Environmentally Friendly Zero VOC Paint
“Zero VOC Paint”
Modern oil-based paints, made with synthetic resins called alkyds, have less thinner and give off fewer odors and toxic fumes than their oil-based predecessors. Still, thinner is an essential component of alkyd paint. Because the thinner content of latex paint has always been much less than that of alkyd paint, there has been a dramatic shift over the years toward latex.
In fact, some oil-based paints are now restricted or illegal in certain regions. The already low solvent content of latex paints (a maximum of 8 percent) has been reduced to zero in some cases. These paints are marked “zero VOC” (for “zero volatile organic compounds”). While this is good news for the environment, zero VOC paint can be difficult to work with because it dries very quickly.
Being a responsible consumer when it comes to paint can be hard. Unlike organic greens, there really isn’t an “organic” paint. Green Seal certification doesn’t necessarily tell you what is in your paint. Regulatory agencies don’t require paint companies to divulge all of their ingredients. So how can you as a consumer make careful choices when you don’t know what’s in the can?
In the US, zero VOC is gaining attention. (VOC refers to Volatile Organic Compounds). What this means is that per federal regulation, there is a reduction in the amount of material coming out of your paint as it dries. This is a good thing for the environment, as it is well known that these substances react with nitrous oxides in the air to form ozone.
The EPA determined that the off-gassing from architectural coatings is estimated to account for about 9% of the VOC emissions from all consumer and commercial products. It is important to understand that using the EPA’s test method for VOC’s, any paint with VOC’s less than 5 g/l or less can be called zero VOC so even paint labeled zero VOC may not actually be truly zero VOC.
The colorant that is typically added to these paints has VOC’s, meaning that the paint you take home may not be zero-VOC, even if the base is.
The lesson is that it is insufficient to consider only VOC’s when making paint purchasing decisions. The environmental footprint of a zero VOC paint can include all kinds of synthetic materials to control flow, skinning, settling, etc., that ultimately don’t support a vision of sustainability and “goodness” for the environment.
There are zero VOC paints available that use only simple ingredients such as clay, marble, titanium dioxide, soy resin, a phosphate salt, cellulose, mineral pigment, with small amounts of dispersing aids and preservatives. So do a little homework first and find true environmentally friendly paint as there are several really great companies out there.
Planning a kitchen remodel?
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Hello,
I recently painted my kitched with Yolo Colorhouse, 0 VOC paint. I was looking to repaint my kitchen for sometime now, but I wanted to find not only a green paint..but a green company. After doing some research I found Yolo. They are based in Portland, OR, and take sustainably beyond the can. The cans are recycled plastic, recycled paper labels and they have large hand rolled paint samples, real paint.
I love everything about this company..they are really doing something right.
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for the tip…I love to find out about sustainable products and companies. Here’s another company I found that you also might want to check out: http://www.greenplanetpaints.com
very cool, out art school is looking to repaint and remodel 10 of our 20 schools. I will have to let estates know about this paint as we have been trying to “go green” and market ourselves as such. Out clientele tend to appreciate this type of philosophy
I painted my kitchen with Olympic paint (green seal certified) with zero VOC colorant…Even if paint is sold as ‘zero VOC’, the pigment in the color can still add VOC. The kitchen looks great and the paint didn’t have a strong odor at all.
Hey, I’ve seen this paint on TV before… I think it was featured on Holmes on Homes, or possible Disaster DIY… well, one of those million renovation shows on these days. Anyway, it seemed like good stuff, their plug definitely wasn’t as in depth as this was though. Thanks for the info mate, I’ll be sure to keep all of this in mind the next time I decide to repaint.
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Thanks for sharing. It is very cool I think. I recently painted my room with Yolo Colorhouse 0 VOC paint.
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Yes, Zero-VOC paint has come a long way. In my experience it spreads as well as the old style paint. The colors seem consistent, and I haven’t noticed them to be any less durable. The only problem I see is the added expense, but I have noticed the price coming more in line. At some point it will probably be the only option available….which is a good thing.
I know in CA they are pretty strict on regular paint on how high their VOC percentage is. Its good to see that they are making improvements on chemicals that are harmful to us, I always was amazed on how even a little bit of a harmful chemical is okay to use.
This stuff is great.
Normal paint plays havock with my chest
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Hi there!
Great article! I came across it while researching about “zero-voc” paints for my own blog. I added a link on mine to this page so my readers can become more informed too.
Thanks,
Sarah
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There is the FreshAire Choice as well. Unlike other paints it has a dry packed colorant and adding color wont add VOC’s. Most colorants just add VOC’s right back to the base paint. Check out the site http://freshairechoice.com/
to see what i mean
Exactly, since there is no organic paint, it is up to us as painters to be eco friendly.
The quality of VOC paint is awesome the color is very natural plus it is environmental friendly, well using this kind of paint is slightly meticulous you need to do the painting quickly for as what the poster above said it dries quickly
I recently used a no VOC paint to paint my house called ECOtrend. I had a really good experience with the paint. and they use eggshells for the binder instead of chemicals.
Thanks for the information, I regularly use latex paints in kitchens, but zero VOC paints are the future, they have come a long way and performance is now comparable to alkyd paints, the only hurdle is the added expense, but as regulations tighten and consumers become aware of VOC issues then no doubt the cost will come down.
I have just come across this site, and finding it interesting and informative.
Thank you for sharing this information, there is nothing better than finding paints that are Eco Friendly, we have to really look out for our earth, and protect it as much as possible and by doing a little like using these types of paints then we doing something.
Great site and post.
I have to say that this is the only why to go, looking out for our environment is really important and it helps us to be more aware, I have yet to use these but I will be looking out for them in the future.
Green is the new black, but to be truly green, rather than fashionably green takes a little bit more effort. This post on environmentally friendly ZERO VOC Paint has opened my eyes to what the paint story is all about. Replacing obvious poisons with other ones doesn’t make sense, so I will make sure I get what I was expecting to get thje next time paint is purchased by me.
I wish I had known this a year ago. My office mate painted the office and it made me physically ill - headaches and a skin rash. I had to leave a fan blowing overnight for three nights until I could use the office.