FAQs concerning Natural Paint

What does ‘natural’ mean?

In the context of paint, the term ‘natural’ is widely accepted as meaning eco-friendly, ‘green’ paints based on sustainable natural ingredients. However, as there is a lack of clear definition for the term ‘natural’ within the paint industry, concerned consumers should ensure they purchase a reputable natural paint brand. The German based ‘Registered Association of Natural Paint Manufacturers’ (ENAV) and the European Union Ecolabel both ensure quality from their associated manufacturers.

There are products/brands available that claim to be environmentally friendly and even call their products ‘Organic’ but which are very similar to conventional paints in terms of ingredients. We believe this is misleading the customer who naturally assumes the link with Organic food. There is no such thing as Organic paint unless one is referring to the chemistry which means conventional petrochemical based paints can also claim to be Organic! There is NO standard for Organic paint.

Be very wary of brands claiming environmental or healthy credentials, but won't disclose their ingredients.

Why should I use ‘natural’ paints?

The paint market is controlled mostly by large chemical companies that, traditionally, have been less concerned about the environment than other issues. The ‘natural’ paint movement began in Germany towards the end of the 20th Century in response to concerns about the impact of modern chemical paints on the environment and health. The concerns of the few are now becoming the concerns of many:

  • the impact of petrochemical solvents on the environment
  • carcinogenic properties of many petrochemical based paints
  • increasing incidence of allergies and asthma
  • sick building syndrome arising from high levels of chemical compounds within buildings.

Many people are unaware that most modern chemical paints continue to give off potentially harmful gases years after application. For the increasing numbers of us who like to take care of our health, eating well and exercising, it can be a sobering thought that our living environment – the rooms in which we live, work and sleep - are coated in modern chemical paints...effectively, like living in a series of plastic bags.

If most paints are potentially hazardous to use, why are they not covered in orange and black hazard symbols?

The labelling legislation makes special provision for paints, in many cases removing the requirement for the well recognised hazard symbols. This should not be interpreted as meaning that paints are less hazardous than other products that do carry such labels.

Additionally, there is no legal requirement for paint labels to include a list of ingredients. Here at IEKO, however, we believe consumers should be able to make informed choices so our products carry a declaration of ingredients.

Do ‘Natural’ paints include petrochemical ingredients?

We take a holistic approach to environmental issues and consider not only what goes into the paint but also, perhaps more importantly, what comes out. There are instances where the alternative to a petrochemical based ingredient can be more harmful to the environment or the health of the user than the petrochemical derivative itself. Therefore, certain products do contain very limited and ‘cleaned’ petrochemical derivatives.

I have heard of VOCs. What are they and if I buy a low VOC paint can I be sure it is not harmful to use?

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound and they can be found in plant as well as petrochemical materials. It is widely accepted that VOCs contribute to global warming and are seriously detrimental to health. VOCs can be found in all sorts of products. In the paint industry, for example, they are widely used as solvents in oil based gloss and eggshell paints, giving them their distinctive smell. However, modern chemical paints also contain other potentially harmful constituents, such as acrylic softeners.

It is difficult to make an informed choice regarding paint products as many suppliers do not disclose their product ingredients. Concerned consumers may prefer, therefore, to use a reputable, natural paint brand such as earthborn or Biofa. Labels on all earthBorn products make a full declaration of ingredients. The Paints stocked by IEKO are safe to use.

Are Natural paints traditional paints?

‘Traditional’ is a term frequently used to convey an ‘image’ or ‘feel’. In many cases it is used as a ‘smokescreen’ to obscure the fact that the paint is a conventional chemical paint and, in fact, refers to little other than the colour shades and names. The term should not be confused with ‘natural’ or ‘eco-friendly’.

Most Natural paints are not traditional in any way; manufacturers use advanced formulations and modern technology to produce paints that fit with strong ecological principles without compromising performance.

There are an increasing number of new brands of paint on the market, many with traditional sounding names. Presumably, many of these are ‘natural’ paints?

Probably not; most independent paint companies use recipes based on formulations and technology emanating from the large multinational chemical companies.

