"Safe" paint....as in no VOC, safe for your health and the atmosphere, safe paint!
More and more companies are springing up and modifying their products to apeal to people who are concerned about the purity of what surrounds them every day. I am finding that more and more of my clients are asking if I use "no VOC paint" and "natural" paint.
"VOC" stands for "volatile organic compounds". With the word"organic" in it, it sounds like it's a good thing, but it actually refers to the particles that are released into the air as the paint breaks down over time. These particles can affect the ozone layer and can also be unhealthy for those living and breathing within this space. The more vibrant the color, the higher the VOC's. Water-based paint has fewer VOC's than oil based paint. The VOC's decrease as the paint dries, so you should never sleep in a room that you have painted, but it isn't dry.
VOC's are what gives you the high when huffed.
When people say "natural" they usually mean "man-made chemical" free. It's not only the long-term impurities that are worrisome, but the exposure to those living in a freshly painted room-especially children. Paint contains chemicals-like formaldehyde-that give off toxic, cancer causing fumes as the paint dries and cures. If you are painting furniture in your children's room, your child will be touching that furniture every day, and if it's a toddler, may even putting their mouth on it.
Chemical exposure, whether it's short or long term, can effect your health. In some cases, it can lead to increased miscarriages, abnormal sperm, kidney and liver damage, and increased asthma symptoms in children.
Luckily, there are many choices for those who want an alternative. These products perform wonderfully, offer just as many colors, can be color matched to any other color, and last just as long. They can be used for faux or mixed with any other additive when used in decorative painting.
Here is a list with a link to their sites:
Milk Paint: Has been around for over 100 years. Comes in powder form-you add water. It is made of milk, and minerals. I love the consistency of this paint-I can mix it with anything and it gives a unique look not attainable with any other product. By far, the least toxic of all the "safe paints". Only disadvantage is that you have to use what you mix within a few days because it contains no preservatives.
Uses: originally used to paint naked wood, milk paint now offers products and additives that allow you to paint any surface including walls as well as top coats and sealers.
AFM Safecoat: This company offer a wide range of products from no VOC polyurethane to no VOC primer. They can match any color and they paint is high quality. One of the few companies that offer exterior products
Uses: any surface- walls, floors, including deck stain and top sealer coats
Mythic Paint: Paint for walls and ceilings-very good quality
Uses: walls, furniture, ceilings
Home Depot Fresh Air: May be the least expensive of all the other interior paints. I have not personally used this paint before since it is fairly new to my knowledge.
Uses: walls and ceilings
Yolo: Wonderful paints. They have a special section just for kids and babies rooms. The only disadvantage is that there are not many Yolo dealers-I would be hesitant to have paint delivered in extreme temperatures.
Uses: walls and ceilings.Offers interior and exterior paints
Totem: This company offers products for the decorative painter such as glazes and plaster products. Their product line is very extensive and their reviews from other decorative painters are good
Uses: Specialty decorative painting, plasters,glazes, lime based products, varnishes and top coats interior and exterior
I am sure there are many companies I have missed as new lines and products seem to be springing up daily.
These products are not very much more expensive (just a few dollars in some cases) than existing paints. I encourage you to look into these products for your next painting job.
As always Marietta Mural & Wall Design uses safe and health conscience products wherever possible. Please see my web site or contact me for more information
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Hi Maureen, My son is a contractor and he is not happy that he isn't going to be able to get oil paint easily here in Ontario. There are certain jobs that require it.
BTW: I mentioned your post about the copy and paste comments on a post I did the other day. Please check it out. I am so in sych with you on that and I think those offenders need to have their points potatoes taken away. If you read it you will know what that means lol.