FAQ

Established in 2001 & based in the Cotswolds, we’re a specialist natural paint supplier focused on natural, eco friendly paints & sustainable alternatives.

We focus on brands with strong technical performance and eco credentials. We’re passionate about indoor air quality and are proud to offer products that are chosen with indoor air quality, ingredient transparency, and sustainability in mind.

More: About us, Contact us 

Our passion for natural paint stems from a belief the products used in our homes should be safe, healthy, and carefully made. We want to educate and inform that switching away from conventional paint and all the chemical nasties in it is a better, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable solution.

We look beyond marketing claims and consider ingredients, technical data, breathability, durability, and emissions. We stock products that are healthier, practical, and genuinely worth recommending.

We stock specialist natural paint brands including Auro, Graphenstone and Earthborn. Our brand guides explain more about each company and their ethos, ingredients, certifications, and product ranges.

• Auro
• Graphenstone
• Earthborn

We use eco friendly protective packaging to help your order arrive safely while reducing unnecessary waste. Manufacturer paint tins, tubs and containers are recyclable once empty.

All queries are answered by one of our team of paint experts, including our founder Chris. We don’t outsource our customer service so all queries are dealt with by us in house.
More: About us, Contact us

We offer express (1-2 day) and standard (3-5 day) delivery options. You’ll be notified via email and provided a tracking number once your order has been dispatched. If you have a customer account set up, your order history, dispatch status, and tracking numbers can be accessed there.

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Coloured paints and finishes are mixed to order and therefore not returnable unless defective. Unused standard stock items can be returned if unopened and undamaged within 14 days.

More: Returns

Need help with your project? You can contact us on hello@greenshoppaints.co.uk or call 01452 772020

Our colour charts are sent free of charge, you can find them all on our paint colours page. We recommend you make use of these, and purchase a paint tester or swatch before purchasing your paint. Colours you see on your web browser may not be true to life.

Yes! You can mark your order for collection during the checkout process and pop down to our retail outlet to grab your paint.

Yes, we have many trade customers. If you need to discuss making a trade or bulk order, please contact us on hello@greenshoppaints.co.uk for a chat.

We can supply our finishes in bulk for larger projects subject to lead times, and help with specifications. Please contact us on hello@greenshoppaints.co.uk to discuss your needs, we'll be delighted to assist.

Around 11am. Allow extra time for tinted colours, which are mixed to order.

Northern Ireland: yes, and the standard delivery rate covers up to 10 litres per box. USA: not at this time. Elsewhere: contact us with your postcode and litres needed.

Let us know, with a photo and your order number etc and we'll get back to you ASAP with a solution.

If supplier stock reaches us late we sometimes split an order and send what is ready first. If tracking looks stuck, get in touch and we will chase it.

Phone us straight away: paint is often tinted and packed quickly, so speed matters.

Yes, just ask and we will email one over.

Use a breathable paint, so moisture can pass through the wall instead of being trapped behind a plastic film. Graphenstone GCS Interior is our first choice for period interiors; Auro 344 lime paint is a good alternative for a simple white. Outside, on lime render or stone, use Graphenstone GCS Exterior. If the surface is patchy or powdery, apply one coat of Graphenstone L42 Ambient Primer first.

Yes, if it is sound. No primer needed; Grafclean Natural Emulsion is our usual choice. Sand back anything flaking or chalky first. On a damp-prone solid wall that needs to breathe, remove the old non-breathable paint rather than painting over it, as the old layer is what blocks the breathability.

A breathable one. Peeling on damp walls is usually moisture trapped behind plastic paint. GCS Interior suits living spaces; for cellars, Soil & Sky Mineral White, or Auro 303.

Graphenstone Nevada, a breathable contract white. Use it to unify mixed surfaces, knock back a strong colour before a lighter shade, or as a base under limewash.

Grafclean Matt. It is washable and breathable, and the breathability helps resist mould. Use Grafclean Eggshell anywhere that will get scrubbed.

