The greatest new trend in America is low or no VOC paint. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. They are the components in products that stink. Have you ever had to paint and smell it for a week? Have you walked into a smelly office that has just gotten new carpet. These are VOCs and they stink because they are bad for you. Luckily, more and more paint companies are emerging with no VOC paints and mainstream paint brands are adding new low/no VOC lines to their offerings (the carpet discussion is coming in a future post). It is amazing how long it is taking for this trend to take hold. My favorite is Sherwin Williams. I like them for many reasons. First, they are a Cleveland based company. They have taken the lead in this area, and they are one of the largest paint companies in the world. I like that they sell to the commercial and residential market, so while they are making our home paint safer, they are also leading the industry in commercial paints and coatings. This makes our public spaces better, and the painted products we bring into our homes safer (and less smelly).
In addition, Sherwin Williams prides itself on its environmental stance. It’s not just about the paint you buy. They try to create less waste, use sustainable oils, streamline shipping to use less energy and fuel, and make products that last.
On the residential side, Sherwin Williams offers the Harmony line. This is a no VOC, low odor paint that dries quickly and is available in a HUGE color palette. We used this product in our living room. I gave it two full coats in one day and touched up the following day. You would never know that we had just painted, and we didn’t even open a window (in was in February)! There is interior paint, primer, and more! They also offer Duration-a low VOC product that is made to be mold and mildew resistant and cleans up easily with soap and water. This is a great product for areas that you never want to paint again! Need a financial incentive? Check out this coupon that is good until the end of December. If you are a preferred customer, you get 15% off everyday. And if you buy Harmony paints, no need to put off until warmer weather-you could have a new dining room for Christmas!
There are other paint lines out there, too. Benjamin Moore is introducing its Natura line. While currently available in limited areas, it will be out there nationwide in Spring 2009. Home Depot has now added Freshaire Choice-a no VOC paint with no VOC color tints. I saw a couple of others at the Greenbuild show, but unless you live on the west coast, they probably aren’t available by the single can, and stick with the locals!
My friend Sherri told me a story of how they had a painter come and paint some areas of their house. The painter told them that was really any difference between Harmony and other paint, except for the price. You would think that a guy that was subjected to paint fumes all day would appreciate the health aspects, but I secretly suspect that HE makes more money on selling his own paints. If you are not convinced, try the EPA website and get the science behind it!
Tags: Cleveland, conservation, Go Green, paint
I have used Sherwin Williams harmony and duration for about a year now, and LOVE them both. Duration goes on very very well and usually covers in a single coat. Both products are quite cost effective, I get designer pricing, but even retail price is quite good compared to other retailers.
Danielle has a room for rent in Hartford, New Haven. Abby Environment