Top Three New Eco-Friendly, No VOC Paints
Worried about VOCs? You should be. Volatile organic compounds, aka VOCs, are pesky little chemical compounds that vaporize into the atmosphere and can be carcinogenic. And according to the EPA, they contribute to making the air inside your home nearly three times as polluted as the air outside.
One of the most direct sources of VOCs is on your walls. The freshly painted scent that meant your landlord did his job? That’s the hallmark of a volatile organic compound, baby. And those in the industry are starting to see the painting on the wall (to torture an anachronism).
Most mainstream manufacturers are going with low or no VOCs, but we fell in love with the new paints made from natural sources that are no VOC, completely non-hazardous and non-flammable. Real Milk Paint is derived from milk proteins and comes in a rainbow of colors. The DuraSoy One Ultra Premium Bio-Based Multi-Purpose Paints (whew!) sold through Eco Safety Products eliminate the need for primer or top coat and come in a durable satin sheen that cleans easily with soap and water. (They can match any color on the market if you provide the name of the paint and the color code.)
Finally, American Clay is a natural plaster that creates an incredible texture and color on your wall. Made in New Mexico, the plasters come in a gorgeous array of natural earth-tones that can be reused again and again—simply rehydrade the excess plaster and you’re good to go. Apprehensive about taking a trowel to your bedroom? American Clay takes a few days to set, so you can take your time and get it right. Plus, the company offers an amazing and affordable Try It Kit, with three bags of their best-selling colors and all the gear you’ll need to rock a VOC-free wall.
Because with colors and options like these, why mess with volatility at all?