Grafclean Eggshell is our first choice; water based, solvent free and will not yellow. Lightly sand and wipe down old finishes first.

Auro 517 (eggshell) or 516 (gloss) for a painted finish; Auro 560 woodstain (65 colours) to show the grain.

Treatex Hardwax Oil, or Auro 267 varnish.

Auro 108 Worktop Oil. Solvent free, made from natural oils, and food safe once fully dry. Wait 24 hours before use and treat the surface gently for the first three to four weeks while it hardens.

Radiators: yes, Auro 517 eggshell, with a rust primer on bare metal. uPVC and tiles are not officially supported; an eggshell can be tried at your own risk. Test patch first, and give tiles a good abrade.

Yes, once fully cured. Auro 560 is toy-safety certified (EN 71-3), so it suits raised beds, planters and bird boxes. Auro 518 or 515 varnish works for animal housing that needs wiping down. Let any finish cure fully before contact.

It depends on the brand. Graphenstone can be mixed to shades we hold a recipe for, and usually straight to an NCS or RAL code. Auro colours have no code equivalents, so matching is by eye against the swatch fan. Order a sample of any match first. GCS Exterior cannot take off-range colours.

Usually, yes. Old Graphenstone colours can still be mixed (from 350ml up), and many discontinued names live on in the current ranges under new names. If you cannot remember what you bought, we can look up your past orders.

Different product lines use different bases and finishes, and natural pigments vary slightly between batches. For an even result, repaint corner to corner with one batch, stir well, and judge the colour only when dry.

Testers and swatches are made in the Grafclean emulsion range, and colours match across the Graphenstone ranges: test in Grafclean, then buy the finish you want. Textured finishes like limewash will look slightly different on the wall.

Gypsum: let it dry fully, then start with a mist coat of your chosen emulsion (Grafclean or Auro 555, thinned about 10% with water). Lime plaster: wait at least 28 days, then use a lime-based paint such as GCS Interior, mist coat first.

Usually not. Thin the first coat of the paint itself with about 10% water (20% for Earthborn Claypaint) as a mist coat. You do need one for: patchy, powdery or stained surfaces (L42 Ambient Primer before Graphenstone paints); lime paints going over modern paint (always Auro 505 grip coat for Auro, or L42 Ambient primer for Graphenstone, lime cannot bond to a plastic paint film); bare plasterboard (Auro 301, diluted 1:1 with water); and bare metal (Auro 519). Note Auro 510 is for bare wood and MDF only, not an undercoat over old paint.

Sand or brush it back to a sound surface; a thinned first coat of the new paint (Grafclean, or L42 Primer before lime paints on mineral surfaces) binds what remains. Strip failed layers; Homestrip is non-toxic and handles old lead paint.

With a standard emulsion such as Grafclean or Earthborn Claypaint, yes, as long as the paper is firmly stuck down. These are water based, so they can lift loose edges: glue down or remove anything lifting first. Lime and chalk paints need a coat of Auro 505 grip coat first.

Block them with L42 Ambient Primer before Graphenstone Paints

No. Mineral and silicate paints such as Auro 303 start to dry wherever they meet air, and the tiny flecks drop back into the tin. It is harmless; strain the paint through a fine sieve before use.

Natural woodstains such as Auro 560 build colour over several coats, and the pigment settles in the tin. Stir thoroughly from the bottom and apply the next coat.

With Auro hard wax oils (123, 125 and 171), wipe off excess within 60 minutes of applying. Walkable in socks after 24 hours; furniture back after a day or so, on felt pads. Full hardness takes two to four weeks: light traffic only, no wet feet or pets, and no rugs until cured.

Years if stored cool and frost free! If an old tin smells normal and stirs to an even consistency, test a patch and carry on. If it has separated into layers that will not mix back, dispose of it at a household recycling centre.

