So what is the story with low voc paint? What does “voc” stand for and what does it really mean? These days the environment is top of mind for us all - from high gasoline prices to clean air and water - and using low voc paint or zero voc paint is one way to make a difference. Read more…

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds and they’ve become the focus of environmental regulations and consumers. Volatile Organic Compounds are chemical compounds that contain carbon and evaporate into the air. VOC emitting products include gasoline, mineral spirits, alcohol, nail polish, and paint.

One advantage low or zero voc paints offer is low odor, or “odorless” application. The VOC’s emit from the paint film over time, and this creates the odor. Although there are other compounds that emit from the paint film that are not classed as volatile organic compounds. So just because a paint claims zero voc doesn’t mean it is odorless. It also does not mean it is completely non-toxic. VOC’s only account for some of the chemicals in paint.

There are several types of paint on the market which claim zero voc. Benjamin Moore offers Eco Spec which comes in interior flat, interior eggshell, interior semi-gloss and interior primer. The Eco Spec is available in any light or medium colors, it is not available in deep or ultra-deep colors. It is a good paint, but it isn’t nearly as durable as the Benjamin Moore Aura paint.

It is important to calculate the paint’s expected durability when making your decision if you are buying low/no voc paint for its impact on the environment. If you buy a paint that has zereo vocs but it doesn’t last and you ahve to paint sooner, then you really haven’t lowered the environmental impact. The paint had to be produced, the can had to be produced, it had to be transported, and the there are other chemicals besides VOC’s, so if you paint more often your intentions may have actually caused an increase in impact - which would be quite ironic.

We recommend the Benjamin Moore Aura. At this time Aura strikes the perfect balance between quality and environmental impact. It has very low voc’s, which makes it Green Guard certified, but it is also unsurpassed in its durability, washability, coverage and self-priming qualities. So with Aura you actually use less paint (fewer coats and no primer) and will paint less frequently (more fade resistance, more washability/durability) which means less environmental impact. And besides, you get a stunning paint job and choice of any color.

To learn more, visit the links below.

• Ozone Transport Commission (OTC)
• Maricopa.gov - Air Quality Rules
• CARB
• CARB - Coatings Rules in California
• NYSDEC - Regulations and Enforcement
• NJ DEP - Air Information
• South Coast AQMD
• Virginia DEQ - Air Regulations

Tags: aura, benjamin moore, eco spec, environmentally friendly paint, volatile organic compounds

This entry was posted on Friday, September 19th, 2008 at 5:23 am and is filed under going green, paint types. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.