DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

There are different kinds of paints available on the market today: latex paint,  alkyds and oil paint.

Water-based paint is the most widely used and recommended because it is easy to clean up, has low odor, as well as for the environmental qualities. Latex is made with man-made polymers.

Water-based polyurethane varnishes do contain VOCs but mostly aliphatic hydrocarbons are considered less harmful to humans.

Conventional water-based paint requires 1/4 less embodied energy than conventional organic-based paint.

Select latex paints with low toxicity or alternative paints made from milk or citrus bases.

Interior wood walls can be finished with a lemon/beeswax finish.

Use recycled paint when it is possible, specially for outdoor walls. Usually recycled paint contains 50% of virgin material, around 12% recycled paint collected from consumers and 38% in-house waste from washing machinery.

100% reworked paint (factory and store returns, mistints) different natural colors available.

Look for recycled paint content, specially for external use, because they do not have the same high quality of the new products, and are therefore not recommended for interiors.

 PROS

Products with recycled content save not just paints from the landfill but also their containers.

The industry is developing many new products with a low impact, produced from renewable resources.

The production is strictly controlled and regulated by law, (doing to the presence of hazardous materials.)

Zero- VOC paints should be permitted to be used even if the spaces are occupied but it is always better to ventilate the spaces for sometime before to re-occupied it.

 CONS

Recycled paints are available in a limited range of colors.

Water-based polyurethane does not hold up as well as solvent-based. They should not be used in heavy wear areas.These products are more difficult to use during cold or hot, humid weather.

Most paints are produced from finite resources such as petroleum-derived substances.

Encourage recycling of paint leftovers since it is the safest way to dispose it.

Avoid oil based paints.

With all kinds of paints it is important to ventilate the space before occupying it.

 RECOMMENDED USES

Use hypo-allergenic paints, natural, and low-biocide to reduce irritations. Be aware that these alternatives paints have different characteristics.

Specify ventilation for at least 72 hours following the application to minimize residual vapors in the air.