Wash water-based paints out with Auro 411 plant soap; for stubborn dried-in varnish, work the soap into the bristles and leave overnight. Between coats, just wipe off the excess and wrap the brush or roller tightly in a plastic bag.

Probably nothing you did. Whichever decking oil you use (Auro 110 or Osmo), fixed decking can only be oiled on top, so moisture gets in through the sides and underside and frost lifts the finish. Plan on an annual light clean and refresh coat.

Sustainable paint minimises environmental impact at every stage of its lifecycle, and supports health benefits. Common characteristics are paints that are plant or mineral based, virtually zero VOC, breathable, durable, and plastic free.

More: What is sustainable paint?

Conventional paint relies on petrochemical derived ingredients including plastics and harsh solvents. Natural paints are based on plant based binders and natural mineral ingredients like lime and clay.

All the natural paint products we stock are biodegradable. Some are so clean you can compost them in your garden to return the ingredients to the natural cycle.

More: Compostable & biodegradable paint - what does it mean?

Yes. True natural paints are plastic free. They use natural paint binders formulated from plant oils, casein, lime, or minerals to create a durable paint film that's just as effective as conventional paints.

More: What is plastic free paint?

Cradle to Cradle certification is issued by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. It assesses products around material health, clean air, climate, water stewardship, circularity, and social fairness.

More: Cradle to Cradle Certification

The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental label by the EU. It sets criteria for paints and varnishes around environmental impact, restricted substances, VOC limits, and performance. It shows a paint is fit for purpose and environmentally responsible.

More: EU Ecolabel Certification

Air Comfort gold is issued by Eurofins, an international testing lab. It assesses products and awards its certification to those that have very low indoor emissions, including VOCS.

More: Indoor Air Comfort Gold Certification

Sensitive Choice certification is a global programme run by the National Asthma Council Australia. It identifies asthma and allergy aware products through its Blue Butterfly programme. Products are reviewed by an independent panel, and approval given to suitable products.

More: Sensitive Choice Certification

IUG Allergy Friendly is a German product seal from the Institut für Umwelt und Gesundheit. It is an institute that assesses products for allergens and health and safety. The seal is issued to qualifying consumer products, building materials, and paints.

More: IUG Allergy Friendly

AgBB certification is issued by a German scheme for assessing VOC emissions from building products used indoors. For paints, it looks at what’s released into the air after application - testing emissions in laboratory conditions.

More: AgBB Certification

Global GreenTag is an independent certification body which tests products on health, transparency, and sustainability. GreenRate examines broader environmental performance, whilst HealthRate looks at health related product information and hazards.

More: Global GreenTag Certification

DIN 531160 is a German test standard that looks at how resistant a surface is to saliva and perspiration. It demonstrates a dried paint or finish is safe and will remain stable on surfaces children may touch, handle, or briefly mouth.

More: DIN 53160

EN 71-3 is part of the European toy safety standard. This tests whether certain elements can migrate from a finished surface if a child sucks, licks, mouths, or handles it. When a paint meets this standard it means it's safe enough to be suitable for use on children's toys once dry. If you're looking for a suitable paint for nurseries & kids bedrooms or family spaces where young children spend a lot of time, EN 71-3 is an important certification.

More: EN 71-3

We don’t use the term VOC free because, strictly speaking, it isn’t scientifically accurate. Trace volatile organic compounds exist in materials, in the air and even in what we’d call a vacuum.

That’s why we use trace VOC instead. It’s more honest and more precise.

In practice, trace VOC means the paint contains only extremely small, unavoidable background levels of VOCs - far below conventional paint and with no added solvents, strong fumes or unnecessary off-gassing. It is our way of saying the paint is as clean as current paint chemistry allows, without relying on a misleading label.

More: What is low VOC paint

Yes. Photocatalytic paint, or fresh air paint, is designed to actively clean the air in your home - reducing indoor air pollution. They’re highly breathable, naturally mould resistant, and absorb pollutants including formaldehyde and CO2.

