What Is Low VOC Paint?
Paint is one of the harmful construction and design elements. It’s created with harmful chemicals that prolonged exposure may cause several health problems. As a solution, innovators have come up with a type of paint containing minimal amounts of toxic compounds.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are harmful gases released by specific solid or liquid particles. They are commonly found in construction materials and furnishings such as paint, paint thinner, insulation, adhesives, carpet, composite wood, and even cleaning products.
Since VOCs seem unavoidable, construction workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent adverse health effects.
Although not all VOCs cause severe health problems, limiting usage and taking safety precautions are ideal. One of the best solutions is only to use low VOC products.
Low VOC Paint Is The Better Alternative
Low VOC paints are some of the safest options when painting your home, especially the interior. Oil-based and solvent-based paints often contain high VOC, causing severe odor that may cause throat and sinus irritation.
Therefore, switching to water-based paints with low VOC is healthier for your home construction and furnishing.
Here are some notable features of low VOC paints that will ease your worries during home renovation projects:
1. An Eco-Friendly Paint
Low VOC paints are eco-friendly. They release the least amount of fumes, minimizing their effect on the environment. You can also prevent air pollution common in home renovation or construction.
One of the most harmful VOCs found in paint is formaldehyde. Aside from its effects on human health, releasing it into the environment can also harm wildlife.
It may cause diseases and reduce animals’ lifespan. Avoiding products containing this compound can prevent some environmental problems.
If you’re looking for Premium Interior Paints for your home improvement project, choosing low VOC paints is best. You don’t have to worry about diminishing the indoor air quality as you paint. However, it’s still best to open the windows to keep the room well-ventilated
2. A Safer Paint Alternative
Low VOC paints are a safer paint alternative. Wearing an N95 mask is often enough to protect you from airborne particles. The smell is not too strong, and the fumes are much less than oil and solvent-based paints containing high VOC.
Searching for the safest paint brands is essential for every home project. Aside from avoiding VOCs, you may also look out for other harmful contents such as phthalates, glycol ethers, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, lithopone, and ammonia.
Although it’s challenging to find products that don’t contain these toxic ingredients, there are eco-friendly paint brands you can rely on.
Low VOC paint is an excellent choice if you’re painting your home interior as a DIY project. Since you’ll be painting in an enclosed space, choosing a paint type that releases less odor is imperative. This way, you can reduce the concentration of harmful fumes within the room
Switching to low VOC paints for your home and other furnishing projects can be a lifesaver. You can avoid short-term effects like throat and nose irritation and long-term consequences like lung problems and cancer.
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3. A Fast-Drying Paint
Most low VOC paints are water-based. This type of paint is generally fast-drying, perfect for DIY home projects. When the paint dries fast, you can quickly move on to the next step of furnishing.
High VOC paints like oil and solvent-based enamels may take up to 24 hours to dry. As the paint dries, it releases fumes that may irritate.
Even when it’s completely dried, you can still smell some odor that may cause dizziness and nausea. If you’ve used high VOC paint in a room, you can’t use it for at least two weeks due to the fumes.
On the other hand, low VOC paints are water-based and can dry as fast as 6 hours. This timeframe for drying is excellent for painting walls that require multiple coats.
Most paint types may still have a slight odor, but they don’t cause any breathing problems, especially if you’re wearing a face mask.
The fast-drying feature of low VOC paints is perfect for busy homes. After painting a room with low VOC paint, you can use it after two to three days. If the room is well-ventilated, the fumes will all be gone.
4. A Durable Exterior And Interior Paint
Low VOC paints are also known for their durability and strong adherence to various surfaces. Despite being water-based, this type of paint can be water-resistant when it becomes dry, making it suitable even for exterior use.
Water-based paints are recommended for home exterior sidings, even for locations with harsh climates.
If the surfaces are properly primed, low-VOC paints can withstand rain damage. You can now protect your home without compromising health and environmental safety.
Moreover, low VOC water-based paints are also ideal for interior use. Without worrying about peeling and cracks, you may use them in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. As long as you have prepared the surface as recommended, the paint will last.
Conclusion
Low VOC paints are a sustainable choice in home renovations and construction. They’re safe to use and highly durable. Using low VOC paint for your next home improvement project is a smart choice to prevent health problems caused by prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals.
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