As the standard, Patrice and I only use NO VOC paint with all our projects!
Typically, people associate VOCs with paint. You may have heard a lot of buzz about VOCs being a problem. Hence, we thought it appropriate for our first KP Paint Buzz blog!
So what’s the buzz?
First, VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs can be a big deal if you have low immunity or are allergy sensitive. Recent studies have shown they can cause allergic reactions such as asthma, headaches, upper respiratory infections, rashes, and even cancer. Studies DO show they can be damaging to your health.
In my own experience at CertaProPainters of Mountainside, Westfield, and Livingston we’ve worked with couples who have been divided on the topic. Typically there’s one partner who REALLY cares about the VOC level of the paint, especially when we are doing a nursery. That’s great. And for the other partner who doesn’t, it’s still okay because as a standard, we use zero VOC paint. Typically we work with Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. These companies have come a long way in reducing, even eliminating, VOCs in your paint. So, it’s almost a non-issue. No fighting if you are painting your home and one of you is concerned and the other isn’t. We don’t use VOC paint.
The one thing you do need to be careful with is oil-based primer. We don’t use it, but if you are doing your painting at home on your own, and you are concerned about VOCs, stay away from oil-based primers!
Did you know VOCs aren’t just paint related?
Beyond paint, there are many other things in your home improvement projects where VOCs threaten to contaminate your home. From wallcoverings, to floor alternatives, you need to be careful BEYOND your paint. Patrice and I read a great article by the DIY Network that had some great VOC considerations ! So, we felt compelled to share with you. When working on any home improvement project, consider these! Print it out. Hang it on your fridge as a reference to guide you in a low VOC environment!
It would be next to impossible to entirely eliminate these compounds from your daily life, but follow the go-to rule I apply to every aspect of my life-control what you can control. You can’t eliminate VOCs altogether, BUT you can significantly minimize the amount of VOCs by considering these home improvement tips:
Wallcoverings and VOCs
- Read labels to find low-VOC products and purchase nontoxic paint.
- Use water-based polyurethane that emits fewer gases than oil-based products. For the same reason, natural or low-VOC stains, sealants and varnishes are also healthier choices.
- Avoid vinyl wall covering, as well as vinyl upholstery and flooring. Vinyl is a chemical radical emitting various gases.
- Tightly rolled wallpaper can trap gases, so unroll outdoors to allow gases to dissipate before hanging indoors.
Low-VOC Flooring Alternatives
- Vinyl and synthetic carpets are high in VOCs. Instead, look for natural fibers such as wool, sisal and cotton.
- Although hardwood floors are easy to clean and might seem like a good solution, hardwoods include formaldehydes, and all finishes emit VOCs. A good alternative is presealed hardwood, or hardwood sealed with water-based polyurethane.
- Ceramic tile is inert, emitting no gases. Linoleum is clinically nontoxic. Other allergy-friendly flooring includes bamboo, cork or recycled glass.
- To minimize the VOCs found in adhesives, select low-VOC or water-based products.
- Carpet should include a low-emission level (indicated by a Carpet and Rug Institute tag). Select carpet that’s free of chemicals with a low nap. Avoid installation in damp areas (bath and kitchen). Install with tack strips, rather than adhesive, and make sure a moisture barrier is in place before the carpet is installed. And remember, feel free call me, Kevin, or Patrice for more tips at CertaPro Painters of Mountainside at 908.228.2075. Also, LIKE us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@kppaintbuzz) to make sure you get your daily home improvement and paint buzz! More importantly, share your tips with us-nothing thrills us more!
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