All of our natural paints will help improve indoor air quality by removing exposure to petrochemical based binders and solvents contained in conventional paints.

More: Photocatalytic & air purifying paint collections

Yes, we stock paints, wood oils and finishes that are entirely free from MI, MIT and BIT preservatives.

These preservatives are used in many water based paints to stop mould, bacteria and yeast growing in the tin, but they are known allergens. Lime based, clay and mineral silicate paints often avoid them because their natural alkalinity helps protect the paint instead. Some of our natural paints contain trace levels of this group of preservatives due to shelf life requirements.

More: Browse our MI, MIT and BIT free paint collection, & our detailed guide: MI in paint & allergy risks

Absolutely. Our owner Chris started his natural paint business due to his own children’s breathing medical conditions. The paints we stock are all designed to avoid exposure to petrochemical nasties which can trigger allergies and asthma.

Our paints have virtually zero vocs, no harsh fumes, and are suitable for chemically sensitive individuals.

More: See our MI / MIT / BIT free paint collection and our explainers on Trace VOC & allergy friendly paints & Methylisothiazolinone in paints.

Yes. Our water based emulsions paints are safe to sleep around and we know of no problems from a freshly painted room. Ventilate to clear any light smell.

No, and this is one of the most misunderstood things about paint labelling. VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) only measures the solvents that evaporate into the air as the paint dries. It says nothing about the preservatives sitting in the tin.

Nearly all water-based paints, including very low-VOC ones, need biocides to stop them spoiling. The most common are isothiazolinones, usually listed as MI (methylisothiazolinone), MIT, BIT or CIT. These are one of the leading causes of paint-related skin and respiratory reactions, yet they do not appear in the VOC figure at all.

So a paint can advertise "1g/l VOC" or "minimal VOC" and still contain the exact preservatives that a sensitive person reacts to. The VOC number alone will not tell you what you need to know.

There are two things worth looking for instead. First, there are genuinely MI-free options if you need them, and you can find these in our MI-free paints category. Second, and just as important, is transparency. Mainstream paints tend to use these preservatives at higher levels and rarely tell you how much. The Auro and Graphenstone ranges use only trace amounts where any are present, and they publish full ingredient and safety information so you can see exactly what is in the tin. With most "normal" paints, you simply cannot.

For how our own ranges handle these preservatives, see our MI, BIT and MIT free FAQ.

On VOC alone you are right, they are similar, and Farrow & Ball is a genuinely good, low-VOC paint. But VOC is only one narrow measurement, and it is a poor guide to how eco or how healthy a paint really is. It only records the solvent that evaporates while the paint dries. It tells you nothing about four things that matter far more.

What the paint is made of. Farrow & Ball, like most designer paints, is an acrylic (plastic) emulsion. The film on your wall is petrochemical. Graphenstone is lime and mineral based, and Auro is made from plant oils and other renewable raw materials. Genuinely natural chemistry rather than a low-VOC plastic.

What is preserving it. Water-based acrylics need biocides in the tin, typically isothiazolinones (MI / MIT), which cause most paint allergies and are not counted in the VOC figure. Mainstream paints use these at higher levels and rarely declare how much. The Auro and Graphenstone ranges use only trace amounts where any are present, publish exactly what is in the tin, and include genuinely MI-free options in our MI-free paints category. You can read how our own ranges handle these preservatives in our MI, BIT and MIT free FAQ.

Whether it breathes. Lime-based Graphenstone is highly breathable, letting walls regulate moisture and resist mould naturally. An acrylic film sits on the surface and is comparatively closed, which matters in older and solid-wall homes.

Its carbon footprint. This is the big one. Graphenstone's lime actively reabsorbs CO2 as it cures, and the range is Cradle to Cradle certified. A plastic paint has a plastic paint's footprint, with no equivalent carbon story.

So if your priority is one number on the tin, they look alike. If your priority is genuine health and environmental credentials, and knowing exactly what you are putting on your walls, that is where Graphenstone and Auro are in a different league.

