The Best Eco-Friendly Paints and Stains

Since many homes in Southwest Jefferson county are surrounded by nature, it’s important to pick an eco-friendly paint or stain, especially for the home’s exterior. While most modern paint and stains don’t contain as many harmful chemicals as before, it’s important to still do your research. In this post, we have compiled a guide to the most environmentally friendly paints and stains.

Exterior Paints – With exterior paints, it’s important to still select ones with the low VOC’s (volatile organic compounds). With application and with wear and tear over time, paints with high VOC’s can leak these compounds into the environment through microscopic air particles. Also, releasing these chemicals into the atmosphere increases the carbon footprint both during manufacturing and application.

Also, most all exterior paints have a fungicide included in them so that they can seal from water and air born fungus. If you can find a fungicide that is made out of zinc oxide instead of high VOC’s.

With exterior choices besides the fungicide, you should select water-based paints or stains, latex or acrylic paints, and zero- to low- VOC’s paints. Try to avoid oil-based paints if at all possible due to their high VOC count. Even though, you won’t be inside with the fumes like interior paints, picking eco-friendly paint will prevent these fumes from interacting with the environment.

For stains, darker stains and sealants are less toxic because they contain less pesticides and preservative. Clear or transparent stains have higher chemical levels. Also, they are reapplied more often leaving traces of these chemicals in the environment. Water-based stains and sealants are best for outdoor spaces, especially ones without biocides.

Interior Paints – While there have been many gains for more eco-friendly exterior paints, interior projects are usually always taking this under consideration. This is because high VOC’s in the living space are known to cause all types of health concerns. Modern solutions include, milk paint or natural paints which do not have the same chemicals like petroleum added to them. They are plant-based and do not off-gas harmful VOC’s. Milk paint is comprised of casein proteins and does not contain harmful biocides.

Latex paint or recycled latex paints are another great choice for interiors as long as they have very low- VOC’s. You can also select a latex paint. Don’t select an oil-based paint and definitely not any older lead-based paint.

With any interior projects, ensure that your house or room is well-ventilated when you start to paint. Also, allow the paint to fully dry and cure before moving back into the home, usually this take anywhere from 24-72 hours.

Green Label

Another thing to look for when selecting paints is the GREEN label. Certification with a Green Seal or GREENGUARD means these paints are regulated to include extremely low VOC’s. There are different levels of certification and some include special paints for at-risk populations like children or the elderly. These paints also meet a sustainability requirement during the manufacturing process which reduces pollution and protects the environment.

Living in the Southwest Jeffco community, means that nature is a big part of your environment. The local team at CertaPro SW Jeffco can assist in selecting the right paint for your project. They do all types of painting, staining and home improvement. To learn more or schedule a free estimate please call: 303-838-3883

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