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!

When it comes to home improvement, many areas can benefit from quality paint. Choosing the right paint or coating for your basement and garage will ensure these spaces are more comfortable and functional. Garage and basement painting are simple tasks, but there are methods that can help ensure a professional finish. This concrete could intimidate homeowners when it comes to priming and painting, below we will discuss tips for ensuring a professional-looking and long-lasting paint job. 

Why Paint Your Garage Or Basement?

Before we discuss the best way to paint your garage or basement, there are a few benefits to share. Painting an unfinished concrete space can provide an enhanced room and bring new life. 

Protect And Preserve Surfaces

Painting can protect the underlying surface from bacterial growth, scratches, and other types of wear. Choosing a durable paint will help increase the lifespan of your basement or garage and allow it to be used for many years. Basements and garages are prone to dust and moisture damage which can be limited by proper paint. Painted walls are also easier to clean, which will limit the buildup that can damage the underlying material.

Boost Property Value

An unfinished space can lower the overall value of your home. Paint is often seen as one of the finishing touches needed to complete an interior design plan. Painting the garage or basement of a home is a renovation that will bring a very high ROI. A room with insulation, a window, and paint could be used as an extra bedroom or living room, which will increase the value your home will sell for.

Improved Aesthetics And Functionality

A dark and dreary basement or garage will not be a comfortable space to be in. Painting the walls will brighten the space and make it welcoming. While painting the walls won’t help organize the area, it can make it more motivating to spend time in so you can organize. 

Choosing The Right Paint

No matter what surface you are painting, certain primers, paints, and techniques will work for that surface. For unfinished concrete surfaces, there are special concrete and masonry paints that will adhere to the porous surface. These paints are also mildew and moisture-resistant, which will limit the risk of bacterial damage. 

Another durable paint type for garages and basements includes waterproof paint. Basements are prone to moisture, especially if they are in areas with high humidity or a high water table. Waterproof paints add an extra layer of protection to prevent the water from seeping into the walls. 

Tips For Professional Finishes

Now that you have the right type of paint, it is time to apply it to the space. Using proper equipment and taking your time is important when painting any room. If you want the job to look professional, follow these steps. 

• Prep The Area: Before you tape, prime, or paint, you need to clean each surface you plan to paint. Remove any dust, mold, or build-up so that the paint will be able to adhere properly. You can also use a vacuum to help remove large amounts of dust or dirt easily. Removing debris will ensure a smooth finish. 
• Repair Cracks And Holes: Inspect the garage and basement for damage before painting. Patching cracks and holes with a concrete filler will also ensure a continuously smooth surface. 
• Utilize The Right Tools: Concrete can be a tricky surface to paint, which is why we suggest sprayers or rollers to ensure the best-looking finish. Sprayers take more skill to master, but they will provide the most even coats with a smooth finish. Rollers are easier for beginners to handle, but can still pose the risk of stroke lines. Small lines and angles can be done with a paintbrush.
• Prime The Surface: Applying a primer will add an extra layer of protection for the space. The primer needs to be applied to a clean and dry surface in order to last. Primer is especially important for spaces that are prone to moisture. 
• Paint From The Top Down: Starting with the ceiling and working toward the floor will keep the floors clean if the paint drips. You will be able to touch up areas where small paint dripped if you work from the top down. 
• Apply Coatings To The Floor: Once you have the ceiling and walls finished, you can move on to the basement or garage floor. While concrete floors can be painted, you may decide that an epoxy coating or rubber mats will work better for your situation. There are additional equipment and steps that you will need to follow if you choose epoxy. If you are applying paint, follow the same cleaning and preparation steps as above. 
• Use Decorative Floor Mats: Mats can help protect the floor without the need for any special application. Durable floor mats can help limit wear in high-traffic areas and keep the space warm. Decorative or colored mats will add more visual interest while protecting the concrete surface. If painting ceilings and walls is enough work for you, using mats can save you precious time. 
• Don’t Neglect Proper Lighting: Once the space is painted, you will need proper lighting to help show off the paint. LED lights can help garages and basements be efficient workspaces or hang-out areas. Lighting will help the space from feeling cramped or dark, depending on the color you choose for the concrete space. 