Breathability, also called vapour permeability, shows how easily water vapour passes through a paint film. It is measured using EN ISO 7783 and expressed as an Sd value. The lower the Sd value, the more breathable the paint.

Under the EN 1062-1 classification, highly breathable paints are classed as Class 1, with an Sd value below 0.14m. This makes them ideal for lime plaster, old buildings and walls that need to release moisture.

Here’s what Sd classes mean:-

• Class 1 - Sd under 0.14 m - highly breathable
• Class 2 - 0.14 to 0.5 m - breathable.
• Class 3 - Above 0.5m  - Low breathability

More: SD values & breathability

Wet scrub resistance measures how much paint film is worn away after repeated wet cleaning. Its performance is assessed under EN 13300.

Class 1 is the strongest rating, with less than 5 microns of paint film lost after 200 scrub cycles. Paints rated Class 1 are the best choice for busy rooms, kitchens, hallways and family homes where walls need to stand up to regular cleaning.

More: Wet scrub resistance

Paint washability & Scrubbability standards look at whether everyday marks can be wiped away without damaging the finish.

Scrubbability is measured more precisely through wet scrub resistance, using EN 13300 and EN ISO 11998. Class 1 is the strongest rating, showing the paint stands up best to repeated cleaning, while Class 2 is still a good practical choice for everyday household use.

More: https://greenshoppaints.co.uk/blogs/faqs/paint-washability-and-scrubbability

VOC content is measured in grams per litre and shows how many volatile organic compounds are present in liquid paint.

Under UK and EU rules, interior matt wall and ceiling paints are allowed up to 30g/L VOC, while EU Ecolabel sets a much stricter 10g/L limit for the same category. Most of our natural and mineral paints sit below 1g/L, which is virtually zero VOC rather than ordinary low VOC.

More: Vocs in paint

VOC content tells you what is in the tin. Indoor Air Ratings tell you what the paint releases into the air after it has been applied.

There's a number of different schemes and certifications that measure emissions including the French A+ to C emissions label, AgBB and Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold.

Standards like EN 16516 and ISO 16000 are used to test indoor emissions under controlled conditions.

Coverage rate shows how much area a paint covers, usually in square metres per litre. It should be read alongside opacity, because good coverage only helps if the paint also hides the surface effectively. Opacity will determine how many coats of paint is needed.

Coverage rate helps you estimate how much paint you need, but real coverage performance in your own home depends on surface texture, porosity, colour change and application method.

More: Paint coverage rate

Opacity class measures how well a paint hides the surface underneath. It might also be referred to as hiding power. Under EN 13300, opacity is graded from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 1 giving the strongest hiding power.

ISO 6504-3 tests hiding power by looking at how well it covers, not just how far it can be spread.

Class 1 means the paint hides at least 99.5% of the contrast beneath it at the stated coverage rate. In practice, this means it covers strong colours, patchy areas and uneven base coats more effectively, giving a cleaner finish with fewer coats.

More: Paint opacity classes

Adhesion measures how well a paint bonds to the surface underneath. It’s assessed using ISO 2409 cross cut testing, where the dried coating is cut in a grid pattern to see how firmly it stays attached. Strong adhesion helps prevent peeling, flaking and early paint failure, especially on smooth, difficult or previously painted surfaces.

High alkalinity helps lime, mineral and silicate paints resist mould, algae and bacterial growth without relying on synthetic anti mould biocides. It can also reduce or remove the need for preservatives such as MI, MIT and BIT in the base paint formulation, and supports the function of breathable paint systems.

More: Alkalinity & pH in natural paint

Flexibility measures how well a dried paint film copes with movement without cracking or detaching from the surface it’s been applied to. It’s tested against ISO 1519 standards, where the coated sample is bent around a cylindrical object to check whether the paint film cracks or loses adhesion.

