 14 days of purchase for a full refund (excluding any delivery charges).

Unfortunately we cannot refund items that have been opened
or used.

Returns should be sent to the following address:

Earthborn, Frodsham Business Centre, Bridge Lane, Frodsham,
Cheshire WA6 7FZ

Customers must arrange (at their own cost) to return the
goods to the address above. You must also return the goods in a saleable
condition, either with the same packaging as when it was received, or with
equivalent packaging. Please note we cannot refund items that have damaged
while in transit due to improper packaging.

Please include your contact details and order number within
your returns package.

If there are any issues with the paint you have received
please contact our customer service team as soon as possible and they will
advise you the next steps to get this resolved quickly.

You can contact us by telephone 01928 734171 or by email sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk.

If you need to speak to Earthborn directly about your order,
you contact us by:

Phone: 01928 734171

Email: sales@earthbornpaints.co.uk