Ultimate Guide to Natural and Synthetic Paints for Smart Shoppers.

Remember, the decision between natural and synthetic paint is not only related to colour, it’s also about knowing how they will hold up in real-world scenarios. During my research, I realised that paint was dependent on many different things, including the weather, the lay of the surface, and even the people who would be using the room. We will consider a few of the things that you need to keep in mind when choosing between natural and synthetic paints.

Natural Paint vs. Synthetic Paint

Considering the Project Environment.

Without examining the place, it cannot be determined whether you should apply natural or synthetic paint. Remember that the contact with moisture and the type of surfaces can greatly affect how well a paint lasts and performs.
I will suggest that your best application for natural paints is for indoor use. These are non-toxic, as they are usually made from breathable clay, lime and plant-based oils. These ingredients ensure healthy indoor air quality, allowing walls to dry out moisture quickly, which means less mould and less damp. These factors make them ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and kids’ rooms. However, remember natural paints are more vulnerable to harsh weather than synthetic ones.
Synthetic paints are formulated to withstand varied environmental conditions. Made with acrylics, vinyl, styrene acrylics, or other petrochemical-based binders, they work through the formation of a tough, water-resistant film that is usually perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. They are ideal for kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor walls due to their resistance to mould, mildew, cracking and peeling.

Climate and Humidity Considerations.

If you are living in a coastal area, indoors, you can choose natural paints because of their breathability. These do not allow moisture to become trapped, so they are ideal for preventing damp. But, in high moisture situations, including in exterior air, natural paints can require more maintenance and not have the same longevity as synthetic paints. Artificial paints are surface sealers, and they are not easily permeated by moisture; so they are better for applications such as bathrooms, basements, or the tropics. 

Primary Function.

Decoration, protection or both, every paint project has a goal. Identifying the main purpose effortlessly makes it easy to select the type of paint that will offer the best result. Natural paints are best for those concerned with health and indoor air quality. Also, for someone who likes the look of natural-based finishes. Natural paints offer a matte, natural, foamy look, which is nice, but they could be missing the protective foil for extreme environments. On the other hand, synthetic paints have a protective film to prevent physical damage, moisture and chemicals from reaching the base of the dyed wood. They are the alternative to go to if you are looking for surface protection. I will suggest using synthetic paints in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom and in your home exterior. 

Surface Type and Compatibility.

The surface type also has a lot to do with selecting the best paint for the job. Natural paints perform very well on porous surfaces, including lime plaster, stone, adobe and raw wood. They are typically selected for historic or environmentally aware buildings, where breathability is an issue. On the other hand, it can have adhesion problems with previously painted or non-porous surfaces. On the other hand, synthetic paint usage is much more versatile. They bond well with so many surface types, from drywall and concrete to metal, plastic and already-painted walls, with little to no surface prep. That makes them ideal for new buildings and pre-finished surfaces.

Durability.

But if you live in a very harsh climate, they should be durable up there; the durability of these is crucial. It is a measure of the longevity of the paint application before requiring reapplication. Natural paints are far from being durable. They have an elegant patina, generally fading but not shedding as they age, but they can wear down more rapidly under duress or in rigorous cleaning. They usually survive 3-7 years indoors, depending on facilities and care. Well-prepared, synthetic coatings are very durable and can provide up to 8-15 years of use. With strong bonding agents and special resins that are resistant to chipping, breaking, and UV damage, TriMax offers fibreglass products designed to withstand the test of time. This makes them more fitting for homes with high traffic, commercial uses and outdoor purposes.

Maintenance.

Natural paints have a medium durability. They may age more gracefully (meaning, they often fade), but they also tend to wear more quickly if subjected to physical stress or heavy cleaning. It does live indoors for 3-7 years in general, depending on environmental conditions and care. Synthetic coatings are pretty durable stuff, and if prepped well, should last 5-7 years. The binders and protective resins help avoid chips, cracks, and make sure they aren’t blasted by UV rays. This means they are perfect for high-traffic homes, commercial use and outdoor use.

Environmental Impact.

Paint impacts indoor air quality, and even the environment, through its ingredients, manufacturing and post-consumer disposal. In addition, the natural paints are manufactured from sustainable, biodegradable raw materials and result in an overall reduced environmental impact. Typically, they are VOC (volatile organic compound) free, have no formaldehyde and have no hazardous materials. They are also a highly sought-after option for environmentally conscious consumers, as production generally requires little energy and is often sustainable. Traditional synthetic paints are formulated with VOCs, being created mostly from petrochemicals created by mineral extraction, which can harm air quality and lead to environmental pollution. The good news for you and the environment is that many modern synthetic paints are available in low-VOC or zero-VOC versions, which are much safer than the older formulas. However, they are still responsible for an increased carbon cost to produce and dispose of compared to natural alternatives.

Cost.

Budget is a practical concern for most buyers, and cost goes beyond just the price per can. It includes durability, coverage, and maintenance over time. If you are concerned about the budget, remember natural paints tend to cost more at the initial point, the coverage per litre used would be lower by the end of the application cycle, as natural paints frequently need more coats to achieve the desired finish than their synthetic equivalents. Also, they might fade sooner than others since they are less durable, especially in high-traffic zones. But for the smaller interior projects or more health-related places, most consider the investment worth it. Generally, synthetic paints are cheaper and more readily available. Synthetic paints provide more coverage per litre and offer better long-term value as they last longer. They are also less labour-intensive to apply, and the application process is quicker, leading to reduced labour costs. Here I will say for larger projects or budget-conscious renovations, synthetic paint is often the more economical choice.