8 Best Eco-Friendly Paints
Posted on May 22, 2020
You are vigilant when bringing products into your home. You shop for eco-friendly and green options of food, clothes, cleaning supplies, and more. Did you know that the toxicity in your house could be coming from the paint on the walls? Manufacturers have addressed customers’ concerns by creating options to go along with the green movement. There are wall coverings now with little or no toxic chemicals. Here are 8 eco-friendly paints for a non-toxic home.
In some areas, we spend up to 80% of our time indoors. Keeping the air safe in your home is of the utmost importance. Interior paints can be blamed for some common issues with breathing and allergens. The chemicals can be leached off of our walls and affect our whole family, pets included.
What makes a paint eco-friendly?
With the push for eco-friendly paints, manufacturers in the industry have instituted rules a paint must meet to be considered green. To qualify, the paint can’t contain airborne particles in chemicals or gases that can negatively affect your health. These paint emissions are called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Typically the results of these are minor including headaches, dizziness, and temporary visual problems. More severe can include respiratory problems and memory loss.
In a study, the EPA found that the compounds are up to 5 times higher when used indoors. If the paint needs to be stripped before painting, it skyrockets to 1,000 times higher.
By working with eco-friendly paints, you can bring in a new color with fewer problems for your family. Here are 8 options.
Milk paint is a protein-based color option that is healthier than oil or latex-based paints. You buy it in powder form that you mix with water and stir to create the paint. The company offers a number of colors. Keep in mind the cost of this option is high, about $60 per gallon.
Another option outside of latex and oil paint bases is from Earth Pigments that are based on colors made from minerals and plants. These are all harvested from the earth in manners that are sustainable and responsible. Painting with these requires a high level of finesse and a very light paint hand. The pigments each have their own instructions to make the paint. If you can work with the product successfully, many homeowners rave about the results. There are rich and various colors, but the mix will cost you $54 per 5kg base.
3. Bioshield
Bioshield is different because it is one of very few zero-VOC, solvent-free paints on the market. The company stands by its idea of a completely eco-friendly process for painting. They offer interior and exterior paints along with finishes and stains for wood. These are only available online and start at $46 per gallon.
Tradition paint manufacturer Sherwin-Williams offers a line of VOC-free paint with their Harmony brand. It goes a step further to say it actually helps clean the air. The paint advertises it clears toxic emissions in your home from household products. The paint is available at most paint suppliers or online for $56 per gallon.
Benjamin Moore is also offering a specialized line of eco-friendly products with their Natura paints. For those with breathing concerns, this product boasts zero VOCs and an allergy-friendly base. It’s available through paint retailers and prices vary.
6. Ecos Paint
Environmentally friendly paint comes from Ecos Paint. These are made from organic ingredients and offer options for interior and exterior walls. This line is available online at about $50 per gallon.
If you are more hands-on with color selection and ordering, try Behr’s Premium Plus which is available at big-box retailers. The line is zero VOC and eco-friendly with a wide range of colors. The paints offer a two-in-one paint and primer saving you a step for application. The paint is kind to your timeline and budget, with a gallon costing about $25.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly and entirely USA-based brand, go with Earth Safe Finishes. The paints are zero-VOC and homegrown here in the United States. Each gallon offers a one-coat matte finish to allow you to paint more quickly. Remember, ease costs money. A gallon of this costs $120.
Our crews are happy to accommodate your eco-friendly requests for a variety of painting services. Schedule a free estimate with our team to discuss your project today!
