What are VOCs? VOC is an acronym for Volatile Organic Compound. VOCs refer to chemical compounds that tend to vaporize into the atmoshere. While not everyone is affected by this off-gassing, many people are very sensitive and can become quite ill.
www.uweb.ucsb.edu According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), interior latex flat coatings must have a VOC level under 5 grams per litre to be considered Zero-VOC. IMHO, zero means zero. I'm not however, suggesting that a 100% Zero-VOC paint is a good idea. In fact, the VOCs in the paint help the paint to perform better. Certain VOCs give paint more open time. This means the paint dries slower; while impatient painters won't like the idea of a slow drying paint, it's a good thing as it self-levels, eliminating roller and brush marks.
Low-VOC paints must have a VOC level under 50g/l. Again, this is for flat latex paints. The higher the sheen, the higher the VOCs.
Another big misconception is that when you buy a "no-" or low-VOC paint, that's what you're taking home. That would be true if you took the can off the shelf and started to paint. While the base can be "no-" or low-VOC, the tints or colorants are not. Tints can more than double the VOC level. A lighter colour will have less VOCs than a darker colour.
There are two dominant testing methods for VOCs in paint. Test Method 24 was once the most popular method, but is no longer considered as accurate at low levels (not registering any VOCs or levels that are too high). Test method D6886 is now considered the more accurate test.
I personally recommend C2 paint for all my clients and indoor products. Their new LOVO line was created to surpass their premium line in quality and eco-friendliness. Low odour, great coverage and gorgeous colours (though it can also be tinted to match any paint brand or custom colour) are just a few of the pros C2 offers. All their bases also test at 25-40 g/l making them a smart choice for a low-VOC paint.
"C2 doesn't want to go green just for the sake of going green, but only if it also makes the product better."
Lee Martin, General Manager of Randall's Paints and Executive Board Member of C2 Paints.
www.collegeprochicago.com Here are a few good websites if you want more info on VOCs:
Thanks for the informative post. You've just quadrupled my knowledge of VOCs!!
ReplyDeleteI've never used C2 paint. I'm not particularly loyal to any one brand, although I do like Sico a lot -- especially Sico Cashmere.
Kelly
Sarah, great post. Like you I am not loyal to any particular brand however do have my preferences and will admit; I feel oil base paints are still best for durability/longevity. EEKS did I just say that?
ReplyDeleteP.S: I left you a message on your previous post re Fabricland.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteLove this blog entry! Paint providers are a dime a dozen! choose one you believe in and stick to it! Good job.
thanks for stopping by the booth at the Ottawa Women's Show today! I actually was standing in the corner behind Colin & Justin when you were talking about getting a photo for your blog.
LOVE the passion & enthusiasm you have u go girl!
OK so I like your blog! I like the fact that you DO Blog not enough business & people blog enough. I am guilty of not doing it enough.
I noticed below on your blog that you are taking a business course with the government, how did that go? Are you still looking to open your own business or are you looking more for a job with in a design company??
Couldn't find an e-mail address for you so please contact me at capitalhome@sympatico.ca I would love to talk to you some more.
Have a great night and talk to you soon.
Right now e-mail is best since I've got a ton of follow up calls to make from interest at the women's show!
-Kristy
PS: i'm on Facebook, Twitter, Active Rain Blogg Spot. if you would like to check it out.