Bay area color expert examines the low-down on low VOC paint
My latest issue of Dwell magazine has a mini review of several low to no VOC (volatile organic compound) paint lines, ranging from Benjamin Moore Natura (their top choice) to Mythic (their least favorite).
BM Natura, Yolo Colorhouse, AFM Safecoat, and Mythic are reviewed.The review is by no means a complete list of environmentally-friendly paint available on the market today. The important thing to realize is that most low to no VOC paint have limitations with their color range.
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Apartment Therapy put together a great article on low VOC paints.I am still learning more about environmentally-friendly paints, so I'd love to hear what you know about these products. Please share your knowledge!
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7 comments:
Too bad mythic is the lowest rated. It has the best label!
I hate to sound flippant, but bring on the chemicals. I want GOOD paint.
Ok, I can't keep my mouth shut about this one. You need to know what kind of tints are being used to know how "green" your paint is like was said in the post. There are a list of water-based no VOC tints on the market, and you will most likely be getting those from a green building store. Another paint to look for that wasn't reviewed is Earthpaint (www.earthpaint.net). It's similar to Yolo Colorhouse in basic formulation but it performs! It's an interior/exterior product and its one of the smoothest flowing paints I've ever used. I've been a ben moore fan forever, but this beat the flow of Regal by far! The best part about it is ANY COLOR YOU WANT!!!! They can match any color from any paint company! I love this paint and I hope the company grows enough to stay alive! I'm really looking forward to Natura by Ben Moore and I'm looking forward to trying it. It sounds like it has similar properties to earthpaint, so I'm anxious to see if I agree with the findings that were posted above. I've been spending a lot of my time learning about what makes an eco-friendly paint friendly, and I think I understand. Sometimes I'm finding I understand more then the sales reps I run into... Great discussion topic Rachel!!! Thanks!
I've used Benjamin Moore for a light shade but, as you note, it wasn't available for the other, richer color I chose. I saw yesterday in a BMoore ad that they have a new paint called Aura, What's the scoop on that one>
-susan
Susan- here's the scoop on Aura
http://tinyurl.com/a2zkyd
I always go for Benjamin Moore, and if I was going to go the green route, I'd use them. I always wanted to work with those Fine Paints of Europe, but a Benjamin Moore colorist who carries that line told me they are exacting, expensive and a pain to work with: a LOT of prep work because they show every flaw if you don't take the time. And yet...for an enameled front door worthy of Dublin? For something of truly great work? What an experience. Their website is worth reading:
http://www.finepaintsofeurope.com/
I wish I'd stop dumping URL's on you.
Jessica- thank you for your insight and all this great information! This is fantastic information. (Everyone, Jessica is a paint/color colleague of mine and definitely knows what she is talking about)
Washington Cube- please don't stop! we love your comments and plentiful links; they are always greatly appreciated.
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