Good flexibility is important on timber, exterior surfaces and older buildings, where expansion, contraction and small surface movement are normal. It helps the coating move with the substrate instead of failing early.

More: Paint flexibility

Reaction to fire classification shows how a material behaves when exposed to fire. It is tested under EN 13501-1 and rated using the Euroclass system, which runs from A1 to F.

A1 is non combustible, while A2 means limited combustibility. Extra ratings show smoke production and burning droplets, such as s1 for low smoke and d0 for no flaming droplets. This classification is especially useful for commercial, public and regulated projects where fire performance needs to be clearly specified.

Strictly speaking, “VOC-free” isn’t a term we use, because it isn’t scientifically accurate. Even in the most controlled environments, trace volatile organic compounds exist in materials, in the air, and even in what we’d call a vacuum.

Instead, we use “trace VOC” to be honest and precise.

In practice, this means the paints contain only extremely small, unavoidable background levels of VOCs, well below recognised testing limits and far lower than conventional paints. There are no added solvents, no strong fumes, and no off-gassing during or after application.

So when we say trace VOC, we’re saying the paint is as clean as current chemistry allows without relying on a misleading label.

What 'natural' means for AURO paints

When we say an AURO paint is natural, we mean that it’s made from plant and mineral based ingredients, not petrochemicals or synthetic plastics. The raw materials come from things like mineral lime, plant oils, natural resins and natural pigments, and are chosen to be gentle on people and the planet. Because of that natural formulation they are low emission and low-odour, and you can be in the room soon after painting. The paints breathes with the wall, helping moisture escape naturally. The paints are free of petrochemicals, plastics and harsh solvents, with no toxic fumes lingering. Most Auro paints genuinely break down harmlessly over time and can even be composted. So 'natural' isn’t just a buzzword, it means the paint is derived from nature, health-friendlier indoors, and better for the environment than conventional synthetic paints.

Greenwashing is when a company pretends to be environmentally friendly without really being so.

It’s using green words, colours, or vague claims like eco, natural, clean, voc free, sustainable etc) to look 'sustainable', while the product or business has little or no real environmental benefit, or even causes harm. If terms like this are to be used, check for certifications or ingredients lists

Wet scrub resistance is a standard way of measuring how well a paint stands up to cleaning once it’s dry. Under the EN 13300 test, a painted surface is repeatedly scrubbed with a wet brush. The less paint that wears away, the higher the class.

Higher class (IE class 1) = more durable and easier to clean
Lower class (IE class 5) = more delicate finish, better left unscrubbed

It helps you choose the right paint for how a room is actually used, not just how it looks.

Auro paints that are Class 1:

• Auro 524 (white emulsion)
  

Auro paints that are Class 2:

• Auro 555 (coloured wall emulsion)
• Auro 303 - Silicate White anti mould

Auro paints that are Class 3:

• Auro 331 (white clay paint)
• Auro 535 (coloured clay paint)
• Auro 321 (economy white emulsion)

What does that mean in reality?

Class 1 – Very durable - Highly wipeable. Designed for frequent cleaning and scrubbing.
Class 2 – Washable - Suitable for light cleaning with a damp cloth. Good everyday durability.
Class 3 – Limited cleaning - Can handle occasional wiping, but marks may remain.
Class 4 – Very limited - Not really washable. Best left alone once dry.
Class 5 – Not washable - Decorative only. Will mark or wear if wiped.

It's hard to see the difference between clay paints like Auro 535 clay colours, or Auro 331 white over a natural emulsion such as Auro 555 colours, or Auro 524 white, but there is a difference.

Looks: Fundamentally, the Auro clay paints are more of a matt finish, and look slightly flatter and more velvety than the normal emulsions like the Auro 555.

Durability: The clay paints are not as durable, the white clay Auro 331 and the coloured Auro 535 having a wet scrub resistance of class 3, whereas the Auro white emulsion is class 1, and the Auro 555 colours are class 2.

Summary. Clay is flatter, more matt and a lovely finish, but not as durable or wipeable like the rest.

