Homeowner's Guide To Choosing Eco-Friendly Paints

As a homeowner, it's often empowering to feel the freedom that comes with being able to customize your home in any way you choose. In an interior design trends survey, more than a third of respondents said they would choose a neutral color palette if redecorating their home, and you should have the freedom to choose whatever makes you feel most at home. But while most homeowners are primarily concerned with picking out paints and color schemes when considering painting a room, it's also critical to be aware of the toxins present in many commercial spray paints and traditional paints.

If you're concerned about your family's health and your impact on the environment, it's important to consider the benefits of non toxic paints, coatings, and more. Here's our quick guide to help homeowners like you choose the right eco-friendly paints for their home.

Understanding VOCs

First, it's important to understand the role of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in many paints. Spray paints often contain VOCs, which are then emitted as gases that impact air quality, and therefore, human health. It's also surprising that studies have shown that levels of several volatile organic compounds average two to five times higher concentration indoors than outdoors, and when inhaled they can contribute to several health problems.

However, the presence of VOCs extends far beyond paint applications. Gloss varnishes, waxes, and other household products typically contain them as well. This includes cleaning products, degreasers, some fuels, cosmetic products, hobby products, and more.

Health Effects Of VOCs

VOCs have numerous short- and long-term health effects that range from minor to severe. Those who are sensitive to allergens and chemicals may start to experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Headaches and nausea are also common side effects of VOC exposure/inhalation. But most severely, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that some organic compounds "can cause cancer in animals," and "some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans."

How To Reduce Exposure

Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to limit VOC exposure in their homes. Increasing ventilation helps to disperse the concentration. You should also pay close attention to labels explaining precautions on any products used inside your home. You should always buy in small quantities so that you'll never have to store opened containers of unused paints in your home. But most of all, you can skip the hassle and health risks altogether and opt for eco-friendly paints and coatings instead.

What does it mean to be 'low' and 'zero' VOC?

'Zero VOC' is a term used to describe paints made with less toxic ingredients with a VOC concentration of fewer than five grams per liter.

Keep in mind that most 'zero VOC' paints still use trace amounts of certain biocides, fungicides, and colorants. This means that even though they might be labeled non-toxic, they're typically better to avoid for infants and small children.

Low VOC paints are those that typically use water as a base as opposed to petroleum products. This decreases toxicity compared to traditional solvent-based paints. Low VOC describes paints with less than 50 grams per liter of VOCs.

Alternative Ingredients

When looking for 'eco-friendly' paints, focus on the ingredients. If the intense odor of traditional paints is overwhelming, choose a water-based option that is almost entirely odorless. Some ingredients more commonly found in natural paints include bees' wax, casein from milk, natural latex, plant oils and resins, talcum, clay, chalk, and other mineral-based dyes. Oil-based natural paints often give off a slightly sweet smell.

Painting with non-toxic paints and low VOC substances can make a noticeable difference in health. Those who suffer from allergies may notice a reduced severity of associated symptoms. But more importantly, studies show these components can have a major effect on cognitive functioning as well. In fact, in a recent study, participants spent six full work days in an environmentally-controlled office space at the TIEQ lab at the Syracuse Center of Excellence. In this space, VOC levels were reduced to approximately 50 micrograms per cubic meter and 40 cubic feet per minute of outdoor air per person. They found that, on average, cognitive scores were 101% higher than in conventional workspaces.

Helpful Painting Tips

Whether you're an amateur DIY painter or someone with more experience, chances are, you still have room to improve. Painting floors, furniture, and other elements come with its fair share of challenges, and if the painter can't keep up, they could sacrifice the integrity of the entire project. But all seasoned pros will tell you that there are a number of tips, or 'secrets', that can make the traditional painting experience go as smoothly as possible.

Sanding

Sanding before applying any type of product is a pretty basic tip, but many DIY painters seem to underestimate the amount of sanding that's needed to properly apply a coat of primer, porch paint, or furniture paint. Many professional painters have even said that they actually spend more time sanding down surfaces than they do actually applying the primers and paints.

"Sand the walls from the baseboard to the ceiling with fine grit sanding paper on a sanding pole. Then sand horizontally along the baseboard and ceiling. Don't put a lot of pressure on the sanding pole or the head can flip over and damage the wall. Sand woodwork with a sanding sponge to get into crevices" writes Brett Martin on Popular Mechanics.

Secure the Painter’s Tape

There are countless occasions in which even seasoned pros finish a hard job just to come to the unfortunate realization that the paint bled through the painter's tape. Avoid this heartbreaking realization and preserve your hard work by taking a minute to properly secure your painter's tape by running across its length with a putty knife.

Cover the Furniture

Whichever color you're using, make sure to cover all surrounding furniture carefully. Though this may seem like a given, many DIY painters only cover the tops of their furniture pieces and leave the bottom legs open and exposed, but this could still cause damage from splatter and cause it to gather dust from sanding. If you can't remove the furniture from the room altogether, covering it fully from top to bottom is the next best bet.

Consider Tinted Primer

Many professionals are accustomed to filling holes and patching cracks with a joint compound before painting. Either way, applying paint directly on top of this layer causes a dull and dreary look known as 'flashing.' Avoid this by carefully applying a high-quality primer across the entire surface. While most primers are white or gray, consider getting a tinted shade for better concealing.

"Instead of using white primer, pros usually have it tinted gray or a color that's similar to the finish paint. Tinted primer does a better job of covering the existing paint color than plain primer, so your finish coat will be more vibrant and may require fewer coats. This is especially true with colors like red or orange, which could require three or more coats without a primer," writes Brett Martin on Popular Mechanics.

Unfortunately, the primer step is where most DIY painters make the most mistakes. Yet it is absolutely essential to get this step right.

Paint One Wall at a Time

Finally, it's important to paint with precision in mind, not with efficiency. This means that instead of painting all the corners of a room and then going back to roll the walls, it's always best to complete one full wall at a time in order to give the paint from the trim a chance to blend seamlessly with the paint on the rest of the wall.

Healthier Homes with ECOS Paints

Ultimately, choosing an eco-friendly paint without high levels of VOCs is the best way to protect yourself and your family from these potential health risks. It's up to you to make the right eco-friendly decision for your home and your family. Understanding the facts about conventional vs. environmentally friendly paints can make all the difference in creating a healthier home. For more information about health effects of VOCs, or to order non-toxic* paints and other eco-friendly coatings, contact Ecos Paints.

*Non-Toxic - Conforms to ASTM-D4236, specifically concerning oral toxicity, skin irritation and respiratory effects.