What are the common types of paint?

Three common types of paint include oil, latex, or water bases. Flat, matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss are all options you can choose when deciding what finish you want your paint to have.

What is the different between low-VOC and zero-VOC paint?

Low VOC paints have more moderate amounts of volatile organic compounds, so they don't off-gas as much as standard paints. It's important to note that when labels say that they're "low VOC" it's only in comparison to some other paints. No standard defines what "low" means. Paints that have no VOCs have no volatile organic compounds in them. That's not to say they're without harmful chemicals, though. The paint tinting process sometimes adds VOCs.

Is it safe to paint while pregnant?

The degree of toxicity exposure to fresh paint during pregnancy is challenging to predict. There are no methods of measuring actual exposure at the moment. The assumption is that household painting involves rather low levels of exposure. It's recommended to avoid exposure to oil-based paints, mercury, and lead. Also, minimize exposure to latex paints containing ethylene glycol ethers and biocides. It's assumed that low and zero VOC paints are the safest.

Do no VOC paints smell?

To varying degrees, yes. Solvents in the paint are what evaporate into the air in your home and usually contain VOCs. In the case of no-VOC paints, VOCs are substituted with other chemicals such as ammonia. Many of low or zero VOC paints have a higher ammonia smell because it's often used as a zero VOC chemical replacement.

Why should I choose a zero-VOC interior paint?

Paints containing VOCs can cause respiratory and other health problems for occupants when used inside. They release into the indoor atmosphere in what is called off-gassing. Off-gassing occurs over time, not just when the paint is fresh.

Can you paint without using a primer?

Primer seals and evens out your surface, providing adhesion and blocking stains. Lots of paints include primer now, but that doesn't mean it's always okay to use it. Paint with primer added is alright to use when you're painting a wall for the first time, as the drywall is very porous and will absorb a lot of paint. If the drywall has been painted before, it's possible to use paint with primer added to it. This works best if you are applying a similar paint sheen and color to what is on the walls already. If you're making a significant change in color, though, using a separate primer is the best way to go. The last thing you need is to find out you have to do more coats when a darker base shows through your new lighter paint color. Making a change in paint sheen can lead to application issues, as a glossy base will be tough to get fresh paint to adhere to.

In-Depth Product Guide

Zero-VOC Interior Paint

FAQs

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Interior paints and coatings provide a personal touch for the interior of your home. Zero-VOC paints have no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and don't off-gas in your home. Zero-VOC paints are available in thousands of colors and multiple finishes.

Look for the zero-VOC label, which means the paint has less than 5g/L VOCs. You should also consider the tint used to color the paint can add significant VOCs. Darker tins can potentially add more VOCs than lighter tints. It's important to use colorants with zero VOCs.

While recycled paints can be a good choice for reducing waste, they may be from mixed or consolidated paints from multiple containers. It's possible that paint performance and VOC levels could vary with recycled paint. Look for assurance of the quality of the product. MPI RR (recycled remanufactured) and GreenSeal certifications include performance requirements for recycled paints.

Zero-VOC paint improves indoor air quality and contributes to a healthy living space by not emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

People have been telling stories with paint for more than 40,000 years. Paintings found on cave walls, dating from early times, were made with ground minerals like red and yellow ochre, hematite, and magnesium, along with charcoal.