Eco-Friendly Paint
The similar technologies and methods that offer homeowners with a fresh new look in their homes can also lower indoor air quality and prevent fresh air exchange. Luckily, there are a couple of eco-friendly products on the market today that have low concentrations of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). This includes a range of environmentally-friendly paints.
If you are planning a cabinet painting project and you’re looking for a more sustainable and healthier way to do it, we are here to help. Here are a couple of things you should know about eco-friendly paint.
What’s Environmentally-Friendly Paint?
For those who don’t know, traditional paints contain a couple of ingredients that are dangerous to the environment and your health. These ingredients include:
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VOCs
Both latex-based and oil-based paints contain VOCs that are released during application and after application. Respiratory problems, eye irritation, dizziness, nausea, and much more are some of the symptoms of long exposure to VOCs.
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Pigments
Chemical pigments can be harmful. Thus, it is vital to select an environmentally-friendly alternative that utilizes natural pigments.
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Fungicides or Biocides
Biocides can help to improve the paint’s shelf life. On the other hand, fungicides are included to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Environmentally-Friendly Paint Options
If you choose eco-friendly paint options for your next painting project, you can enhance your health and indoor air quality.
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Low or 0 VOC Paint
Usually, zero and low VOC interior paints are latex-based. They’re available in a range of finishes. This includes semi-gloss, eggshell, and matte. For the exterior of your house, there are several brands that make a 100% low VOC acrylic paint that resists staining, fading, and mildew.
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Linseed Oil Paint
This type of paint is solvent-free. It’s made from natural pigments and flax oil. You can easily apply this type of paint to plastic, metal, masonry, and wood both outdoors and indoors.
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Ceramic Paint
Low VOCs and antimicrobial properties make this form of paint best for any room in your house. Small ceramic beads act as pigment extenders that make it extremely durable and able to resist bacteria, smoke, dirt, and much more. On the other hand, antimicrobial properties help to get rid of the growth of mildew and mold.
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Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is utilized to offer furniture a matte and a distressed finish. Aside from cleaning, you don’t have to do any preparation work if you use this. It can be used both outdoors and indoors and has low VOCs.
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Milk Paint
This type of paint is made from natural pigments, chalk, clay, limestone, and milk protein. It’s totally biodegradable and does not include VOCs. It usually comes in powder form. Thus, you have to combine water with it to create a creamy and thin consistency. Typically, it’s used as a finish for lime plastered walls or wood furniture.
Not all environmentally-friendly paints are the same. They differ in the concentration of VOCs and composition. Regardless of what type you use, you have to make sure there is enough ventilation during the painting process and for a couple of days after the painting process.
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