Prioritize air quality during your next DIY project with these zero-VOC paint brands.
Are you considering a new paint color for your nextroom refresh or DIY project?
Besides color and finish, consider whether you’d prefer a zero-VOC paint for your project.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Use this guide to learn more about VOCs and theirimpact on air quality.
What Are VOCs and Are They Harmful?
VOC is an acronym that stands for volatile organic compounds.
Credit: Courtesy of ECOS Paints
What are these chemicals exactly?
Formaldehyde, d-Limonene, toluene, acetone, and ethanol (and more) fall within this category.
Consumers have experiencedshort and long-term health effectsfrom exposure to VOCs.
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According to the EPA, VOCs can be up to two to five times higher indoors.
What Is the Difference Between Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Paint?
Laws and regulations around VOCs change often.
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VOC regulations can also differ from state to state, complicating the matter further.
So, now that you know what VOCs are, what can you do about them?
It is also crucial that a zero-VOC paint brand doesn’t include VOCs in their tinting process either.
Credit: Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
VOCs can be present in the colorants, even if not in a base paint mixture.
TheGreenguard labelis a widely trusted label you might have already seen.
Consumers can also use Greenguard’s website to search for other low-emitting, eco-friendly products.
Credit: Courtesy of Behr
Earth-friendly resources likeBuilding Greenor an online retailer such asGreen Building Supplyare also available to help with the shopping process.
Every product includes a comprehensive list of ingredients and detailed VOC test data.
This interior paint formula comes in a versatile white with an eggshell finish to suit many interior decor styles.
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It’s Greenguard Gold Certified and mildew-resistant.
Use it on floors, walls, or aDIY furniture project.
The product can achieve a smooth, matte texture or an antiqued finish.
Credit: Courtesy of The Milk Paint Co.
Choosing Greenguard Gold Certified furniture and natural materials for rugs and interior building materialscan also help with off-gassing.
