All You Need To Know About Eco Friendly Wall Paint
If you have strolled the paint aisles of your local hardware store, you may have noticed that there are more options than ever before. From long lasting to eco-friendly, every name brand has a lot to offer you. While you are deliberating between paint colors and finishes, it is wise to also give some thought to how eco friendly you want your new paint job to be.
There is no set standard for what makes a gallon of paint eco-friendly and many organizations and brands disagree about things such as fungicides and chemical tinting. We understand that it can be a bit confusing, so here is what you need to know about using eco-friendly paint in your Washington, DC home.
VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, have gotten a lot of press lately and for good reason; they are chemicals that evaporate for about four weeks after you apply your paint. Not only do they affect the air quality of your home’s interior but they can also be harmful outdoor pollutants when they make their way outside.
What You Can Do- Use latex paint, which typically has much lower VOC content. When selecting your paint, pay attention to the VOC content. What level are you comfortable using when it comes to your home’s interior paint? Low VOC, no VOC?
Fungicides and Pigments- These additives and preservatives help create your paint colors, preserve shelf life, and resist mold. However, eco experts have some questions as to their long term effects, especially when used with frequency by professional painters.
What You Can Do- If you are concerned about this, look for a brand that contains no biocides and fungicides and uses all natural pigments for tinting.
Proper Disposal- One of the best things you can do to increase the environmental impact of your paint job is dispose of it correctly. Improper disposal can seep into the groundwater, so never dump your paint outside or down the drain.
What You Can Do- Look into the disposal regulations for your state and never throw away oil based paints or stains as they are considered hazardous household waste. As for latex paint, you can donate extra to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, or allow a mostly empty can to dry out completely before tossing it in with the rest of your trash.
If you are looking to refresh your home with new paint colors but want to pay attention to the environmental impact of your Arlington, VA home, we would love to schedule an estimate with you. Our professional painters will chat with you about your new paint job and all the eco-friendly options available to you.
