Boston Green Kitchen Remodeling Trends: Low and No VOC Finishes

This kicks off a series of green home remodeling blogs in celebration of Earth Day, April 22. Low or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes is a topic with high interest in the Boston area home renovation market. Products available with low or no VOCs include paints and wood (cabinets, furniture, etc.). In this post we'll focus solely on paints.

The need for hypoallergenic building materials such as low or no-VOCs is on the rise for a number of reasons. Environmental allergies and chemical sensitivities are on the rise, and there is a growing base of consumers who are demanding greener building materials. In addition, an increased awareness of possible health risks and overall air quality from traditional paints has led to a demand for products lower in VOCs. Manufacturers have risen to the challenge by developing high-quality, latex-based coatings and adhesives for a wide variety of uses.

In addition to "green" consumers, a growing number of expecting parents want no VOC paints. They are discovering that here’s no need to paint their baby's nursery with toxic paints. Instead, they are finding plenty of nice green, earth-friendly, non-toxic paints to use. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that using low or no-VOC paints will improve indoor air quality and eliminate toxins.

Many conventional paints and finishes contain high levels of VOCs that produce potentially harmful gasses when applied. The VOCs diminish air quality. The important difference between traditional paints and low or no-VOCs is that the latter provides low-toxicity finishes and surfaces; they do not contain synthetic formaldehyde resins. Also, they contain water-based adhesives. No-VOC paint is generally a little more expensive than conventional paint, while low VOC paint is about the same price.

Most major paint companies have a line of low and no-VOC paints. Here is a list of a few we know:

Aglaia Natural Paints
Auro
Anna Sova
Benjamin Moore
Ceramic Coat by O’Leary Paint
Green Fusion Design
Sherwin Williams
The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Co
Yolo Paint

Today, low and no-VOC paints are available almost anywhere. Note that not every latex-based coating is low in VOCs. Check the label before you buy. VOC levels are expressed in pounds per gallon (lbs/gal) or grams per liter (g/l). Interior paint is given a Green Seal if it has a VOC content less than 50 g/l (for flat sheen) or 150 g/l (non-flat sheen).

Questions? Or just want to chat about an upcoming project that you're considering? Email owner Chris Matey.
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