Using Low-VOC Paints

Before we dip our brushes into that bucket, let’s look at some reasons why run-of-the-mill paint can be hazardous to our health and to the environment.

Potential Hazards of Paint
According to the EPA, the concentration of pollutants inside your home is several times higher than what you’ll find outside, due to the lack of ventilation in rooms compared to the open spaciousness of the great outdoors. Without proper ventilation, airborne chemicals collect indoors and eventually cause damage to our bodies. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, cancer, and heart disease are all potential side effects of indoor air pollution. Although the contamination cannot be attributed to any single source, paint and paint-related chemicals play a significant role inside a typical home.

The airborne chemicals released during painting, after the paint is dry, and as paint is removed, fall into a category of pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution. Harmful compounds in the VOC category range from formaldehyde to pesticides to cleaning chemicals. They can be up to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, in both rural and industrial locations. However, VOCs contribute significantly to air pollution out of doors as well. VOCs are released in the highest concentrations during paint application, but most paint will continue to emit harmful fumes for years afterwards.
The quality of many natural paints is commonly criticized because, in times past, colors tended to fade and you could not wash the walls without a touch-up following close behind. Newer eco paints, especially some newer lime washes, are more durable, washable, and longer lasting than those that came before them—some are even used for the restoration and preservation of national monuments!

Low-VOC Paints
Due to environmental regulations and increasing consumer demand, paint companies have developed new house paints that emit little or no VOCs. This is achieved by using water as a base instead of traditional, petroleum-based oil solvents. "Low-VOC" paints must meet the EPA standard of a maximum 200 grams volatile compound per liter of paint. Varnishes are awarded a limit of 300 grams. Although this is already less than half the VOC content of typical paints, Green Seal—a non-profit organization dedicated to improving environmental standards for paint and other products—has developed a certification process that limits low-VOC paints to 50 grams of VOC per liter. Look for the Green Seal on paint products to ensure only the lowest VOC paints are used in your home.

Ultra low-VOC paints are labeled "zero-VOC." These paints can sometimes cost a bit more than the regular cans, but the EPA restricts this label to paints with less than 5 grams of volatile compound per liter. Check to make sure that the products contain little or no formaldehyde, ammonia, or acetone—non-petroleum compounds that can adversely affect indoor air quality. Biocides and fungicides that prevent mildew growth and extend the shelf life of paint are also commonly added, despite their toxicity and their tendency to off gas for years after application.

5 Reasons to choose a licensed contractor

• A licensed and bonded contractor is a contractor that is working with the laws of the State of Washington to be a responsible and reputable business that will give you quality service and customer satisfaction.
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  If your contractor is licensed and bonded then you as homeowner are protected should something go wrong or you are not satisfied with the job done by your contractor.
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  If someone should get hurt on your property you as a homeowner are responsible. It could cost you thousands of dollars.
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  License & Bonded Contractors have insurance to cover on the job injuries so the property owner is not responsible.
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  If you choose a licensed and bonded contractor then you are dealing with an experienced business.

Thousands of colors! Where do You start!

The tips here will really help you if you feel overwhelmed by your choices. After all, the paint color will set the feel and tone of your home.

Be Patient
It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall scheme. Paint is available in an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive.

Coordinate with things in your home
When looking for the right colors, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Make sure you have them on hand when choosing your colors.

Really Study the Colors
You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.

Tried and True Formula for Colors
If you're working with a print fabric, you'll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces.

Trim it Out
More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, doors, and windows. If you're feeling brave, consider the palest shade of color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright color for trim.

Talk to a Professional
When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. Turn to a painting contractor or decorator. They will be able to tell you what the “hot” colors are right now and what works best for your home.