A fresh coat of paint is the most popular approach when it comes to redecorating houses. It is a common preference among homeowners as it is within their means, and the end result can be visually amazing.
The thing is, along with its upsides, also comes undesirable hazards to health and the environment. What makes paint unsafe is the amount of VOC it contains. VOC is largely a man-made chemical that can easily evaporate into the air and contribute to ground-level ozone production. It can radically harm vegetation and the ecosystem and can cause various health problems when inhaled. Here are some ways to avoid these drawbacks:
Milk Paint for Antique Look
If you have a thing for romantic old-fashioned look, you can achieve the effect by using milk paint. It is an enviro-friendly paint that can produce a well-worn antique finish on polished wood. It is non-toxic and contains only casein, a protein found in milk products.
Casein is formed into thick eco-friendly paint by mixing it with earth pigments, water and clay. Milk paint is sold in a dry, powdered form that is to be mixed with water. Make sure that you mix only the amount that you need as it spoils easily. Unused portions can be refrigerated overnight, but must be used up the next day.
Soy Paint for Single Coating
If you are planning to renovate your house by coming up with several new paint colors, why not consider using soy paint? You need to use only one coating to get the job done like a pro. Another good thing about soy paint is that it is a perfect alternative for commercial paints, as it is non-toxic and durable. It does not contain harmful ingredients such as propylene glycol or formaldehyde. It also reduces the risk of indoor pollution, thus making your house eco-friendly. You can get a variety of soy paints from your local hardware stores as well from online suppliers.
Clay Paint for Adobe Finish
If you fancy an earthy, adobe look for your home, clay paint would be the most ideal choice. Clay paints are available in colors ranging from natural earth tones to a variety of blue and orange tints. Clay paints require only two coats and quickly adhere to most surfaces inside the house, and is an effective odor-absorber. Clay paint is basically odor and solvent free and is safe to use even with kids around since it is water based and hypoallergenic. I must warn you though that clay paints are more expensive compared to petroleum-based paint and do not have a wide variety of colors and textures.
Lime Paint for Old World Charm
Achieve a uniquely glowing finish in your home with lime paint. It is an inexpensive alternative to traditional paints and works well with porous materials such as wood, brick, concrete, and plaster.
For a thorough paint job, lime wash is applied to surfaces in several thin coats. Lime paint is organic and does not contain any harmful components but its effect on walls is way better compared to chemical paints. It is made simply from limestone, a calcium based mineral, which is combined with water. Lime paint was originally developed for painting historical structures; however, new technology has paved way for its commercial production.
Exterior Paints and Finishes
Why don’t you take your green remodeling project a step further by painting your exteriors with eco-friendly paint as well? Outdoor paints usually require unfriendly chemicals to toughen it up for outdoor use. Although VOC is less detrimental when used outside, as the air dilutes its effects, it would still be beneficial to opt for low-VOC outdoor paints such as Ecos Organic Paints,BioShield Paint, EartBorn Paint, among others.
You can browse for more brands on your local hardware shelves or surf online. For those who are resolutely committed to using completely natural exterior paint, yourchoices are stain, finish, and lime.
Redecorating your home is an exciting adventure, but you shouldn’t do it at the expense of your health and the environment. After all, there are now smarter eco-friendly options for coloring your home. Be environmentally responsible; redecorate your home with the use of eco-friendly paint.
About the Author
Shannon Peich is a marketing lead at Raider Painting Los Angeles. For more than 29 years, the experts at Raider Painting have worked exclusively with commercial and industrial clients. Raider Painting provide many services including Interior and exterior painting, Steel structural coatings, Machinery and equipment painting, Wall covering and wallpaper hanging.
Coloring Your Home the Eco-friendly Way is a post from: GreenWerks Home Remodeling