Something to think about when choosing a paint.

To change a room quickly and easily, nothing is better than a new coat of paint. A change of colour can have dramatic effects such as creating a cosy atmosphere when using a darker tone or an impression of space when using a light colour.
Paint was designed to protect the wall or the material it is applied on. Paint can last for a long time with a minimal maintenance, which gives it a green essence as it will protect the home.
We have all heard about paint containing lead, and the danger linked to this sort of paint. Lead and other toxic component including mercury are not allowed anymore in the composition of paint. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that there are no more toxic component in paints.


Conventional paints


There are different sorts of paint, which we can choose from to decorate our homes. The first one to come in mind are the conventional paints, which use petro-chemical products. These paints are creating pollution during their manufacture and can also off gas Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea, breathing difficulties and allergic reactions, as well as participating to the ozone production (low altitude).
When choosing a conventional paint, it is important to consider the VOCs, but also all the other chemical additives and a water based paint versus an oil based paint.
Water based paint seems to be the best choice as it is water based, and therefore renewable and easy to clean. Water-based paint outgas less compared to solvent-based paints (which needs also to be clean with an offgassing solvent). The drawback of water-based paint is the chemical additive they can contain including drying agents, preservatives, fungicides etc.
Both for water or oil-based paint, the higher gloss paint contains elements that raises VOCs levels, and if the colorent is solvent based, deep colours will increase VOCs emission slightly.
The typical binder for a conventional paint is an acrylic, which is a petroleum-based product, energy intensive and generally non renewable. (Not to mention its poor degradation upon disposal and the abundance of waste and by-products)
Formaldehyde-based resin is still found in some paints, and should be avoided. Formaldehyde also appears as a biocide, along with copper, arsenic, phenol and ammonium compounds. These components are introduced in the paint to prevent the growth of mildew, but have been associated with numerous health risks and can trigger reactions in those with chemical sensitivities.


Casein or milk paint

Casein was used as a binding agent in the prehistoric paintings that were found in caves. It is a very green choice as it is made out of natural and renewable component. The paint is a powder that can be prepared on site, only preparing the required amount, preventing spoilage. The powder can be kept for a very long time.
Casein paints give a special finish that is not suitable for wet areas as it is porous and prone to water spotting and stains.
When using casein paint specify a dry milk powder made from casein, lime, clay and natural pigments.


Natural or Organic paints

These paints use ingredients found in nature. They are usually oil-based, with natural oils, minerals or plant pigments and plants resins. According to the manufacturer the organic paints can be completely made out of natural ingredient or include some of the conventional paint manufacturing process.
As the composition of the different organic paints varies enormously, it is important to check their ingredients and make sure they are not toxic. Remember that lead is a natural component, which doesn’t mean it is not toxic.
Organic paint manufacturing is less intensive compared to conventional paints, uses less chemicals and manufactured compounds and generally less processing. The risks listed on the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) may also be more straightforward, and less numerous. As these paints are made with natural products, they will also degrade better at the end of their lives.
　
Silicate dispersion paints

Silicate Dispersion Paint is also known as Inorganic Mineral Paint. It was developed in Germany in the late 1800s. Since then this type of paint has evolved into a first-class interior and exterior decorative, protective coating with out-standing technical quality features. It is made from liquefied potassium silicate, which naturally reacts and binds with calcium salts, silica, ceramics, and some metals, forming a permanent coating on a variety of surfaces. Because of its very resistant properties, this paint is mostly used in exterior, but is also suitable for interior use.
The paint is completely noncombustible, odourless, VOC-free, non toxic and the mineral based colours are virtually fadeproof. It is a perfect paint for a green home, and escpecially for clients with chemical sensitivities.
The major drawback to the silicate paint is the energy-intensive manufacturing.


Before choosing which paint to apply to our homes, it is important to closely look at the different ingredients making the paint. When painting a room, it is important to remove all furniture and upholstery as, if there is any VOC released in the room, they could sink into the furniture or fabrics and be released long after the painting is finished and dry.
Think about the quantity required to paint the room, in order to avoid spoilage of paint, and if there are leftover, consider donate it to an organisation that would make good use of it, give it to recycle... Due to its resistant nature, paint doesn’t degrade easily and unused paint is going to fill up landfill.





E Lemoine
　
Bibliography:
Sustainable residential interiors - Associates III - Kari Foster, Annette Stelmack, Debbie Hindman
Environmentally responsible design - Wiley - Dr Louise Jones
Urban Ecochic - Quadrille - Oliver Heath