Go Green By Painting Green: Painting with Gorgeous Non-Toxic Paints
As a writer, educator, and parent, I'm all about the simple changes that you can make to live a gorgeous and green life.
As a writer, educator, and parent, I'm all about the simple changes that... More »
Green is the new black…and white, blue, pink, yellow, red, and every other color you might consider painting your house. Painting a room is one of the most effective ways to change its overall look, and doing it "green" is just as easy -- and much more healthful for you and your family -- than doing it the old-fashioned way.
But how do you choose which paints to use and how to use them? After all, we want our homes to be healthful without compromising on their good looks. Here are the some tips for painting gorgeous and green….and remember, by making one small painting choice, you're helping to make a difference in the world.
But how do you choose which paints to use and how to use them? After all, we want our homes to be healthful without compromising on their good looks. Here are the some tips for painting gorgeous and green….and remember, by making one small painting choice, you're helping to make a difference in the world.
| Choose zero or low-VOC paint. The walls in this serene office are green....but are they really? The buzzword in green painting are VOCs, which are chemicals emitted from paint, among other sources. VOCs can cause all sorts of unpleasant health risks, so it's best to avoid your exposure whenever possible. Fortunately, due to overwhelming consumer demand, most paint manufacturers are producing low or zero emission paints for people like us, who want gorgeous and colorful walls that we can enjoy without worrying about toxic gasses making our homes unhealthful. Private Comment
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Odor free does not equal zero VOC. These delicate hand-painted flowers are lovely, but may not be so fragrant when they're first painted. Be aware that "odor free" free paint does not equal zero VOC paint. Often, the odor is hidden by fragrances, the but VOC content remains high. You can mask the odor from your low or zero VOC paint by placing a bowl of vanilla extract or baking soda in the room to absorb the odor.
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Beware of the oil. The bright colors on this painted door look spectacular, but beware that oil-based paint (often used to repaint surfaces that already been painted with multiple layers of oil-based paint, like doors and casements) contains higher levels of VOCs than standard latex paint. Plus, it takes longer to dry. If you must paint with oil-based paints, be extra diligent about ventilation during and after painting.
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Cover your cushions. This window seat with its plush cushions and elegant drapery just might be my favorite place to spend a cozy afternoon. So keep your cushions and drapes healthy when painting! Furniture, drapes and cushions absorb VOCs just like you do (then release them over time), so be sure to protect them during and after painting. Remove or seal your furniture and cushions before painting, and keep them covered for at least four days after, since most VOCs are emitted during the first four days after painting.
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Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate....then ventilate some more. These deep blue walls make for a dramatic and vibrant room, but the deeper the color, the higher the VOCs. If you go for the deeper color, be sure to cross-ventilate your home after painting for several months.
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This white kitchen looks bright, efficient, and inviting. The white walls and cabinetry highlight the most important part of any dining experience...the meal!
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Have fun and be brave while you experiment with color. And feel great knowing that your smart paint choices are creating both a gorgeous and green home for you and your family.
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Comments
Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn says:
Something to Try - The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co, is now making "Safe Paint" a no-VOC product for walls
2 years ago ·
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Jill Asher says:
Lori, than you SO MUCH for sharing this information. I know that we will be repainting many rooms (after our kitchen/dining room remodel) and now feel informed on how to select paints!
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
2 years ago ·
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Mia Jaiden says:
Awesome! I love the dark blue bed room and the one with the pink bed covers. My home is green.. now I have some lovely ideas to change the way it looks :) Thanks!!
2 years ago ·
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