I get where you’re coming from, but I actually had a different experience with clay-based paints. We used them in our hallway (which gets a ton of traffic—kids, muddy boots, the works) and they’ve held up surprisingly well for the last couple years. The trick seemed to be a really solid primer and a few extra coats. It’s not bulletproof, but it’s way less touch-up than I expected. Maybe some of it’s down to the brand or even just luck with the plaster underneath? I do think sometimes we underestimate how much prep matters with these eco paints...
I’ve been on the fence about clay-based paints for exactly this reason. Our living room is basically a racetrack for two dogs, so I figured eco paint would just get trashed in a month. But reading this—
The trick seemed to be a really solid primer and a few extra coats.
—makes me think I might’ve given up too soon. I’ll admit, I didn’t do much prep when I tried a sample wall (just wanted to see the color), and it started smudging right away. Maybe that’s on me.
Did you use a specific primer? I keep seeing people say “good prep” but never which products actually work with these paints. If it’s just about putting in the time up front, I’d rather do that than keep repainting every year... Just want to avoid wasting money on another “eco” thing that’s only eco because you have to redo it constantly.
Anyway, sounds like brand and prep both matter more than I thought. Might give it another shot.
I totally get where you’re coming from—clay paint can seem like a gamble, especially with pets. I’ve had better luck using a mineral-based primer (I used the one from Earthborn, but I think Keim has a good one too). It really made a difference in durability, at least on my hallway walls where my dog’s tail is basically a mop. I do think the brand matters, but honestly, the prep is what saved me from having to touch up constantly. Have you tried any of the “washable” eco paints, or are you set on clay? Curious if anyone’s had luck with those in high-traffic spots.
I’ve wondered about the “washable” eco paints too—my kitchen gets a ton of splatter and traffic, and I’m not convinced clay would hold up unless you’re really diligent with the prep. I did try Auro’s washable emulsion in our mudroom, and it’s been surprisingly resilient, even with muddy boots and the occasional paw print. The finish isn’t quite as matte as clay, but it’s a fair trade-off. I do think the primer makes a world of difference, though. Prepping old plaster is always a bit of a gamble, but so far, so good.
That’s interesting about Auro holding up in your mudroom—muddy boots are a real test. I’ve been looking at eco paints for some of my rental units, but durability is always the sticking point. Kitchens and bathrooms especially… tenants aren’t always as careful as you’d hope.
You mentioned,
I’m curious—did you notice any issues with touch-ups? Sometimes with conventional paints, even slight sheen differences show up if you patch a spot. With eco paints, I wonder if that’s more pronounced.“The finish isn’t quite as matte as clay, but it’s a fair trade-off.”
Also, when you prepped the old plaster, did you use a specific primer or just whatever was recommended by the paint brand? I’ve had mixed results with adhesion on older walls, especially if there’s any residual wallpaper glue or old oil-based paint lurking underneath.
If anyone’s tried other brands in high-traffic areas, would be interesting to hear how they stack up. Always trying to balance sustainability with long-term maintenance costs... not easy.