Auro Emulsion vs Clay Paints – What’s the Difference?

Auro 555 / 524 – Natural Emulsion Paints

What they are - Natural interior emulsions made with plant-based and mineral ingredients, designed to behave like a modern wall paint.

Best for - Everyday walls & ceilings
Modern plaster and plasterboard
Homes where durability and ease of use matter

Finish - Matt, smooth, “normal paint” look
Slightly more even and forgiving than clay paint

Breathability - Breathable natural paint
Suitable for most modern interiors

Durability & cleaning - More robust surface
Better wipeability than clay paints

Smell & indoor air quality - Very low odour
Trace VOCs, gentle for indoor air

Choose Auro 555 / 524 if… You want a natural alternative to standard emulsion that’s easy to apply, long-lasting, and low-odour.

Auro 535 / 331 – Natural Clay Paints

What they are - Earth-based paints made from clay and mineral pigments, with no plastic binders.

Best for - Period homes and solid walls
Lime plaster and older buildings
Bedrooms and low-traffic rooms

Finish - Ultra-matt, soft, velvety appearance
Very natural, chalky look

Breathability - Extremely breathable (Class 1)
Helps regulate moisture in walls

Durability & cleaning - More delicate surface
Not designed for regular wiping

Smell & indoor air quality - Virtually no smell
Excellent for sensitive people and allergy-prone homes

Choose Auro 535 / 331 if… You want the most breathable, natural wall finish possible, especially for older or solid-walled properties.

Quick choice guide

It's hard to see the difference between clay paints like Auro 535 clay colours, or Auro 331 white over a natural emulsion such as Auro 555 colours, or Auro 524 white, but there is a difference.

Looks: Fundamentally, the Auro clay paints are more of a matt finish, and look slightly flatter and more velvety than the normal emulsions like the Auro 555.

Durability: The clay paints are not as durable, the white clay Auro 331 and the coloured Auro 535 having a wet scrub resistance of class 3, whereas the Auro white emulsion is class 1, and the Auro 555 colours are class 2.

Summary. Clay is flatter, more matt and a lovely finish, but not as durable or wipeable like the rest.

Auro Emulsion vs Clay Paints – What’s the Difference?

Auro 555 / 524 – Natural Emulsion Paints

What they are - Natural interior emulsions made with plant-based and mineral ingredients, designed to behave like a modern wall paint.

Best for - Everyday walls & ceilings
Modern plaster and plasterboard
Homes where durability and ease of use matter

Finish - Matt, smooth, “normal paint” look
Slightly more even and forgiving than clay paint

Breathability - Breathable natural paint
Suitable for most modern interiors

Durability & cleaning - More robust surface
Better wipeability than clay paints

Smell & indoor air quality - Very low odour
Trace VOCs, gentle for indoor air

Choose Auro 555 / 524 if… You want a natural alternative to standard emulsion that’s easy to apply, long-lasting, and low-odour.

Auro 535 / 331 – Natural Clay Paints

What they are - Earth-based paints made from clay and mineral pigments, with no plastic binders.

Best for - Period homes and solid walls
Lime plaster and older buildings
Bedrooms and low-traffic rooms

Finish - Ultra-matt, soft, velvety appearance
Very natural, chalky look

Breathability - Extremely breathable (Class 1)
Helps regulate moisture in walls

Durability & cleaning - More delicate surface
Not designed for regular wiping

Smell & indoor air quality - Virtually no smell
Excellent for sensitive people and allergy-prone homes

Choose Auro 535 / 331 if… You want the most breathable, natural wall finish possible, especially for older or solid-walled properties.

Quick choice guide

Go for Auro 555 / 524 if:

You want durability and wipeability
You’re painting modern walls
You want a familiar paint feel, just without the plastics

Go for Auro 535 / 331 if:

Breathability is your top priority
You have lime plaster or solid walls
You love an ultra-matt, natural finish