The One Thing That'll Make Sunny Weather Even Better
Condiment: Five Faves: Apt2b.com's Mat Herman
They're all the buzz in paint departments everywhere, but what exactly are eco-friendly paints, and should you consider using them in your home? Here's what our pals over at Fresh Home magazine have to say on the topic:
Photo: Fresh Home | Jeremy Lipps, RR Donnelley
What Are They?
Environmentally-friendly paints contain little or no volatile organic compounds, chemicals proven to be harmful to both people and the environment. While VOC-heavy solvents were once considered necessary for making paint that performs well, manufacturers are finding ways to limit or replace their usage.
The Upside
VOC-heavy paints are major contributors to indoor pollution and can contribute to asthma, respiratory problems, nausea, dizziness and cancer. Low- or no-VOC paints are low odor, environmentally-safe, washable and tintable, making their color range identical to conventional paints.
The Downside
The "hide factor"--how many coats it takes to densely cover a wall--is often not as strong as it is with standard latex or oil paints. Tinting low- or no-VOC paints may result in an inadvertent increase in VOCs, unless the tints themselves are no- or low-VOC. And most low- or no-VOC paints cost substantially more than their conventional counterparts. However, with each passing year the price difference decreases, as manufacturers improve their formulas and make more of the product. Today, expect to pay about $10 more per gallon for a no-VOC paint.
Not Created Equal
The EPA has not yet set mandatory standards for VOC levels in paint. For interior paint of any kind, the EPA allows 250 grams of VOCs per liter. The Green Seal organization, an independent nonprofit group that sets standards for "green products," only allows 50 grams per liter. To really go green, find a paint with 5 to 10 grams of VOC per liter.
The New Breed
Look to alternative paint companies for nontoxic or natural paints, containing all-natural, often raw ingredients like plant oils and dyes, natural minerals and bee's wax. Low-VOC ceramic paint that contains ceramic beads is the best option. It can withstand scrubbing and protects against the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria, making it ideal for bathrooms, the nursery and the kitchen.
The Downside
The "hide factor"--how many coats it takes to densely cover a wall--is often not as strong as it is with standard latex or oil paints. Tinting low- or no-VOC paints may result in an inadvertent increase in VOCs, unless the tints themselves are no- or low-VOC. And most low- or no-VOC paints cost substantially more than their conventional counterparts. However, with each passing year the price difference decreases, as manufacturers improve their formulas and make more of the product. Today, expect to pay about $10 more per gallon for a no-VOC paint.
Not Created Equal
The EPA has not yet set mandatory standards for VOC levels in paint. For interior paint of any kind, the EPA allows 250 grams of VOCs per liter. The Green Seal organization, an independent nonprofit group that sets standards for "green products," only allows 50 grams per liter. To really go green, find a paint with 5 to 10 grams of VOC per liter.
The New Breed
Look to alternative paint companies for nontoxic or natural paints, containing all-natural, often raw ingredients like plant oils and dyes, natural minerals and bee's wax. Low-VOC ceramic paint that contains ceramic beads is the best option. It can withstand scrubbing and protects against the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria, making it ideal for bathrooms, the nursery and the kitchen.
