A fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference and transform your space into a beautiful, calming home. But first, it often feels like your home gets turned upside down.
We do everything we can to minimize the disruption associated with painting your home. That’s why we complete over 80% of our jobs in just one day.
But who wants to get back into their newly painted home if it smells like harmful chemicals? That’s why we use low or no-VOC paints whenever possible.
What paints are low-VOC?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) paints release potentially harmful chemical fumes during and after painting. For a long time, most paints were high-VOC paints because they were oil-based.
Today, the paint industry has prioritized water-based latex paints, which are typically low-VOC. Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams make no-VOC paints like ProMar 200 which might be preferable for homeowners, especially those who are pregnant or have respiratory sensitivities.
How harmful are VOCs?
Everyone reacts differently to VOCs. If you have young children, are expecting or have respiratory problems, VOCs can be particularly harmful. Even in healthy adults, the off-gassing from fresh VOC paints can lead to dizziness, headaches, trouble breathing or nausea. So be sure to crack a window when painting!
Are low-VOC paints better for the environment?
Low-VOC paints have several important environmental benefits:
Reduced Air Pollution: Low-VOC paint release fewer harmful compounds into the atmosphere, helping to reduce smog and ground-level ozone formation.
Lower Carbon Footprint: The production of low-VOC paints requires less energy and fewer petrochemicals compared to traditional paints, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, the reduced need for harmful solvents means less transportation and storage of hazardous materials, further decreasing the overall environmental impact.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: Low-VOC paints contribute to better indoor air quality, leading to healthier living spaces.
Reduced Waste and Easier Disposal: Low-VOC paints are easier to clean up and dispose of when compared to traditional paints, as many can be washed off with just soap and water, reducing the need for harsh chemical solvents and simplifying proper disposal.
Protection of Ecosystems: By reducing the release of harmful compounds into the environment, low-VOC paints help protect delicate ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts.
Can you sleep with VOC paint?
Sleeping in a freshly painted room with VOC paint isn't a good idea because the paint continues to release fumes for days or even weeks after drying.
If you must sleep in a newly painted room be sure to ventilate well by opening windows, wait at least 24 hours before using the room and consider using an air purifier.
It's better to use no-VOC or low-VOC paints for both your health and the environment. Remember, your health is more important than a quick paint job!
When can’t you use a low-VOC paint: the case for oil-based paints
There are some jobs that need to use oil-based, VOC paints.
You know how oil and water don’t mix? The same is true with paint. If a wall already has oil-based paint on it, a water-based latex paint won’t adhere properly. In this case, you will need to use a special oil-to-latex primer before switching paints.
A general rule of thumb is that the first coat on raw materials is typically an oil-based primer. This applies to surfaces like trim, quarter round molding, exposed wood, and bricks, which all require an oil base coat. Make sure to select primers specifically designed for proper adhesion with latex paint.
High Moisture Areas: In areas like bathrooms or kitchens, oil-based paints offer superior moisture resistance, particularly on surfaces exposed to high humidity. While there are excellent water-based, low-VOC paints specially formulated for bathrooms, they tend to be more expensive.
Metal Surfaces: For metal items such as railings, gates, tin ceilings or outdoor furniture, oil-based paints offer superior adhesion and rust prevention.
Wood Exteriors: When painting outdoor wooden surfaces like fences or decks, oil-based paints penetrate the wood more effectively, offering a more durable and long-lasting finish.
Heavy Wear Surfaces: For floors or areas subject to heavy traffic, such as garages or workshops, oil-based paints are often more durable and resistant to abrasion.
Priming: Some primers, especially for oil-based finishes, are required to be oil-based to ensure proper adhesion, particularly on difficult surfaces.
Finish Quality: For achieving a high-gloss finish, oil-based paints often deliver a smoother application and a more reflective surface.
Need help getting paint?
When you book a consultation with WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, a sales consultant will walk through the space with you, discussing your vision and plans. We'll highlight any potential concerns, such as materials or areas that may require extra attention, like priming, which could impact the job. We’ll handle sourcing the paints, colors, and any other necessary materials to ensure a high-quality paint job delivered on an unexpectedly fast timeline.
