Paint is the one thing that all residential and commercial buildings need. That means that going green on paint is making a great contribution towards environmental conservation. Purchasing natural paint keeps your indoor environment clean and ensures your health is not jeopardized in any way. Here we’ll explore sustainable alternatives to conventional paint and we’ll also look at painting techniques that are more sustainable.
Go with Low and Zero-VOC Paints
Many manufactured products usually have VOCs, yet these are quite problematic for the environment. If you want to achieve an eco-friendly paint job, the first step is to go for products with low, or no, VOCs at all.
Aside from harming the environment, volatile organic compounds can also negatively affect your health if you inhale them over an extended period.
The purpose of VOCs is to keep the paint solution together so that you achieve a smooth paint job. Recent advancements in paint manufacture, however, have made it possible to have high-quality paints that don’t have VOCs in them.
That means that the pigment in your paint can remain one with the rest of the solution even without the use of volatile organic compounds.
Use Milk Paints
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You heard that right! There is such a thing as milk paint, the same way we now have plant-based milk. If you put milk in your cereal, then it’s definitely safe for the environment. Milk has a protein called casein that’s responsible for keeping the pigment and paint solution together. This way, you can achieve a smooth paint job without increasing your carbon footprint.
Rather than using harmful chemicals, use milk paint, and you’ll be guaranteed a cleaner indoor environment.
The only downside is that milk paint is limited in terms of colour. However, you can always mix different colours to get the colour you want.
Note that milk paint comes in powder form, and once you make a solution, you have to use all of the paint the same day.
Explore Paints Made from Natural Minerals, Plant Dyes and Resins
Since you’re going green, why not try paints made from plant dyes, natural minerals and resins? As you know, sustainable materials, like those made from essential oils and plants, are much better for the environment than their synthetic counterparts.
If you go with water-based paint, you won’t even have to protect your nose from paint smell. Oil-based natural paints might have a scent, but it won’t be as repulsive as conventional paint. As with milk paint, use your solution the same day you make it.
Go with the Zero-VOC Primer
Since you’re using low to zero-VOC paints, the same should apply to the primer. Using a primer helps your paint adhere to the surface so that the paint job remains fresh for longer. When you pair a zero-VOC primer and a zero-VOC paint, you’ll be guaranteed a nice finish.
Tips for an Eco-Friendly Painting Job
Once you’ve decided on the primer and paint you want to use, it’s now time to figure out the practicalities of the job. A true eco-friendly painting job is one that doesn’t pollute the environment before, during or after the actual painting.
Buy Only What You Need
To begin with, you want to ensure you buy just enough paint so that nothing goes to waste. This can be hard to guarantee, especially if it’s your first time doing a paint job.
Besides, surfaces absorb paint differently, and you might actually need more or less than you anticipated. For this step, consult with a professional to make sure you have your calculations right.
Purchase Good-Quality Supplies
Since you’re going all out on the paint and primer, you should do the same with the rest of the painting supplies. After all, the quality of the rollers and brushes you use will determine how professional-looking your paint job will be. The owner of Natural Earth Paint Canada remarks, “High-quality tools are as crucial as eco-friendly paints – pairing them with a natural solution for pigment mixing ensures both professional results and a healthier painting process.”
Properly Store the Paint you Want to Keep
In case you have residual paint, you need to make sure you properly store it. Keep it at the right temperature so that it doesn’t end up drying. Read the instructions on the can to ensure you’re doing everything right.
Feature image: La Miko; Image 1: Kaboompics
