Not all paints are created equal and many of them could lead to health issues in the future. Eco-friendly paints will help keep your home safe while also reducing the harm you cause to the environment. Choosing the right paint has gotten easier now that more companies and consumers are pushing for cleaner ingredients, but here are some things to look for to ensure you are getting a true eco-friendly paint.
1- Learn More About VOC Levels
One way to tell if a paint is eco-friendly is to look for zero VOCs. Volatile Organic Compounds are organic compounds that can vaporize and linger in the air. These chemicals can last for days inside a home or business as the paint dries. VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory impairment, and even memory loss. Choosing a paint with low VOCs will help you have peace of mind about your health and indoor air quality. Paints without harsh chemicals will also have lower odors that often come when painting indoors. Look for paints that have no or low VOC to reduce pollutants in your home.
2- Certifications To Look For
Paint companies will oftentimes put certifications on their paint products to help consumers see that they offer quality paints. Looking for these safety seals or certifications will help you to know that you are purchasing eco-friendly paint. Some certifications that indicate a safer paint include:
- Green Seal
- GREENGUARD
- LEED
- ECOSPEC Certification
- Environmental Product Declaration
These certifications will show that the paint complies with strict eco-standards or the brand is more transparent about how they are impacting the environment.
3- Prioritize Health Benefits
While some paint products will have a low impact on the environment (recycled packing materials, natural paint ingredients, etc.) not all of them will be good for your health. Prioritizing health benefits when remodeling or painting your home is crucial for the quality of life of those living there. Eco-friendly and healthy paint options help reduce toxic chemicals that could be damaging to your respiratory system, health concerns for pregnant women, and allergy irritation.
4- Look Into Natural Paints
Natural paints like clay, chalk paints, or plant-based paints will be more eco-friendly than other paint products. Biodegradable ingredients like milk protein, lime, or beeswax can improve the aesthetics of your home without creating health hazards or depleting natural resources. Natural paints or plant-based paints are virtually free of chemicals and have a longer shelf life. Choosing either recycled paints, plant-based paints, or natural paints will improve the quality of your home while giving you a vivid color change.
5- Read Ingredients Carefully
While some paint brands can say they are offering eco-friendly alternatives, their ingredients may say otherwise. An informed consumer will read through the ingredients to see what they are really applying to their house. Look for ingredients like heavy metals, chromium, formaldehyde, or synthetic dyes. All of these ingredients can be harmful in large quantities and create long-lasting odors when used indoors.
6- Brands That Offer Eco-Friendly Paints
Having a list of natural brands when you go paint shopping can help you know you are making the right choice. Eco-friendly paints are often not carried in bigger stores, but some large brands offer more eco-friendly options in addition to their other products. Here are some natural brands or brands that carry some eco-friendly options.
- The Real Milk Paint Co.
- Natural Earth Paint
- Good Natured LLC
- Farrow & Ball
- Benjamin Moore
- AFM Safecoat
- Graham & Brown
Services From American Town Painting
American Town Painting offers residential and commercial painting services. We know how big of a difference paint can make in a space, so we focus on quality painting techniques, eco-friendly products, and affordable prices. In addition to interior painting, we also offer wallpaper, exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, and epoxy coatings.
We are dedicated to color, detail, quality, and care in every job we complete. American Town Painting exceeds professional standards no matter what job we are completing. If you are looking to improve your space with a bold color or give the space a fresh feel, reach out to our painters in Salt Lake City. Get an estimate or book your service right away by calling 801-971-8747!