American Town Painting

Our painters specialize in residential and commercial painting. We know how to improve your space and save you time and money. Whether you want to paint an interior room, your garage, or your basement, we can help! Your space will look professional and be long-lasting when you work with American Town Painting.

Your interior paint is something that is aesthetically pleasing and necessary for the longevity of the home. Maintaining painted walls will ensure that your home looks pristine for many years. Wear and stains are common in a home, especially on walls in common areas like the living room, bathroom, and hallways. Some extra care during cleaning or prep during the painting process can help maintain the painted walls in your home. 

1- Don’t Place Furniture Against The Walls

Furniture that is placed too close to the walls can lead to scuffs and scratches. Couches, dressers, chairs, or shelves can be bumped against the walls and scuff your paint. This may not seem like a problem until you go to move the furniture or change the layout of your space. You will then need to touch up these areas so they don’t stand out in your space. Deep scuffs may also need to be filled before they can be painted, this can make the wall look textured or uneven and draw your attention to the blemish. 

2- Keep A Touch-Up Kit Handy

When a scuff does happen, having a handy touch-up kit will help you repair a spot before it can worsen. A small can of your paint is necessary to have on hand especially if you have kids and pets. Having some plaster and paint on hand could save your painted wall from continuing to peel and chip over the next few days. 

3- Clean Walls Often

Keeping your space clean is the best way to make it last. Your painted walls should be dusted and wiped down frequently in order to maintain the paint and limit bacteria. A layer of dust will make the paint color look dull. Moisture could lead to peeling or chipping. Maintaining them doesn’t require too much work in fact, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down the walls every other week. Or use a duster to remove dust and dander from top to bottom. 

4- Clean Up Spills Promptly

Any type of spill could stain your painted walls and lead to a dull color. Wiping up spills or scrubbing off scuffs will keep the paint looking brand new for longer. The longer a spill or stain sits, the harder it will be to completely remove. Timely cleaning of any painted surfaces will reduce color fading, deterioration of the paint and primer, and long-term damage to your walls. 

5- Shield The Paint From The Sun

UV light from the sun can damage your paint job quickly. The sun can cause the color to fade or disappear entirely. If you want your paint to last, you will want to have blinds, curtains, or window tints to protect your painted walls. Sunlight that streams through doors, windows, or glass doors will lower the brilliance of any paint. Keeping your windows and doors from damaging your paint will keep your color and spirits bright.

6- Limit Humidity

Moisture can damage paint and lead to bacterial growth around the home. Humidity can seep into the paint and lead to bubbles, mold, or peeling spots. Painted walls in a bathroom, for example, are prone to humidity damage. Shower moisture or splashes from a bathtub can seep into small corners. Keeping the area ventilated or having a dehumidifier will help you maintain the paint job. 

7- Don’t Smoke Indoors

Tobacco smoke can turn walls yellow or brown when you smoke frequently indoors. Smoking indoors can shorten the life of your paint and other home materials. Similar to other stains, greasy and smokey debris will dull the paint color and is difficult to remove when left for too long. The best way to limit damage to the paint is to limit smoking indoors so that your cleaning frequency won’t need to increase. 

8- Choose Longer Lasting Paint Finishes

Some paints are known to be more durable than others. Satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss will be able to handle more scrubbing and are more humidity-resistant. Choosing these paints will make the paint color and the finish last much longer. The right paint finish will also minimize damage during cleaning. Paint finishes like satin and gloss won’t chip with slight scrubbing or wiping. 

Interior Painting From American Town Painting

American Town Painting is proud to offer quality services to homeowners and businesses in Utah. Our team has been honing our skills for many years. Interior painting is just one of our specialties that can help your home look visually appealing and protect it from damage. Interior painting is a crucial finishing touch on a home of any size. Reach out to our team to schedule your next paint project!