Many selfbuilders set out to build as sustainably as possible. When it comes to paint, one company specialises in sustainable specification but goes beyond that to deliver excellent performance and aesthetics.
Earthborn uses carefully selected ingredients and technologically advanced manufacturing processes. No oils or acrylics means high breathability and no toxic emissions. Breathability is important, as walls sealed with conventional acrylic based paints are susceptible to moisture damage.
Earthborn’s range includes interior and exterior paint, specialist finishes for interior wood and furniture, wallpaper paste and primers.
Its flagship product is Claypaint, an exciting alternative to emulsion, which provides a distinctive, ultra matt finish with great covering power and performance. Containing no oils or acrylics, Claypaint is virtually VOC free and does not give off any toxic emissions. That means it is safer for the health of building occupants as well as the environment. It is Ecolabel approved.
Overhill Cottage
Coming to terms with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is never going to be easy. But one thing Steve Hudson and his wife Barbara agreed on early was that they would need to move into a house enabling ease of movement for Steve’s wheelchair.
The search took several years; very few properties are fully wheelchair friendly. Eventually, the couple found a rural property for demolition to make room for a new, purpose-designed home.
The specification for Overhill Cottage, in Cheshire, included high levels of insulation, an air source heat pump, underfloor heating and several types of Earthborn breathable paint.
Steve and Barbara specified Earthborn Claypaint for most walls, except those in the sitting room and hall for which they chose Lifestyle emulsion. And on all the woodwork they used white Eggshell.
Barbara said:
“The Earthborn colour palette is fabulous. It inspired us to use around 15 different shades. Most rooms have their own colour theme, such as Sunday Stroll in the sitting room, to complement the landscape views from the patio doors.”
Steve added:
“It’s the texture of Claypaint that’s particularly appealing. The experienced painters were very impressed with Claypaint’s covering power and the texture was quite a talking point with them.”
Aside from the aesthetics of Earthborn paints, their formulation benefits Barbara’s health. She developed skin allergies a few years ago and wanted a paint that would not trigger them off.
Earthborn paints are made without oils or acrylics, so they are virtually VOC free. That means they do not give off any toxic emissions and are much better for the health of building occupants as well as the environment.
It also means there are none of the strong smells associated with oil based paints, so Steve and Barbara could move into their new home more quickly after painting.
Other Earthborn products include:
- Lifestyle – durable, washable emulsion
- Eggshell No 17 – interior wood finish with a silk sheen
- Eco Chic – creamy, clay based furniture paint
- Ecopro Emulsions and Eggshell – high performance, low odour alternatives
- Ecopro silicate masonry system – hardwearing, weatherproof, breathable alternative to modern masonry paints and traditional limewash.
Earthborn has an outstanding colour palette. Bespoke shades can be developed through its nationwide network of stockists.