Paint that Doesn’t Stink: An Intro to No- and Low-VOC Paints
Whether you’re painting or just passing by a recently painted surface, the smell is unforgettable: strong, deep, “chemical-y,” often lasting for days. Paint fumes are caused by something called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a major source of ozone creation and indoor air pollution. It’s also a major reason I’m willing to live with a wall color I hate longer than anyone should have to. Fortunately, consumer demand for no- and low-VOC paint is growing, and so are the choices.
You can buy no- and low-VOC paints online, at green building suppliers, and at most major paint retailers (including The Home Depot, which began offering its Freshaire Choice line this spring).
How “Natural” Differs from No- or Low-VOC
No- and low-VOC paints fall into two basic categories: those made with synthetic ingredients and those made with natural ingredients such as water, clay, bee’s wax, milk protein, plant oils, and mineral oils. (The latter are often referred to as “natural paints.”)
No-VOC (also called zero-VOC) and low-VOC paints made with synthetic ingredients more closely resemble the performance of traditional polluting paints (durability, consistency) and offer a wider variety of finishes (flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) than natural paints. They cost less than natural paints—typically $30-$40 a gallon compared to $40-$60 or more a gallon—but more than standard paint, which can cost as little as $20 a gallon. You’ll also find no- and low-VOC paints at more retailers.
Why Choose No-VOC over Low-VOC?
The difference between no-VOC and low-VOC is not as simple as you’d think. According to EPA rules, a paint may be labeled no-VOC if it contains less than 5 grams of VOCs per liter. That means some no-VOC paints have no VOCs, but some do.
Kelly Moore’s Enviro-Cote, for example, contains 15 grams of VOCs per liter, even though it’s labeled no-VOC. While I myself don’t consider it a true zero-VOC paint, it’s still quite low when compared to traditional paint base, which can contain 100 grams or more per liter.
Low-VOC paints contain a lower amount of VOCs than traditional paints do (less than 200 grams per liter, under EPA rules). If you’re looking to reduce indoor air pollution, it’s best to go with a no-VOC paint.
Beware: Color Tints Can Add VOCs
Color tints, which you’ll most likely be using, can add even more VOCs, so check that your supplier uses no-VOC tints.
Where to find no- or zero-VOC synthetic paints:
American Formulating and Manufacturing (AFM offfers truly zero-VOC paint)
http://www.afmsafecoat.com
Yolo Colorhouse (truly zero-VOC)
http://www.yolocolorhouse.com
Home Depot (Freshaire Choice line only; truly zero-VOC)
http://freshairechoice.com
Kelly-Moore (Enviro-Cote line only; contains small amounts of VOCs)
http://www.kellymoore.com
Sherwin-Williams (Harmony line only; contains small amounts of VOCs)
http://www.sherwin.com
Benjamin Moore (EcoSpec line only; contains small amounts of VOCs)
http://www.bejaminmoore.com
Where to find natural, nontoxic paints (truly zero-VOC):
Bio Shield
http://www.bioshieldpaint.com
Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company
http://www.milkpaint.com
Anna Sova Luxury Organics
http://www.annasova.com
