Exterior Paint Without The Lingering Odor Of Bo

When it comes to painting your home's exterior, the last thing you want is a lingering paint smell that overpowers your senses. Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the chemicals responsible for that strong fresh paint smell. These compounds can have short and long-term health effects and negatively impact indoor air quality. To avoid this issue, you can opt for low-odor or no-odor exterior paint options, which are becoming increasingly popular. These paints are not only better for your health but also for the environment, as they reduce air pollution. So, if you're planning an exterior painting project, choosing a paint that doesn't smell like VOCs is a wise decision.

Zero-VOC paints are available from brands like ECOS, AFM Safecoat, Clare, and Behr

ECOS Paint was founded in 1985 for consumers with chemical sensitivities, and the company has a "beyond zero VOC philosophy". All ECOS paints are water-based, zero-VOC, and have no odour. They also provide a comprehensive list of ingredients and VOC test data.

AFM Safecoat was developed in collaboration with physicians to create healthy, eco-friendly products for laboratories, hospitals, and schools. This zero-VOC paint line seals in off-gassing and dries quickly, making it ideal for those with chemical sensitivities or allergies and asthma.

Clare Paint offers a designer-curated range of water-based, zero-VOC paint colours that are Greenguard Gold Certified. Their paints are also free of toxic air contaminants and air pollutants. Clare provides pre-assembled paint kits and large peel-and-stick paint samples, making it convenient for those who want to shop for paint from home.

Behr's i300 zero-VOC paint line is water-based and available at The Home Depot. This interior paint formula comes in a versatile white with an eggshell finish and is Greenguard Gold Certified and mildew-resistant.

In addition to these zero-VOC options, there are also low-VOC paints available from brands like Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, Benjamin Moore, Magnolia Home, and Glidden Premium. These paints have reduced levels of VOCs, which are the chemicals responsible for the "fresh paint" smell and can cause headaches and other health issues.

Low-VOC paints are also a popular option, with similar coverage to regular paint

When it comes to choosing paint, most people only consider colour. However, paints can contain toxic chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are emitted as gases and can affect indoor air quality and have been flagged as potential health hazards. VOCs are added to paint to prevent mildew and extend shelf life.

Low-VOC paints are an increasingly popular alternative to regular paint. They are often advertised as low-odour paint and are considered a "green choice". While they tend to be slightly more expensive than normal paints, they offer similar coverage to their conventional counterparts.

Federal regulations limit the amount of VOCs allowed in paint. For latex-based paint, the maximum is 250 grams per litre, while oil-based paint may contain up to 380 grams per litre. Paint that contains lower levels of VOCs than these limits is considered low-VOC. Manufacturers that limit the amount of toxins in their low-VOC paints to less than 50 grams per litre for flat finish paints and no more than 110 grams per litre for non-flat finish paints can have their products certified as GS-11 by Green Seal. They can also earn a Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification from Underwriter's Laboratories (UL), indicating that the paint complies with voluntary low-VOC standards.

Some examples of low-VOC paints include Valspar Signature Semi-Gloss Tintable Paint & Primer, Behr Premium Plus Ultra Pure White Interior Paint, and Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint. These paints offer good coverage, fast drying times, and mildew resistance, making them a popular choice for those seeking a more environmentally friendly and healthier alternative to traditional paint.

VOCs are volatile organic compounds, which can be harmful to humans and the environment

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that can vaporise into the air. They are found in thousands of products, including paint, varnish, wax, cleaning products, and cosmetics. VOCs are added to paint to prevent mildew and extend shelf life. Federal rules dictate that a latex-based paint may contain a maximum of 250 grams of VOC per litre, while an oil-based paint may contain a maximum of 380 grams per litre. Paint with lower VOC content than these limits is considered low-VOC paint and is often marketed as low-odour paint.

VOCs can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment. Exposure to VOC vapours can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system. Some VOCs are suspected or proven carcinogens. They can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone when they react with nitrogen oxides in the air.