Presumably I have to compromise on quality or price?

No. IEKO’s Natural paints are competitively priced compared to other leading, quality brands of decorative paint. The paint quality is second to none, equalling or exceeding the performance of comparable conventional paints in nearly all respects. The paints we stock are formulated to meet high performance criteria, not to maximise profit margins.

I suffer from allergies/asthma. Will Natural paints help?

Many allergy and asthma sufferers experience benefits when using Natural products. There are a number of reasons for this:

  • careful ingredient selection that relies on natural ingredients rather than heavily processed chemicals
  • the breathability of our wall paints, and hygroscopic qualities of Claypaint in particular, helps even out the humidity in a room, making for a healthier and 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 well being, especially for allergy and asthma sufferers
  • Claypaint’s high clay content helps to destroy airborne odours and contaminants.

A declaration of ingredients on our products allows people to make an informed choice.

It is never possible to guarantee that an individual will not have a reaction to a particular product or ingredient. For this reason, we recommend potential users test the product first; samples are available of most of our products.

How do I apply Natural Emulsions and Claypaint?

In much the same way as a conventional paint they can be applied by brush, roller or spay. The method of application will affect the finished texture; a roller will give most texture (the longer the hair the greater the texture) and spray the least.

Is Claypaint suitable for use over lime plaster, lime wash or lime-rendered walls (without compromising the natural breathability of these traditional building materials)?

earthBorn Claypaint is ideal for these situations because, unlike most other paints, it does not reduce the breathability of the surface. Paints such as modern vinyl emulsions would partially seal the surface, causing potential problems for the building fabric and the likelihood of the paint ‘blowing off’. Before painting make sure the surface is stable (not flaky or powdery).

Is Claypaint suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens?

Its breathability and hygroscopic (moisture absorbing) properties make it ideal as it reduces the occurrence of condensation. Less condensation means less likelihood of mildew and mould. A tiled ‘splashback’ is recommended behind sinks and cookers.

How durable is earthborn Claypaint?

earthBorn Claypaint has been tested to DIN53778 (a ‘scrubability’ standard) and is therefore amongst the most durable of paints. However, this should not be confused with ‘washability’. Due to its breathability, Claypaint will absorb liquid stains, e.g. red wine and fruit juice. Surface marks can sometimes be removed with an India rubber or fine emery paper. earthBorn Emulsion is less ‘breathable’ than Claypaint and therefore offers a more stain resistant alternative.

Are earthBorn wall and ceiling paints suitable for painting new plaster?

Our wall and ceiling paints are ideal for new plaster because they are so breathable. (In fact, Claypaint is so breathable it is almost as if it is not there! The vapour permiability of earthBorn Claypaint is 6 times better than a typical vinyl paint.) Breathability is important because it allows the moisture in the new plaster to dry out through the paint. Modern vinyl paints effectively seal the surface, which is why the usual recommendation is to allow several months before painting. With earthBorn Claypaint you do not need to wait this length of time...just a few weeks for the initial drying to take place.

Can I overpaint vinyl paint with Natural Emulsion or Claypaint?

Yes, no special treatment is required. Our Claypaint and Emulsion cover exceptionally well. In common with most paints, if overpainting vinyl silk emulsion, a second coat may be required.

I have prepared the wall to be painted but the surface is powdery. Should I treat it with PVA?

No. PVA will partially seal the surface, which can be detrimental to the building structure and results 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.

We have treated a damp problem in our Victorian house and have been told not to use vinyl paint. Can you recommend a suitable paint?

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. All earthborn and biofa wall and ceiling paints are highly breathable, especially earthBorn Claypaint.

Can OSMO products be used on wood previously painted with a conventional finish?

OSMO products can be used on wooden surfaces previously coated with OSMO which is why renovation is so easy with this great range, but not on surfaces finished with a conventional (non micro-porous) product. All conventional finishes must be removed prior to applying OSMO products. As an alternative, Biofa Gloss and Matt paint can be used over conventionally coated surfaces.

IEKO 2006 – with thanks to earthborn paints for their material