What You Need to Know About VOC
What does VOC mean to you?
If you have no idea what that term means, simply take a moment to recall that ‘new paint smell’. That chemical smell is just that – harmful chemicals. When you paint with a product that contains VOC’s you are essentially polluting the air in your home. People with chemical sensitivities are especially bothered by VOC’s.
VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds used to be necessary to add to paint in order to increase the effectiveness, enhance the colour and improve resistance to insects and mould. However, that is no longer the case. There are many new types of paint that limit your exposure to these compounds, including All-Natural, No VOC, and Low VOC products.
All-Natural Paint Products
These products are composed entirely of natural ingredients and therefore contain no VOC’s. Natural ingredients typically include a water base combined with plant and animal oils and resins, and then coloured with plant and mineral dyes. There is no odor and is by far the healthiest paint choice on the market.
No VOC
No VOC paint contains less than 5 grams per litre of paint, typically due to biocides, fungicides or colourant. It produces almost no smell when wet and none at all when dry.
Low VOC
In order to meet the Green Seal Standard, low VOC paint must contain less than 50 grams per litre. Other paints can claim to be low VOC while still containing 200 grams or less per litre.
If low emissions are a priority, any one of these choices will limit the air pollutants in your home.
Do you have lingering questions about VOC’s and the type of paint to choose? Don’t hesitate to contact us – we’d love to help you. You can reach us by emailing info@evolvepainting.ca or by calling us 780.993.9969.
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