In addition to paints, VOCs are emitted into the air by dry cleaners, auto-body shops, painting and coating facilities, and gas engines. They are also a common pollutant at sites where chemical spills or mishandling has contaminated soils. VOCs can leach into groundwater and migrate to drinking-water supply wells, generating toxic vapours that can get into buildings and degrade indoor air quality.

No-VOC or odorless paints are subject to micro-bacterial contamination and require more coats

When it comes to painting projects, whether interior or exterior, it's essential to understand the differences between paint types to make an informed decision. One of the critical distinctions lies between low VOC and no-VOC or odorless paints.

No-VOC paints, also known as odorless paints, are formulated without volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are carbon-containing compounds that evaporate into the air and negatively impact air quality. They are added to paints to prevent mildew and extend shelf life. Federal regulations set maximum VOC content for latex-based and oil-based paints. While no-VOC paints offer the advantage of being odorless, they come with specific considerations.

One of the challenges with no-VOC or odorless paints is their susceptibility to micro-bacterial contamination. Unlike low-VOC paints, which contain fungicides, odorless paints lack these protective chemicals. As a result, professional painting contractors advise against immersing painting tools directly in the paint can. Additionally, surfaces painted with odorless paint should not be cleaned with chemical-based products and should remain untouched for 30 days after the initial application.

Furthermore, no-VOC or odorless paints may require more coats to achieve the same results as regular low-VOC paints. This is because odorless paints tend to be streakier and may need additional layers for a smooth and even finish. The extra coats also contribute to increased material costs, making no-VOC paints a more expensive option.

While no-VOC paints offer the benefit of being environmentally friendly and safe for individuals with health concerns, it's important to recognize that they may still contain other toxic ingredients. Therefore, for those with specific health considerations, opting for paints labelled ""non-toxic" or "natural" is a better alternative.

VOC-free paints are especially suitable for those with chemical sensitivities or allergies

When it comes to painting, people seldom think beyond the colour. However, the "fresh paint" smell that many people associate with a newly painted room can be a cause of headaches and is a sign of the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are emitted as gases by a wide variety of products and can have short- or long-term health effects. They are especially harmful to people with chemical sensitivities or allergies.

VOC-free paints are ideal for those with chemical sensitivities or allergies. These paints are free of the toxic chemicals found in traditional paints, making them a safer option for those with health concerns. Traditional paints can wreak havoc on individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), allergies, and asthma, triggering unpleasant and even life-threatening symptoms such as sinus pain and pressure, respiratory distress, and joint and muscle pain.

The good news is that several paint brands offer VOC-free or low-VOC paints that are suitable for those with chemical sensitivities or allergies. These paints are designed to minimise or eliminate the harmful chemicals found in traditional paints, providing a healthier alternative.

• ECOS Paints: ECOS offers a range of VOC-free paints, primers, and varnishes. Their products are specifically designed for individuals with chemical sensitivities and allergies, and they provide a comprehensive list of ingredients and VOC test data. ECOS paints are water-based, have no odour, and can be purchased online.
• AFM Safecoat: AFM Safecoat was developed in collaboration with physicians to create healthy and eco-friendly products for sensitive environments such as laboratories, hospitals, and schools. Their zero-VOC paint products seal in off-gassing and dry quickly, making them ideal for individuals with chemical sensitivities, allergies, or asthma. AFM Safecoat paints are available in a range of colours and can be purchased online.
• Clare Paint: Clare Paint offers a designer-curated range of water-based, zero-VOC paints that are Greenguard Gold Certified. Their paints are free of toxic air contaminants and air pollutants, making them a safer choice for those with chemical sensitivities. Clare Paint also provides pre-assembled paint kits and peel-and-stick paint samples for convenient at-home shopping.

When selecting a VOC-free or low-VOC paint, it is important to look for brands that meet zero-VOC paint emissions standards and disclose their test results. Additionally, ensure that the paint brand does not include VOCs in their tinting process, as VOCs can be present in the colourants even if the base paint mixture is VOC-free.

Frequently asked questions