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If you’re in the process of renovating your home, you might want to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. There are hundreds of paint choices but if you are considering repainting your home why not go with an environmentally friendly paint. Those who choose to use environmentally friendly products for remodeling a home will need to spend a little extra money.
Eco-friendly paints cost a few dollars more per gallon than traditional oil or latex based paints. However, they are safer and last just as long as the oil or latex based paints. Therefore, many believe they are worth the extra cash.
There are many environmentally friendly paints to choose from.
1. Low VOC Paints — Due to environmental regulations and increasing consumer demand, paint companies have developed new house paints that emit little or no VOCs. This is achieved by using water as a base instead of traditional, petroleum-based oil solvents. Low VOC paint is now widely available at most hardware stores with prices comparable to more traditional paint.
2. Natural Paints — A natural paint does not contain heavy metal or any VOCs. Natural paints and wood finishes are often composed of natural plant dyes, oils, and waxes. There are various forms of natural paints on the market, including clay and milk based paints. These natural paints still have a ways to go as they tend to be more expensive and all less durable than traditional paint.
3. Lime Wash — A reasonably inexpensive green alternative to traditional paint is lime wash. Limestone, a calcium-based mineral, is combined with water to form a simple, natural paint that is the basis of all whitewashes. Lime wash can be used indoors or outdoors and forms a unique, glowing finish that comes in a variety of colors.
As your start to tackle your next renovation project consider all your paint options and how they fit into your plan. Eco-friendly paint is just one step in making your renovation green.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air we breathe indoors is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and considered to be a major health hazard. Paints, stains, and other coatings are the second-largest source of VOC emissions, after automobiles. If you consider how much time we spend in our homes, it’s scary to think how unhealthy our indoor air quality is. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are toxic emissions that are released into indoor air through paints and finishes, sometimes for years after they were applied.
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