Low VOC paints are almost the industry standard today, but many manufacturers are going a step further, creating no VOC paints that are even safer.
No VOC is actually a misnomer, because it is virtually impossible to produce a commercial paint that contains none of these compounds. The government standard for no VOC is less than 5 grams of VOC per liter of paint.
No VOC paints are economical, very safe, and relatively easy to find. As they dry, they release virtually no chemicals into the air as they dry. This is safer from a health standpoint. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions can be very sensitive to off-gassing, even in small amounts. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches, sore throats, coughing or wheezing, and skin rashes. Obviously, if someone in your household is chemically sensitive, no VOC paints are the way to go.
Because they don’t release significant amounts of chemicals into the air, no VOC formulations are also particularly environmentally friendly. Clean up and disposal is easy since they are water soluble.
Read labels carefully.
- Avoid formulations that list fungicides or biocides on the label. These create some off-gassing and can also be harmful if licked or chewed (important in homes with kids or pets!)
- Look for acrylic binders. Vinyl binders are cheaper, but are suspected carcinogens (cancer causing agents.)
Using well-known national brands has its advantages. For one thing, they tend to perform better than no-name alternatives. They’re easier to find. And larger companies tend to have wider color selections.
Some major manufacturers of no-VOC paints are:
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec is CERTIFIED Asthma & allergy friendly plus Green Seal Certified. It contains a 100% acrylic base and water-based pigments, which are environmentally friendly and create a smoother-flowing product. Currently, interior use only.
Bioshield
This company provides a complete collection of paints, stains, thinners and waxes. Their products are made from natural ingredients such as citrus and essential oils, tree resins, minerals, beeswax, and natural pigments. Bioshield is a U.S. based company.
Behr Premium Plus
Behr Premium Plus is sold only at Home Depot. BEHR PREMIUM PLUS Interior Paint & Primer offers exceptional durability and hide with a finish that resists mildew and stains. In addition, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a low odor, Zero VOC paint. Meets LEED and GREENGUARD GOLD requirements.
Mythic Paint
Mythic Paint produces only no VOC, non toxic paints. They have an extensive color selection (1,232) colors, and will also create custom colors or copy competitors’ offerings. Interior designer David Bromstad has a line of paint through Mythic. Mythic is an American company.
Sherwin Williams
Sherwin Williams’ ProMar 200 line has a variety of no-VOC sheen offerings, all are interior latex. ProMar 200 Zero VOC Interior Latex is a durable, professional quality, interior vinyl acrylic finish for use on walls, ceilings, and trim of primed plaster, wallboard or wood. ProMar 200 is Greenguard Certified for both Indoor Air Quality of Children and Schools.
Old-Fashioned Paints
If someone in your household has severe allergies, an all-natural, completely chemical free formulation might be the best bet. Read our section on old-fashioned paints for manufacturers and some fun recipes to make yourself!
About the Author:
Crowder Painting is a Colorado Springs Colorado house painting contractor specializing in interior and exterior re-painting, new construction, detailed specialty finishes, wood finishes and custom cabinet refinishing.
