In recent years, the concern for environmental sustainability has grown. As a result, many people are turning to green products and maintenance processes, such as using eco-friendly paint instead of traditional paint. Today, many paint companies are offering sustainable coatings and paintings.
As a result, you have an opportunity to reduce environmental impact, save on energy, earn a green star, and improve both your reputation and the well-being of people in your building. Here is what you need to know about eco-friendly paint before purchasing.
What are eco-friendly paints?
Eco-friendly paints are non-toxic alternatives that don't contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These products contain organic materials like balsam, citrus, lay, and milk proteins. They are very healthy to use in your building and have little to no odour. This makes it safe for people with respiratory conditions or allergies. In general, they are manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner, which minimises their carbon footprint.
Also, they are microporous, meaning they allow your walls to breathe. This makes it a better option for improving air quality in hospitals, schools, or other buildings. Since many paints claim to be eco-friendly but aren't, ensure you:
- Check for the certified organic label
- Identify who has certified it
- Check the ingredients used
Three benefits of eco-friendly paint
Eco-paint has several benefits over traditional options. They include:
1. Being better for people and the environment
Generally, eco-paints are made in a more environmentally friendly way, like using solar power. The manufacturing process of eco-paint produces fewer fumes that negatively affect air quality. Also, it emits less toxic waste compared to traditional paint production. The natural components in eco-paint are biodegradable.
Also, it helps enhance the air quality of a building. Since it emits fewer fumes when drying, it can help you minimise the risk of health-related side effects such as respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. On top of that, the eco-paint doesn't have a strong odour.
2. Improved sustainability
If you use eco-paint and operate sustainably, you can improve the reputation of your building. As a result, you can earn a Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Their rating proves that your building has met the sustainability benchmark and shows that you are committed to minimising your environmental impact. This means your building will attract more tenants, patients, or students.
3. Cost-effectiveness
Environmentally friendly paint options may seem more expensive compared to traditional paints. But they are of a higher quality than traditional chemical-based paints and have a better return on investment. They also have better colour retention, abrasion resistance, viscosity, and paint coverage. This means you can save some cash since a small concentration goes a long way. You also benefit from improved colour retention and savings on your health.
Just like any industry, you'll find everything from high-end options to options with lower prices. So, the price will come down to what you expect from eco-paint, how rare the compounds are, and whether VOCs are lowered or completely eliminated. Therefore, do your research and know which characteristics matter to you most. This way, shopping will be easier.
Types of eco-friendly paints
With so many types of eco-friendly paint on the market, choosing the right one for new paint projects and paint maintenance can be challenging. That's why it's essential to know the different types of eco-paint. Options include:
1. Water-based paint
This is an eco-friendly paint that has water as the foundation. It breaks down more easily than non-water-based paints on the market. Most water-based products are made of biodegradable ingredients and contain less toxic chemicals. Therefore, they are environmentally friendly and don't affect air quality as much. When applying this paint, you can easily breathe, which suits your painting contractors and people in your house. Water-based paint is more suitable for exterior painting that is exposed to various elements.
2. Plant-based paints
These are also known as natural paints. They are non-toxic and made using natural compounds and minerals such as beeswax, plant extracts, resins, and clay. Therefore, this product won't emit a pungent odour. Also, it has fewer adverse reactions to humans and the environment. Plant-based products are more suitable for houses where people have skin irritations or allergies, and you can use them for interiors, skirting boards, and timber architraves.
3. Low VOC paints
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemical fumes released when paint is drying. VOCs can lead to higher carbon emissions and can have harmful health effects. Therefore, a product with lower VOCs is a better option for air quality and the environment.
One thing about low VOC products is that they dry fast. The presence of VOCs in traditional paints helps them stay wet. As a result, painters have to work quickly with low VOC paints. These products are suitable for outdoor or indoor facades and walls. It requires a slightly different application technique, so hiring an experienced contractor is vital.
4. Zero VOC paints
For any product to be zero VOC, it must have less than five grams of VOCs per litre. However, this is not easy to come by, especially for darker colours, since the tinting element generally requires a high level of VOC compared to lighter paints. You should know that VOCs can be present in some colourants, even when they are not in the base paint. So, you can only trust paints that contain a comprehensive list of ingredients.
Also, zero VOC products dry at different rates, so hire professionals to apply them.
Use eco-friendly paint products
If you're planning to do paint maintenance in your home or building, consider using eco-friendly products because of their many benefits. These paints can minimise or eliminate your exposure to compounds that cause health issues.
At First Response Maintenance Solutions, we are glad to help you with your painting jobs. Contact us today. Our painting team will help you repaint your building using eco-paints.